After two arrests in two years for cannabis, I realized I needed a fresh start. Despite my passion for the plant, the legal consequences were weighing me down. After a year and a half on probation, I received permission to move to Oregon in the summer of 1996, leaving the East Coast behind to start a new journey.
The Road to Oregon: A Musical, Psychedelic Adventure
That summer was unforgettable. I hit iconic concerts like Phish at Red Rocks Amphitheater and the Clifford Ball festival in upstate New York, along with a legendary Medeski Martin & Wood show at the University of Wisconsin. I explored national treasures like Yellowstone, camped by the Colorado River, and experienced some intense storms and surreal desert adventures. It felt like a real-life version of On The Road.
Cultivating Cannabis in Oregon
When I arrived in Oregon, I was ready to dive into cannabis cultivation. I enrolled in a two-year horticulture program, and soon, I was growing my first indoor plants with a legendary strain called “The Cough,” a Northern Lights #5 x Haze hybrid. Known for its potent terpene profile, it induced coughing fits and a powerful high. Though difficult to grow (taking 75 days to flower), the connoisseurs appreciated its unique effects and flavor.
Oregon’s progressive approach to cannabis dates back to 1972, and by 1998, it had established the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program. This environment fostered a generation of skilled growers, pushing cultivation techniques to new heights across the West Coast. From 1996 to 2015, I consider this the Renaissance Era of cannabis cultivation—where passion, innovation, and resilience drove the craft forward.
The Art of Cultivation
Great cannabis cultivation is like an art form—a dance between the grower and the plant, pushing each other to new heights. This connection to the earth is my grounding force, sustaining me and keeping me rooted in the present, yet also allowing a vision for the future.
A Turning Point: Advocating for Medical Cannabis
In 2006, I suffered a severe injury that almost ended my life, requiring a coral-based putty to repair a skull fracture. Afterward, I relied on cannabis instead of prescription pain medications, which inspired me to become a patient advocate. My mission now is to support legacy cannabis growers in adapting to an evolving market and work with sustainable cultivation methods aiming for net-zero carbon footprints. I’m also committed to expanding financial access for cannabis entrepreneurs.
Moving Forward in the Cannabis Industry
Not everyone has equal opportunities in the current cannabis economy, and I believe in advocating for a fairer system. If you’re interested in connecting about my work in cultivation or sustainability, find me on LinkedIn or Instagram @innernodegardens.
