Culture & industry

Terroir and tradition: growing craft cannabis and the art of dry farming at Sunboldt Grown

Published

10 months ago

March 3, 2024

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When cruising down the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt County, one might not realize there’s a hidden gem for cannabis enthusiasts just around the bend. Nestled along the Eel River in the heart of the Emerald Triangle lies Holmes Flat, a picturesque locale surrounded by towering Redwoods. The scenery? Simply breathtaking, drawing visitors in with its lush, fertile ambiance.

There, you’ll find Sunboldt Grown and its founder, Sunshine Cereceda, a local legend with soil under her nails and a heart as expansive as the California sky.

Born in San Luis Obispo and raised in Humboldt since the age of seven, Cereceda grew up amidst the wilderness near Garberville in a community of activists and artists dedicated to preserving the region’s majestic trees. Tending to a garden since she was knee-high, she credits her mother’s green thumb for instilling in her a deep love for organic cannabis cultivation.

The challenges of craft cannabis in a commercial world

Her journey to becoming an Original Gardener is rooted in her upbringing within Humboldt’s activist community, where she formed deep connections to the land. She sold her first pound of weed at 14 years old in order to finance her education, which led to her developing her expertise through years of hard work and dedication. To this day, Cereceda’s OG status persists.

Organic sungrown cannabis at Sunboldt Grown — Sustainably grown organic cannabis at Sunboldt Grown

However, the shift from the underground market to the passing of Proposition 215 in 1996 and Proposition 64 in 2016 brought about major changes, turning her world upside down. What was once a dance with law enforcement became a tangled web of legalities and over-regulation. She grappled with the demands, yearning for authenticity amidst the new state of chaos. The transition from medical to adult use felt like a crash course in bureaucracy, leaving her fatigued and longing for the simplicity of yesteryears.

California’s legal landscape poses significant hurdles for craft farmers like Cereceda. Mandatory distribution and the absence of direct sales leave traditional farmers at the mercy of intermediaries, diluting the spirit of their craft.

“The beauty of craft does not sell itself,” she said, “We have a big disadvantage not being able to do direct [cannabis] sales … Compliance demands encroach upon precious time meant for nurturing our crops.” She dreams of a future where small farmers receive the support they need to thrive and where craft is cherished and celebrated in the marketplace.

Dry farming and the return to terroir

One of the characteristics that sets Cereceda apart from other growers is her cultivation techniques. She’s a farmer who doesn’t water her plants — a practice known as “dry farming.” It’s a centuries-old technique that involves cultivating crops without irrigation, relying solely on natural precipitation and soil moisture.

Sungrown cannabis — With dry farming, Cereceda’s cannabis plants thrive in the sun

“Dry farming is about embracing the land and its natural rhythms,” she explained, “It’s a minimalist approach that allows terroir to shine through, bringing forth the true essence of the plant.” By eschewing irrigation and adopting low-intervention methods, dry farming conserves water and fosters a deeper connection between the farmer, the land, and the final product. “It isn’t suitable everywhere, but in regions like Humboldt, it’s worth pursuing … We avoid water addiction and enable plants to adapt naturally, resulting in a more resilient crop.”

Along with composting and strategic planting, Cereceda has honed her dry farming skills, growing cannabis that embodies the unique characteristics of Humboldt’s soil and climate.

Flowers at Sunboldt Farm — The farm is filled with life — along with cannabis, it boasts gorgeous flowers and an abundance of pollinators

As the sun dipped below the horizon, it cast a warm glow over the rolling hills of Holmes Flat, where one thing was abundantly clear: Cereceda’s journey was far from over. From navigating the complexities of legalization to pioneering sustainable cultivation methods, she embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines Humboldt’s cannabis culture.

Her focus on craftsmanship and terroir-driven cultivation is encapsulated in her products, growing craft cannabis that maintains the essence of Humboldt’s fertile soil and pristine climate.

The post Terroir and tradition: growing craft cannabis and the art of dry farming at Sunboldt Grown appeared first on Weedmaps News.

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Culture & industry

Huckleberry Hill Farms and the history of the Whitethorn Rose cannabis strain

Published

10 months ago

March 12, 2024

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In the heart of southern Humboldt lies Huckleberry Hill Farms, a legacy outdoor cannabis grow started by John Casali. Unlike many of the regulated farms that sprouted up in the wake of Prop 64, Huckleberry Hill stood through the war on drugs era, and its story is steeped in passion, struggle, and resilience. It also led to the creation of the award-winning Whitethorn Rose cannabis strain.

