We’re thrilled to welcome Arcanna, a family-run farm based in Redwood Valley, California, to the Sun+Earth Certified community! As second-generation cannabis cultivators, the team at Arcanna has spent decades perfecting their craft while prioritizing regenerative farming practices and sustainability. Now training their sons to be the third generation of cultivators, Arcanna embodies the spirit of legacy farming and environmental stewardship.
In this interview, Arcanna shares the inspiring story of their farm’s evolution, the challenges of going legal in California, and the significance of achieving Sun+Earth certification. From their innovative farming techniques to their focus on unique, home-bred genetics, Arcanna is paving the way for the future of sun-grown cannabis.
Read on to learn more about their journey, their commitment to preserving biodiversity, and how they’re working to bring Mendocino County’s rich cannabis culture to the world.
The Genesis of Your Farm
"Could you share the story behind your farm? Did you initially adopt regenerative farming methods, or did your practices evolve over time?"
Our farm was founded in 2001. Before that, my husband Jamie and I both cultivated in our fathers' legacy gardens. We are second-generation cannabis cultivators living in a back-to-the-land intentional community in Redwood Valley, California. What makes us truly unique is that we are now training our sons to become third-generation cannabis cultivators, continuing the legacy we are so proud of.
We initially adopted regenerative farming methods almost naturally. We understood that the forest duff held a lot of mycelium, which was great for building soil. Using mulch and resources from our local environment just made sense—it was accessible, free, and helped keep the land healthy by avoiding outside inputs.
We harvest fast-growing pond plants like duckweed and azolla to improve our soil. Over time, we learned through trial and error, adopting bits and pieces from various methods. For example, we’ve experimented with Korean natural farming practices and try to follow the moon cycles for planting and harvesting when we can.
The Decision to Certify
"What motivated you to pursue S+E certification? How does this certification align with your farm's mission and values?"
We decided to pursue Sun+Earth certification after learning that the pricing had become more affordable. Initially, we couldn’t justify the cost, but after hearing from other farmers that it was reasonable, we decided to jump on board.
We see immense value in the Sun+Earth community—the farm support, the promotion, and the marketing opportunities. We hope this certification will help us connect with consumers who truly value the Earth and regenerative farming. Through Sun+Earth, we hope to expand our market and reach new clients who care about sustainable and ethical farming practices.
Celebrating Success
"Could you share some of your most significant achievements since you started your farming journey?"
Our biggest achievement has been achieving licensure in Mendocino County. Honestly, it’s the most difficult and daring thing we’ve ever done—going legal in California cannabis. The process has been incredibly stressful, overwhelming, and expensive, and at times, it feels like it might not even be worthwhile.
That said, we’re proud to still be here, holding on and hoping our brand gains more traction this year. On the farming side, expanding our gardens and building good soil have been huge accomplishments, even though every season brings new challenges.
Lessons Learned
"What have been some of the most valuable lessons you've learned along the way?"
The work is never done—there’s always something to improve. One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned is to trust our intuition. If something feels off, check your plants. Carry a loupe everywhere, scope your plants often, and pay attention to each one.
Staying on top of soil testing has also been incredibly helpful. Testing early helps us catch potential issues and proactively address them.
Marketing Strategies
"How do you promote your farm and its products? Which strategies have proven most effective?"
We promote our farm mostly through social media and our robust newsletter subscription list. We aim to send newsletters twice a month, but sometimes it’s more or less depending on our schedule.
That said, the best marketing is one-on-one engagement. Meeting people at events, talking to consumers, and educating dispensary staff and customers has been the most effective way to build relationships and grow our client base.
Building Relationships
"Have you developed strong relationships within your dispensary network? How have these relationships influenced your business?"
We’ve built great relationships within our community over time. We initially started a group called Mendocino Generations, a farm alliance of over 60 farms in Mendocino County, to help farmers navigate the overwhelming process of going legal. Although we eventually had to focus solely on our own farm, we’ve maintained friendships and good relationships with many of those farmers.
These relationships have been invaluable. Some farmers have introduced us to dispensaries, while others have gone on to open dispensaries themselves, helping us get our products into new places. Here in Mendocino County, farmers tend to help each other rather than compete, which is something we’re really proud of.
Growth and Evolution
"How has your farm and brand evolved since its inception? What were some key turning points?"
Our brand has evolved significantly. We started as a small brand representing three farms, featuring strains developed on those farms. Now, it’s just our farm, and we focus exclusively on genetics we’ve created ourselves.
We don’t use generic genetics in our brand because we want to show the world that unique flower still exists. With so much homogenization happening in the cannabis industry, we want to prove that small farmers—especially sun-grown farmers in Mendocino County and the Emerald Triangle—can do better.
We’re also breeding with unique genetics, including CBD-dominant strains, and we hope these gain more traction in the future.
Innovation on the Farm
"Are there any unique practices or innovations you've implemented on your farm that you're particularly proud of?"
One unique aspect of our farm is the diversity of microclimates. It’s fascinating to see how genetics perform differently in various areas of the farm. Some spots get more light, others have less water, and the soil varies, so the same plants can produce slightly different results depending on where they’re grown.
We also cultivate a wide variety of plants beyond cannabis, including flowers, herbs, orchard trees, vegetables, and companion plants. Over the past 24 years, we’ve created a biodiverse ecosystem that attracts birds, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife, helping us maintain a balanced and thriving environment.
Advice for Aspiring Farms
"What advice would you give to other farms considering S+E certification?"
Sun+Earth certification makes a lot of sense for small farms that are already utilizing regenerative practices. It’s a great way to join a community that fully supports what you’re doing.
Looking Ahead
"What are your future goals for your farm and brand?"
We hope to continue building our reputation for unique flavors and gain traction for a few staple strains we’ve been growing for years. For example, our True Ryder OG is a state fair winner and packed with myrcene, making it excellent for pain relief. Another favorite is Jedi Nights OG, which has been building a strong reputation over the years.
We also have CBD-dominant strains we want to highlight to help people access the medicine they need. Additionally, we’re working with other herbs to create natural products like salves, liniments, lubes, and tinctures, which we hope to eventually bring to retail.
