Hailing from the vibrant beach culture of San Diego, Scott’s journey into the realm of cannabis began during his high school days. As a young athlete and avid surfer, he discovered the remarkable effects of Humboldt weed, particularly the renowned Trainwreck strain. This first encounter sparked a connection that would shape Scott’s relationship with cannabis for years to come.

Inspired by the Natural World

This intentional use of cannabis to enhance his experiences rather than simply getting stoned became a defining philosophy for Scott. Why get completely stoned when just a little bit of high-quality weed could so easily enhance daily life?

After graduating from Chico State, Scott’s affinity for the great outdoors blossomed. Inspired by Grandma Gatewood, the legendary hiker became famous as the first female solo thru-hiker of the Appalachian Trail in 1955, he embarked on his own adventure along the trail. Falling in love with the freedom and beauty of living outside, he continued his explorations on the Pacific Crest Trail, the Arizona Trail, and even most of the Continental Trail. The call of nature became irresistible, and Scott found solace in the sungrown approach, believing that like flowers, people too thrive under the warm embrace of sunshine.

Scott’s journey led him to a role at Guayaki, where he was the thirteenth employee of the now-famous yerba maté brand. However, his insatiable thirst for adventure and his passion for health and wellness led him to explore new horizons, and Scott worked with outdoor brands like Patagonia and The North Face. Eventually, he took a big leap and landed with a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company’s health and wellness division, ultimately bringing him to Humboldt’s captivating landscapes.

Home in Humboldt

It was in Humboldt that Scott’s path intersected with destiny. One fateful day, while picking up a cup of coffee for his mom in Trinidad, he encountered his future wife. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments where the guy meets the girl barista, and the rest is history. Except, this was really just the launchpad into an even more incredible event in Scott’s life, especially because his wife hails from a second-generation cannabis family.

This encounter opened the doors to a world that Scott had always been familiar with but had yet to explore on a deeper level. In 2007, he married into the family and began working for Novo Nordisk, where he played a crucial role as a health systems manager all across California.

Scott’s unique background in both health and wellness and cannabis cultivation gave him a professional energy that resonated with others. With a deep-rooted appreciation for farming and his family’s agricultural heritage, Scott found himself drawn to the world of cannabis cultivation. The Neukom family, owners of Neukom Farms, recognized Scott’s passion and invited him to work alongside them at their farmer’s market stand. This marked the beginning of Scott’s journey into the realm of food farming and ignited his vision for Humboldt Family Farms.

Driven by a desire to preserve authenticity in the face of impending corporate expansion, Scott and his partners built Humboldt Family Farms from the ground up. Their vision was to support the local farmers who created exceptional products by establishing a farm-to-table experience that celebrated the genuine essence of Humboldt County. Recognizing the imminent challenges of transitioning from wholesale to retail, Scott was committed to going beyond simply slapping a label on products. He wanted to authentically represent the hardworking farmers who exemplified kindness and community-driven values.

Back to the Land

Situated at a lofty elevation of 3,000 feet in the majestic Mad River area in Humboldt County, Humboldt Family Farms is a haven for cannabis enthusiasts. With their deep appreciation for the old-school strains, Scott and his family cultivate a remarkable array of flowers that capture the essence of Humboldt’s rich cannabis heritage.

Nestled amidst this breathtaking landscape, Humboldt Family Farms embraces sustainable practices and an off-grid lifestyle. Their commitment to the environment is evident in every aspect of their operation. Utilizing solar energy and rain catchment systems minimizes their ecological footprint while ensuring a steady water supply. Furthermore, the farm’s 280 acres are meticulously managed to prevent forest fires, and the harvested wood serves multiple purposes, from firewood to artistic projects.

A truly distinctive aspect of Humboldt Family Farms lies in their non-traditional approach to curing and drying their cannabis. Eschewing modern techniques, they employ the time-honored method of wood fire curing. With a combination of solar fans and a wood stove, they meticulously draw out moisture from the plants, allowing them to cure naturally. This careful attention to detail results in flowers with unparalleled terpene profiles and captivating aromas. To maintain the quality of their cured cannabis, they store it in steel hazmat barrels, shielding it from degrading elements such as light, temperature, and airflow.

Scott and his team also prioritize enhancing their soil, recognizing its significance in producing exceptional cannabis. Through a cyclical process, compost from their food farm is reintroduced to the soil, nourishing it with organic matter. In this way, they embrace regenerative practices and eliminate the need to purchase new soil.