arian industry, it is important to understand the roots of the plant and the people who have been cultivating it for generations
The Ganjier: A Pilgrimage to the Emerald Triangle
The look in the eyes of new Ganjier students says it all – a mix of astonishment, reverence, and joy. These students come from all corners of the world, from places where cannabis is still heavily criminalized. They are of all ages and backgrounds, but they share a common love and respect for the cannabis plant.
As they make the journey to Humboldt County, California – some taking multiple planes, buses, and rental cars – they know they are coming to a very special place. This is the premiere cannabis cultivation region of the country, and likely the world: The Emerald Triangle.
The Ganjier is a cannabis sommelier certification program that not only educates students, but also brings them into a community that sees the immense potential of the cannabis industry. As a proud member of the Ganjier Council, I have witnessed many of these students arrive, weary from their travels but full of excitement.
Part of the in-person training for the Ganjier program involves visiting a local farm. Just like visiting the famous wine regions of France, there is no substitute for the experience of seeing a sungrown legacy farm in the Emerald Triangle. Farms like Huckleberry Hill Farms, home of the famous Whitethorn Rose cultivar, not only showcase sustainable and beautifully designed cannabis farms, but also provide a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
Johnny Casali, a farmer who has spent his entire life in Humboldt growing cannabis with his family, shares his experiences with the students. He recounts the days of prohibition and having to hide in the woods to escape law enforcement, and discusses his time in prison for cultivating. His emotional story resonates with the students, who feel the magnitude of the place in which they stand.
For many students, this experience is life-changing. They are forever changed by the pilgrimage to the Emerald Triangle, ready to carry the message of craft cannabis and sungrown plants back to their homes.
One of the goals of the Ganjier program is to educate and train those with reverence for the plant on its history, science, and culture. By providing this experience, the program hopes to spread awareness about what quality cannabis is and where it comes from. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, it is important to understand the roots of the plant and the people who have been cultivating it for generations.
