How To Get A Job In The California Marijuana Fields

Worth over $2 billion annually, California‘s world-renowned wines used to be its number one cash crop. They’ve been surpassed — err…blown away — by the marijuana industry, which according to a 2011 report is worth $14 billion, a whopping seven times that of the vineyards! And it’s growing every year. Analysts at Cowen & Co. believe the nation’s legal cannabis industry could reach $50 billion by 2026, with California marijuana accounting for about $25 billion of that market.

Quick gift for all you Pinners 😉

How to get a job in the California marijuana business trimming weed #california #cannabis #marijuana

It should go without saying that northern California has quite a unique and interesting culture, with the cultivation and possession of the valuable plant legal on the state level but illegal on the national. Religious groups frequently join in the foray by funding private eradication teams and attack campaigns that target both the industry and any politicians supporting it. But it is also a very well-paying job and thus there is never a shortage of willing applicants. The hard part however is getting in. There is no real resume or application process, only hordes of vagabonds, hippies, and stoners flooding the nearby highway shoulders with signs that all read something to the effect of “will work for weed or money.”

US 101 In California, the starting point for everyone looking for work in the California cannabis fields
Beautiful US 101

Driving north from San Francisco on the 101, ocean on the left and redwoods on the right, is a peaceful and relaxing drive. Along this highway every fall countless wanderers and wannabe trimmers come to town in search of work. Some individuals get lucky and find it, making thousands of dollars to fund their travels in a short time. Others are forced to hitch-hike out of town empty-handed. The Emerald Triangle may break some but it also makes many, many others.

Please read the entire article before asking any questions. ALL REQUESTS FOR CONTACTS WILL BE IGNORED.

So How Does The Process Work?

As I already mentioned, the hard part is actually finding work. Although countless people around town have a dozen or two plants, all of the big farms are located up in the mountains a 1-3 hour ride away from the 101. They are scattered across countless small villages that are closed off to outsiders. During the summer growing season the California marijuana farms are cared for day and night by a grow team; the larger the grow, the larger the team.

One outdoor setup that I worked at in 2010 had a team of only four individuals for around 6,000 plants. In 2011 I worked at an older, more established farm, where the old man boasted having 25,000 plants!

Greenhouse grow at a very early stage
These young but beautiful plants will soon be covered in big, beautiful buds of some of the finest California marijuana

This work is all done by locals during the summer. Occasionally it is the property owners themselves but most often it is paid expert “weedsitters” with past experience. They work on consignment for a lump sum once the harvest is sold. It is that work which brings in both out-of-towners and Humboldt college students every fall, once the final product needs to be trimmed and packaged.

When does the California marijuana trimming season start?

Things usually kick off to a slow start in late September, with October and November being the best working months. By December (and January, if you are one of the lucky ones who has managed to hold onto their job past new year) the trimmers on hand are reduced to a bare minimum, if any. Only the most skilled workers remain, people who can trim 2-3 pounds a day if it is decent bud.

By the time harvest season finally comes around, not only around these mountain guys tired, broke, and eager to go “visit town,” but they also have not had any significant interaction with outsiders for several months. Kind of makes it hard to hire a few dozen trimmers. That is where the residents of coastal towns along the 101 come in handy — towns like Arcata, Eureka, and Fortuna.

Make friends with ‘weed agents’

Local growers will have several contacts they call every fall — think of them as “weed agents.” These agents are informed as to how much marijuana needs to be trimmed, how fast, what type of nug it is (not only strain but also key details like if it is bushy, leafy, stringy, etc) and of course the big one: when it will be ready for work. From my experience the calls usually arrive just a couple of days before the fun starts.

This is a proper California marijuana greenhouse grow with plants bigger than me and dozens of greenhouses!
“This place smells like heaven!”

These agents are then in charge of assembling teams and leading them up into the mountains, at least for outsiders not already in the loop. Obviously friends and family get preferential treatment, but many luckily individuals get plucked up off the streets. Make friends and do a good job and the same weed agent can provide you with jobs year after year.

Heading up to the mountains

Once the call has been received and you have been selected, the next step is the drive up into the mountains. Don’t be surprised if you are blindfolded, forced to pull your shirt up over your head or have your phone temporarily confiscated. Luckily as a truck owner, ever since my first trip up I’ve been a driver and never had to be blindfolded 😉

Heading back down to town after a week of trimming weed in the mountains
Coming back down from the mountains after a week of trimming weed up in the California marijuana fields

The towns where outsiders are taken to work usually don’t have a population of more than 1,500 or 2,000. Most have nothing to them but one general store (which more times than not is coincidentally owned by the biggest landowner) that will stock fresh milk, eggs, and meat. Plus they always have an ample supply of brand new Fiskars scissors and clear turkey-basting bags.

It is worth noting that sometimes the agents are given special instructions, such as hire women only. If you should ever be offered a position such as this, be careful. Certain growers prefer to use all women because they have not seen any females in months. They will frequently use lures such as alcohol, cocaine and/or other substances to distract the girls from the tedious work and take them to bed. Another popular item is to pay the girls a little bit more if they offer to trim with their tops off.
As with anything else, there are always exceptions to the rule. However it never hurts to be aware. Stay safe, ladies 😉

Trimming All Day & Night

When trimming, you are paid by your final output, not the hours worked. Current rates are $200/lb. Apparently it used to be $250 several years ago, back before the economy slowed when the area wasn’t quite so flooded with perspective workers. On average it takes about eight hours to trim a full pound, although experienced trimmers can trim as much as 3lbs in 16 hours. Of course it also depends on the type of bud, whether dense fat clumps or small stringy tufts. Regardless, you can see how it becomes easy to make a couple grand a week.

Each operation is different. Some will have lean-to cabins or guest quarters built that contain tables, scissors, overhead lighting, and a fan. There you will be forced to bring your own tent and camp outside. Others will use a trailer or two as trimming quarters but leave one area as a designated sleeping quarters. If you are lucky your operation will have a nice flat screen and plenty of movies laying around. Almost all have an abundance of booze, but it may not be free. Edibles are common and usually free. And of course you can smoke as much as you want…although you’ll be wasting time that could be spend working. So if you do smoke while working (like me) be sure to balance things wisely.  

Bucket list item #420: Get a job working on a California marijuana farm trimming weed
“I love that I can call this my job. Bucket list item #420: Get a summer job working on a California marijuana farm trimming weed can officially be crossed off the list….hoooraayyyy~!”

Trimming is actually really, really tedious. It is not fun. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a blast the first day, maybe even the second…but it very quickly becomes a chore. Your scissors get sticky and hard to operate, they must be periodically cleaned with rubbing alcohol. Everything sticks to you and you stick to everything. Several times an hour you must stop and wipe down your fingers and hands, which become literally blackened with THC referred to as “finger hash.” Most people smoke this while trimming and then take the leftover home.

Negligible Work Hazards

Another beauty of trimming is that it is a surprisingly risk-free job, despite the quasi-legal career field. As everyone should know, raids can be frequent up in the mountains. Eradication teams love to fly in officers via helicopter while simultaneously storming the front gates. Although growers have been taken to jail, the trimmers are released on scene after nothing more than a light questioning — if that. After all, we’re just victims of the economy who are trying to keep food on the table 😉

Because these towns are so small, everyone already knows everyone and they all watch each others’ backs. Daily phone call conversations (via landlines, as often these towns have no cell service) keep locals informed as to the helicopters current locations. Any strange cars along the deserted mountain roads are immediately deemed suspicious and given a watchful eye. You probably will not even realize you are being watched.

Occasionally if anti-marijuana teams should get to close, growers have been known to pay the trimmers for any unpaid work and kick them out. The growers themselves then just proceed to just lay low inside with their fingers crossed, pretending no one is home.

Did I ever tell you about the time I worked on a marijuana farm?
Did I ever tell you about the time I worked on a California marijuana farm?

Finally… Payday!

Trimming weed in the California marijuana fields is slow, tedious, and repetitive. It’s not fun, and even less so when you even add in the isolation factor. Most people, especially new trimmers, tire of it after only a few days. Others may last a week or even two, but soon everyone eventually needs a break for at least a couple days. At this point all of your turkey bags are weighed and you get handed a fat stack of cash.

Money in hand, most people spend a few days on the beach and nights at the bar, catching up with friends and random locals alike. Others relax around the slightly-bigger-yet-still-small towns along the 101, just sitting at home and being lazy for a couple of days.

It doesn’t take long before most to head back “up in the mountains” (California slang for working the cannabis fields) and repeat the whole process over. Sometimes you return to the same grow operation, sometimes you don’t, but each is always a learning experience. Once I stumbled upon this small town where one of the local residents had coined and distributed his own gold and silver coins named after said town. Turns out that several of the locals use them for transactions among themselves.

Greenhouse grow during the flowering stage
” Awww you look just like your mom…and she was smokin’!

After The Season Ends

By December the outdoor season is coming to an end and the excess work quickly dries up. Many if not most workers have already gotten tired of trimming and hit the road again.

As everyone’s final paychecks start to roll in, the town begins to empty out. Well, kind of. Half of the people take their profits and spend the following three or four months traveling, until the next planting season begins. The other half purchase new vehicles or boats, even add an extension or two on to their houses. It really is an odd mixture come spring.