In the late 1960s, Casali, a teenager then, was immersed in the art of cultivation, learning the process from his mother. “[She] was my guiding light. She taught me the tenderness required for plants to thrive,” he shared. But the harsh realities of the war on drugs cast a shadow over their beautiful farm life. “My parents decided to cease cultivation due to escalating law enforcement. They got afraid of the multiple helicopters in the air throughout the year, dropping guys down on wires and eradicating weed.”

“It was all I knew; it was all I wanted to do — cultivate and honor what my mom had taught me.” — John Casali

Casali remained rooted in his passion, but it would eventually lead to his arrest and 10-year prison sentence in 1996. “One morning, I woke up to 30 federal agents coming up my driveway. They held a nine-millimeter to my head, and for the next nine hours, they searched my place. A year and a half after that, they came back with an arrest warrant.”

Sungrown cannabis at Huckleberry Hill Farms — Sun-grown cannabis at Huckleberry Hill Farms

His arrest, considered one of the longest federal incarcerations for a non-violent cannabis offense, struck a harsh chord, especially for someone who’d never even received a speeding ticket before. And while serving time in prison, tragedy struck his family. His parents, who had been traveling and fishing for months aboard a commercial albacore boat, encountered a devastating accident, and Casali’s mother tragically passed away. He recalled this period as one of the most challenging phases of his incarceration. “Those years tested my spirit, but the community’s support kept me going.”

Casali was released in 2004, and he found himself in a changed landscape, one where attitudes toward cannabis had massively shifted — no more helicopters over properties. Still driven by his passion for cultivation, he resumed his cannabis journey and even received a symbolically powerful gift from a friend: a preserved plant cut that was used to breed the Whitethorn Rose strain, an honor and testament to him and his mother’s legacy.

Huckleberry Hill Farms outdoor grow — Whitethorn Rose is a cross of Paradise Punch and Lemon OG

This genetic preservation — maintaining a strain for a decade — embodies an emotional journey where friendship, loyalty, and love for the craft transcend the bounds of time and adversity. Casali created this unique strain by crossing Paradise Punch and Lemon OG.

Paradise Punch had been borne from his mother’s collaboration and was crafted for its early harvesting properties, allowing it to avoid possible mold due to October rains. The Lemon OG was a gift from a friend; combining the two was a convergence of heritage and camaraderie. With time, the strain gained the notoriety it so rightly deserved.

Whitethorn Rose, a strain forged during the war on drugs, now blossoms in a reformed era. It’s a symbol of endurance, community resilience, and triumph.

Moreover, testing by Columbia University in New York revealed the specific complexity of Whitethorn Rose. It boasts over 60 different terpenes and a staggering 444 cannabinoids. One such rare terpene found in this strain is selinadiene, which carries potential therapeutic properties.

Its emergence in the regulated folds of California’s cannabis market is due to its persistence and the unbreakable spirit that defines Huckleberry Hill Farms. Collaborations with Belle, Frenchy’s Cannoli apprentice from Heritage Mendocino, amplified its presence, leading to multiple Emerald Cup wins. This year, over 90% of the farm is devoted to cultivating Whitethorn Rose.

Butterfly atop a flower — Flowers grow beside cannabis plants at Huckleberry Hill Farms

The journey from cultivating alongside his mother in the late ’60s to overcoming incarceration and emerging stronger, determined to honor his roots, defines John Casali’s personality. Huckleberry Hill Farms is inspirational and deeply rooted in honesty, community, and an unquestionable passion for sun-grown cannabis.

Huckleberry Hills Farms is getting ready to hit California’s market, and you must try the amazing Whitethorn Rose strain. This cultivar has a remarkable history and a uniquely exotic floral flavor, making it a distinctive cultivar worth experiencing.

The post Huckleberry Hill Farms and the history of the Whitethorn Rose cannabis strain appeared first on Weedmaps News.

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Culture & industry

Organic farming and regenerative agriculture

Published

11 months ago

February 9, 2024

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In the vibrant yet challenging landscape of California’s cannabis community, Sun Roots Farm is a rare gem situated in Covelo, California. Driving up its winding entrance will lead to a picturesque landscape, unveiling the incredible experience of visiting the farm’s gorgeous gardens. There, you’ll be greeted by towering cannabis plants reaching 12+ feet high and weighing an impressive 10 – 20 pounds each.

Founded by Forrest Gauder and Patricia Vargas, Sun Roots Farm is a testament to the resilience and integrity within the cannabis community.

