We recently connected with Jason Gellman and have shared our conversation below.

Jason, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

Growing up in southern Humboldt there were multiple options for Different lines of work but one job would actually make you a lot of money quickly. At 15 I would help work on my dad’s construction crew, but I was already starting my cannabis career on the side. Back then we were hiking up hills downhills basically anywhere far away in the backcountry where there was water available and planting veged up seed plants straight into the ground. You didn’t need a massive number like you do today to make a profit back then the value was so high a few plants could make you a lot of money. Around the winter of 97’ I found myself running pretty good sized indoors out in the middle of know where. Waste high snow and constant working on a generator. It was pretty miserable, but the pay was good. That summer I took a job from a well know local to grower at his spot. I worked for months and we made it to around a week away from harvest. I still remember clearly that evening we worked until 1 AM picking leaves watering. Checking for mold, making sure everything was perfect. I left around 2 AM and got about 20 minutes away when I realized my little dog named Riley was not with me. I thought about just leaving him and getting him in the morning but something told me to turn around and get him and that’s what I did. I was awoken by multiple phone calls, saying our spot was being raided by the cops. When I looked at my dog and saw that my phone number was hanging from his neck on his dog tag, I knew that was a close call. These situations happen a lot in our neck of the woods. Most would think you would quit after something like that but that was just our way of life. Work hard play hard. We were outlaws and proud of it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Jason Gellman I was brought up in the small community of southern Humboldt. I am a second generation weed farmer. While in lots of parts of the world and yes including United States cannabis was looked down upon, considered taboo and to this day still is in many of places. To us locals it was and still is just a normal job and our way of life. I have been growing for over 30 years. It is my craft, my skill, my art and my passion. I often say it’s not just a job it’s our way of life. Most people in our community were considered outlaws and with that comes lots of negative ideas and opinions of who we were as people. We were a different kind of outlaw. We were hard working, community orientated, loving, caring, family people. Our whole communities economy was driven by cannabis. 7+ years ago proposition 64 past and our community was changed forever. Lots of people continued to try and live the outlaw life. I took a different route and went legal and started a legal business called Ridgeline Farms. Humboldt has always been known for growing some of the best herb in the world, and since I have been growing most of my life, pride growing the most high-quality organic weed possible. My brand got some serious traction when I started winning awards like the first ever licensed Sun grown category at the emerald cup. The next year I backed it up with three in the top 10 and another first place. I’ve went on to solidifying my name and brand as one of the top growers in Humboldt county. I don’t take that lately, because being one of the faces of Humboldt, to carry on our tradition and to let the world know we are still here, We are not going anywhere is hey Sirius honor and honestly at times I still don’t feel worthy. I love where I come from.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Seven years ago I had to do a major pivot when weed went legal. I had to sign my name on the affidavit that I was a marijuana farmer. For someone who has an outlaw for most of their life, this basically felt like I was turning myself in. I had children and I had to make a decision. By making this decision, Ridgeline Farms was grown.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to Unlearn being an outlaw. I had to go from everything under the table to above board. I had to believe in a system that was broken. I had to go against everything I have been taught my whole life and Have trust in the government. I had to do a complete 360. Change was here and with One big leap of faith, I took the plunge.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.Ridgelinefarms.com
• Instagram: @Ridgelinefarms
• Facebook: Jason gellman
• Linkedin: Jason gellman
• Twitter: @Ridgelinefarms

Image Credits
Justin bowers Phil Emerson