And as for all of the out-of-towners that had come to the Emerald Triangle for work, most of them were already nomads to begin with. Now they have a freshly filled backpack of money with which to continue on their journeys. At least until the next season comes around, that is.

Share your comments/questions below!

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Do NOT request contacts. Use browser search function to see if your question has already been asked in the thousands of comments below. Please read everything first and ASK WISELY! Thank you for your understanding, best of luck out there 🙂

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About Derek Freal

"Some people eat, others try therapy. I travel."   Cultural enthusiast. Adrenaline junkie. Eater of strange foods. Chasing unique and offbeat adventures around the world since 2008. Derek loves going to new destinations where he does not speak a word of the local language and must communicate with hand gestures, or places where he is forced to squat awkwardly to poo -- supposedly its healthier and more efficient. For more information (about Derek, not squat pooing) including popular posts and videos, check out his bio.

1,172 thoughts on “How To Get A Job In The California Marijuana Fields”

    • You know, for some reason I’m not surprised by that Nate. It did occur to me as I was publishing this post that people’s reactions to it will say a lot about their character LOL 😉

      Regardless of whether or not people smoke the stuff, it is quite a unique experience. Actually there is usually at least a cpl workers up there that don’t smoke and are purely in it for the paycheck.

      Reply
        • Hi.
          Im wondering about how did you
          get in contact with the growers? im plaing to go there this year, but i have problem to find any contacts for this kind of work.
          How did you do it, maybe you have any contact overe there that you can share?*
          Pleace send a email back 😀
          best regards
          Victor
          [email protected]

          Reply
          • I got lucky and spent several months on a cross-country USA road trip with a bunch of the Humboldt locals before ever arriving in California. So yeah, by the time we returned there broke and exhausted from being on the road, the first thing we all did was post up on the mountain for a cpl wks to get some cash in our pockets.

            Anyway, emailing you now…

          • Hi!! same here!! ive been hearing about it for years, but never had the guts to do it…. My body can’t handle tree planting anymore, cherry seasons are too much pesticides, and mushroom picking got me broke to many times…. i need something new, can you help me out too? what about getting a job for 4 people? well you can write me at [email protected]

            hope to hear from you, and thanks for the post, really amazing!!

          • Hi there!

            Your honesty is refreshing! Also interested in a contact. Heading down the 101 for a few weeks and would love to see what this is all about! You’re only young once, right? Sounds like my jam. Thank you for sharing this!

          • hi!!! i m also very interested in this job!!!! someone can send me an email with some contact or can tell me where i can apply??????????pls thanks!!!

          • Hello Derek,

            I feel the need to work with my hands on mother earth’s creation (plants).
            I also am a nomad (sort off)
            I would love to receive some contact information on how I can get involved in doing that.
            I think that would be good for me. What do you think?
            Please send me an emai: [email protected]

          • I’m looking for a position in the trimers seat I’ve tryed my hand with different strans and have been successful in all fazes.of the proseses.please allow me to be your next loyal worker.

          • Hi Derek, I’ll arrive in San Francisco Monday 2 october ready to work as a trimmer….can you help me with some contact? or some name of place to go to looking for a job? you think is bettar go nort to Mendocino or going to San Andres at Mountain Ranch? I haven’t any contact, if you can help me somehow I’m very grateful.
            Thanks Francesco [email protected]

          • Hi Derek, 2 of us plan on taking a trip to Cali next year and would appreciate you helping us out with some contacts in the trimming business in order for us to not only find a seasonal trimming position but build some contacts since it’s just been legalized in our country.
            With gratitude,

        • Hola, estoy buscando empresas para contactar con ellas y poder contactar con ellas
          para poder trabajar en la recogida de marihuana
          podrias ayudarme???
          aida

          Reply
      • Hi Derek, first of all congatulations for exposing all this amount of info so people like me can get a very accurate idea of what´s like to work as a trimmer and what to expect. i´m coming to cali at the end of august from another country and the idea is to get a trimming job somewhere, maybe you can hook me up with some more info or direct contact ?
        If not I appreciate very much your fantastic work anyway , thanks man.

        Reply
          • Hey bro can you try and put a good word in for a job. I gotta getta outta this one minded state.help!!!

          • Derek,
            Thank you! I’ve been online for a couple of hours, looking for an article as informative as this one. I live in the area – about 45 minutes south, and I would be so thankful if you could send me some information on how to get in touch with someone! If you could pass any e-mails my way, that would be super helpful! Thank you.

            ambersmouthwash [at] gmail [dot]com

          • It’s a great article! Thank you for writing it for everyone. I actually learned alot from just reading this. Although, I would love to get some trimming work as well. Could you send me the info as well please? My birthday is coming up and it would be a dream come true to actually trim for my BD 😀
            Thank you for you time!

          • Hi Derek I love your Honesty, I am looking to work in a Farm rather then trim I would love to work in the Gardens and Green houses I have some experience I’v read ED Rosenthal book an how to Grow so I have some basic knowledge If you can email me with a Couple of Contacts I Could NOT THANK YOU enough for the Information. Thanks my email is [email protected]

          • Hey! Could you shoot me off some leads for some summer work as well pretty please? 🙂

            Thanks,

            Sophia

          • hi derek can you pls hook up me with someone,i would really like to work in field for a while…tnx again on your time…

          • Hi! I am looking for a trimer job in a fall, is there a chance for me to get some contacts?
            Thank you!

            Dino

          • Hey Derek! Would you be able to send me some information about where you worked on a farm? I’m really interested and would love to do it! Thanks!! -Claire

          • Derek, I was wondering if you know of any contacts looking for help in the near future. There are 3 of us and we have been looking for a good contact. Please let me know. I can supply more information in email. Thanks for the help.

          • Hey Derek,
            I’m hoping to head out to California in January and grab a job trimming. I would be super grateful for any contacts you could offer me! Thanks so much for this blog and any other help you can offer!

          • Hey Derek! First off you have some really great advice and real stories, it is much appreciated. My friend and I want to go trim for the summer, I was just wondering if you have any connects you’d mind throwing our way or special advice that goes along with the business. Thank you so much In advance.

          • you must be overloaded with all of our questions, but I must know, what made you do all of this for everyone?(: Your article is real as hell! I’m not looking for any contacts or anything, just your insights if you don’t mind. People like you aren’t everywhere and certainly fascinate me. If you have to time to chat I’ve got tons of questions!! If not, that is cool and I wish you the best✌

          • Thanks. I actually wrote this when I first decide to start travel blogging professionally and was just sharing my knowledge. Took a while but now that Google places this article up top, the traffic continues to flow. So I just try to do my part and continue to help — as long as people don’t ask me questions that I already answered in the article or are covered in the hundreds of comments here.

          • Hey! I know you must be swamped, but I have some questions about that femal safety.. My roommate and I had big anticipations for this fall, and she has found us a connect but after I read your article I have a bunch of questions! If you have the time email me sometime(: but if not o wish you the best!✌

          • Swamped indeed…just got down from the Himalayas and back to civilization (and internet!)

            If you have some specific questions about female safety then feel free to send me an email via my contact page and I’ll answer them as best I can 🙂

          • Hi Derek4Real, I understood you could help me to get some ideas or any advice to share with me to get a job in the fields. I’m coming from europe and I’m about to go in California. Could you send me an email please, it would be very helpfull I guess. Thank you. ;D

          • Hi Derek4Real,

            Thank you for this informative post! I would like to have the life experience you went through. I am currently in a financial crisis. Could you please email me the contact for this job? Thank you for seeing my post!

            [email protected]

        • Hey derek, haven’t seen any recent posts on here but if it’s still an option I would love the opportunity to do this. My name is Alex Clifton, my email is [email protected]. If the position is available I’ll gladly take it, or do whatever is necessary to get into contact with someone who is doing this.

          Reply
      • What are the consequences if you do get raided by the police for people coming from Europe to work on the farms? Have you personally heard of any pickers going to prison or anything…?
        Im nervous about what the worst case could be…
        Thanks

        Reply
        • Hey Sophie. If you are just a simple trimmer then no need to worry. If anyone goes to jail (which is unlikely) it would only be the farm owner, not any of the workers. Even in the worst case situations. All you have to say is “it’s the economy man, I just needed a job to pay the bills — any job” or something like that. You’ll be told to leave, that is all.

          Reply
          • Hi My girlfriend and I are currently hitch hiking to California from Mexico and we hope to be there the first week in September can you help us out with some specifics … We are both musicians and we want to do this so we can buy equipment for a recording studio.. Thanks for the help and useful information … Jah bless
            My mail
            [email protected]

          • I’m interested in trimming in the fields, the only problem is that i live in texas. I would like to ask some questions by email regarding in working in the fields if that is fine. [email protected]

          • I’m from Texas too…you can reply directly to this email to ask me any questions you want — just please, nothing stereotypical that I have already answered 100+ times in the comment responses above. Thanks!

          • hey im flying from spain. i want to book my flights. but im scared that i wont get a job. so is it best to just book the flight go to the area and ask for work?? if you can email me back with any advice, please do. thank you so much. i love you guys xx

            [email protected]

            thanks,
            jordan x

          • Yeah, unless you’ve already been to northern Cali and have friends there it’s impossible to line up any work prior to arrival. It’s a first-come, first-serve industry and it’s all in who you know. You just have to show up, make friends and establish a rapport, then politely bring up the subject of looking for work. Best of luck, the season will be kicking off very soon!

