Legal Cannabis Businesses: Paving the Way for Progress
The cannabis industry wouldn’t be where it is today without the tireless efforts of longtime advocates and cultivators. These pioneers have fought for legalization and paved the way for legal cannabis businesses to thrive.
One such business is Farmer and the Felon, co-founded by Dennis Hunter and Ned Fussell under the CannaCraft company umbrella. But their mission goes beyond just making a profit. They have two primary goals: preserving cannabis history and collaborating with legacy cultivators, and supporting individuals who are still suffering in prison for nonviolent cannabis convictions through their partnership with Last Prisoner Project (LPP).
With these goals in mind, Farmer and the Felon is determined to keep the stories and sacrifices of those in the cannabis industry alive.
The Personal History of Dennis Hunter
Hunter’s personal history as a grower and cannabis prisoner is rooted in his upbringing in the Emerald Triangle. The underground cannabis community and lifestyle inspired him to pursue cultivation, but it also brought increased attention from law enforcement.
He recalls the early 1990s when helicopters would fly overhead, searching for hidden cannabis grows. Despite the risks, Hunter continued to grow and expand his operation, which eventually caught the attention of the DEA. In 1998, his operation was raided, and he and his family were forced to go into hiding for four and a half years.
After being caught by the DEA, Hunter spent six and a half years in prison before being released on federal probation. During this time, he was unable to grow cannabis and instead started an ancillary company that supplied products to other growers. It was through this business that he met Ned Fussell, one of his customers.
Fast friends, Hunter and Fussell decided to team up and create CannaCraft in 2014. They started with AbsoluteXtracts (ABX) and Care By Design, and have since added other brands such as Lagunitas Hi-Fi Sessions, Loud + Clear, and Humboldt Terp Council.
Preserving the Industry’s History
Having experienced the tumultuous landscape for cannabis business owners firsthand, Hunter and Fussell understand the importance of preserving the industry’s history. As more and more people from different industries enter the legal cannabis market, they want to ensure that the stories and sacrifices of those who have been in the industry for decades are not forgotten.
Through Farmer and the Felon, they hope to not only preserve the past but also support those who are still suffering from the consequences of nonviolent cannabis convictions. With their dedication and passion, Hunter and Fussell are making a positive impact in the cannabis industry and beyond.
