Two years after the passage of the New York State Hemp Farmers Bill (2022), some farmers became cannabis cultivators and began planting, researching, and growing in the Hudson Valley. Our region is a National Heritage Area, loved for its magical yet unpredictable microclimates, lush green mountains, and biodiversity along the small towns surrounding the Hudson River Valley. I decided to combine my love of the Hudson Valley and New York’s cannabis by visiting two popular cultivation facilities: Hudson Cannabis and Alchemy Pure.
Hudson Cannabis: Great for Urban Environments
Hudson Cannabis in Hudson is a licensed outdoor/greenhouse cultivator. I met co-founder and Director of Cultivation Brandon Curtin, Farm Production Manager Mac Litishin, and Genetic Specialist Daniel Crawford.
With Daniel as my tour guide, I observed a farm surrounded by dense trees and covered by fluffy clouds. As of mid-2024, Hudson Cannabis grows close to 2,000 plants in nurseries, greenhouses, and in direct sunlight using a multi-crop cultivation technique called polyculture.
“Passionate,” “caring,” “excited,” and “focused” are just a few words that describe what I heard, saw, and felt as I toured the cultivation and met other employees performing various tasks. Brandon and Daniel were excited about their research and discoveries working with autoflowering cannabis, a plant variety that automatically switches from vegetative growth to the flowering stage based on age. They provided insight into how “autos” are great for urban environments. Indeed, autos can thrive on a balcony.
“One area autoflowers shine is for city and suburban growers who deal with a lot of light pollution,” Daniel, “Unlike traditional plants, they thrive in these conditions. They're an excellent choice for growing top-notch cannabis without needing complete darkness."
Hudson Cannabis’ products include flower, pre-rolls, moon rocks, and hash. They can be found in dispensaries throughout the region.
Alchemy Pure: Surrounded by Mountains and Clouds
Alchemy Pure in Millerton is a seasonal, licensed, organic cultivation operation growing over 1200 plants in greenhouses and in direct sunlight. I met and toured Alchemy Pure with owner Chris Regan, a farmer for over two decades, and Jerry Peele, COO and partner. Chris and Jerry were farming in other sectors before moving over to cannabis farming and growing.
The farm is surrounded by tall dense mountains whose tops appear to touch the clouds.
“Growing cannabis in the Hudson Valley has advantages and challenges,” Regan says, “The weather here in the Summer and Fall can be wetter and more humid than one would ideally want. Disease pressure is increased during wet weather. But good breeding can create resistant cultivars that can thrive even in this climate and the Hudson Valley has great soil.”
The greenhouse plants, just a few weeks away from harvest, were as dense and proud as the nature surrounding them.
Chris and Jerry discussed how plants work with other living organisms to create fertile soil and a balanced micro-life. Chris and Jerry are not just passionate about the plants, they are committed to the cannabis business and ensuring that production is fair for all growers. They have a deep empathy for the retailers who have to pay rent while awaiting licenses.
Alchemy Pure’s products include flower and pre-rolls and can be found in dispensaries throughout the region.
After visiting these two New York operations, I was struck by how far we’ve come in a relatively short period of time. We’re living in a fruitful time and place for cannabis.
