An “appellation” is a legally defined and protected geographical indication found on a wine label. The appellation indicates the wine’s origin and, often dictates a standard of quality. They are found in almost every wine growing region in the world. There are many other food products, such as cheese and teas, which also have appellations.

During the latter years of cannabis prohibition areas such as the Emerald Triangle and Southern Oregon became known for distinctive black market cannabis. Many connoisseurs could begin to rely on a certain quality when making a purchase from these regions. During the onset of medical cannabis programs, many other regions began cultivation and new recognized areas began to appear on the market. Oregon has world-famous cannabis, sought out by epicureans and aficionados much in the same way Oregon wine and micro-brews are.

Here in Oregon, we have an inimitable climate. Various regions of this state possess more than one climate type, also known as micro-climates. Each climate type will cause a strain to express its genetics differently, so strains cultivated across the state have wildly different representations depending on the region. Cannabis grown here can benefit from defining appellations or regions. Which in turn would benefit the small or craft cannabis farms.  

Cannabis Cultivation Regions in Oregon

Kind Leaf

Southern Oregon has many compact regions that are becoming well-known in dispensaries across the state such as Rogue Valley and Applegate Valley. These regions have a Mediterranean type of climate which provide ideal conditions for the cultivation of most any strain, it is known that long-flowering tropical sativas with Thai or Hawaiian lineage fare the best in these regions when compared other Oregon regions.

The coastal range has a very cool climate, and is an area that is primarily indoor farms due to the cold and moist climate many of the fast flowering sedative Indica varietals are chosen here. The air is cool enough to cause purpling of the leaves and buds of the plant; the flower hailing from this region of has a wide range of colors.  

The Willamette Valley is moist as well, but with a much warmer climate and very fertile soils. This area shows a great number of indoor as well as greenhouse and light deprivation operations. Many strains cultivated here are hybridized due to breeding and trading. This is the temperate area stretching from Eugene to northeast Portland.

Central Oregon sees many climates each week. The weather is ever changing so many choose to work with Afghani and Mazari based Indica varietals. Brave and highly experienced central Oregon farmers choose Sativa and Sativa dominant hybrids as the sun here is long and full, as is the summer, despite sometimes harsh weather changes.  

Eastern Oregon is high desert but brushed right up against the Blue mountains. The sun is hot and the winds are strong. Winter comes fast- and once the cold comes to Eastern Oregon it is very cold and sometimes lasts until late May. The unpredictable harshness as well as long hours of direct sun, Kush strains are favored here for shorter flowering times and stronger branches.

Learn more about your cannabis growing region by speaking to your local knowledgeable budtenders and attending cannabis focused conventions or seminars. Take notes on your favorite strains, ask what company cultivated your flower and where; many people begin to recognize specific traits, various flavors and aromas, flower structures and find that they have a commonly preferred region.

Finding which regions you enjoy the most can provide for a great opportunity for discovery and learning as well as help expedite your dispensary visit.



Further Reading:

http://www.occnewspaper.com/oregon-cannabis-appellation-regions-a-proposal/

https://www.whaxy.com/learn/landrace-cannabis-strains

https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/the-cannabis-origin-what-is-a-landrace-strain

https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs22/22486/appa.htm

http://www.wweek.com/cannabis/2016/10/04/are-growing-regions-the-next-defining-factor-for-the-oregon-cannabis-industry/