1 Month in Cookies University
Cookies Impact doesn’t get the attention that Cookies Cannabis and Clothing does, but it certainly should. Cookies Impact is Cookies' social equity program, essentially a “weed college” Cookies University. It covers the entire supply chain process from seed to sale. The program involves a thorough selection process, starting with a written application followed by a video interview with Amanda Friedman, the director and visionary behind Cookies U.
The program offers a blend of academic learning online and insightful sessions with sponsors like Aroya and Native Humboldt, as well as Cookies' Media Manager and Cultivation Manager at their research and development facility in Humboldt. The best part is living on-site at the One Log R&D Facility, with the program covering my home expenses for the two months I’m here, plus a stipend: for groceries. Not having to worry about bills allows me to fully focus on learning and retaining the knowledge being taught.
If you ask me my favorite part of being here halfway through, I couldn’t give you just one answer. The hands-on experience with the plants, from cutting clones in the nursery to working in the OneLog Greenhouse, has been incredible. Horticulture therapy in action, being hands-on with the plant, and the entire welcoming and knowledgeable staff make the experience even better. It's inspiring to see so many people passionate about the cannabis plant.
The field trips to partner companies, where we see different manufacturing processes in person may, complement what we learn online or in the classroom. Visiting Arcata Extracts and learning about the extraction process, although challenging, has given me a much better understanding than before I arrived. Making my own tincture and topical with Lindsey Renner, the owner of Native Humboldt, was another highlight.
I was completely blown away by the Conception Nurseries and tissue culture facility and Natura's massive cultivation and manufacturing facilities. Both can house millions of cannabis plants at one time. It was impressive to see that from seed to sale, every part of the process at Natura involved human interaction. Witnessing all the moving parts necessary to make different types of products is mind-blowing. The care and attention that go into tissue cultures at Conception Nursery, along with the hands-on learning back at OneLog, have been invaluable.
