The 2024 Cannabis Trail Challenge

Welcome to The Cannabis Trail's 2024 Challenge, where you can enjoy the best cannabis travel experiences while learning about the history and culture of California's cannabis community and the legalization movement!

Enter this Challenge to plan your journey along The Cannabis Trail in 2024 and enter to WIN a 4-day / 3 night getaway for two at Coral Cove Wellness cannabis resort in Jamaica: https://www.coralcovewellness.com/

A winner will be chosen at random from those who joined the challenge at the end of 2024 and notified by email. Prize is a 3-night stay at Coral Cove to be used within 2 years of award date. Does not include airfare or any other expenses, but we can help you plan your trip!

Tags: Adults only, Adventurous, Authentic, BIPOC Owned, Cannabis Friendly, Eco-Friendly, Inspiring, Insta-Worthy, LGBTQ+ friendly, LGBTQ+ Owned, Locally Owned, Small Business, Underrated, Views, Woman Owned

• Bigfoot Cannabis Company in Willow Creek, United States

  
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  This landmark celebrates the sungrown small-batch craft of Humboldt County’s legacy cannabis farmers, the community of Willow Creek, and the lore of Bigfoot. Bigfoot Cannabis Company is more than a cannabis shop—it’s a tribute to the heritage of Humboldt County’s cannabis culture. In the heart of Willow Creek, often referred to as the “Bigfoot Capital of the World,” this local, family-owned business represents the legacy of Humboldt’s cannabis farmers who have cultivated the land for decades. With deep roots in the community, Bigfoot Cannabis is dedicated to preserving the values of small-scale farming and supporting local businesses. Founded in 2022, Bigfoot Cannabis is a micro-business that includes retail, traditional manufacturing, and its own farm just a few miles from the shop. The farm, situated along the Trinity River, grows cannabis in native soil under the sun. This small-batch, handcrafted cannabis is the essence of Bigfoot’s house brand, which is featured prominently at their Willow Creek store. Bigfoot Cannabis only carries sun-grown products from small local farms, ensuring that their shelves reflect the best that Willow Creek and Humboldt County have to offer. Bigfoot does not carry any indoor or corporate cannabis, standing firmly in support of local families and their farming operations. Some of the farms featured in the store include Love Notes, Sunrise Mountain, Emerald Queen, Willow Creekside, Terp Mansion, Sol Spirit, High Totem, Talking Trees – all representing the spirit of community and camaraderie that defines the Humboldt County cannabis industry. Willow Creek’s unique microclimate, located about 50 miles from the coast and nestled behind the mountains, creates an ideal environment for growing cannabis. This area is known for producing some of the highest-quality cannabis in Northern California, as well as other crops like peaches and wine grapes. In fact, Willow Creek is one of the few places in Northern California to have its own wine AVA designation due to this microclimate. The connection to Bigfoot folklore adds another layer to the story. The town is famous for the 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film, which allegedly captured footage of the elusive creature near Bluff Creek. Willow Creek has celebrated its ties to Bigfoot with the annual Bigfoot Daze festival since the 1960s, and the local Bigfoot Museum, located just across the street from Bigfoot Cannabis, serves as a reminder of this unique cultural heritage.

• Humboldt Cannabis Tours in Eureka, United States

  
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  This landmark honors the story of The Hippie Trail and the work of Douglas Fir and Lawrence Ringo in Humboldt. The Emerald Triangle is known today as The Amazon of Cannabis Genetics. It is a region famous for cannabis seed diversity, breeding projects, and cultivation. The cannabis seed vaults found in the Emerald Triangle are extraordinarily diverse because of The Hippie Trail phenomenon that happened. The Hippie Trail was an overland adventure that was popularized from the mid 1950’s to the late 1970’s. Hippies from California would travel the Hippie Trail through Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Thailand and collect native landrace cannabis seeds along the way to bring back to The Emerald Triangle. The Hippie Trail gave birth to modern day hybrid cannabis breeding projects, many of which are approached as plant alchemy based in therapeutic compounds. Legendary cannabis seed hunter Douglas Fir and Father of CBD Lawrence Ringo are both pioneers, who’s ground-breaking work continues to influence the modern cannabis industry today. The Cannabis Trail Cultural Landmark Location: Humboldt Cannabis Tours Humboldt is known for its redwoods and weed, but we’ll show you more. Here at Humboldt Cannabis Tours, we pride ourselves on providing educational, professional, and personal Emerald Triangle cannabis vacation tours. You’ll walk the farms, smell the bud, and understand the industry all in one afternoon. From seasoned smokers to bud beginners, everyone will learn and enjoy. Let us take you behind the redwood curtain.

