Seven Years On
It’s incredible that seven years have passed since Craig and I were on the cover of Emerald Magazine. We had a long talk as a family; our “coming out” of the green closet as we say was monumental. Years and years we moved through our lives quietly working, tending to our land and our children; me, the “housewife” with my town job and volunteer work and Craig worked “construction.” Our community in our beloved SoHum knew the truth, as well as our close friends and family. We were pot farmers (we now go by cannabis farmers as language changes with the times), though we dared not speak a word of that outside the safety of Humboldt County, and in all truth, even then one minded their words in certain company.
It was hard living outside our full truth and full selves. It was painful really. So much to share and explore, so much to be proud about, and so many accomplishments despite the trials and tribulations that come with farming. But all of it was kept behind our closed gate and closed selves. And with good reason. The war on drugs was real and is real, and weed was classified as a schedule 1 substance, right alongside the real heavy hitters. People were and still are in prison for this plant and the stigma that comes along with growing and consuming weed, true or not, is as real as real can be.
Craig and I have over two decades of stories, but we’ll save that for our podcast. I’m simply reflecting on these past years, how I never would have imagined me and my husband on the cover of a magazine, openly, nervously, and dare I say proudly telling all who will hear who we are. Since that time, an “industry” has been built around a way of being and living that many of us known and unknown created. Grateful for the opportunity to come out, to speak our truth, to challenge, dismiss and overcome myths and falsehoods, to connect with community on issues surrounding social injustices and issues concerning the earth, soil, and water in regards to farming and our future, to openly outreach to consumers, researchers, and educators, and for our courage to pushback on issues that would harm our lives and livelihood.
Most of us who farm cannabis are fluid in our lives. We are multi-dimensional beings who contribute considerably to our communities, our partners, our children and ourselves. I’m hoping my honesty will normalize my life and our families way of living to the masses, and that in time the majority of people will see this plant and her potential as one of the greatest gifts to this earth. Her being and lessons have remained steadfast, but our relationship with her has clearly been an evolution. The past seven years have shown how quickly one can right a wrong, whether it be through our right to finally put her roots in the earth where they belong, release those imprisoned for working with her, or to seamlessly and safely reach those in need of the medicine she provides.
It’s exciting to see where this will all go. It’s been an honor to be in this place at this time. Craig and me, two little pioneers in a long line of pioneers, who quietly dare to take this seed and share her love and blessings with the world.
