Who We Are
We are passionate about the story of California cannabis legalization. We believe sharing the story of cannabis and it’s road to legalization with the world is important.
We work together, bringing together different skills and perspectives to serve the initiatives of The Cannabis Trail and fulfill our shared mission of preserving and celebrating California’s cannabis history and culture.
Join Us
We are currently interviewing for additional board members of The Cannabis Trail. If you’re interested in applying to join the board, please feel free to tell us about yourself and your qualifications in becoming a board member.
The Cannabis Trail Board of Directors
Brian Applegarth
Founder / Executive Director
Brian Applegarth is a cannabis tourism subject matter expert, educator and international speaker on the topic. He’s inspired by building bridges between the travel and cannabis industries, and works to steward a model that goes beyond consumption.
Brian believes that the California cannabis tourism experience must include culture, history and storytelling of the medical cannabis movement.
Brian is a board member of the 420 Archive and the California Travel Association, Chairs the CalTravel Cannabis Committee and is a member of the Sonoma County Tourism Marketing Committee.
Brian is also a cannabis historian. Inspired by the iconic cannabis pioneers and social justice movements that fueled the robust industry of today, Brian brings a unique perspective and immense passion to his work.
Zack Darling
Founding Board Member
With over 25 years of experience in brand strategy, design, marketing, sustainability, event production, music and cannabis business strategy, Zack brings unique value to The Cannabis Trail. He started his first design agency 1997 where he branded and grew some of the industry’s original hydroponics brands. Since those early days, he has played an active role in defining the emerging cannabis industry as we know it today.
As a locally-grown Emerald Triangle native, he also has an integral understanding of the Northern California cannabis industry, history and culture. Having been raised by cannabis farmers in Mendocino County, he is truly “second generation.”
After a 10-year legacy at his award-winning creative agency, The Hybrid Creative, Zack’s business was acquired by KushCo Holdings, a publicly traded cannabis packaging and ancillary services company. Over the last five years, he has served on at the executive level for CannaCraft and Mammoth Distribution, leading the marketing for iconic brands such as Farmer and The Felon, Absolute Xtracts, Care By Design, Lagunitas Hi-Fi Hop, Heavy Hitters, Almora and more. Today he works as an independent consultant for a select group of purpose-driven brands and events.