Walking into the 4th Annual Emerald Exchange was the beginning of a spiritual experience. Tucked quietly on a private farm in the center of Moorpark’s breathtaking southern California terrain, this cannabis market has become one of California’s premier events for resource and information exchange, education, revelation, and fun in the cannabis community.
If you are looking for an intimate, holistic approach to defining your own creative health — then the Emerald Exchange is absolutely for you.
Tents and teepees pepper the landscape as conscious cannabis consumers move from vendor to vendor, discovering the latest in products and holistic healing options. This event doesn’t have the standard “green rush” vibe but more of a peaceful gathering for people with a deep affection for, and responsibility to, both the plant and the land it grows in.
Here, farmers are alchemists, offering beautiful strains in their commitment to provide the best product from the ground up. In a frenzied market where people are clamoring to cash in, these farmers are solely focused on the principles of their generational forefathers — growing true to the spirit of how God intended it to be.
Some techniques showcased over the weekend included:
- Companion planting
- Soil building
- Creating micro climates
- Outdoor sun grown harvests
- Dry farming
It is clear the intent is to foster the direct connection between Modesto County, the Emerald Triangle, and Northern California growers to provide the country’s best cannabis practices. The event is more than a showcase, it’s an inclusive experience.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I’ll let the following photographs by Kaylia Boshard do most of the talking.
Farmers and business owners from all over the region brought their innovative products and packaging. As a branding and marketing gal, I was incredibly impressed with the creative displays at the event.
Never one to miss out on an opportunity to share good eats, I indulged in the incredible variety of food and beverage choices throughout the market.
There was no shortage of creative expression in this budding creative culture. From artists to musicians, chefs, and innovative scientists — the playlist of interesting creatives was quite full. Even with all there was to do at the event, I knew I had to spend a moment to just relax and take it all in.
In short, the event was a smashing success. One thing is certain — the culture of cannabis is evolving quickly and the future looks bright and healthy.