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Owners Forrest Gauder and Patricia Vargas among Sun Roots Farm’s huge cannabis plants

By embracing a lifestyle around sustainability, they’ve created an enchanting, forest-like atmosphere with their approach, growing massive plants requiring a ladder for proper care. This landscape is common in Mendocino County, and due to dry weather, it makes for the perfect environment for growing colossal cannabis plants.

The founders’ vision of regeneration

Over the past 12 years, Gauder and Vargas have transformed Sun Roots Farm into their permanent residence. With its foundation rooted in regenerative agriculture, the couple not only cultivates cannabis plants but also tends to various vegetables, herbs, fruits, fungi, native medicinal plants, and perennial gardens.

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Fruits, herbs, and vegetables grow healthy on the farm

To nourish their garden, they rely on contributions from their animals, with coops full of chickens and fields of alpacas serving as an exemplary model of regenerative agricultural practices. The farm aims to increase biodiversity and introduce closed-loop farming, where farmers recycle all organic material back into the soil and the farm. This system fosters a harmonious coexistence between the land and its inhabitants.

Exclusive seeds and strains

The farm takes pride in its commitment to exclusive seed cultivation, a distinctive approach that sets them apart. Gauder described the process: “We grow all our plants from seed yearly. From the year before, we’ll select pollen and put it on certain plants to make new [strains] — we’ll then collect those seeds. By the middle of February, we’ll crack open the chosen varieties, starting them in a greenhouse … and propagating them until they reach five-gallon pots.”

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

All Sun Roots Farm strains are grown from seed each year

The decision to grow exclusively from seed is rooted in the farm’s philosophy of embracing genetic variability and maximizing plant vigor. “The reason behind growing from seed … is the genetic variability,” said Vargas. “We grow exclusively from seed. Local breeding has played a pivotal role in shaping plants that are finely adapted to the valley’s conditions, showcasing positive characteristics such as mold resistance, pest resistance, frost resilience, and more.”

Sun Roots Farm’s staple strain is Velvet Purps, bred locally over ten years ago. This strain descends from the valley and is made from various crosses by Gauder’s family and colleagues. Its origin begins with Jah Goo, crossbred with its brother T2 and Magic Bus, giving rise to a cultivar with impressive purple characteristics.

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Sun Roots Farm’s outdoor grown Velvet Purps

“The plant produces anthocyanins to protect itself, but it’s also purple,” explained Gauder. “You can find anthocyanins and all sorts of fruits and vegetables, too. It’s the pigment, the color. This compound has beneficial aspects when consumed by humans, like antioxidants, and it protects the plant. We had a bad frost a few years ago that destroyed a lot of gardens around here, but all our purple plants were just fine.”

Packed with trichomes and a captivating blend of berry and pine aromas, Velvet Purps luxuriously unfolds on the palate. This unique strain, locally bred and cultivated by Sun Roots Farm and a select few friends only, expresses a distinctive charm. Beyond its sensory delights, it delivers a tranquil and relaxing buzz, making it an ideal choice for evening consumption.

In a market saturated with options, the exclusivity of strains like Velvet Purps emphasizes the farm’s commitment to offering something truly exceptional.

A farm dedicated to sustainable practices

The farm is also Dragonfly Earth Medicine (DEM) certified. “To be DEM is to achieve a certification beyond organic through third-party verification,” explained Vargas, “It’s a community committed to intentional growth and the creation of closed-loop systems.”

Sun Roots Farm maximizes what the land naturally provides, whether it’s blackberry vines for tea or alpaca manure from their animals. “It’s similar to a homesteading lifestyle,” Vargas continued, “incorporating the cultivation of cannabis with an element of integrity into the product.” From closed-loop systems and water conservation to wildlife sanctuaries and companion planting, the farm is a testament to sustainable living techniques.

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Chickens contribute to the sustainable practices used at the farm

Vargas also emphasized the importance of observation and mindfulness in their approach, “Take a moment to observe before you go ahead and start harvesting or before you go ahead and start crunching all over the earth.” Gauder added, “As long as we keep stuff covered in the garden, magic always happens. So we’re feeding the bugs, which eat the material on the ground that feeds the plants. It’s a continual cycle of life, rebirth, death, life, rebirth, death.”

The farm extends its commitments beyond the cultivation season. After harvest, they break down plants, mulch with oak leaves, and cover them with hay, creating a winter blanket that transforms into a layer of beautiful topsoil come spring.

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Gauder lighting up a rose petal joint made from roses grown on their property

At Sun Roots Farm, a calming environment and sustainable living encourage a deeper connection to the products they make and the ones we consume. The farm is a reality where integrity, intention, and regenerative practices converge to create a sanctuary of sustainable cultivation in the heart of California.

