The East Coast cannabis market is changing fast, and Hudson Cannabis is leading the charge—not just by growing top-tier flower, but by proving that small-batch, sustainable cannabis still matters.
On this week’s episode of Senior Savvy Cannabis, I sat down with Freya Dobson, co-founder of Hudson Cannabis, to talk about their journey from growing hemp to producing some of the best sun-grown cannabis in New York’s legal market.
If you care about clean, craft cannabis and supporting small farms over corporate weed, this is a brand you need to know.
A Family Farm With Deep Cannabis Roots
Hudson Cannabis didn’t just pop up overnight. It started in 2017 as Hudson Hemp, when Freya and her family became one of the first farms in the U.S. to grow hemp legally—before the Farm Bill even passed.
But this wasn’t new territory for the Dobson family.
Freya’s father was growing cannabis in the 1980s, long before legalization. He brought seeds from Mendocino back to New York, cultivated his own genetics, and set the foundation for what would eventually become Hudson Cannabis.
Decades later, that legacy continues, with Freya, her sister, and her brother each playing a key role in running the farm.
“We always saw hemp as a stepping stone to cannabis,” Freya explained. And in 2022, they secured a license to grow adult-use cannabis for New York’s legal market.
The Return of the Dime Bag: Making Quality Cannabis Accessible
When Hudson Cannabis launched, they weren’t just another high-priced brand catering to elite consumers. They brought back the dime bag.
For just $10, you can buy premium, sun-grown cannabis—something almost unheard of in today’s legal market.
“Anybody walking into a dispensary should be able to afford to try our flower,” Freya shared. And that’s exactly what they made happen.
Why This Matters:
Perfect for seniors and beginners – You can sample before committing to a $50 jar.
Affordable, but not cheap – This isn’t mass-market, warehouse-grown weed.
Transparent packaging – You can actually see the flower before you buy.
Forget overpriced hype strains. This is real, old-school cannabis—done right.
Why Hudson’s Farming Practices Matter for Your Health
Not all cannabis is created equal. While most legal brands prioritize high-THC, warehouse-grown flower, Hudson Cannabis is committed to clean, sustainable farming.
Their plants are grown in living soil, meaning the soil is naturally enriched with compost, microbes, and cover crops. No synthetic fertilizers. No pesticides. Just healthy, thriving plants.
Why This Matters for Seniors:
Fewer contaminants – No hidden pesticides, mold, or heavy metals.
Better for your body – Sun-grown cannabis is richer in terpenes, making for a smoother experience.
A focus on wellness – If you’re using cannabis for pain, sleep, or anxiety, clean cannabis should be a priority.
Freya put it best:
“Think of it like organic vegetables. Would you rather eat something fresh from a farmer’s market—or something that’s been sprayed, stored, and shipped across the country?”
Navigating the Chaos of New York’s Legal Market
New York’s cannabis rollout was a disaster.
Farmers got licenses to grow before there were even dispensaries open to sell their product. Some had their entire harvest sitting in storage for months, bleeding money.
“It was really tough for farmers who poured their life savings into this,” Freya shared.
Hudson Cannabis got lucky, landing shelf space at Union Square Travel Agency, one of New York’s first legal dispensaries. But now, with over 300 dispensaries in the state, the next battle is staying competitive in a market flooded with cheap, high-THC weed.
The Best Hudson Cannabis Products for New Consumers
New to cannabis? Hudson Cannabis offers some of the best beginner-friendly products in New York.
Sour Stomper (Eighths) – A balanced, approachable strain that’s great for first-timers.
Farmer’s Blend (Ground Flower) – A rotating mix of high-quality strains for easy use.
Natural Wine (Pre-Rolled Joints) – A seven-pack of perfectly rolled joints for convenience.
These are low-pressure, easy-to-enjoy options, perfect for seniors or anyone easing into cannabis for the first time.
Final Thoughts: Vote With Your Dollars
We’re at a crossroads in cannabis.
Will corporate cannabis take over, flooding the market with cheap, chemically-grown weed? Or will craft farms survive, offering clean, sun-grown flower that actually benefits consumers?
That choice is up to us.
Just like with food, we vote with our dollars. If you care about safe, pesticide-free, quality cannabis, support brands like Hudson Cannabis.
If you’re in New York, go try their products.
Tell your budtender you want craft, sun-grown cannabis.
Stay tuned for our video tour of their farm—coming soon.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatments, including cannabis use.
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