CALIFORNIA: The Willow Creek Cannabis Alliance (WCCA) has launched as a voluntary association of local cannabis businesses to support the community and enhance awareness of the exceptional cannabis products crafted in the Willow Creek region and surrounding mountain communities.
The WCCA is made up primarily of cannabis farmers, along with supportive allied businesses. Nineteen members have founded the WCCA, including Aloha Humboldt, Ambrosia Willow Creek, Bridges Academy Farms, Chronic Creek, Dragon with Matches, Emerald Family Farm, Emerald Queen Farms, Fresh Off The Hill, Full Cup Farmstead, Golden Gardens, Grouse Mountain Green, Humboldt Edge Farm, Humboldt Seed Company, Nasha, New Earth Farms, Outlaw Mountain Ranch, Rambling Rose, River Day Farm, Sol Spirit, Sunrise Mountain, Talking Trees, The Emerald Kid and Trinity Sungrown. Jill Forman, CEO of Golden Gardens and Founding Member of the WCCA, notes that “in total, our current membership holds cultivation licenses allowing for 667,832 square feet of outdoor, mixed light and indoor Humboldt County cultivation, which amounts to $2,315,778 in taxes from 19 cannabis businesses given back to the community through 2019.”
Linsey Jones, CEO of Aloha Humboldt as well as WCCA Founding Member, emphasizes that although many members have their own branded farms, “our goal to support all of our members including the other farmers in our community that sell their flower in bulk. We want to showcase northern Humboldt’s beauty and support our community in and out of the cannabis realm.”
The WCCA is planning for a large “Taste of Willow Creek” event in summer 2021 to celebrate the terroir of the region and its product offerings. The aim is “to share our bounty and beautiful community with a revived- craft flower consumption event, Taste of Willow Creek!” says Hannah Whyte, WCCA Founding Member and CEO of Emerald Queen Farms
The WCCA is proactive in the policy realm advocating on behalf of local voices on issues of common interest, and is a proud member of the Humboldt County Growers Alliance (HCGA) and the United Cannabis Business Association (UCBA). “It is wonderful to see and support the development of place-based organizations like the Willow Creek Cannabis Alliance,” says Natalynne DeLapp, Operations Director for the Humboldt County Growers Alliance. “There are incredible cannabis ambassadors in the Willow Creek and surrounding Trinity River area who are able to show how cannabis farming, business development, and land stewardship go hand-in-hand to improve the entire community.”
Members gain voting rights on the Alliance propositions, access to its internal forum, invitation to member meetings and networking events, social media and website visibility, logo placement for events, and leadership opportunities. Businesses interested in getting involved with the WCCA can learn more at www.willowcreekcanna.com/join.