Indy Riggs

For years, headlines have focused on the struggles and supposed demise of California’s cannabis industry. The challenges are real, but what often gets overlooked are the stories of resiliency, innovation, and success — especially here in Humboldt County. Many of these stories are rooted in community, and just as importantly, in collaboration.

We can already see glimpses of this future. At the 2025 California State Fair, cannabis was showcased alongside traditional agriculture with pride and legitimacy. The California Cannabis Awards and Experience ran the full length of the fair, from July 11–27, and Humboldt farmers brought home numerous honors — including several of the coveted Golden Bear awards. Some of these awards recognized exceptional flower, while others highlighted collaboration: farmers growing premium flower that was transformed into award-winning hash, edibles, or pre-rolls. These accolades showcase what is possible when Humboldt cultivators work together, strengthening not just individual businesses but the entire region’s reputation.

There are also recent legislative celebrations such as AB 564, which has moved on to the governor’s desk. The governor is expected to sign AB 564 before the close of this legislative season, marking a significant win for small farms and consumers alike. By temporarily lowering the state cannabis excise tax from 19% to 15%, AB 564 eases one of the most burdensome costs in the legal marketplace. While four percentage points may not sound like much, the change means more breathing room for small operators struggling to compete with large-scale corporate producers and the illicit market. It also delivers savings for consumers — helping to make legal cannabis more accessible and competitive. This policy shift is a recognition by lawmakers that if California wants a thriving, regulated cannabis industry, it must support the legal industry when competing in a state where only 45% of California residents live in jurisdictions that allow retail sales.

These successes are even more remarkable when seen in context. The industry still faces daunting headwinds: corporate consolidation in the retail and distribution sectors, massive new cultivation in drought-stricken Central California, competition from an unregulated hemp market, and a wholesale price that continues to hover at or less than the cost of production. Yet despite these challenges, Humboldt County farmers continue to shine — demonstrating not just resilience today, but a legacy of excellence that can guide the industry for generations to come.

Humboldt County grows some of the finest cannabis in the world. Our farmers’ reputation for quality is being validated not only by awards, but by the recognition of manufacturers and consumers across California, who seek out Humboldt-grown flower as the cleanest and most potent in the state. That recognition, yet to command a higher market value to farmers, continues to demonstrate their dedication, craftsmanship, and integrity.

With an intrepid desire to work together, these strengths will multiply. Collaboration has shown there is a path forward through advocacy and organic partnerships between farms and ancillary businesses. Cooperation is helping to shape an industry with vision — one that is moving steadily toward sustainability and a more resilient future. A potent example of this work, HCGA teamed up last year with Emerald Triangle Craft to launch the 12 Jays of X-Mas — a holiday gift box featuring joints from small legacy farms across the Emerald Triangle including six from Humboldt — selling 500 boxes of local craft cannabis across the state. This is a collaboration that is now seeing its second year. To learn how you can support this project, our local farmers, and Humboldt County Growers’ Alliance, please visit www.emeraldtrianglecraft.com.

Success will reinforce collaboration, recognition will attract opportunity, and hope will grow into lasting sustainability. Humboldt County Growers’ Alliance realizes this vision and, with continued community support, political advocacy, education, and everyday commitment to our farmers — we are building a future where Humboldt cannabis is not only sustainable but thriving. As the hard lines of prohibition keep fading away, the road forward continues to be rocky, yet the opportunities for success are expanding, rooted in collaboration and in community.

Indy Riggs is a lifelong Humboldt County resident and currently serves as the vice chair for the Humboldt County Growers’ Alliance (HCGA) Board of Directors. He is also a founding member of the Cooperative Agriculture Network (CAN), the founder and CEO of Galactic Farms, and more importantly, he is a farmer, a husband, and a father.