EMERALD CUP HARVEST BALL

Bobby presents Jack Herer’s son Dan with the “420 Icons” certificate at the Leaf booth.

The late Frenchy Cannoli’s wife, Madame Cannoli (center), and protege Belle (right) hitting the hookah with Swami and Solventless Hash winner Alice Reis (left).

DEC. 10-11, 2022 | SONOMA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS | SANTA ROSA, CA THE EMERALD CUP HARVEST BALL

Tom and Ricker with fire flower breeders & cultivators @youknowwazgood_, @hummingbirdhills, @masonicsmoker4.0, @lordkushthefirst, @bradloethen and @insaneseeds It was just after 4 o’clock in the morning, as a throng of saucer-eyed California Cannabis legends bathed in beats in a Santa Rosa warehouse, shaking it like they were trying to put out a four-alarm rump fire, when it hit me.

It feels like everything’s changed. But so many of the good things have stayed the same.

The Emerald Cup continues to be the cultural gathering of the year for the California Cannabis community, with this year’s Harvest Ball collecting cultivators, hash makers, artists, connoisseurs and creators from all over the world to revel in the power of the plant.

The Cookies-sponsored DJ booth lights up the evening skies.

The annual “Cannabis elders” photo, organized by Hemp Museum founder Amy Fisher (bottom right).

Headliner E-40 delivered an electrifying performance. Canna Country Farms’ co-owner Ted Blair holds up his Nov. 2022 Strain of the Month spread with Tom holding their Farm Profile.

Rain and the elements did not dampen the bright enthusiasm of attendees.

“Once again, we didn’t bring enough empty jars, and ended up walking around with handfuls of sticky, dank freshness from our farmer friends.”

Jason Gellman of Ridgeline Farms shows off his new flavors to Travis Williams, @taproot_travis.

The vibe permeating this year’s Ball was one of respect and reverence for what came before, commingling with the hopeful anticipation of inevitable change on the horizon.

Whether it be the gathering of the legends in the Area 101 building, the sets from E40 and Channel Tres, the afterparty with Fleetmac Wood, the ceremonial lighting of Frenchy Cannoli’s hookah, or the dozens and dozens of beautifully built booths showing off the latest and greatest – the Leaf was there, soaking it all in. Once again, we didn’t bring enough empty jars, and ended up walking around with handfuls of sticky, dank freshness from our farmer friends. Once again, we pushed it until sunrise, engaging in energized conversation about the future of the community and what we all need to accomplish next year and beyond. And, once again, we were blown away by the passion and power of our evolving community, as we all continue to build a culture and an industry powered by the plant that has impacted our lives so completely. Thank you to Tim and Taylor Blake, the Emerald Cup team, and the California Cannabis family for another one for the books. We’re looking forward to measuring ourselves against the door jamb again next year.

Legendary activist Pebbles Trippet holds the Leaf. Art and performance was everywhere. The Emerald Cup team pulled off another impressive and community-building event.

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