The Emerald Triangle is a geographic area in Northern California that was named for its role as the United States’ biggest cannabis-producing region. The area comprises three counties, Humboldt County, Trinity County, and Mendocino County.
Cannabis cultivation in the Emerald Triangle dates back to the 1960s, when growers from the San Francisco Bay Area came to the region in search of more land and a more permissive environment for their operations. Since then, the Emerald Triangle has been at the epicenter of the American cannabis industry, producing some of the highest-quality strains of marijuana in the world.
In recent years, Emerald Triangle growers have faced increasing pressure from law enforcement and DCC regulation, as well as from competing cannabis producers in California. However, the Emerald Triangle remains the heart of the American cannabis industry, and its growers are among the most experienced and knowledgeable in the country.
The Emerald Triangle Appellation – What Makes It Truly Special
The Definition of Appellation:
a geographical name (as of a region, village, or vineyard) under which a winegrower is authorized to identify and market wine also: the area designated by such a name.
In the wine industry appellation is very important. It is used to designate where the grapes were grown that made the wine. It also can give an indication of the style of wine. For example, many Napa Valley wines are big and bold, while wines from the Willamette Valley in Oregon are often more delicate.
These different areas where wine grapes are grown provide different environments, also known as terroir, defined as the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate.
- The characteristic taste and flavor imparted to a wine by the environment in which it is produced.
As we see with all agriculture, different plants perform better in different places. The Emerald Triangle has the perfect environment to grow some of the best cannabis in the world.
Trouble in The Triangle – Legality Didn’t Promise Prosperity
With the legalization of commercial cannabis in California, came a slew of regulations and competitors to the market. With strong competition and a quick expansion of legal cannabis producers, came commoditized pricing of weed. Recent price crashes have hurt farmers across the state. Emerald Triangle farmers are no different, as they’ve been struggling to keep up with the changing markets.
Emerald Triangle farmers have responded in a few ways. Some have diversified their product offerings, while others have decided to focus on more niche or premium strains. Others have exited the market altogether.
Despite the challenges, Emerald Triangle farmers are still producing some of the best cannabis available on the market.
How Can We Help the Emerald Triangle
Farming is a full-time job, especially for California pot farmers. Managing a farm and trying to reach the cannabis consumer has proven to be a very hard task for many.
We can help by helping share our experiences with cannabis and helping to spotlight these craft growers that have sacrificed their whole life for this plant that brings us all so much relief and joy.
Educating others on the value of sun-grown clean cannabis, and giving them a better understanding of what really makes a better product (i.e terpene profiles, the entourage effect, growing & feeding practices, curing environment, etc).