• Huckleberry Hill Farm, United States

  
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  The story of Southern Humboldt and Huckleberry Hill Farms is a story of resilience. It is a story of small rural farming communities coming together to support one another during the height of the War on Drugs era. As part of The War on Drugs era, the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting – known as ‘CAMP’ – was mobilized in 1983. CAMP was a task force of over one hundred law enforcement agencies that were dedicated to eradicating the cultivation and trafficking of cannabis in California. At that time, CAMP was the largest law enforcement task force effort in the United States, and southern Humboldt and The Emerald Triangle were the primary targets. In 1985 Operation Emerald Triangle was launched as part of CAMP’s efforts. According to the Humboldt Institute of Interdisciplinary Marijuana Research, the nickname Emerald Triangle was soon widely adopted and used to identify this legacy cannabis region located in northern California. The 1990’s were defined by Operation Green Sweep, another CAMP effort that included a series of historic raids conducted by the U.S. Army soldiers, National Guardsmen, and federal agents. Operation Green Sweep marked the first time in the history of the United States that military force was used against its own citizens in a drug enforcement operation. Due to CAMP efforts, Johnny Casali of Huckleberry Hill Farms served time. In 1992, when Casali was just 24 years old, he was busted for illegal cannabis cultivation and spent the next 17 years of his life in and out of the federal court, prison, and probation systems. His cannabis story is like that of many others in his community who were severely penalized under the mandatory minimum prison sentencing guidelines utilized during the decades-long War on Drugs. Since 1971, the War on Drugs has cost the United States an estimated $1 trillion according to the University of Pennsylvania. By 2015 the federal government spent an estimated $9.2 million daily to incarcerate people charged with drug-related offenses, which equates to more than $3.3 billion annually according to the Center for American Progress. Blowin' Smoke Teaser Audio Player 00:00 Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume. Location: Huckleberry Hill Farms Huckleberry Hill Farms started from John Casali’s single-family home between the two small communities of Briceland and Whitethorn in Southern Humboldt County. John grew up on this very piece of property with his mother and stepdad starting in 1968. He grew up learning to uphold the legacy that began with the Back to the Land Movement of the 60s and 70s, that it was utmost important to take care of the land and the environment in which they lived. John grew up following his mother around, growing cannabis, veggies, and tending an orchard from the age of 10. It was their way of life. Devastatingly, In 1992, Johnny was 24 years old, enforcement on the “war on drugs” was heavy, John and his best friend were caught by the feds for cultivating cannabis. Johnny served 17 years fighting for this magical healing plant. The time includes 4 years of court, 8 years of federal prison, followed by 5 years of probation. Present day, Huckleberry Hill Farms was proud to be the fourth existing Farm in Humboldt County to be fully permitted, by the county as well as the state of California. Johnny now shares the farm with his loving girlfriend, Rose Moberly, and their family of farm animals. The two strive to “make a difference” in people’s lives with their farm tours, community outreach, and advocacy to normalize the plant, and its people. To visit, Book with Humboldt Cannabis Tours

• Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center in Garberville, United States

