Farmers navigate the rapid growth of medical cannabis.

Story by Tess Davis

Since before the Civil War, the humble spud held fast as Maine’s top cash crop. However, a shift occurred in 2020 when medical cannabis usurped that high position over potatoes and blueberries. While Maine’s Potato industry revenue brought in around $238M in 2023, medical cannabis brought in a whopping $280M.

Medical cannabis farmers like Brady Palmer are embracing healthier farming techniques. Palmer, who opened his farm in 2014, always loved gardening, but he made his living as the owner of a real estate office. After a surprise open heart surgery in 2009, he decided he needed a change, transitioning to farming full-time. Grumpy’s Organic Farm, in Manchester, Maine, was born.

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