The Golden Bear goes to... David Silverstone of Silver Dragon

Mendo Crumble is about a man, a dream, and the determination to see it through. A farmer who is committed to growing clean organic cannabis. It may not be the Oscars, but it was one of the biggest wins in California history. In 2022, the California State Fair added Cannabis to its agriculture competitions. Awards were given out in all categories. Only 10 Golden Bears were available. The best of the best, David Silverstone's "Mendo Crumble" won for its high terpene profile. It was the first year for the state and the first year of many Golden Bears for Silver Dragon Cannabis. David Silverstone, a California native, was born in San Francisco and raised in the Bay Area. He attended college in San Francisco and in London. For a time he worked in Hollywood, and it was during this period David started attending classes on permaculture. He continued his learning and developed a deep passion for regenerative soil and studied biodynamics developed by Rudolph Steiner. He purchased and established his farm in 2006 and named it Silver Dragon. Silver for his last name and Dragon for the land and what it represents. The property comprises 155 acres of forest and 15 acres of beautifully designed sustainable gardens with several rescued animals in attendance. "The Field of Dreams is the largest garden on my farm and consists of 123 holes in the ground that have been continuously cultivated for the past eight years, and High Garden has 42 holes that have been cultivated for the past eighteen years. The soil is like coffee grounds, rich and full of microbial diversity and loamy.

Black Oaks, Madrones, Douglas Fir, and Pine Trees surround the property. A wide range of fruit and olive trees, roses, flowers, grasses, herbs and berries are interlaced among the cannabis plants. Beneath the soil of the cannabis plants, you can find potatoes growing. The synergy of nature, in perfect earth harmony, all contribute to a sustaining and regenerative environment. " It is also perceivable by the people who consume the produce. There is much more to the world that we measure and see with our own eyes, and the spirit within can discern subtle yet important differences between factory-farmed medicine and alchemical-created medicine. The method inputs used in agricultural production affect the quality of the produce."David has lived off the gird for almost 20 years, growing cannabis and connecting with the land. Foregoing many of life's creature comforts. Was it worth it? Would he do it again?

It is more worth living off the grid today than ever before. It is easier as well with the advances in technology. I would not trade living amongst nature for a block of concrete crowded with cars any day.

If you don't know Silverstone then you may be clueless...

As small farmers and growers walk away from growing cannabis, legacy cannabis genetics are at risk of being lost or are already lost. Genetic libraries have been created to preserve what can be collected. The loss of genetic favorites or medicinally aligned varietal strains could disappear. When David was asked about his concerns about legacy genetics, he replied, " Legacy genetics are being passed along to home growers now; if they persist, it will be in the hands of the small and the few. The marketplace, in general, has already lost 95% of its legacy genetics, and there ultimately will be only a few strains common in the marketplace if this continues; this would be a great loss to many people who have different body chemistries who benefit from more unique and uncommon cannabinoid profiles and terpene profiles. If this trend continues, many will abstain from cannabis who might otherwise benefit from it because it only serves a limited body chemistry type and needs a limited range of effects on the consumer." David is a well-known environmentalist, soil regenerator, survivalist, and multi-award-winning for his cannabis. He believes in healing the planet and growing some of the best cannabis in Northern California. Getting his product to market and on dispensary shelves has been a challenge. He is not alone in this; many growers are in the same position. It is getting harder and harder to get products on the shelves of dispensaries. Once they are on the shelves, they compete with corporate cannabis brands. Many consumers only look at the THC content and flashy labels. Rarely do consumers read the label and see where and how the cannabis is grown. Many growers today are barely scraping by, including David. The cost of purchasing cannabis from growers has dropped significantly. Growers need help to hire help. The price margins are that low.This past season, Silver Dragon Cannabis, had zero workers to support the property, and David managed the plants from start to finish. This is not uncommon; it is becoming the norm for those who grow cannabis. Many take side jobs to put food on the table, while others struggle to pay their bills and licensing fees. It's tuff out there for small cannabis farmers. Whether your purchasing cannabis in California, Oklahoma, or Colorado, please do your research and find out what the farm is all about and what its process entails before purchasing and supporting small farmers in your state.