  
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  The Landmark at the Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce honors the Hemp Connection and the work of Marie Mills in Humboldt County. Marie Mills’ life represents a story of bravery, vision, sustainability, and earth stewardship. Marie Mills first came to Southern Humboldt County in 1980. Influenced by the Back-to-the-Land movement of the late-1970’s she camped out deep in the woods, embraced a lifestyle of self-reliance and learned to cultivate cannabis by simply doing it. Her passion for earth stewardship and hemp sustainability inspired her pioneering work. In 1990, Marie established the very first hemp retail store in the United States since 1937 Prohibition – The Hemp Connection, located in Redway, California. Her first ten years in business were dedicated to learning how to craft handmade hemp paper from her homegrown cannabis stalks. She continued to educate herself by trial and error, and enjoyed sharing her knowledge of designing, dying, sewing, and perfecting her line of hemp clothing products that she created. In 1998, with the help and support of her daughter Teresa, Marie expanded her retail operations to nearby Garberville. Shortly after opening a second hemp shop – The Hemp Connection – in the town of Garberville, a group of local citizens took issue with the fact that The Hemp Connection signage prominently displayed a large cannabis leaf image. Their efforts to have her sign removed or modified motivated the Southern Humboldt cannabis community to come to Marie’s defense. It was a cultural moment for southern Humboldt. With the support of a small group of local community activists Marie and Teresa fought back and their right to free speech and freedom of expression were eventually upheld. The Hemp Connection was closed in 2022, but the spirit lives at our landmark across the street at the Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center.

• Area 101, United States

  
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  This landmark honors the story of Area 101, Tim Blake and The Emerald Cup. North of Laytonville, California, lies a beacon of cannabis culture and holistic wellness, Area 101. Founded by Tim Blake, a visionary in the cannabis industry, Area 101 is a hub for sustainable cannabis cultivation and the counterculture community of the north coast. Tim’s journey began in his teens when he embraced cannabis, not just as a plant but as a way of life. His passion led him to become a key figure in the cannabis legalization movement. Area 101 is the birthplace of The Emerald Cup, the world’s most esteemed outdoor cannabis competition. At its inception, The Emerald Cup celebrated the art of organic, sun-grown cannabis cultivation. The Emerald Cup today draws over 25,000 attendees annually and fosters a community spirit among cannabis growers, vendors, musicians, and educators. This event is a testament to Tim’s commitment to honoring the plant in its purest form and advocating for a holistic approach to wellness and sustainability. Beyond cannabis, Tim is a spiritual seeker and a curious mind delving into the mysteries of human existence and extraterrestrial phenomena. At the heart of Tim’s endeavors is his unwavering dedication to integrating cannabis, organic living, and spiritual awareness into a harmonious lifestyle, inspiring others to embrace a more conscious and connected way of life. Area 101 and The Emerald Cup stand as enduring symbols of this mission, a legacy of Tim Blake’s remarkable journey in the world of cannabis and beyond.

• Sol de Mendocino in Mendocino, United States

  
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  This landmark honors the story of the Constitutional rights, Pebbles Trippet, activism and Sol de Mendocino. The Cannabis Trail honors the life of legendary human rights and cannabis activist – Pebbles Trippet. In the course of her work, Pebbles was arrested ten times in five different counties and served time in four. She is a pioneer of the movement and a respected elder of the cannabis community and a constitutional rights expert and self-taught litigator. Pebbles has dedicated her life to improving the world, fighting for social justice and human rights, including patient rights and cannabis access. As a young woman, she studied under Dr. King, helping integrate the lunchrooms in Tulsa, Oklahoma. That experience was a turning point in her life. Inspired by the hippie movement and progressive counter-culture movements of the 1960s and 1970s, she made her way to California and took up life as a daily activist. Representing herself, Pebbles Trippet led the charge to take on the State Supreme Court. ‘The Trippet Standard’ created the legal right for patients to carry their medicine and is referenced to this day in court cases involving the transport of medical cannabis.

• The Bohemian Chemist, United States

  
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  This landmark honors the story of Landrace cultivars, rare cannabinoids, the terroir and cultural cannabis heritage of Anderson Valley, at Sugarhill Farm and The Bohemian Chemist. This dedication is a celebration of Rosemary ‘Sugar’ Roberts – a remarkable woman whose life’s work at Sugar Hill Farm has sown seeds of change, nurtured growth in others, and blossomed into a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. In the lush valleys of Anderson, amidst the vibrant hues of roses, magnolias, and peonies, stands a testament to resilience and passion – Sugar Hill Farm. This sanctuary of natural beauty and cannabis cultivation is the life’s work of Rosemary ‘Sugar’ Roberts, a true maverick in her field. Rosemary’s journey, from planting her first cannabis seeds in the 1980s to establishing a renowned legacy in medical cannabis, embodies a spirit of defiance and determination. Her story is not just about the cultivation of plants, but the nurturing of possibilities in a time when the odds were stacked against her. Rosemary’s life began with humble roots in a Southern farming family. Her escape from adversity in her youth to the flourishing gardens of Sugar Hill Farm is a narrative of empowerment and courage. Her role as a trailblazer in the cannabis industry, particularly for women, resonates beyond the bounds of her farm. It’s a beacon of hope and inspiration, showing that age and gender are not barriers to making a significant impact. Her legacy, now lovingly carried on by her son Jim, continues to thrive, reflecting Rosemary’s deep connection to the land and her pioneering spirit. The Bohemian Chemist, an herbal apothecary, is a tribute to her Southern roots and her unyielding commitment to the craft. Rosemary’s influence extends beyond the aromatic gardens and cannabis fields; it’s etched in the hearts of those who knew her and in the industry she helped shape.