          • Sorry bro, no longer sending out custom emails to people because only 1 in 100 would reply to say thanks. There is more than enough information in the article and the hundreds of comments here to get you going. If you have any more specific questions not covered in either the article or prior comments, feel free to post them 🙂

          • Hi Derek, I just came up with this blog and I’ve been reading all comments about the trimming thing. I would like to know if I can use some help from you by hooking me up with some job. I’m Mexican,23 years old and I’m currently living in Miami FL.

          • Honestly i would be new at this.. Just need money to be on my own.. I wanna be independent from everybody.. The way you described that road 101 sounded amazing.. And the mountains sound peacefull.. I wanna make that money and maybe move to the coast by the b beach.. Waking up everyday staring out into the ocean.. What a beautiful plant god has gaven us todo as we please with.. I want that life i always dreamed up give me that chance please

          • Hi Derek, My name is Kim. Thank you for your honesty! I need a trimming
            Job ASAP. I’m a single mother of two. Struggling on my own for past 11 years. I deeply appreciate it if u can help. Thank you in advance. Looking forward to hear from you.

      • Hi my name is Dan, I’m heading to the Emerald Triangle in September to try and find some work and would really appreciate any contact info and advice you could give me to help me out. I might not be the most experienced but I am a really fast learner and a very hard worker. Also thanks for writing this article as it is helpful to know what the expectations will be and what the experience will be like. My E-mail is [email protected]. Thank you.

        Reply
          • Hey I think the article is awesome but I can’t figure out your email?? But I would love to be apart something so amazing and always wanted to travel to Cali..

      • Hey Derek I think I messaged you on LinkedIn but I would love some info on some work as well. Trying to get to the other side of the rainbow here in Kansas!

        Reply
      • Hello there! I may be a little late to the party but trying never hurt right? My name is Caleb and its my first year out to Humboldt. When I arrived here we had some work lined up and things went well for a few days. However, work ran out fast! And for the last few weeks I’ve been trying to find work by hanging out in the different small towns. I received a few leads but nothing truley came about. So at the moment I’m sitting on the side of the road in Garberville for the 4th day. I’m almost out of funds and a long way form home. Please help! If you happen to still have some contacts or a few other tips I would be greatful. Thanks for the insightful article and good luck!

        Reply
      • Hey Derek! First of all thank you for the great article it was very informative and insightful. I actually just graduated from college and am interested in work as well. Would you mind shooting me an email regarding growers and farmers i may be able to get in contact with if i were to go in the mountains and where in the mountains exactly i should go? I see its more of a being at the right place at the right time to maximize your luck. Thanks again!le

        Reply
          • Hi Derek,please you possible help me ??,iam Juan,from Chile,but now i am in Cardiff by the sea,CA,,and i need really work,is possible you help me whit information,etc,i will very gratefull for that.
            Thank very much

      • Hi Derek,

        Thanks for writing this blog. It’s very informative.
        A friend of mine has done this work twice now (two seasons) en says it has been quite the adventure.
        Both ups and downs, with raids and a few people ending up injured or dead.
        So I’m quite sure it’s not always sunshine and rainbows.
        Nevertheless I would like to go, so I’m grateful for your information.

        I think I can go through my friends contacts but I do have a few quistions..
        This may seem kind of silly but as you say it’s such a tedious job, I was thinking I could listen to music while I’m at it.
        (Or even a read out loud book) But can I recharge my mp3 there? 🙂
        Second; I’m a girl. Would you say it’s too dangerous? Would you let your little sister do it? (if you have one)
        Do you have any advice? Except for the advice in red in the article..
        Is it a mainly men up in the mountains or are there also girls working on the fields?

        Thank you so much for replaying. I don’t think my questions where asked before, (I read through the comments) but if they were and I missed them, I m sorry..

        Reply
        • I’ve worked there three years now and have never heard of anyone being seriously injured — let alone dying — during raids. That to me is crazy talk. Plus usually anytime the helicopters approach the farm owners send the innocent trimmers packing, at least at the places I have worked.

          I’m happy to answer your questions. Of course, lots of people listen to music while working. There will always be electrical outlets nearby, most often in the same room you will be working in. After all you need a well-lit working area to properly trim, and lights require electricity, so voila! 😉

          It is safe for women, even solo females, just be wary of any places that hire females only, as I mentioned in the article. Those are the horny ol’ men to watch out for. Otherwise you should be perfectly safe. I’ve worked with guys and girls, hippies and backpackers, out-of-towners and foreigners, experts and newbies, people from all walks of life. They are almost always great people, although every once in a while you may come across a dick.

          As far as field work though, that is almost entirely done by males. Any females that I have met up there are usually part of the family (e.g. married to the owner or a sister, etc).

          Let me know if you have any further questions Lyssa — and if not, best of luck out there this year! 😀

          Reply
          • thanks for this awesome story Derek! it opened my memories of my travels as i see myself once again taking my journey out west. this time with new friends hoping with word of work in the mountain. thanks for all your replies to all that missed theirs .

        • Can you email me detail [email protected] on where and when the grows are ….Im from the south and always wanted to back pack to the mountains for a little adventure when do the grows start in ’14. Could you be as specific as you can

          Thanks a bunch
          AA

          Reply
        • Hello.i m french from reunion island and i would come in California in september to work on farm and get money to visit USA and meet glass artist..if somebody want to join me and speak about that..send me a mail..see you

          Reply
          • Hello my friend mr Olivier Bennasar!!!
            how you doing man??
            I am also thinking to go there on september and try my luck…currently i’m in dominican republic and broke….so i was thinking to invest my last money on a ticket to frisco and from there start heading north and see what will hapen…if you have any contact for there it would help a lot
            anyway…when you see this man, plz reply [[email protected]]
            Bholenath

        • Looking for work trimming. Really need the funds.
          Is there any work for 2017 can you please send me some contacts. Thanks in advance!

          Reply
      • Hi, Derek. This seems like the sort of “gig” I’d like to try towards the end of the year. I was wondering if there’s any sort of message board or other means to get in contact with someone who could help me find work in a garden. Feel free to e-mail me at: [email protected]

        Reply
        • No, most definitely not. Look at the battle being fought between California citizens and the USA government. Nobody in “the business” does anything online that would indicate their work, let alone promote it. Top it off with the now-public NSA spy programs and you can guarantee that. It’s a very face-to-face industry.

          Reply
          • Hey I’m interested in finding a place to work if you could email me good places to post up and look for jobs like what towns that’s would be extremely helpful if anyone could help out [email protected]

      • Hi brother I would be very interested in learning more about you experiences and how to become apart of it all. Most websites only talk about the growing and don’t offer places to actually go and experience it for yourself.

        Reply
      • Hi Derek,

        I just read your article after watching a show on the Travel Channel about trimming jobs in California. My boyfriend and I are medicinal enthusiast and would love to work this summer trimming someones harvest, the only problem is that we live in the Southeast (Georgia). I know Cali and Col are the obvious places to look into but is there anything closer to my neck of the woods? and if so how would we go about searching for employment outside of just using Craigslist?

        Thank You,

        Jasmine B.

        Reply
        • Hey Jasmine,
          I don’t know if there would even be any legit trimming jobs posted on CL now that the site is so heavily monitored by law enforcement thanks to its reputation for prostitution and other less than legal activities… Anyway from my ummm shall we just say extensive experience in the industry I am not aware of any large scale operations that are open to the public outside of California and Colorado. Don’t get me wrong, there are always small indoor harvests going on in every one of the 50 states…but that work is sporadic, short-term, and only for those “in the know.” If you do manage to locate something though than I would love for you to let me know…best of luck from Vietnam!

          Reply
      • Hey derek my name is ignacio I just recently got out of the marines and im looking to gain knowledge on the ins and outs of growing my own weed. I want to spend a season from start to finish growing weed. My main goal is knowledge here. I am willing to leave whenever I just need a destination and a contact. I have the desire and im no stranger to hard work. If you could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it. [email protected]

        Sincerelly, Iggy

        Reply
      • Hi Derek

        I’m Chris, an Italian boy 31-year-old.
        Not for long I have lost the job because of this crisis, but now I want to realize my dream, that it is that to work in a Pot farm.
        I wanted to ask to you kindly if you can give some council to me on this, and on that type of approval I need in order to make this type of job.

        Graces a lot

        Reply
      • i would love to get this job for the summer. me and my buddy are looking for something different and we have damn good work ethic and would tend all damn day and night.
        Is there anyone i can get in contact with to talk to about getting a job up there with me and my buddy?

        Thanks,chase

        Reply
      • Hey there Derek,

        My names Zach, Iam from Downunder Australia but am fortunate enough to also have dual citizenship for the states. Iam 19 and decided that I didn’t want to live the normal life of work, eat, sleep, repeat. So quit my job, left my place and family over there, bought a one way ticket and came here to meet my extended family, skate, surf, meet new & awesome people and go on an adventure.

