When one thinks of the pot culture holiday of 420 it often leads to thoughts of groups of people standing in circles, passing a joint while blowing billows of clouds out into the atmosphere. This afternoon in celebration of 420 journalists gathered on the Cal Poly Humboldt campus to attend a Cannabis Panel Discussion. The group of journalists and the presenters were served munchies, catered by Slice of Pie Humboldt, instead of cannabis infused treats.

            Cal Matters hosted the event along with Cal Poly Humboldt to speak about the issues and challenges that face the cannabis industry. The panel discussed how sensationalism of the cannabis industry led to prohibition. The panel examined how journalist can work towards destigmatizing the usage of cannabis, the cannabis market and farms. The concern is that local control and government interference is imposing unbalanced regulations upon cannabis farmers and those within the industry.  

            Local journalist Kym Kymp was amongst those speaking at the event. Kemp shared how her long history with the OG growers of southern Humboldt helped her gain access to stories that she could share to the mediascape, bringing light to the issues. Often citing anonymous sources Kemp explains that it is trust in her character and that of a small-town journalist that gains her the access to the cannabis community.

“Build your audience and your trust with the audience,” said Kemp.

            Cal Poly Humboldt’s Journalism Department Chair Dr. Kirby Moss spoke at the event on how the cannabis industry has changed along with the coverage of cannabis issues in the press. Moss spoke of the public’s interest in “pot culture” and how after legalization took place in 2016 the student’s interest was beginning to wane. Moss states that the news coverage had developed into just the cannabis policies, business aspects and accounting.

A local reporter who works for Kemp’s Red Headed Blackbelt, Nichole Norris spoke of the lawsuit against the Humboldt Counties cannabis abatement program and the subsequent issues growers face. Explaining that it was after seeing firsthand the legal cases coming into a local law office that made her feel a calling to report fairly on the plights those in the cannabis industry are facing due to over regulation.

The filmmaker Claire Weissbluth wanted to show local cannabis farmers who were farming using regenerative practices. The documentary follows three family cannabis farms that are growing cannabis while instilling sustainable practices. Weissbluth’s film Tending the Garden was showcased and played for the attendees at the event.

There were no clouds of smoke funneling out of the Cal Poly Humboldt’s event space on this 420. Cal Matters and Cal Poly Humboldt provided a mini 420 celebration where participants feasted on delicious smelling empanadas, followed by a private screening of a locally produced documentary.