• Plantshop, United States

  
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  This landmark honors the story of the back-to-the-land movement in Mendocino County. Following the cannabis-loving Hippie era of the 1960’s came the lesser-known Back-to-the-Land movement era of the 1970’s. Back-to-the-Landers, as they are often referred to, sought out alternative regenerative lifestyles anchored in self-reliance, intention, and hyper-local community. Inspired by native indigenous cultures that live in close alignment with nature, Back-to-the-Landers migrated north to the rural coastal mountains of California and established communities that valued collective intention and cooperation. They brought their cannabis seeds and medicinal herbs with them. Tending the garden was part of the lifestyle. Back-to-the-Landers grow much of their own food and medicine, cannabis included. A self-sufficient and resilient mindset are still strong cultural signatures of the intentional communities that call this region home. To this day, cannabis continues to be home grown in gardens off the grid alongside vegetables and other medicinal plants. The Back-to-the-Land movement gave rise to The Emerald Triangle and the modern-day craft cannabis market known for terpene rich, top-shelf cannabis. Today Plantshop dispensary and lounge, a LGBTQ+, BIPOC and women-owned business, sits near Greenfield Ranch Back-to-the-Land community, and brings locals together with their events and locally sourced products.

• NUG in Oakland, United States

  
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  NUG is the newest Oakland Cultural Landmark on The Cannabis Trail, honoring education and community and the legacy of Oaksterdam University. Oaksterdam has long been a staple cannabis educator who used to be headquartered in the building NUG currently resides in, but now offers their courses online.

• Harborside Oakland Dispensary in Oakland, United States

  
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  This landmark honors the story of the visionaries of Harborside in Oakland. The Cannabis Trail honors the vision and work of Harborside visionaries dress wedding and Steve DeAngelo, co-founders of this Cultural Landmark. In 2016, Harborside Oakland is where the very first legal sale of adult use 21+ recreational cannabis happened in California. Since its inception, Harborside has been a beacon of modern day cannabis wellness and well-being, offering holistic health services alongside safe-tested plant medicine and robust cannabis education for the local community.

• Root'd In The 510 Equity Weed Dispensary in Oakland, United States

  
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  This landmark honors the story of education, equity and community in Oakland at Root’d in the 510. Roots provide nourishment, provide strength and enable growth – all of which Root’d in the 510 aims to do in their local community. In 2018, Rickey McCullough was awarded a license to open a dispensary through Oakland’s Cannabis License Equity Program. This program was created to help compensate people who had been disproportionately punished under oppressive drug laws during the War on Drugs. Rickey has been invovled in all aspects of cannabis for nearly two decades in Oakland. Holding multiple licenses from distro, delivery to retail, he has been very instrumental in guiding Oaklands equity program since inception. He had a vision for a community hub for events, activities, and good times. Root’d has deep roots in the local Oakland community and their goal is to create a cultural force for good, centered around the responsible enjoyment of the cannabis plant that brings us all together. The plant is a connective and unifying force for the East Bay and the world at large, and Root’d makes it accessible to the entire community. Oakland has deep roots in cannabis activism, culture and education. Our landmark at Root’d honors this culture by supporting local and BIPOC owned brands, educating and guiding customers, and with their new lounge space in the works, by bringing the people together in celebration of the power of the plant and local arts and culture. Visit the beautiful and bright Root’d store and lounge in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland, near Berkeley.