        Would be privileged to talk with you sometime man, exchange stories and maybe get some advice on the best way to have an experience like yours “up in the mountains”. But if not be cool chat sometime anyway . Have a good one

        Reply
        • Hey Zach, sorry for my late response. I completely agree with you, living a “normal” life is so boring. Not for me either. The best way to reach me is through Twitter @the_HoliDaze. I’m always up for a chat and have a few tips on how to find “work” in Cali. Of course most of which have already been covered in the hundreds of comments on this article, so not sure how much fresh insight I still have left.

          Reply
      • Hello, having almost finished my studies in tourism, I must be able to speak almost fluently English. That is why I would like to know how to find a job in these cannabis farms for two people? Do you have to give me address? Thank you in advance. Emilie

        Reply
      • Hi thank you for sharing the story. Me and my boyfriend would love to head over and do a season trimming. It sounds like a good experience.

        Would you by any chance have a contact?

        Thanks

        Holly

        [email protected]

        Reply
      • Hello Derek,

        I’m an Industrial Foreman for a company in Colorado. I really dislike my job because all it is 16 hours filled with stress that’s packed with stress and then topped with stress everyday. All I want is a job in this industry but every time I’ve tried to get in on it on some level it ends up falling through. I would love to trim in California. Any suggestions?

        Reply
        • Ugghhh, that sounds like a lot of stress indeed. Been there, done that, and after five years it burnt me out. I couldn’t take those 16 hour days and 80-100 work weeks, regardless of the pay.

          My best suggestion is to head there in September, that is when the harvest season kicks off. Settle down for a week or two in Humboldt or Mendocino and make some friends with the locals. They are the gatekeepers of the mountain and in charge of finding trimmers each year. Once you have a few new friends you can casually bring up the subject of looking for work and see if they can be of any assistance. Even if they cannot personally, they almost always can put you in touch with the right person.

          It northern Cali it’s all about having someone to be your “in,” someone to vouch for you. Those people who stand on the sides of the street with “will work for weed” signs rarely find what they are searching for.

          Reply
          • Hello Derek I am new to Eureka and in looking for some work. I have been searching and searching for the avenues in becoming a trimmer. Can you please email me… [email protected]
            Look forward to speaking with you soon.
            Thanks

      • Hey Derek!

        Great article! Exactly what I was looking for, informative and well written 🙂
        I’m curious as well about getting some work for this coming fall (sept, maybe even aug If possible!) Would you be able to send some advice my way? Connections? Anything? I’d be so greatful for some wisdom! My email is [email protected]

        Thank you!!

        Reply
      • Sup man i need your help just getting my hands on some good stuff out there come harvest time im from new jersey you seem like the guy i need to know!!! Loved the article by the way contact me soon if possible my whatsapp is 2019666648 thnx n god bless!!

        Reply
      • Hey ! just came across this article =]
        was wondering if trimmers are needed for this season ?
        will be in California next month would love some help contacting the farm owner
        Emma

        Reply
      • I’m very interested in some work. The trimming season is right around the corner. I am a very efficient worker and very willing to make some cash. Although I have no way of knowing how I could get involved. I am from Louisiana. If anyone can help me get into the mountains I am willing to make the travel to work till December. If someone can contact me through email, that would be amazing

        Reply
      • How do you go about finding a connect willing to sell you a pound or more? I want to make the trip but i want it to be worth while and not have to go through a club that goes by the book. If you can email me some info Id appreciate it and gladly talk to you in more detail (numbers). Thanks man, and awesome article too, great read!

        [email protected]

        Reply
      • Hey Derek. Dakota here. I live in michigan and am going through a rough patch. I’d like to be able to talk to you some more about this field of work. If you could find the time to get ahold of me, I’d really appreciate it. Have a wonderful night/morning sir.

        Reply
      • Hello Derek!!

        How are you???I am not sure if you still active in this web!! but I am interested in getting to the green fields to w!in the next three weeks!
        can I have any tips, please???I am interesting in a contact!! Thinking about it for week and yes the road is calling me again!
        I would really appreciate if you can offer me some information of how to get a contact over in California! Thank you so much!!! Love and peace.
        Laura
        [email protected]

        Reply
      • i was wondering how i could go about getting a job trimming? how would i get a job without knowing who to contact about that.. im a 15 year glass blower and im tiered of the glass side of my work.. can anny1 help?

        Reply
      • hi derek,really interesting article.I am pablo,from Rosario,Argentina.
        Do you think i could apply for one of this job this year??
        thanks my friend

        Reply
        • Hey Michelle, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately because only about one out of a hundred people would respond to my personal emails with thanks, I have stopped sending them. However most everything you want to know can be found in the prior comments. Of course if you have any additional specific questions than feel free to comment again and I will happily answer them.

          Wishing y’all all the best in Cali this season, good luck!

          Reply
        • hi my name is kimmie smith i would like to connect with someone who can guide me in the direction of person who can talk to about getting a clipping job. i trim a lb in an hour at a time. pls contact me at my gmail address. thank you

          Reply
      • Cheers man good comments to everyone.Its funny people want the easy in on trimming.When you can go to any mountain town, and find a grower to bs.Ive been able to trim all over just talking to growers . Australia had some cool genetics. Canada had it everywhere, but didn’t pay the best.Anyways seen your deal and thought it was cool . cheers. .

        Reply
        • Hey Roni, all the advice you need is covered in the article and the comments. I get far too many general email about this post that don’t ask any specific questions, so unfortunately I am no longer able to respond to everyone. But if you do have any really specific questions, just post ’em here and I’ll answer them.

          Reply
      • Hi Dereck

        My name is Pablo, Im from Spain, and Im so interested in going to California and work like this but.. I dont know anybody there, could you please give a hand about how to do it, I would really apreciate it. Thanx so much!! 🙂

        [email protected]

        Reply
      • hi derek my name is sergio,im from mexico i have some of my friends they had did trimming ,and im really interesting if you can help me i really apreciate only thing i can ofer you is making a design of something you like im a designer just to thank you well enjoy your trip best regards

        Reply
      • Aloha Derek! You posted this in 2012 but its worth a try. I’m an easy going local boy from Hawaii whos ready to get off the rock and try something new. I’m all about the adventure s in life and this sounds like an awesome one! Im a hard worker and dont need much to survive. If possible, please email me with some options! I’ve never spent a lot of time in California and am COMPLETELY FRESH, A solid starting point is all i need. Much thanks!
        Keha
        [email protected]

        Reply
        • Love Hawaii 🙂 I’m about out of fresh options/ideas though, I’ve covered all the key stuff in the article and my hundreds of comment responses. If you have any specific questions feel free to let me know, but I’m done emailing tips to people — few ever thanked me and I don’t have the time to handle the dozens of emails I get every week from this article.

          Reply
      • Hi I just saw your article and I’m really interested in work. I don’t know if you can help me out but I’m going to be traveling from the Midwest and will have no connection,with anyone out west and I’m really looking forward to harvest time. I’ll be traveling in November can u please help me out? My email is [email protected]

        Reply
        • Hi,Derek!
          I’m wondering if you have any info about seed harvesting,I’ve been growing for years and have been making feminized/regular seeds the past few seasons with a variety of strains.I do the all indoors of course,but having all my own smoke has really limited the amount of people I’m in contact with and honestly I want people to grow my seed! I started with nothing but high quality seedbank genetics a have produced all my seed from that,THE BEST. I know the outdoor growers love starting from seed because they are more vigorous and healthy. How do I get them in to the hands of the growers and get compensation for my efforts? Any info would really help,
          The agoraphobic seed guy needs help:)

          Reply
          • Hey Eric, the best way would probably to get “your in” during trim season and do a little hands-on work on the farms. That will put you in close proximity to the people that you need to talk with. Then all you need is a spare minute to catch them and bring up the topic in regards to next spring.

            Best of luck up there!

          • Thanks for the reply,not sure what you meant by the”your in” but I’m doing harvest and trim work this year in Colorado but I do thank you for taking the time to reply,I see you’ve had this thread going awhile and probably have a hard time getting time to write replies so I won’t take up anymore.thanks again

          • Sorry, I meant “your in” as in like “your ticket in” or “your way in” … the only ones who can help you with your specific request are the people in charge, up in the mountains. Plus by the end of season they are all so tired from being stuck up there for the last several months working seven days a week that many are eager to bring in outside help for the next season.

      • hey im thinking about going to California the middle of July, im traveling central America and have run out of money… I wanted to try and get a job in trimming before I booked my flights so I defiantly had work when I got there. If you could help me that would be fab!! thanks Francesca 🙂

        Reply
      • Hi Derek!
        Did you work in a pot farm? Do you still have any contact to get a job there? I,m interested to job there and I’ve heard that september,october and november are the best months to work…Could you sen me a e-mail with information?
        [email protected]

        Reply
      • Hello, I am Javier from Spain living in Mexico, I would like to work in the marijuana farms for 2 months starting in october, I hear about this jobs but I heard that is not so easy anymore to get one and I do not wanna go there just to see what happens. Can you help me out with some contacts.
        Thanks man.
        [email protected]

        Reply
      • Hi Derek!
        I’m Paolo and I’m Italian. Next month I will be in north Cali for my second time, and honestly I would like to earn some money, cause this time I wanna travel all around Cali.
        I read about your article, and I would like to know how can I do to go ”up in the mountains”. What’s the best way to take part at the trimming?
        THanks, cause for me it will be a dream and I think it’s the perfect job for me!

