Nestled deep in the heart of Humboldt County, surrounded by towering redwoods and the scent of fresh pine, we embarked on a journey that changed the way we see—and truly understand—cannabis.
Through the Ganjier certification program, we explored the art, science, and soul of cannabis with a small group of passionate learners, guided by some of the industry's most respected experts.
If you haven’t heard of the Ganjier program before, it’s often described as the cannabis industry’s equivalent to a sommelier certification—designed to elevate the standard for cannabis service, evaluation, and education. Developed by a council of respected experts, the Ganjier curriculum blends deep sensory analysis with cannabis business acumen and cultural history.
The goal? To cultivate a new class of certified professionals who can assess cannabis quality with accuracy, guide consumer experiences with confidence, and champion the craft with care.
This immersive day wasn’t just educational—it was transformative. I’d love to take you along for the ride and offer a glimpse into what this unique experience is all about.
A Sacred Start in a Historic Dojo
We began our journey in a quiet dojo, once a kung fu training sanctuary, where the energy of discipline and respect lingered in the air. It was the perfect place to ground ourselves before diving into the deeply intentional practice of cannabis evaluation.
Learning the Language of Cannabis
Under the guidance of legacy legends Kevin Jodrey, Swami Chaitanya, and Wendy Kornberg, we learned how to evaluate flower with a trained eye—and nose. We explored trichomes, flower structure, terpene profiles, and the nuanced qualities that separate good cannabis from truly exceptional cannabis. We also learned from Nikka T, a master of hash and concentrates, whose deep expertise in solventless extraction added another dimension to our education.
This process wasn’t just about observation—it was about calibration. Speaking a shared language of quality allowed our group to develop a collective understanding, creating consistency in evaluation that felt both scientific and soulful.
This entire experience was made possible thanks to Max Simon, who co-founded the Ganjier program alongside a council of respected cannabis experts, including educators like Nick Tanem, Swami Chaitanya, Kevin Jodrey, and others.
Inspired by the structure of wine sommeliers and cigar masters, they envisioned a rigorous, multi-disciplinary program that would raise the standard for cannabis appreciation, service, and expertise. Ganjier isn’t just a title—it’s a calling to serve the plant and community with integrity and intention.
The depth of thought and collaboration that went into building the curriculum—from sensory evaluation to processing methodology and contemporary consumption—was evident in every moment of our experience.
Nourishment and Connection
Lunch was a comforting bowl of creamy soup, prepared by Chef Alex Scherma—also a certified Ganjier—using ingredients sourced entirely from the surrounding region. The meal reflected the values of the day: intention, locality, and care.
It wasn’t just food—it was fuel for deeper conversation, shared reflection, and connection with the people walking this path together. Huge thanks to Chef Alex for crafting such a thoughtful, seasonal dish that nourished both body and spirit.
Putting Knowledge Into Practice
In the afternoon, we put theory into action. Together, we evaluated flower samples, applying the Ganjier methodology with surprising alignment. Despite different backgrounds and perspectives, our results were strikingly similar—a testament to the clarity and structure of the training.
It was fascinating to see how our individual assessments translated into formal Ganjier scorecards—scoring categories like aroma, appearance, flavor, and experience using a shared rubric. One flower we evaluated—Black Cherry Runtz from Fallen Oak Farm—received an overall score of 88, with strong marks in experience (8.8) and aroma (7.5), highlighting the strain’s standout traits.
Walking the Rows with Johnny Casali at Huckleberry Hill Farms
The day continued with a scenic trip to Huckleberry Hill Farms, home to the legendary Whitethorn Rose and a model for regenerative, sun-grown cannabis cultivation. We were welcomed by founder Johnny Casali, a second-generation Humboldt grower whose story is as powerful as the flower he produces.
In 1992, Johnny was arrested for cultivating cannabis on his family’s land—a nonviolent offense that led to a 10-year federal sentence due to mandatory minimum laws. After serving eight years, he returned home to a community that embraced him, and he has since become a vocal advocate for legacy farmers and equitable cannabis policy.
Johnny’s farm is more than a business—it’s a tribute to resilience, community, and the belief that cannabis can be grown in harmony with nature. With practices rooted in sustainability, biodiversity, and deep respect for the plant, Huckleberry Hill stands as a living example of what’s possible when tradition, advocacy, and environmental stewardship come together. Learn more about Huckleberry Hill Farms here.
Encountering Whitethorn Rose
While walking through the rows of sun-grown cannabis, one flower in particular stood out—Whitethorn Rose, a signature strain from Huckleberry Hill Farms. Visually striking and incredibly aromatic, this cultivar offered a complex bouquet that unfolded in layers: notes of fruit punch, creamy berry, soft florals, and earthy funk drifted through the air.
A cross between Lemon OG and Paradise Punch, Whitethorn Rose is beloved not just for its beauty but for its deeply expressive aroma profile. In a recent Ganjier review by Fat Nugs Magazine, the strain was praised for being “as beautiful as it is fragrant,” with a scent experience described as unmatched by other cultivars. Tending to this plant and taking the time to evaluate it thoughtfully was a moment of stillness—a powerful reminder of how intentional cultivation can elevate not just a product, but an experience.
A Moment to Reflect
As the sun began to set, we gathered for a heartfelt closing ceremony—a final moment to reflect on everything we had learned, seen, and felt throughout the day. The Ganjier experience deepened our respect for cannabis not just as a product, but as a plant with profound cultural, sensory, and environmental significance. Like fine wine or craft chocolate, truly exceptional cannabis deserves thoughtful evaluation, shared language, and deep appreciation.
We’re deeply grateful for the craft, the teachers, and the community members who continue to walk this path—those who choose to keep learning, sharing, and uplifting one another through this powerful plant.
Closing Ceremony & Lasting Gratitude
We ended the day with a closing ceremony—a quiet acknowledgment of everything we had learned, experienced, and felt. The Ganjier experience reminded us that cannabis is worthy of reverence.
We left Humboldt with a stronger connection to the people, plants, and practices shaping the future of cannabis. Whether you're a curious enthusiast or an industry professional, the Ganjier program is a powerful reminder of how far intention, education, and community can take you.
Special thanks to the Ganjier guides who made this experience so impactful—Wendy, Swami, Amanda, Nick, Kevin, and Derek. Your passion, wisdom, and generosity continue to elevate the cannabis community. We’re grateful to learn from you and excited to carry this knowledge forward.
