Wade Laughter, a master cultivator and tireless advocate for cannabis patients, passed away on June 4, 2025. He leaves behind a profound legacy built on scientific curiosity, community service, and heartfelt compassion. Known to many as a humble visionary, Wade’s influence can be felt across the modern cannabis movement—from the medical gardens of Northern California to global conversations about the role of cannabidiol in health and wellness.
Perhaps his most widely recognized contribution is Harlequin, the CBD-rich varietal that became a foundational genetic in the early medical cannabis landscape. Harlequin’s unique 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC delivered therapeutic relief without an overwhelming high, earning it a dedicated following among patients. But Wade’s role went far beyond cultivating a groundbreaking plant. He shared Harlequin generously, never seeking to monopolize its use or restrict access. Instead, he viewed his discovery as a gift meant to be shared—one that could improve lives. This ethos seeded a quiet revolution, as the rise of CBD-rich genetics transformed how people viewed cannabis as a tool for healing.
Wade’s own story with cannabis began in the late 1990s, when he turned to the plant for relief from glaucoma. His personal experience sparked a lifelong mission to expand access to medical cannabis and promote responsible cultivation. He co-founded House of Harlequin, a nonprofit nursery and educational hub, where patients could obtain CBD-rich medicine on a donation basis. He also played a foundational role in launching Project CBD in 2010, working alongside researchers to bring scientific rigor to cannabis discussions at a time when misinformation was rampant.
Advocacy was central to Wade’s identity. He served on the board of the Nevada County Cannabis Alliance and was instrumental in defeating restrictive legislation like Measure W. He advocated for compassionate access policies and helped shape some of the most community-forward cannabis regulations in the country. In 2024, he was formally recognized by the Nevada County Board of Supervisors with a Certificate of Recognition, honoring his enduring leadership and gentle determination.
Beyond advocacy and science, Wade’s approach to cultivation reflected a deep reverence for the earth. He practiced organic and biodynamic farming techniques and incorporated companion planting into his gardens long before sustainable agriculture became a buzzword in the cannabis industry. His belief in the synergy between the plant, the grower, and the environment remains a guiding principle for many cultivators today.
Wade’s passing has left an undeniable void. Yet those who knew him speak not only of his horticultural prowess, but of his character. He was known to send seeds to people in need without hesitation, to answer emails from patients he’d never met, and to show up—not for recognition, but because he believed it was the right thing to do. Martin Lee of Project CBD described him best: “He gave freely, with an open heart, without making others feel small. He served quietly without needing applause. He stood beside the vulnerable, not above them.”
Today, Wade Laughter’s legacy lives on through the continued cultivation and use of Harlequin and other CBD-rich strains. It lives in the nonprofits he supported, the patients he empowered, and the policies he helped to shape. But most of all, it lives in the community that carries his values forward—those who believe in generosity over profit, in healing over hype, and in the quiet power of showing up for one another.
At The Cannabis Trail, we remember Wade not as a celebrity or a trendsetter, but as a steward of something greater—a movement rooted in justice, healing, and shared humanity. His life reminds us that the cannabis story is not only about the plant. It’s about the people who dare to care deeply, act selflessly, and lead with humility.
If you have a memory, story, or tribute to Wade Laughter, we invite you to share it (loved ones have started a shared folder of photos you can add to). There will be a beautiful celebration of life in honor of Wade on Saturday, July 12th at the historic Miners Foundry in downtown Nevada City. You can also support Wade’s beloved wife Monica’s GoFundMe to help support her in this transition. His legacy is not just one of plants, but of people—of all of us who carry the light forward.