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Culture & industry

8 cannabis gift ideas for your Valentine

Published

11 months ago

February 9, 2024

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Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and if you’ve been thinking about the perfect gift for your sweetheart, consider these infused options. From boxes of stoney chocolate hearts to ultra-relaxing THC massage oils, there’s something charming and sweet for every type of cannabis consumer.

Love Drops from 1906

Courtesy of 1906

Meant for everyone to enjoy and experience, 1906’s Love Drops contain a 2.5:2.5 ratio of THC to CBD. They’re made with the popular hybrid Blue Dream and a blend of arousing plants like Damiana and Muira Puama.

Customer review: “So these really do work. I was skeptical at first because I had tried several other ‘arousal products’ that never affected me. LET ME TELL YOU THESE WORK. I took one last night and had the best … well, you know… of my life! I haven’t felt like that since I was 19. THANK YOU for these; they have saved my sex life.” — CherishL

Available: Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania

Chocolate hearts from Soft Power Sweets

Courtesy of Soft Power Sweets

A stoney take on an age-old classic, New York-based Soft Power Sweets recently released a line of infused vegan and gluten-free chocolate hearts perfect for the edibles lover. These vintage-inspired High, I Love You boxes come with five heart-shaped chocolates, each containing 10 milligrams of THC. Find them at Verdi and Dazed dispensaries.

Not in the mood for hearts? Check out the brand’s vegan Dulce de Leche Chocolate Caramels for an extra-sweet kick on V-day.

Available: New York

Massage oil from Evergreen Organix

Courtesy of Evergreen Organix

Each bottle of Evergreen Organix Intimate Massage Oil houses 100 milligrams of THC and is free of fragrance and harsh ingredients, so you can get down with your love whenever the mood hits.

Customer review: “Picked this up in Vegas at Reef Dispensary, and WOW, that stuff was 100% worth every penny.” — JTM1973

Available: Nevada

Arousing strain: Bubblegum Kush

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Thought to induce feelings of arousal and intimacy, Bubblegum Kush is a popular pick for couples wanting to get closer. A cross between Bubblegum and an unknown Kush strain, it’s a tasty indica-dominant cultivar with notes of citrus and fruit. Roll it in a joint, drop it in a dab rig, or hit it from a bong before a cozy night-in.

White chocolate bars from MKX Oil Co

Courtesy of MKX Oil Co

MKX Oil Co. goes beyond the usual dark and milk varieties with its smooth white chocolate bar featuring 100 or 200 milligrams of THC.

Customer review: “The white chocolate bar is made from some of the best chocolate money can buy. I could barely detect any THC in the taste, but definitely could feel the effects. This one’s already a favorite for me.” — jonpenn

Available: Michigan

Macarons from Hervé

Courtesy of Hervé

Skip the chocolates and go for these gorgeous hand-crafted macarons from Hervé. Your loved one will appreciate their beauty, delicious taste, and 10 milligrams of THC per treat. Bonus: they’re also gluten-free and dusted with real 23K gold for a touch of luxury. Find them in three flavors: Chocolate Ganache, Raspberry Buttercream, and Salted Caramel.

Customer review: “So tasty and just the right amount of lift. Will leave you wanting more.” — luckilycrazy88

Available: California

DrinkLoud Cucumber Haze THC Shots from Rove

Courtesy of Rove

Planning a date night at home? Whip up a couple of infused mocktails with DrinkLoud’s Cucumber Haze THC Shots from Rove. Each bottle contains 100 milligrams of THC and can be enjoyed alone, on the rocks, or mixed with lemonades, sodas, and sparkling waters.

Customer review: “If you are looking for a tasty drink to float out into cloud 9. This is it right here! The cucumber flavor is a yummy & refreshing taste, and you can’t even taste the cannabis! I drank it straight from the bottle, it hit me fast. Munchies set in for sure. Be ready to lay back and enjoy the high.” — banananuts240

Available: California, Massachusetts, Missouri, and Nevada

1:3 CBD:THC Releaf Body Oil from Papa & Barkley

Courtesy of Papa & Barkley

Give your love the gift of relaxation with Papa & Barkley’s 1:3 CBD:THC Releaf Body Oil. Made with cannabis, fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, and other natural oils, it can offer rest and ease for those dealing with general muscle aches, pain, and inflammation.

Customer review: “If you feel any sort of tension or tightness in your body, have a loved one rub some of this on you and feel the relief within minutes. The aroma of the essential oils work together with the cannabinoids to combat tension in the body without any psychoactive effects.” — GreatHeights

Available: California

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