Humboldt County, California

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Now the local growers and community leaders are nervous about the prospects of legal marijuana as they're already experiencing declining prices and a more competitive marketplace due to the increase in hydroponic grow operations throughout California and even Colleges like Oasterdam in Oakland teaching classes of enterprising students how to set-up and manage grow-operations. The reality is sinking in that Humboldt County will one day lose it's unique advantage. A new community action group called "What's after Pot?" was formed in Humboldt County and meetings have been held to discuss ideas and plan for the future.

The concept of creating a "Napa Valley" like scenario within Humboldt County has been one suggestions put forward and certainly once marijuana has been decriminalized in California it makes perfect sense to promote Cannabis Tourism but it's hard to imagine that this alone would replace the dollars from growing an selling illicit weed. However, the idea of going on a Emerald Triangle Tasting Tour definitely sounds appealing but after the first farm it would be more enticing to hang-out and kick-back, or go hiking in the Redwoods than driving to the next bud boutique. Maybe a cannabis hall of fame would generate revenue? Or specialized medicinal marijuana health spas would help but again look at the tiny profit ratios compared to growing pot plants. I'd say the growers of Humboldt are faced with a really challenging problem; where to grow from here?

It may be necessary for the Emerald Triangle cannabis growers to form an association (if they haven't already) and hire savvy marketing firms to trademark and develop their brands. They may need to get more scientific about their farming and cultivation techniques in an effort to discover genetic breakthroughs. Adopt methods to take advantage of the trend towards organic and build a stronger reputation for outdoor grown exotic weed, plus espouse the benefits of their geographical location, the soil and unique methods of plant propagation. If it hasn't been done already a growers co-op may need to be formed to negotiate wholesale deals with the leading cannabis dispensaries. These pioneer growers are going to need to work together to overcome the adversity of a new economic paradigm, where anyone can legally grow weed. The great growers of Humboldt are going to need to out-grow the competition.