        Reply
      • Hey I been trying to find out how do I get information, am so interesting, am tired of the broke life I wanna make money , can u reply back for more info plzz thank you

        Reply
      • Me and my girl are headed up there this season. We are so excited for a new experience. If you could hook it up with a contact or two it would be such a blesding. Thank you for the post. Very informative and we’ll play my friend.

        Reply
      • Im not from around here I just moved out here from Wisconsin im a 30 year old native american woman looking to make a pay check I need the extra cash I live outta my car nd looking to be put to wor ASAP my email address is [email protected]

        Reply
      • Hi Derek, I’m here in CA looking to do the same thing. I’m going to leave the safety of my friends place to head for Humboldt I think. I’m afraid because I don’t have any contacts, it could go wrong. I would be most grateful if you could advise me and help with good people as contacts. Thank you brother, peace

        Reply
      • Hi Derek.,

        Its really great of you to share your experience with us, especially because teres not much other info on this online. I would really appreciate it if you could drop me an email as well. Many thanks!!! Best of luck

        Reply
      • Hello, im looking for a job as the one described! my email is [email protected] if somebody has any advice or offers I’ll be very thankful. Just finish my studies in Oaksterdam university I’m very knowledgeable in the whole cultivation process.

        Reply
      • Hey !, love the article and some of the posts. I thought it was funny how many requests for contacts you got after expressly asking not too! I wanted your opinion about the overall market there for a person like myself ,who would offer technical and logistic services for mainly the growers. I know most are pretty handy getting their setup up and running on their own, but for more complicated stuff, from installing solar panel arrays and integrating them to a home or other structure to plumbing issues or water handling problems. Also real security, like fabricating steel doors, frames etc…. I was a power plant mechanic for over 20 years and can handle nearly anything they may want or need. What do you think? Could it be worth my efforts to bring my service truck or van out there, rent a place for a while , advertise locally and get my name out there and what I can do for them. Do you think ,from your experience, there would be a demand for me?

        Reply
        • I’m sure your skills would be useful out there Tom. However as I only handling the trimming aspect, not the growing aspect, I’m not sure how tough the competition is in the technical departments. No idea if they are in high demand or a dime a dozen. Best way to answer that question is to go for it. And be sure to time your trip to an active season, you know, don’t show up in December or January because no one will be around 😉

          Reply
      • Hey Derek- I am really interested in work this coming season, any information on how to connect with these people would be awesome! My email address is [email protected] I look forward to hearing from you !

        Reply
      • Hi derek , i see that this article has been a long time ago… im desperatly looking for a job and that sounds like a goog opportunity… could you or maybe someone here can connect me to a work of that kind ?

        Reply
        • I would love to get in contact with some growers or agents for upcoming jobs. I’ve got a couple years experience and between my girlfriend and I we can trimm throu about 2 lb a day. Please contact me if you or anyone you know has work, [email protected]

          Cheers,
          Gary

          Reply
        • hey man I have been reading up on trimming and everything. I was wondering if you email me sometime here with some contact info for places I can get a job at

          Reply
        • great info! im live in north carolina and have been growing a few years myself. I would LOVE a chance to come out west and help the masters! Not only for the money, but for knowledge of our fav. plant. Contact me back if someone could use me this fall, and i may not come back! THANKYOU !!!!

          Reply
        • Hello Derek. How are you ?
          This is my 3th year i do a rock and roll summer tour in Europe. I’m still looking for a job in Oktober November. Any idea ? 🙂

          dennis.breuckelaers[at]gmail.com

          Reply
        • Hey Derek, I’m looking to work in the gardens this summer. It’d be just me unless I can convince someone to come with me. I hear it pays well and I really want to take a productive cross-country road trip this summer, plus I’ve always wanted to go to Cali. I would really appreciate it if you could get me in contact with an employer or somewhat closer to having a garden job this summer. Here is my email [email protected]. THANKS!

          Reply
        • Hey Derek,
          I would love to be a trimmer but I’m afraid my past might keep me from it. I live over in Pennsylvania and I was arrested for selling pot when I was 20 years old. That was over 10 years ago. I haven’t had any serious convictions since then. I’m a college grad and just a overall good guy that needs to make money. I know working in Colorado is out of the question but would i be able to work in California? If you can send me info to my email [email protected] I would really appreciate it. thanks man!

          Reply
        • Dear Derek. Sorry to hear that you are not given any cudos. Not from me. You are the first and only person that I will ever trust with info from the triangle. Millions of thanks from me. I am a 53 year old retiree transplanted here in so cal from Texas. I was blown away when I saw my first collective in Napa. On my bucket list is a desire to work the harvest as a trimmer in the triangle. Now that it is getting closer I am getting a real anxious feeling that I might miss it again this year. No telling how many years I have left. Anyway. I am not experienced, but I have an excellent work ethic and am very dependable, punctual, and extremely hard working. I also have my own wheels which may or may not be advantageous. I am basically on my knees begging for any help that you might be able to give to crack the code in my desire to fulfill my bucket list. Thanks a bunch for taking the time to read this. Spiros

          Reply
        • I know this is from 2013 but gotta give it a shot. My name’s Samantha and am looking for trimming work. I may be a girl but I’m tough and a fast learner. If you need help in your grow or have anyone in need I am here to help! My email is [email protected]. This was a great read thank you.

          Reply
    • Hi volk! I appreciate your description, and I was travelling with my closed eyes. I’m italian and me with my friend we’d like to come in California to get a job and a nice experience. Some friend of me they also get in one of these mountain and got a job… but I don’t find them anymore… so it will be great to have more details. What about me… well I never been in America, it will be my first time, I’ve been visiting Morocco and Holland, Europe and… at the moment I have no money to travel so far… so we need a good feedback. Thanks a lot. all the joy and the best.

      Reply
    • Derek, please hook me up with any info tht would be useful for me trying to get a job on the mountains. I am coming from Alabama with nothing. I would rather take little $ and more buds for payment. thank you

      Reply
    • I’m sure you’ve been flooded with requests for more info, and though it’s cliche I’m going to ask if you have any contacts you could pass on. I’ve worked a bit in Colorado doing the same, but since I’m a chef I soon was asked to cook as well as trim on a huge farm where many mouths needed a good feed. If it’s of help, just let your friends know I have both skill sets.

      Reply
      • Flooded is an understatement…really wish some of my other articles would get this much attention and this many comments hehehe. I’m afraid I won’t be headed back to Cali this harvest season as I’m currently in Asia but you do have a unique skill-set that you bring to the table. Let’s see how things look next year, if you’re still interested…

        BTW I’ve spent lots of time out in Colorado, checking out the scene there. What part do you live/work in?

        Reply
        • The farms Nederland, outside of Boulder was where I spent my time. With the fact that its been legalized for recreational use it seems to be a lower paying market this year, but it’s still a good paycheck.

          Reply
        • Sawadee Derek,

          I see you are in Asia as well haha. I am finishing up my awful teaching agency contract in Southern Thailand and headed back home in March. I have heard stories from friends over here about the jobs in the Emerald triangle and I would totally be down for some more “wander funds”. Seems like a nice harmless and natural job and tent living is my style. Please pass on any advice you can. And if you are around S Thailand hit me up for a visit.

          Reply
        • Hi Derek….

          I have just found this page by chance…. I am in London as I am looking into coming to America to study the growing aspect etc…

          I just wish to congratulate you on all your advise and knowledge that you are giving endlessly !

          It’s people like you,that makes up for the many who don’t give freely to humanity. It’s again people like you, that gives faith and belief that there really are still some good people out there in this cruel wide world ! at times you give up hope that there are any good people left that are willing to help others freely. So when you come across a person like yourself, it is only just that one should be congratulated and thanked for giving,caring and sharing.

          So well done my sweet…. Thank you for putting a smile,giving hope,and caring for so many!

          With love from us in London!

          Regards
          Tooky

          Reply
          • Thanks for the kind words Tooky, I appreciate it. Three years later and I am still responding to emails and comments on a nearly daily basis…gets tiring. Glad someone appreciates it enough to say thanks. Take care and best of luck with your growing experience…it is amazing fun! 😉

          • Is it usual for farms to hire people specifically to cook for the trimmers? I would happily do some trimming too but Id imagine it would make economic sense to cook in bulk so trimmers can focus.

          • It makes sense but unfortunately it doesn’t always work like that. The landowners are busy and everyone is operating on a different schedule. Trimmers wake up, work and eat at sporadic times. Sometimes trimmers cook together in small groups, or (more likely) rotate who does the cooking for the group that meal, but not always — and often even if this happens, only a portion of the trimmers participate. There are always those work-oriented loners who will trim their fingers to the bone, stop for five minutes to eat a ramen, and then trim again for hours on end.

            These farms, even the ones with 50,000 plants, usually never have more than a dozen or two trimmers working at a time. Security is a concern, plus as the crop can only be picked and dried so fast, it only needs to be trimmed so fast. There aren’t any massive operations employing 50 or 100 trimmers that would be able to justify hiring a cook. (At least not that I’ve seen in all my years.) And while you can get hired as a trimmer and cook for everyone just because you like to do it, all this will do is make your bag lighter and thus your paycheck lighter. No one is going to compensate you for feeding employees who would otherwise have had to pause their own work to feed themselves. Make sense?

