A Taste of the Trail
Embarking on The Cannabis Trail: Unveiling the Heart of California’s Cannabis Culture
Welcome, fellow cannabis enthusiasts, to The Cannabis Trail – a journey through the heart of California’s rich cannabis culture. The Cannabis Trail winds through northern California, offering a unique tapestry of landmarks that illuminate the history, cultivation, and cultural significance of cannabis. Starting from the vibrant streets of Oakland to the serene landscapes of Mendocino County and ending in the rugged hills of Humboldt County, this curated Cannabis Trail adventure promises an immersive exploration of the plant’s journey from seed to consumption.
Oakland: Culture, Vibrance and Innovation
We’re kicking off our voyage in Oakland, the welcoming gateway of The Cannabis Trail, a city pulsing with energy and innovation. In the heart of the Temescal neighborhood, Root’d in the 510 is welcoming with warm wood tones and a modern style. Social equity licensed and dedicated to community empowerment, this shop not only offers a wide selection of premium cannabis products but also has a consumption lounge with events to create more significant connections and relationships in the community using the cannabis experience.
Harborside, our final East Bay landmark, is an iconic institution deeply ingrained in Oakland’s cannabis history. As one of the oldest cannabis shops in the city and a trailblazer in cannabis wellness and consumer education, Harborside has played a pivotal role in shaping the local cannabis culture and cannabis normalization. It was also the site of the very first legal sale of recreational cannabis in California. It is one of the largest and most well-curated stores in the world. Explore its diverse offerings and bask in the legacy of this trailblazing landmark.
Mendocino County: Cultivating Craftsmanship
As we venture north into the Redwoods, Mendocino County unfolds with its landmarks, each contributing to the region’s reputation for craftsmanship and artisanal cultivation. LGBTQ+, BIPOC and women-owned, Plantshop in Ukiah emerges as a botanical sanctuary, showcasing outdoor, sun-grown, biodynamic flower, artisanal products, and an outdoor consumption lounge. This landmark honors the story of the back-to-the-land movement in Mendocino County which gave rise to The Emerald Triangle and the modern-day craft cannabis market known for terpene rich, top-shelf cannabis. Here, enthusiasts can explore a diverse range of cultivars. Lounge experiences include bands, DJs, yoga classes, guided art classes, dab takeovers, a cannabis beverage bar, farmer’s markets and demos.
The Bohemian Chemist in Philo marks our next stop, symbolizing Mendocino’s commitment to innovation. This cannabis apothecary and lounge with a vintage vibe represents the intersection of science and artistry, where cannabis is crafted with precision and passion. Their in-house line of cannabis flower, pre-rolls, and concentrates comes from their generational Sugar Hill Farm, named after the founder’s mother who originally cultivated the farm. Delve into the chemistry behind the cultivars and delve into your experience (and contribute to cannabis science) by participating in their “E Effects” survey. Bonus: Sugar Hill Farm’s cultivator is female and the shop and farm are LBGTQ+ owned.
Sol de Mendocino completes our trio of landmarks in Mendocino County, celebrating the region’s commitment to sustainable and sun-grown cannabis. Nestled in the heart of the charming village of Mendocino, this landmark with an ocean view offers a selection of premium products and is known for carrying some of the best local top-tier cannabis. This landmark honors the story of Pebbles Trippet, the pioneering woman who led the charge to take on the Supreme Court, litigate and change medical marijuana transport laws using her constitutional rights.
Humboldt: Where Legends Grow
Our trail reaches its hub in Humboldt County, a legendary region renowned for its pristine views and world-class cannabis cultivation, which started with the “Back to the Land” movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
The first landmark honors The Hemp Connection history of downtown Garberville. The Hemp Connection, founded by sustainability pioneer Marie Mills, was the first hemp shop in the United States after cannabis prohibition, and served as an ongoing hub for sustainable practices and community engagement. Though it closed in 2022, the historic and important Hemp Connection history is remembered and celebrated at the Southern Humboldt Visitors Center alongside photos and remembrance. Stop by to learn more about its cultural impact and the vital hemp history of SoHum.
Tucked away between Briceland and Whitethorn, Huckleberry Hill Farms, our next cultural landmark, is a testament to local farmers’ artistry and dedication. This landmark honors the resilience of the tight knit community of the Emerald Triangle’s small craft farmers during the war on drugs. Amidst rolling hills and sun-drenched fields, Huckleberry Hill Farms cultivates premium cultivars, contributing to Humboldt’s status as a global cannabis epicenter. Enrich your Emerald Triangle experience with an unforgettable visit to this legacy farm. Remember to book your tour at least a month in advance.
Our journey reaches a pivotal point in Eureka at the Humboldt Cannabis Tours Depot, a gateway to immersive experiences. With several curated tours to choose from, visit featured cannabis farms while diving into the region’s history, cultivation techniques, and the vibrant community that has shaped Humboldt into a cannabis haven. The Humboldt Cannabis Tours Depot sets the stage for an enlightening expedition along The Cannabis Trail. They are also an excellent resource for cannabis-friendly hotels and keep an up-to-date- local events calendar. This landmark honors the story of The Hippie Trail and the work of Legendary cannabis seed hunter Douglas Fir and the Father of CBD Lawrence Ringo, both pioneers whose ground-breaking work continues to influence the modern cannabis industry today.
The Cannabis Trail: Unveiling History and Culture
The Cannabis Trail weaves together the stories of these nine landmarks, creating a narrative that spans the diverse landscapes of Humboldt & Mendocino counties, Oakland and more. Beyond the lush fields and city streets, The Cannabis Trail reflects a plant’s resilience, innovation, and cultural significance that has woven itself into the fabric of California’s identity. The full trail spans nine counties and twenty points of interest and is constantly evolving, much like the story of cannabis in Northern California.
This trail is not just a physical journey but a celebration of the pioneers, artisans, and advocates who have transformed cannabis into a cultural phenomenon. Join us as we traverse The Cannabis Trail, connecting with the soul of California’s cannabis culture and uncovering the stories that have shaped this remarkable journey. Get ready to immerse yourself in a trailblazing adventure, where each landmark is a chapter in the ever-evolving cannabis saga in the Golden State. Before you begin your journey, be sure to peruse the Know Before You Go guide.
