Humboldt

Humboldt County Cannabis

Over 50 years of cannabis history and culture were developed in Humboldt County. Before California legalized medically in 1996 and recreationally in 2016, Humboldt County was already leading the way for cannabis cultivation and culture on the west coast. Dating back to the 1960s, when people fed up with city life moved to the secluded hills of Humboldt County and started growing not only organic vegetables but cannabis as well.

When the “War on Drugs” brought National Guard ground troops and helicopters into these families’ backyards, it was intense but also kept the price-per-pound healthy and the local economy thriving. At the same time, farmers honed their skills and techniques by implementing ethical and sustainable farming practices. Then, in 1996, with the passage of California’s Proposition 215, Arcata became home to one of the first dispensaries in the state — still open — highlighting the progressive tendencies of the city. Some argue if Humboldt County hadn’t survived the “War on Drugs” in the 1980s, there wouldn't have been the momentum contributing to other states having medicinal or recreational legalization today.

With the legalization of recreational cannabis, Humboldt County and Arcata have been excited to share the rich cultural history, deep knowledge, and relationship with this plant that put this corner of

Be in the know about cannabis

laws in the area you're traveling to, as well as researching dispensaries, lounges, and lodging to avoid surprises along the way.

As legalization

expands and the stigma surrounding recreational cannabis lifts, so will many of its restrictions. For now, the best rule of thumb for all cannabis tourism is to know before you go.

Northern California on the international map.

Cannabis Tourism is one way Humboldt County is expanding the industry and sharing cannabis with visitors. Opportunities range from visiting dispensaries and farms to enjoying cannabis-infused massages and cuisines. One company is breaking ground in facilitating cannabis experiences in Humboldt County. Humboldt Cannabis Tours offers custom-crafted trips, group tours of working cannabis farms, and cannabis-friendly hotel and restaurant recommendations. If you visit the Emerald Triangle, let the cannabis connoisseurs at Humboldt Cannabis Tours help you live like the locals. Humcannabis.com.

California Cannabis & You:

Proposition 64, passed in 2016, allows those over 21 years of age, with a valid ID, to purchase, possess, and consume specific amounts of cannabis in California. Smoking

or ingesting canna-

bis is only legal in private residences or designated public smoking areas and is

not allowed in public places. Driving under the influence of can-

nabis is illegal and could lead to a DUI charge.

Cannabis may only

be purchased at retail outlets licensed by the CA Board of Cannabis Control and comply with local rules related to commercial cannabis activity. There are a number of certified

cannabis dispen-

saries in Arcata. Consumers can verify

the legal status of a

cannabis business at CApotcheck.com.

And remember, even though cannabis is legal in CA, it is

illegal to take or mail cannabis out

of California. Even if you're traveling to a state where cannabis is legal, crossing state lines while carrying cannabis is prohibited.

Visit us at the Arcata Humboldt Welcome Center visitarcata.com • arcatachamber.com

1635 HEINDON ROAD, ARCATA, CA 95521 • 707.822.3619 © 2021 The Arcata Chamber of Commerce

: VISIT ARCATA : VISIT ARCATA

Principal Photography: León Villagómez Contributors: Genesea Black-Lanouette, Annalisa Rush, Molly Steele, Nora Mounce, Jonathan Webster, North Coast Journal, Arcata Chamber of Commerce