          • Thanks for all the useful info so far.
            As it will take a bit of time to find work and, just to be cynical, there is some risk of not finding any I need to investigate things like where to camp or other places I could stay while looking for work. What is like likely minimum budget for the bare essentials when not working? Are there any good places to camp cheaply (ideally freely)?

          • Someone else asked about free camping and I’m not certain off-hand, but I would assume there is some nearby….maybe the almighty G can help answer that question?

            Minimum budget varies by city. For example, Eureka and Fortuna have McDonald’s, so hypothetically you could survive on a couple bucks a day — although your health would suffer as a result. But Arcata is a small town with independent delis and diners, no chains, and given the fact that a $100 bill is referred to as a “Humboldt twenty” you can expect to spend much much more a day on food there.

    • Hola from Guatemala, Derek!
      Thank you for a detailed, thoughtful account for all of our curious eyes and minds! My partner and I are looking to head back to the States for trimming season. We have a few friends in the Bay Area, but we would love some advice on finding work…especially since we are flying back early in hopes to find some more travel money 🙂

      I’d love any little tidbits you have to share, and to know where you are in Asia…that might be our next stop!

      Best, and gracias,
      Maria and Michael
      [email protected]

      Reply
    • Hi, your article its so useful for me. I come from Puerto Rico but right now im in oaxaca where ihave been helping some friends with their honeybees, but im going next week to Eureka to see if i can find a job in harvest season. Im traveling all alone just with some tales of friends who had worked last year and with the info from this article. If you have more information or you are around right now in California let me know. Thanks a lot!!

      Reply
        • Hi, the thing you said are helpful. Im a musician looking to work on the fields. What other advice can you give me to survive and get the job?

          Reply
          • Make friends with locals. They are your way in. Just don’t let the first thing you ask to be about work up on the mountain — ease your way in gradually. They play it cool so you have to as well.

        • Hello!!
          Im looking for the option to delete my comment on this article, and there’s no way… it’s possible for you to do it. Thanks you so much and hope you are continuing your adventures!! many blessings!!! ** the comment is in top of this one under the name Paola. Thanks again!

          Reply
        • Hey Derek. Thank you for your amazing article. my partner and I are looking for a trimming job in California as close to mt. Shasta as possible for the season. we want to be able to be near this energy center. we are traveling from new York and wanted to know if you can get us in contact with a connect before we travel to California and if it is easier to bring your own supplies and tent. what will get us the easiest way to become a trimmer. my email is [email protected]

          Reply
          • No offense but if the 2,000 words of this article and my hundreds of prior comment responses cannot show you the “easiest way to become a trimmer” then there really is no more advice I can offer you…..except to maybe re-read everything, because you clearly missed the part about I WILL NOT GIVE MY CONTACTS OUT TO STRANGERS.

    • Hey Derek I’m on my way to Eureka for another job but any tips I could get on getting into trimming would be great. I’m taking a friend with me and he needs a trimming job. He’s experienced ,that was one of his job back home. We’ve never been to Cali and have no idea how to get started at the farms . Michelle [email protected]

      Reply
    • Hi Derek what a great article. I spent four months last year up north and loved ever bit of. I was wondering if you knew where to locate some jobs for this fall. Please email me if you know of any work available. Thanks

      Reply
    • I would like to visit USA from Lithuania and this kind of job would help me on the travel. Would that be possible to get more information on trimming work ? I have experience too 🙂

      Reply
    • Hello Derek I ´am also interested about this job for next season, I trimmed lots of times here in Argentina and it would be nice to have a new experience at California. Please send me some information if you are still in contact with this article. [email protected]
      .Thanks a lot, it´s a nice text.

      Reply
    • Hi Derek!!

      I’m from Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and I’m really interested in this job opportunity. Do not know how to get in touch with the producers, but this season I want to work there. I would like to earn some quick cash to build my tree house in the jungle and start a business there aquaponics project. I hope you can help me with some information.

      Best regards from the caribbean.

      Reply
      • Hey Kelsy…harvest season doesn’t start until September so I wouldn’t recommend heading out there early as there will not be any work available. Humboldt University is the big one out there and I knew a lot of people that went to school during the week and worked in the mountains every weekend. Best of luck with everything out there — if you find success then please stop by again and leave a follow-up question. Or you can also do that if you have any more specific questions once there 🙂

        Reply
        • Hi Derek

          I’m 53 years old and low on funds , but I have friends in California and Oregon I know a lot about pot, but never had experience in growing, other than my own, and have no experience in harvesting, I willing to do any thing to get my foot in the door. I’m willing to drive up there in Sep. What is the best county in the triangle to find work. If there is any more advice you could give to find work when I get there or the easiest way to get in contact with someone that needs help. Any help would be appreciated. If you can’t help, thank you for your time any way

          Michael

          Reply
          • Hey Michael,

            I always had the best luck in Humboldt so now that is my “go-to” county…but a few of my friends have had better luck in Mendo. Regardless of where you go though, make friends first. The locals can easily put you in touch with the right people, but they might not do it for any random guy off the streets. So make a few new acquaintances, be friendly, be jolly, be honest…and then inquire about work 😉

            Best of luck out there!

      • By the way I have tons of experience trimming in the mountains of big island Hawaii! Would love to have this experience again but go full force. I would love an email or a way to contact you back????????????????????????

        Reply
    • Hey Derek thanks for the info, just wondering if you can shed a litle more light on the seasons? we have heard there is a summer season in july and august. do you know if there is much work around at that time? im currently travelling with my girlfriend in mexico and would like to head north to check out california but need to make money to sustain our travels, were from the uk and spain. any advice for making the job search a little easier would be greatly appreciately. hope this finds you well.
      thanks
      Tom.

      Reply
      • No, there isn’t much work in July and August as that is still the growing season. Wait until September, that is when the harvest season starts. Just go there and make friends with the locals, don’t stand on the side of the street with a “will work for weed” sign because those people rarely find what they are searching for. Then after you have a few local friends casually bring up the conversation of work. They are the gatekeepers of the mountains.

        Reply
    • Hey derek, how are you doing bro? I have been thinking about taking a road trip back to cally, I moved there in 1999 looking for work in the entertainment world it took 3 years to get in but I did!! I got hooked up with Kandoo films in Sherman oaks, I worked with them in big productions, before I got a break as an actor on a soap all my children in N.Y.C so I moved there I worked for 4 years then the show was cut, so now I my back in Orlando fl and the jobs suck here and I am bored as hell, I want to get into trimming for the fast cash, I am a hard worker and I will stick with it to the end!! I really need to change my life, please help me get into the weed biz. thank you for your time Derek and take care my friend. Truly Chad.

      Reply
    • Hey Derek ! Congratulation’s for your effort and work to keep all this up and running ! 🙂

      I am from Brazil and I am very interested in this opportunity…traveling, making some cash and enjoy life ..

      Could i get your contact so we could have a lil chat ?
      I have written the towns and ways to find a “job” up there, however i still have some specific doubts..perhaps you could help me understand better…

      Like, when you first started, you really tried to become friends with local people…and only after a couple days ask for that subject…or right after getting to know them you already started the questioning about such jobs?

      Please, email me if you can, it will be a pleasure to talk with you ! [email protected]

      Reply
      • I always waited a couple days before asking, but I did once or twice the first night I made friends — depending on how many beers we had knocked back and the general mood 😉

        Reply
    • Hi, I’m very interested in working as a trimmer. I’ll be heading to Mt. Shasta very soon and I hope to stay up north for a while. If you have any advice on how I can get hired for this type of work it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, very well written by the way Derek.

      Reply
    • I’m a honest hardworking American living in Guatemala in need of cash to raise my family. I speak Spanish as secondary language.. I can give you three months a year.

      Reply
    • Hey men,

      Could you hook me up with some contacts? I am planning to go this september. Cant seem to find any contacts yet.

      Thanks in advance.

      If you ever are planning to come to Europe (again), pass by on the remote Spanish area of the Canarian islands and I hope I can help you out.
      Its beautifull and the goodlife here.

      Cheers!

      Reply
    • hola Derek! me llamo Markel y me interesa informacion al respecto. Quiero probar suerte a ver si encuentro alguna opcion de recolectar… pero no se ni cuando ni donde ni como…. puedes darme algo mas de info al respecto por favor? gracias por adelantado! una pagina genial y exitosa, felicidades!

      [email protected]

      Reply
    • For current legal cannabis jobs, search Humboldt Craigslist. There are two cannabis staffing companies in Eureka: Emerald Staffing and Dark Staffing. As of October 1, 2018 there are tons of temp jobs available now! They are legit and require no experience but need valid ID and authorization to work in the US. However, you usually need a car and may have to camp out on work site. Good Luck to all!! $$$$420$$$$
      Good Luck

      Reply
    • Happy to help shed some light on unique cultures, glad you enjoyed it — I’m sure some people in California are upset I wrote about it in so much detail. Whoops. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

      Reply
    • Thanks for the comment. I always find it interesting to see things from both perspectives — and this was definitely one travel experience unlike any other, both mentally, physically, and emotionally..

