Alaska’s First Legal Recreational Marijuana Harvest Is Almost Ready

Greatland Ganja dispensary has nearly completed pulling marijuana plants from what they call “gnome domes.” In these domes, ten different strains of marijuana have been grown. This harvesting process marks the first of its kind in Alaska.

Greatland Ganja is owned and operated by Leif and Arthur Abel, according to ADN.com. The brothers claim that about 75 pounds of marijuana have already been processed. They are hoping that their first harvest will produce 100 pounds.

Leif Abel said, “We’ve got probably over half our crop already dried and partly cured.”

The producers have immature plants on shelving units that touch the ceiling. Drying marijuana is hanging above the ground. In the same facility, trimming and drying are also completed. The drying rack can dry 100 to 200 pounds of marijuana at a time.

Arthur Abel designed the facility. He works in construction and specifically designed the facility to make use of its vertical space.

The family business has had a few struggles along the way with weather, but is coming back from the slight delay in operations well.

Arthur Abel said, “I felt very prepared for the job, but I’m constantly learning.”

The marijuana produced by the Abel brothers can’t be distributed just yet. It still has to undergo testing by a state-licensed facility. Two testing labs are still working on being completed, so it could be a while. CannTest plans to open in early November.

Leif Abel said, “This process means nothing to anybody until the labs are open.”

Expected pricing is not yet available. Leif said, “It’s hard to give out a price list until your product is dried and cured and you’ve got it lab tested. This year we’ll probably be paying the state over $100,000, just for this one harvest.”

State taxes are about half of the production costs, at $800 per pound.

Greatland Ganja isn’t the only marijuana grow operation in harvesting stages. Rosie Creek Farm is also harvesting.

Rosie Creek owner Mike Emers said, “We’re just trying like heck to beat freeze-up and get the rest of the stuff out of the field.”

Growers are racing against the clock in Alaska to pluck outdoor plants before the ground freezes. Within three weeks, four other grows hope to have their harvesting completed.