California Study Explores Legacy Cannabis Genetics and Cultural History Through Public Webinar Series
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A groundbreaking study funded by a $2.7 million grant from the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is delving into the **history, communities, and botany of California’s legacy cannabis genetics.
The community-based participatory research (CBPR) project aims to preserve and document the genetic and cultural heritage of cannabis in the state, with a focus on communities impacted by cannabis criminalization.
Study Highlights and Goals
-Preservation of Genetic and Cultural History**:
The project emphasizes the contributions of communities that have historically cultivated and maintained unique cannabis strains under challenging conditions.
- Cultural and Scientific Value: Insights from the study will contribute to better understanding cannabis genetics and the societal impacts of past cannabis policies.
- Focus on Equity: The project seeks to restore value to those who risked their freedom to sustain high-quality cannabis genetics.
**Key Contributors**
The research is led by a multidisciplinary team of experts, including:
- **Dr. Dominic Corva**: Principal Investigator and Assistant Professor of Sociology at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt.
- **Genine Coleman**: Executive Director of Origins Council.
- **Dr. Todd Holmes**: Historian with UC Berkeley's Oral History Center.
- **Dr. Eleanor Kuntz**: Co-founder of Canndor and CEO of LeafWorks.
- **Khalil Ferguson**: President and CEO of United Core Alliance (UCA).
- **Dr. Marj Plumb**: CBPR expert and project advisor.
**Free Public Webinars**
As part of its outreach efforts, the project is hosting a series of **free, public Zoom webinars** through January 2025. Each session includes presentations by experts followed by a Q&A session.
**Webinar Schedule**
1. **Thursday, Nov. 21**: *Ethnography & Political Geography*
- Dr. Dominic Corva discusses ethnographic interviews and their role in the project.
2. **Friday, Dec. 6**: *Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)*
- Dr. Plumb, Dr. Holmes, Genine Coleman, and Khalil Ferguson present the study’s culturally sensitive outreach and engagement methodology.
3. **Friday, Dec. 20**: *Oral Histories*
- Dr. Todd Holmes shares insights into the 100 hours of oral history interviews being conducted.
4. **Friday, Jan. 17**: *Herbarium Science & Plant Genetics*
- Dr. Eleanor Kuntz and LeafWorks partners discuss the role of cannabis genetics in the study.
5. **Friday, Jan. 31**: *Intellectual Property & Public Policy*
- Genine Coleman explores the implications of genetic resource management and policy.
Advance registration is encouraged and available on the [Legacy Genetics website](#).
**Community and Academic Impact**
The study also aims to address the systemic harm caused by cannabis criminalization, particularly to **BIPOC communities**. Khalil Ferguson of UCA highlighted the importance of documenting these impacts and using academic research to support recovery and equity.
“This effort isn’t just about agriculture—it’s about healing,” Ferguson said. “By understanding the historical and genetic contributions of these communities, we can begin to create a future that honors their resilience.”
**Looking Ahead**
This initiative not only preserves the genetic heritage of California’s cannabis but also acknowledges the cultural and social costs of prohibition. As the research progresses, it is expected to provide valuable insights into policy, intellectual property rights, and equity frameworks that can guide the cannabis industry toward a more inclusive future.
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