Our Farm in Mendocino County

Russell's passion for cannabis developed at a young age, influenced by the "Grow your own" movement that swept through the South during the late 70s and early 80s. He witnessed the cultivation of clean cannabis plants, often disguised as "big bamboo," growing on the edges of cornfields. Even before he tried it himself, he recognized the plant's unique qualities.

Having grown up in agricultural north Georgia, gardening and farming were second nature to Russell. In the early 90s, he deepened his knowledge by delving into publications like High Times and studying grow guides written by experts like Ed Rosenthal and Jorge Cervantes. Some of his favorite strains, including NL#5, Shiva, Ak-47, and Blue Widow, were among the first he cultivated. While pursuing other careers in culinary arts and outdoor hospitality, he continued his indoor growing endeavors on a small scale as a hobby.

In late 2008, circumstances led Russell to move to California, driven by the economic downturn in the South that left him jobless and searching for new opportunities. He received an offer to assist in establishing a cannabis business while living off the grid and camping for several years "on the mountain." Over time, his efforts paid off, allowing him to upgrade from a tent to a camper with slide-outs. During this period, he actively participated in building homes and greenhouses in the Mendocino area, benefiting from the provisions of Prop 215.

In 2014, at the age of 44, Russell met his wife, started a family, and discovered his present home, which boasts a charming south-facing step above the Ukiah valley—perfect for cannabis cultivation. Finally, he had the opportunity to fulfill his lifelong dream of growing giant outdoor cannabis plants. The first season marked the end of the Prop 215 era and its medicinal benefits, as well as the final era of unrestricted sales to dispensaries and the purchasing of zip ties from the Mendocino County sheriff.

In 2016, Perrin Family Farm officially emerged as a business within the new regulatory framework. The name serves as a tribute to Russell's father and ancestors, representing the continuation of a farming tradition that spans seven generations and now includes two generations of cannabis cultivation.