First Cannabis Farmer’s Market

I heard a rumor about the first cannabis farmer’s market happening in Laytonville. I contacted my dear friend Amber O’Neill, who I interviewed for “The Positive Fantastic” podcast in the episode “Another Day in Paradise.” She confirmed that Happy Day Farms would be part of the event, and I decided to make the trek up North to see what was unfolding. 

Many of my cannabis farmer friends have felt saddened by the termination of direct product sales accompanying the legalization of cannabis. My friends at Happy Day don’t just sell weed; they have an integrated vegetable and cannabis farm. They have a history of getting to go to farmer’s markets, and it was really beautiful to see the blend of flower seeds, garlic braids, summer produce, and cannabis on their farm table. 

The market had a great group of farmers. In order to remain legal, the farmers were able to show off their wares, have the public smell their flowers, and then make an arrangement for them to pick up their goods from a nearby dispensary. Direct sales are no longer permissible with the current cannabis law. As the market matures, the hope of the organizers is to create more and more infrastructure, including a possible area for on-site consumption. 

As the world reopens, it’s a delight to see old friends and meet new ones. While I was hanging out the Happy Day booth, Mickey the Clown showed up. I’ve poured wine alongside Mickey many times in the past. Herbalist friends and friends in the cannabis community kept streaming through. I walked the market several times, giving away copy of “Wildfire Weeds.” My book felt like a really great novel to put in the hands of the Mendonesian cannabis farmers. We all got to enjoy the outdoor market, and the all the goodies. 

Although, when it got over 100 degrees outside, Amber and I headed out to her farm with an air-conditioned car ride. We stopped along the way to drop a copy of “Wildfire Weeds” at the Bell Springs Little Free Library that just popped up. And then, I gave Amber several copies of my book to put in her little free library crate in the Happy Day Farmstand on Bell Springs road. 

The great success of the first cannabis farmer’s market made me think that this event in Laytonville will become a perennial endeavor. With any luck, the next market will happen in the Fall.