      Reply
      • I have always dreamed to come to norther Cali and be a trimmer since I met a hippie in teaxes on one of my many travels and told me to go to humble county and sit out side a gas station with a sign saying need work and I would eventually get picked up for work I still haven’t made it to vali but its my dream I’m currently in montan awaiting winter to pass so I can get on the move again to my final destination northern California hopefully to meet cool peeps and settle downb if anyone could help with this pls don’t be afraid to contact me like I said its been my dream

        Reply
  1. Interesting article. I love in your bio that you love visiting places you have to communicate solely through hand gestures. That will be my new goal too! Great post and blog!

    Reply
    • Thanks for the kind words Katie. But truthfully my blog is pretty weak, almost laughable — it’s theHoliDaze.com where I do my real travel writing, along with a collection of other bloggers. However your blog is pretty damn cool. Maybe we’ll cross paths one of these days…best wishes! 🙂

      Reply
    • It’s fun stuff, to say the least — the paycheck just makes it even better! I’m out here right now, just finished a 2wk stint up the the mtns about 48 hours ago and am back in Arcata now 😉

      Reply
  2. I live in a non legal part of the states north carolina. And love growing m-j and if one deserves it’s me.It would be a dream come true and i am good at what i do and very trust worthy. peace time to hiy some NYC DIESEL!!!!

    Reply
    • Depends on when you will be leaving Cali. Trim work for the general public is from late September to December. The rest of the year it is pretty much limited to the locals, as only indoor grows are yielding (in other words, there just isn’t the massive surplus of nugs like there is in the fall). If you will be in Cali around that time though, Arcata and Eureka are two of my favorite places to find work 😉

      Reply
  3. Yo, Derek. I’m currently “existing” in louisville ky. Working as a farm hand/trimmer in norcal sounds exactly like the therapeutic lifestyle that I desperately need. This is a serious post dude. Any chance you could get back at me with a follow up post on here, or maybe shoot me am email to discuss it a little further? Much appreciated brother. Be good.

    Reply
    • I feel ya on the “existing” state…never fun. Well, first off they are going to ask me if you have any trimming experience. So, do you? Secondly, it is only during the autumn that outsiders are usually allowed in, when the sheer surplus of seasonal harvests requires an influx of new slave labor. So you’d have to “exist” for another six months first…

      Reply
      • No real trimming experience..but how hard could it be with a laid back attitude and good work ethic? I guess I just want to know how to go about getting into that sort of lifestyle. It’s what I need to do man

        Reply
  4. first time i “hear” so many informations about this job, thank you! I am thinking of going this year for work there, but i have no connection.. you think i will do it? I will go to your special places that you said.. thanks!

    Reply
    • Nope, not drive around, just post up on a street corner with a sign a la a homeless person. Some people write stuff like “will work for bud” while other simply draw scissors. But of course knowing someone to call does make the process a lot easier. But once you get your foot in the door you’re golden…just don’t f it up as they say, or you’ll end up back on the outside.

      Reply
  5. Hey derek donde puedo escribir un email para trabajar cosechando marihuana en esta temporada? gracias por tu informacion

    Reply
    • Lo siento Ronaldinho, no puedo ayudarte. Mis amigos en California ni siquiera saben que escribi sobre mis experiencias. Si lo hicieran, yo nunca se le permitiria volver. Mis disculpas de nuevo pero gracias por tu comentario.

      Reply
  6. ive waited my whole life growing up for this to happen , for this country to kill of the old fkn stupid people that have no clue bout the weed that turns to a flower in our brains ,,but the things this plant can do is finally being realized n thats the best part ,, im 50 yo now n to all you young ones ,,,do it for the good of the disabled n the kids that need a drug to help them grow n to be healthy ,its not all bout getting high ,, its bout what this miracle plant can do to help us all ,,soon this country will look back just like they did w the way the idiots of this world looks back at alcohol ,,but the two are not the same ,, alcohol is a beast that kills n destroys lives , ive been smoking since i was a teen n ive never woken up n didnt remember last nite or have anyone killed after i smoked it n drove home ,,but alcohol does ,, the stigma will soon be over n this country n world will benefit from it ,, for all of yous that need a job start up your own grow n learn how to produce the best buds out ther ,, it takes alot of committment but time after time you will learn more n more ,,n then youll be set for the rest of your lives cuz this is the next business to be in ,, if this govt will just fkn wake up n let it happen ,, God Speed to it

    Reply
    • I totally agree man!! Marijuana is harmless once people get over their fear/taboo and actually look at the facts. It all started as a smear campaign against minorities (specifically Hispanics and Jazz musicians during the 1920’s and early 30’s) and that led it to first being made illegal 1937 despite the AMA arguing against the bill, calling cannabis a God-given plant that can be found in vacant lots and along railroad tracks. But William Randolph Hearst was the big newspaper mogul at the time, and he also had many investments in the logging industry. Given that hemp can be made into paper easier, cheaper, and MUCH greener than traditional logging, it’s no wonder the greedy bastard is now looked back upon in history as the one who first started the yellow journalism campaign against “marijuana,” a word that he coined to replace the commonly known term “cannabis” (which was another tactic at generating fear, in this case fear of the unknown). All to protect his wealth and investments. And that is the only reason it’s still illegal today on a federal level.

      Although the war on drugs is failing, enough people are profiting from it. On the legal side you have increased police forces and ever-expanding budgets, plus all the indirect industries associated to this. Nowadays there are privately owned prisons and even prison lobbyists fighting to increase marijuana penalties, all in order to keep the jails full and yes, justify new ones as well. It’s no wonder that “prison towns” have now sprung up, where everyone in that li’l podunk country town in some way, shape, or form works for the jail.

      On the quasi-illegal side you have the growers and cannabis boutiques in legalized states that are genuinely trying to help people with physical issues live a better life. There are too many positive stories to cite. Medicinal marijuana is REAL and it is effective. That is exactly why the pharmaceutical industry is scared and donating heavily towards keeping marijuana illegal. They want to protect their multibillion dollar drug lines and keep their ludicrously high profits a flowin’

      Then on the totally illegal side you have transporters, middlemen, and sellers all profiting from it. A fresh pound of perfection in northern Cali can go for $1,500 if it’s in season. However as that’s worth $4k in Texas, $5k in Florida, and $6-7k in NYC, well it’s no wonder the “flow” will never stop. But these transporters and suppliers are not the problem. If it was legal on a federal level they would all be out of a job that very day. Just like how the end of prohibition pretty much killed bootlegging, at least all except a few scattered moonshiners just “preserving what my pappy taught me.”

      And like you said, alcohol is pretty harmful, so is tobacco — both much more so than cannabis. Not only does alcohol come with many health issues but obviously also the more publicized issue of drunken driving, its’ victims and its’ repercussions. And tobacco, well we didn’t even have to discuss that one. Yet because both are such cashflows for the US government via taxation and regulation they are still legal. And damnit marijuana should be too, especially because it has no health issues at all (aside from the smoking aspect, which does not cause cancer like tobacco).

      Nowadays it might just be the government being so desperate for money that finally tips the scales and leads towards federal legalization and taxation. I will gladly pay a slight weed tax to not have to worry about being busted for smoking a joint. Plus we can empty out our prisons and fill them with people that deserve to be there, like rapists, murderers, and pedophiles, not some stoner who got busted with a personal supply — or worse someone with legitimate medical justification.

      Anyway, sorry for rambling on brother but I can totally relate! Thanks for stopping by and commenting, take it easy 🙂

      Reply
  7. Hi Derek.
    4 reall?
    Im a student from Israel and just about to get 3+ month vication (7-10.13).
    and realy about going to nCali to get my hands crystal-shine.
    do you think i need to work out some connection somehow?
    or just go to Emerald Triangle\ercata\eureka and wait for the miracle to happen?
    and man, thanks for that info.

    Reply
    • Hey Kurtzi,

      Being a student you may be able to find success in Arcata, which is home to Humboldt State University and full of people our age whenever classes are in session. I would recommend trying to make friends with locals around your age and then trying to squeeze in that way. Become friends first and then inquire if they know anyone who needs any work done. Arcata has no fast food, only mom&pop restaurants that all ROCK! Eat out, mingle, explore the town, find some new friends. The town only has one good bar, the Alibi right there across from the town square, so once night falls lots of the younger generation will end up there.

      Eureka is a bigger town but without a university. However that is also where you will see a higher percentage of the stereotypical traveling hippies holding “will work for weed” signs.

      Since you’re arriving in July and the big harvest season does not kick off until September, you have a great window to get in before the rush and make connections. Just don’t tell anyone you read about it online. I want to be able to come back to work this season myself and they definitely do not know I have written about any of this….shhhh! 😉

      Reply
  8. I lived in redding Calif now I live in Arkansas I am so ready to go home growing has been in my family for years its time to go home

    Reply
    • Hi gaylon! Got email need to get in contact, im from argentina leaving at tahoe at the moment, and going to emerald area at end of may, tnks!

      Reply
  9. Very interesting story? It’s one of them jobs that can zen out your mind.
    And if you can appreciaate the time added with the patience that it
    takes to make a bud beautiful, you can take from it the psychadelic
    intelligence, that the cannibis plants enery fields add to your life.
    It’s an ever expaning fight that we are all fighting, and to say the least.
    Winning. I hope to see the Good Vibrations on Sattilte this Harvest season.
    That Northern California feel for the fields of everlasting Spirit.

