Meet Our Producers

Seed hunters. Next-generation extract artists. Pioneers who protect and nourish a plant that is deeply woven into the story of Humboldt County. Humboldt is the leading cannabis producing region
preserved for future generations.

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Amaranth Farms

Karen & Tom Hessler, Owners/Farmers

Amaranth Farms has been a family owned organic farm in Humboldt County since 1971. We moved to this property, a raw piece of land in Northern California, to pursue our goal of becoming self sufficient, and create a place where Tom could continue his art projects.

Tell us about your farm

In the beginning we became friends with “E”, a Native American from the Wailaki tribe, who taught us everything we needed to know to live off the land, and who became the kids first and only babysitter.

As our fruit and nut trees matured and our gardens expanded, we became interested in growing medical cannabis. Now growing cannabis for California consumers, we continually research and experiment with varieties and cross-breeding. Every harvest is tested extensively.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job? 

To be able to produce cannabis for the market in California as an independent business. Also to have had the help of our daughter with the paperwork to become licensed, and now our son who owns a processing and distribution business in Arcata.

How does your farm help tell the Humboldt cannabis story?

In Humboldt, we have a culture of respect for the plant. It’s not just about money. We came to Humboldt to be farmers, to raise animals and vegetables as well as cannabis. We are self-sufficient, connected to nature and art. 

What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

Tom is an artist working on oil paintings, wood and clay. His website is tomhesslerart.com.

Join Now!

Be part of our mission to preserve, protect and enhance Humboldt’s world-renowned cannabis.