GARBERVILLE MARIJUANA UNIVERSITY AIMS TO TEACH SUSTAINABLE, ORGANIC GROWING

707 Cannabis College holding event to kick off program

When Southern Humboldt residents Kellie Dodds and Pearl Moon took the
advanced class at Oaksterdam University in Oakland, they discovered
the class wasn't advanced enough for them.

"We went there and we were just disappointed that we knew so much
more, coming from here," Dodds said.

A Proposition 215 patient with a vision for cannabis education, Dodds
said she wants to create a school that will focus on the sustainable,
organic growing of medical cannabis, and not just focus on indoor
growing techniques.

"I've looked at every cannabis college or school in California and
outside -- I've looked at Michigan, Washington, Oregon -- and they all
are focusing on the same thing, which is how to open up a dispensary
or become a caregiver," Dodds said. "It is honorable and I appreciate
that, but there is more."

To offer another approach to cannabis education, Dodds and Moon have
started 707 Cannabis College in Garberville. While the school hopes to
start holding classes in the fall, it is having a kick-off event
Saturday at the Mateel Community Center from noon to 6 p.m.

The 707 Cannabis College Expo features some longtime cannabis
activists who established precedents for today's medical marijuana
industry, said Ellen Komp, California Deputy Director for the National
Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, who will be teaching
the law and history portion of the beginner's class for the college.

Komp said she'll be covering cannabis history from the 1970s to the
present, the origins of the marijuana prohibition and famous
historical figures who have used marijuana, in addition to current
legislation. She said she thinks the school can help renew the
community's values about sustainability, conservation and alternative
energy while engaging an industry that is used to being
underground.

"I think, in general, the school will go a long way in reclaiming the
community's leadership, which for a long time has been underground,"
Komp said.

Dodds is hoping the school will also attract students and teachers
from around the world and, eventually, conduct medical cannabis research.

The school's current curriculum starts with a foundation class that
will include 12 hours of instruction and some laboratory work. This
beginning-level class teaches how to grow, harvest, dry/cure and store
medical cannabis. While the class' main focus is on outdoor organic
practices, it will also address small indoor soil systems. In addition
to components that will cover health and horticulture, the class will
also cover the history of cannabis in the U.S., as well as existing
and evolving California law.

Dodds is also offering consultations and, eventually, an advanced
seminar class. The courses are open to 215 card holders.

Dodds said she hopes education can help medical professionals better
understand cannabis as a medicine, and help the community better
position itself in the emerging medical cannabis industry. She said
she thinks there is plenty of institutional knowledge in the area to
build upon.

"What we want to do is draw on that knowledge base, and we plan on
seeking sustainability, we plan on being in business, and teaching and
evolving with this business," she said.

On the Web: For more information about the college, go to
www.707cannabiscollege.com