Mendocino Craft Farmers Auction, presented by Mendocino Producers Guild(MPG), is held in Mendocino County. Jim Roberts, Brian Adkinson and The Bohemian Chemist’s cannabis brand are the event hosts. The couple also own Madrone House, a private accommodation and event venue, and The Brambles. This is the location where the MCFA will be held.

Although the event is limited to 150 guests ($200 per ticket, which are tax deductible of course), the offerings planned for auction are experiences you won’t want to pass up. “Auction items will include rare opportunities such as visits and overnight stays at some of the top local cannabis producers’ farms, health and wellness experiences, fine dining and adventures in our world-famous wilderness,” the Eventbrite description states. “Other items offered will include locally made crafts, gift certificates from local businesses, farm products and more. Generous donors should not be surprised if their generosity is matched by growers who want to share from their Private Reserve for a truly unique and coveted experience!”

The live auction will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 16. Guests will also be invited for silent and live bidding and the chance to taste Maple Creek Winery’s wines. Dan Hagopian will prepare dinner. The live auction, which will take place during dessert, will feature live music by Mo Magic (a Covelo farmer).

The Redwood Community Services, Inc. Crisis Response Service will be supported by the proceeds of the auction. The organization offers crisis intervention in Mendocino County with a wide variety of services such as “mental health, evaluation, assessments, intervention, after care and follow up services.” Madrone House also offers a six-bed therapeutic crisis program that aids adults over 18 who are going through a mental health crisis but do not qualify for in-patient hospitalization. “Madrone house provides housing in collaboration with Adventist Health hospitals for identified patients who meet criteria for medical respite as they access services needed for their journey back into the community,” the organization shares on its website.

Many of the Northern California marijuana community’s veteran businesses have survived the industry’s challenges over the years. The companies that operate out of the Emerald Triangle in particular exhibit the industry’s ability to support each other and thrive, and often put a focus on fostering their local community as well.

A cannabis farmer market is another example of a unique experience being brought back into legal marijuana. A legislative committee recently approved Assembly Bill 26,91 in April. This bill would permit small-scale cannabis growers to sell products at farmers markets. Jim Wood (an Assembly member) presented the bill. He secretly feels that it will benefit small cannabis farmers. “It is no secret that cannabis businesses throughout the state are struggling, whether it’s taxes, compliance costs, competing with the illicit market or other challenges, but the focus of AB-2691 is to help legal cannabis farmers who grow less than one acre of cannabis get consumer recognition for their unique products, much as has been done for craft beer, artisanal wine and other family farm agricultural products,” said Wood. “Giving these smaller farmers opportunities at locally approved events to expose the public to their products increases consumer choice and offers farmers a better chance to reach retail shelves which is their ultimate goal. This is not about circumventing retailers, but growing the industry overall.”

MPG hosts already cannabis farmers markets in Laytonville. A May 28th event is being planned, and there will be more June 25th and July 30 gatherings. A total of 30 cannabis-growing companies are taking part in the events. Ten percent of the proceeds will go to the 10 Mile Creek Watershed Council.