Behind the Seeds: How Carpenter Farms Grows Arkansas's Premium Cannabis

For years, cannabis patients across Arkansas have praised the quality of flower produced in Grady by Carpenter Farms. This summer, we had the honor of touring the state's most secretive medical marijuana cultivation facility—and the experience was truly impressive.

A Rare Look Inside Carpenter Farms

Carpenter Farms operates with a level of precision and dedication that sets them apart in Arkansas's medical marijuana industry. The facility's success can be attributed to the rigorous oversight and expertise of their Director of Cultivation, April Reeves, combined with the 57-year agricultural legacy of the Carpenter family that began in 1968.

The $30 Million Investment in Excellence

During the height of COVID, when construction costs doubled, Carpenter Farms invested $30 million into their state-of-the-art cultivation facility. As CEO Abraham Carpenter, Jr. puts it, "You can literally eat off the floor." This isn't hyperbole—it's the Carpenter standard. The facility represents not just a financial commitment, but a dedication to creating one of the cleanest, most advanced cannabis cultivation operations in Arkansas.

Meet April Reeves: Director of Cultivation

April Reeves brings a wealth of knowledge to Carpenter Farms, having traveled the world procuring seeds and analyzing cultivation techniques from leading growers. Her commitment to excellence and scientific approach to cannabis cultivation has transformed Carpenter Farms into one of Arkansas's premier producers.

Seeds Over Clones: The Carpenter Difference

What truly distinguishes Carpenter Farms from other cultivators is their unique approach to genetics. Unlike other cultivators who imported clones from out-of-state operations, Carpenter Farms took the harder path—they started with seeds. Every. Single. Strain.

Having traveled the world procuring seeds and analyzing the techniques of others, April and her team are proud to have pheno-hunted every strain in the Carpenter library. Rather than using the popular technique of bringing in "props" or propagates from other states, they've brought every genetic in as a seed.

What is Pheno-Hunting?

Pheno-hunting is the process of growing multiple plants from seed to identify the best genetic expressions (phenotypes) of a particular strain. This time-intensive method allows cultivators to select plants with the most desirable characteristics—including potency, flavor profile, and growing traits. This complete seed-to-sale genetic control ensures consistency and quality in every harvest.