Goldenhour Podcast

Roots and Resilience: Inside Humboldt County's Cannabis Legacy (Part 1)

Episode Summary

In this Goldenhour Podcast, Goldenhour Collective CEO David Spradlin talks with cannabis farmer, Marion Collamer of Lost Creek Family Farms, about Humboldt County's cannabis history. Marion shared how she discovered Humboldt while on Phish tour around 2000, describing it as "this really best kept secret in California." The discussion highlighted why Humboldt's geography creates perfect growing conditions, and they explored the community's self-sufficiency and resilience during prohibition, including law enforcement tactics. David noted what makes the region unique: "People in the Emerald Triangle are some of the kindest, most creative, most hardworking people I've ever met." Marion added that cannabis enabled a way of life rather than being the end goal: "I didn't come here exactly for weed. The cannabis was just the reason that I could stay here." The episode concludes by examining challenges following California's legalization, including its failed cooperative venture involving consultants and outside investors. Tune in for part two to hear about developments since 2016, including Measure S and the tax burdens threatening legacy farmers.

Episode Notes

• 00:00-00:26: Introduction of guests and Lost Creek Family Farms
• 00:27-02:18: Marion describes Lost Creek as a legacy farm in remote Humboldt County and shares how she moved from Albany, NY to Humboldt after discovering it while on Phish tour around 2000
• 02:19-04:53: Discussion of land acquisition in Panther Gap and how Marion's husband acquired property from a Vietnam veteran
• 04:54-07:12: Exploration of Humboldt's origins with back-to-land movement, community bonds, and self-sufficiency
• 07:13-09:07: Marion describes how cannabis cultivation enabled families to stay in rural communities while supporting art and creativity
• 09:08-11:05: Discussion of Humboldt County's geography and perfect growing conditions for cannabis
• 11:06-15:14: Talk about the beauty of the region, sustainability challenges of off-grid living, and the unique microclimates
• 15:15-18:10: Stories about law enforcement tactics during prohibition era, including helicopter raids and intimidation techniques
• 18:11-21:19: Examination of community support systems during raids and arrests
• 21:20-24:53: Discussion of misconceptions about environmental damage and "cartel grows"
• 24:54-32:05: Conversation about legalization concerns and formation of a cannabis cooperative
• 32:06-42:20: Details about how the cooperative model evolved, including challenges with investors and management who didn't understand farming
• 42:21-42:43: Closing remarks and preview of part two of the conversation