MENDOCINO CO., 5/14/25 — A two-day workshop in Philo on Sunday and Monday will show cannabis growers how they can legally safeguard the intellectual property of their plants.
The nonprofit cannabis group Origins Council, in partnership with California State Polytechnic University Humboldt, University of California Berkeley and a few other advocacy groups, will host a panel discussion at The Brambles in Philo to showcase their work on the Legacy Cannabis Genetics study — a project exploring the history and genetics of cannabis to help farmers protect their outdoor, high-quality weed as a regionally recognized product. This event is part of a statewide series hosted by the research team.
The panel will highlight the researchers’ work on a community-based participatory project funded by a $2.7 million grant from the California Department of Cannabis Control. The study, officially titled “Legacy Cannabis Genetics: People and Their Plants,” focuses on community outreach and public education to help growers define, document and legally protect the genetics of their cannabis, like how the northeast region of France has legally protected Champagne wine.
Genine Coleman, executive director of Origins Council and a former cannabis worker with about 20 years of experience, said these panel discussions will give community members a chance to ask questions and offer feedback on the study. In addition, Coleman said public meetings are key to getting cannabis growers involved.
“We’ve identified geographic areas for research, so this is really about engaging the local community,” Coleman said in an interview. “Giving them a chance to meet the research team, ask questions, and find out how they can get involved if they’re interested.”
In total, eight panel discussions will be held in prominent cannabis regions throughout California, from Nevada City to San Diego.
“We just held our first event in Nevada City, and meeting people face-to-face is so meaningful,” Coleman added. “There’s a real opportunity to honor and preserve the history of cannabis cultivation — especially as our elders pass on — and also to support growers and breeders as they move forward in the commercial space.”
The next panel discussion will be held at The Brambles in Philo, a multipurpose venue operated by the owners of The Madrones — a cannabis-focused tourism destination.
The event will be held Sunday and Monday from 1 to 5 p.m. Each day will feature a panel discussion with the study’s research team, followed by a question-and-answer session with attendees. After the panel, researchers will demonstrate their work in herbarium science and explain various aspects of the project. Speakers will also cover topics including public policy, genetic research and the oral history of cannabis in California.
It is recommended that attendees register in advance. Registration information is available here.