Here Comes The Sun

Q1: Tell me about Vitabudz, why it favors sun-grown flower, and how you’re building a bridge and network to provide access to it on the legal market.

A1: Let’s be real, here in the City (on the adult-use side of the market) we are currently being underserved and deprived of quality, true sun-grown flower. Let’s be real, here in the City (on the adult-use side of the market) we are currently being underserved and deprived of quality, true sun-grown flower. True outdoor and greenhouse-grown flower is different from what we’re predominantly seeing on the market here in NYC. Not only does it promote sustainability and cost efficiencies, but it also possesses a higher-quality end product, as it’s grown in its natural conditions, which can make each bud more robust than indoor crops.

New York boasts some of the best cannabis on the east coast, but people here don’t know about it. We’ve spent the past year sourcing, visiting, and vetting small cannabis farmers located throughout upstate New York to discover what we’ve all been truly missing down here in the City. Vitabudz has a unique opportunity to be the conduit between the farm, the shop, and the people. And that’s what we intend to do. 

Q2: What is sun-grown flower and why is it different from indoor cannabis?

A2: Sun-grown cannabis essentially means that the flower that is cultivated comes from outdoor or greenhouse-grown plants. Unlike indoor flower (which is what is mostly available in licensed retail dispensaries), sun-grown flower is cultivated in its natural growing conditions, which can make the plants more robust, potent, and possess a higher terpene profile and a rich make up of minor cannabinoids. 

Because we’re utilizing the plant's natural growing conditions, outdoor and greenhouse-grown cannabis promotes environmental and monetary sustainability because it's pulling less energy to cultivate than standard indoor grow operations. We’re trying to lower those electric bills each month…not the other way around.

Q3: Terpenes and Minor Cannabinoids?

A3: Yes sir. A lot of folks don’t know what those two words mean…and that’s okay. Basically, Terpenes are what make certain cannabis strains smell or taste different. Terpenes are the compounds responsible for the aromas, flavors, and even colors of various types of vegetation. What’s really wild is that nearly all plants contain terpenes - some of the more common sources people encounter include aromatic herbs, like rosemary and thyme, citrus fruits, and especially cannabis. It’s also believed that plants’ terpene profiles (aromas and taste) act as a natural protection from harsh weather, changing climates, and other predatory species. It’s believed that the terpene profile works in tandem with its cannabinoids (THC and CBD) to produce the effects people associate with different strains (cultivars)

Minor Cannabinoids are fascinating! I’m sure you’ve heard of THC and CBD. Those are primary cannabinoids that have different psychoactive effects. Products rich in THC will get you that “high” euphoric feeling, while a product rich in the cannabinoid CBD offers a more therapeutic and calming effect. What’s crazy is that there are thousands of different “minors” in each strain…and  these all have a variety of different effects. Some such as THC-V have been found to help people focus and relax. Whereas the minor CBN helps promote quality sleep. 

We’ve only scratched the surface as far as minor cannabinoids and their respective effects are concerned, but what I do know is that sun-grown flower often have more robust terpene profiles and higher levels of minor cannabinoids. Nothing can mimic the power of the natural rays of the sun. 

Q4: Who is cultivating sun-grown flower in New York?

A1: That’s a great question…and an important one. There are countless farms throughout New York. However the ones we’re looking for are primarily located in the Hudson Valley and Upstate. Typically, when people think about cannabis farms, they think about the massive operations out in Northern California. Just acres and acres of bud. However, in New York, there are a lot of smaller licensed farms producing some of the best bud in the Northeast. These are the farms we want to partner with so we can help them spotlight their flower throughout the state.. 

Q5: Let’s pivot to how this all adds up to Vitabudz mission to help provide sun-grown and sustainably grown flower to the Empire State.

A5: It’s simple…even before cannabis was legal in New York, we have built up an entire community…an ecosystem… around cannabis right here in the city. With this network, we have a platform to help those small farmers find retailers to sell their products legally. In addition, it’s within that community that we have the collection of like-minded groups and individuals yearning for access to those premium cannabis products that are so difficult to come by.

Q6: So you folks are teaming up with local NY farmers, utilizing these cultivation practices to help act as a segue to more retail dispensaries in New York/NYC? How does that work?

A6: So we’ve planned 2025 around product drops with a new farm each quarter. With access and in-roads to several licensed dispensaries throughout the city, we essentially help farmers brand, package, market, and sell their flower to retail shops. 

Now that our live resin gummies have hit the shelves, we’ll be launching a whole line of multi-pack pre-rolls in Q2 and celebrate that launch with a VIP event that focuses on cannabis education, community, entertainment, and most importantly… the farmer.

Q7: How can farmers get in touch with you?

A7: We’re easy to get a hold of and we’d love to connect with any and all farmers interested in collaborating with Vitabudz. They can reach us at julian@vitabudz.com and/or rich@vitabudz.com