GrassrootsPodcast

Weed Patch (age 81 at time of interview) and Red (age 70 at the time of the interview), two Appalachian Ohioans, discuss their experiences with cannabis. They recount their life long experience with cannabis from growing and selling to their personal use of the plant. Their interview illustrates the emerging era of the renowned cannabis growing in SEOH and the evolution and techniques used in cultivation. Weed Patch and Red share insight of the cultural effects the industry had on the region and impacts it had on their local community.

Born in 1955 (age 71 at time of interview), Claudia moved to Athens County in 1976 to raise her family. In her interview she shares her experiences growing cannabis to supplement her income. Claudia details her methods of cultivation with gorilla growing, efforts to develop mold-resistant strains and recounts her home being raided by law enforcement and subsequently being arrested. She shares her views on the cultural impact of cannabis in Athens, challenges of legalization and the economic changes post-legalization. She emphasized the physical and emotional toll of growing cannabis and the community's support during her involvement.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Cliff, born in 1950 (age 75 at time of interview), moved to Vinton County Ohio in 1969. He started growing cannabis in 1971, using seeds from Mexican and Colombian cannabis. Cliff's interview discusses his focused intent to create “red pot” by cross-pollinating these seeds. Like many growers of the times, Cliff faced challenges from thieves and law enforcement. Cliff notes the shift from outdoor to indoor growing and the impact of legalization on the local economy.

Cliff’s second interview focuses on his involvement with NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. He was inspired to join NORML in the early 1980s, when his place of employment introduced drug testing. Cliff and others established a NORML chapter in Southeast Ohio, advocating for marijuana law reform. He also worked with other groups like Fully Informed Juries. Cliff’s interview reflects on the evolution of marijuana laws and the impact of the region’s activism in regards to marijuanna laws.

Carol, born in 1954 (age 70 at time of interview), shares her experiences growing up in Tennessee and northeastern Ohio, learning homesteading skills from her family and why she made Southeast Ohio her home. She discusses her early exposure to cannabis in the 1960s, and her subsequent cultivation of cannabis for supplemental income. Her interview details cultivation methods including seed sourcing, growing techniques, and the importance of maintaining secrecy. This interview also touches on the impact of legalization, her use of cannabis for medical purposes and the cultural dynamics of the cannabis trade in the region.

This second interview repeats most of the same information as in Carol’s first interview 2025.12.08 but with the absence of her dog Rosie for less interrupted sound.

Born in 1934, (age 71 at time of interview), Charlie shares his experiences with cannabis cultivation. Charlie grew up poor with 10 siblings, in Deep Holler, a small community in Athens County Ohio. He started growing 10-15 plants annually, when he was about 40 years old, to supplement his income. He shares his challenges with groundhogs and other animals, his opinions on Ohio’s taxation on cannabis and the community's reliance on cannabis for economic survival.

Anna, born in 1948 (age 77 at time of interview), discusses her involvement in growing and selling cannabis in the 1980s. She shares her family background, her cultivation process, dealing with theft and the FBI raid in 1986 that led to the seizure of her property. Anna emphasizes the economic impact of cannabis on her community.

Jack and Diane, both age 76 at the time of the interview, share their experiences moving to Southeast Ohio. Jack, from Brooklyn, NY, moved to the area in 1973 to be part of an intentional community. Diane, from Cleveland, OH, moved to the area in 1977. They discussed their urban middle-class backgrounds and transition to rural life. Jack recounts his early cannabis use in college, starting in 1968, and his involvement in growing and selling cannabis in the 1970s. They highlight the economic impact of cannabis cultivation in Appalachia, the challenges of law enforcement, and the cultural and economic changes post-legalization.

Missy, born in 1962 (age 62 at time of interview), shares how she moved to Athens, Ohio, in 1980 for college to initially study psychology before choosing to focus on dance. She details her husband Sam’s arrest in 1991 for growing cannabis. Missy shares the long-term, traumatic impact she endured due to his arrest and sentencing. She reflected on the evolving cannabis industry, her personal views on drug use, and the importance of community support during this challenging time.

Missy 2026.05.28 is a follow up interview highlighting her dedication to maintaining family relationships and her advocacy for justice through the Quakers. Missy further recounts the community support, emphasizes the long-term effects on her family and shares her reflections on the broader implications of the prison industrial complex.

Smallie and Huey are two Southeast Ohio residents who moved to the area in the 1960’s to attend Ohio University. They share details of their early experiences with cannabis in the late 60s, and their evolution from growing small plots to large-scale operations of cannabis. Their interview recalls the Meigs County Varmints, a group known for marijuana cultivation in the 1970s, and how the culture was shaped by the Vietnam War.