    Reply
    • Luckily the farms usually have sleeping quarters. However the key word there is ‘usually.’ Often it’s just a trailer or simple guest house, nothing fancy. But if they don’t have anywhere to sleep whoever is bringing you out there for the work will warn you, so that you can bring a tent and sleeping bag.

      Food however is something you must get for yourself. Some people bring simple stuff from town but others will go on grocery runs to the local town market (all of those small towns up in the Humboldt hills have one gas station-grocery store-general store-post office all combined into one li’l ol’ building). If you’re working inside of a trailer or house then usually you have free access to the kitchen, so cooking the food is not a problem. However if you are really out there and/or staying in a tent, it’s best to only get food that can be quickly cooked over a portable camp grill.

      Reply
  10. Hi Derek! Thank for the information is really useful for the rookies! Me and my boyfriend are thinking to go there..is it easy to get a job in the same farm? And…what about the raids? Are common and often? We’ll be there with the tourist visa….that minds more problems? Thank you again!

    Reply
    • Hey Julia, no worries, that raids are not that often at all. Plus there are just so damn many greenhouses and outdoor grow setups that statistically you have a really small chance of being there during a raid. The locals are pretty good at warning each other when the heli’s start flying around.

      But if anything should happen, all you have to say is “it’s the economy man, I just needed work, regardless of what it was.” The trimmers are always just set free. After all they aren’t the big dogs that The Man is after.

      Reply
  11. I live in florida in about 8 months I will be going to oaksterdam . Wish yo one day meet you . @derek4real. #Boston George

    Reply
  12. In Toronto till end of August. Heading to Cali for September to November and would love nothing more then to get a trimming job. Would be more then grateful if you could email me the details in doing so 🙂

    Reply
  13. Hey!

    I just quit my job and so in July, I’ll be a free (lady) bird. I don’t put up with much sh*t despite my appearance. Trying to hit up any of my connections out in NorCal. I’ve farmed before so ag jobs are no stranger. Could you email me with more info? I could use an escape from NYC, a fiscally prosperous one wouldn’t hurt either.

    Cheers!

    Reply
  14. Hello Derek! LOVED the article – thanks for all your information. I’m a nomadic experience junkie myself currently traveling the west coast doing work trade on organic farms and just living life. I’ll be hopping down to California next month for an indefinite amount of time and would freakin’ LOVE to get a seasonal job on one of these farms… not just for monetary gain, but the experience would be rad. Could you shoot me an email with any more info? Anything would be appreciated.

    Reply
  15. Wow!! I really LOVE your post!!! I heard about this kind of job in California and Canada 3 years before travelling India. Now I’m without a job and in Spain… I talked with my mother about this and she found your article for me hahaha Awesome! I want to put ALL my energy to get this job so I will appreciate A LOT if you can email me with more information. Now I’m trying to sell my car to make money to start my farming adventure!
    THANKS and best wishes for you!

    Reply
  16. I would love to do this kind of work/travel. I’m headed to California just before fall. I just quit my job, now I just need some contacts.

    Reply
  17. Great article Derek! It really sounds like your living the life out there. I’m currently working a seasonal summer job as a cabana boy in Pensacola Florida. I’m looking to take the next school year off and move out west for some more seasonal work and extra money for school.Your article has really encouraged me to pack my back pack and start catching rides out west.
    If you could send me an email with some more info on how to get a job out there it would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  18. Hi Derek!
    Thank you so much for that article. I’ve been looking for that kind of job for a few years now, and never found any useful information like this one.
    It would be great if you could email me some more details, about how can I actually find a job as a trimmer, who can I talk to etc.
    Many many thanks!!! (:

    Reply
  19. Hi Derek, Thank you for all the information you are giving in this post! Really helpful! I am traveling to Cali and would love to get a trimming job this fall. Do you have any more details you can send me by email? Thanks again!

    Reply
  20. What an amazing story! Answered all my questions. I am a full time medical marijuana trimmer in Colorado and would love to be a part of this. I’m free to up and go at any time, and am VERY fast. I can trim up to 3- 3 1/2 pounds of dry buds a day (lots of practice, lol).

    Love what you do, hope you get back to me, will be following you!

    Reply
    • Nice, you’re faster than me! They would love you out there for sure! Just wait until harvest season kicks off and their is an abundance of work. The remaining 9 months of the year it is all sporadic indoor grows and you usually have to already know someone / have your foot in the door to get in on those.

      I’ve checked out the scene in Colorado too but I always had better luck (and better buds) in Cali. Let me know how it all goes for you — maybe we’ll cross paths out there! Best of luck! 🙂

      Reply
  21. How’s going mate? we are a traveler couple and we’ll be
    in Cali next september and we wanna try to work for a while as trimmer. if u have some other “sweet” information as contact of the farmers to share, i leave you my email [email protected]. thx my mate
    Carlo

    Reply
    • Hey Carlo, thanks for the comment. Always glad to connect with fellow travelers, especially ones with a fondness for my favorite plant 😉

      Email sent…hope it helps! Let me know if any more specific questions.

      Reply
  22. Ciao Derek!
    We are an italian couple planning to travel in California for a while, we want to go and work as trimmer, do you have any farmers contact to share? I leave you my email [email protected]
    Ty mate

    Reply
    • Sorry Melissa, I’ll gladly help out any way I can but unfortunately I cannot share any of my California contacts. In fact if they knew about this article then I would no longer have a job there waiting for me every year…

      But if you read through the whole article and all the comments too then you will definitely find some tips to help increase your odds of finding work. Best of luck to you both! 🙂

      Reply
  23. How’s is going Derek? I was wondering if you could give me some info on how to get a trimming job for this upcoming season. I have searched the Internet pretty hard and have come up with no real way to go about this. Didn’t know if you knew someone to hook up with or what your advice would be? My email is [email protected] Thanks for your help and hope to hear from you soon! -Justin

    Reply
  24. Hey Derek, wazup? My name is Jose, i’m Brazilian, 25. I’m traveling from South America to the US since 2010, a long way up there! Since im on the road i’ve met a lot of travelers and growers wich had told me about the experience that you very generously shared with us on this blog, and i’m really interested on it. I’m now on Mexico City and trying to find a nice contact to work in there, but is being hard to find someone – most of my mates are already on the mountains so is being hard to get in touch with them, and i don’t know how posible is to just go to california and wander trying to find a job. If there’s any posibility to get in touch with you it would be awesome as you seem to be a responsable and respectable one on this subject.
    Thanks hermano! 🙂

    Reply
    • Yup, those mountain folk can be notoriously hard to get a hold of. Even nowadays much of that region has no cell phone service and relies solely on landlines and word of mouth. That is part of why lots of people just arrive in Cali with their fingers crossed, hoping for the best. Anyway, I just sent you an email — hopefully that will be a little more help. Best of luck bro!

      Reply
    • I got lucky and did went on a Six-Month Hippie Road-Trip with several people that were born and raised in Northern California — they were my ‘in’ to the whole scene. Unfortunately I don’t have any contacts I can share though. In fact if they knew I had written about my experiences there then I would never be allowed back up on the mountain. And trust me, I like heading up there every year! Such a shame that this year will be my first to miss it…I’m in Indonesia now, exploring Asia again for a year or so…

      Reply
  25. Hi Derek,
    What a great article,so detailed and great writing 🙂 I met few people who used to work on farms in California when I was travelling in South America but unfortunately I did not share contacts with them 🙁 I am thinking about doing it this year.I know you have been bombarded with emails but I would like to ask for some contacts/tips please. My email is [email protected]. Peace

    Reply
    • Sorry, cannot share any of my contacts — if they found out I had written about this then they would not even let me come back to work. But I will email you some tips bro. Best of luck from Indonesia!

      Reply
  26. Hey Derek I woukd love if you gave me some advice and tips on getting a trimmer job in norcal an I know you’re living life the way it should be much luck and blessings!

    Reply
  27. In your expert opinion – how safe would you say is it for two 20-something Asian girls to go looking for a trimming job at the end of the summer? I have a friend who has contacts up there but he isn’t sure if he can “hook it up” so we might just go and hope that luck is on our side. I’d love your opinion. Thanks and safe travels!

    Reply
    • Hey Jenn, thanks for your comment and question — sorry for my late response, I’m backpacking it around Asia right now and wifi is sporadic.

      It is definitely safe for “two 20-something Asian girls” but be wary of any places that higher “women only.” Those are usually horny guys who will use every trick in the book to distract the women from work, or offer to pay them more if they trim topless. Other than that everyone is laid back, friendly, and very hospitable. So yes, I would go for it if I were you! 🙂

      Best of luck out there!

      Reply
        • A Note To Everyone Reading:
          If you can’t even get my name right then please don’t expect me to waste my time responding to your blank request for more information. Not only do I get dozens of emails pertaining to this article every week but 9 times out of 10 these questions can be answered if you truly read (not skim) the entire article and my comment responses. Hell use Ctrl-F and search the page. But don’t think I’m going to continue to respond to “email me” requests on a post that is over two years old unless people feel like throwing a few dollars my way via PayPal to pay for my time.

          Reply
  28. Hey Derek,

    How do I get involved with this? I really really really want to! Please could you email me
    anything that you wanna tell me, i’ve been looking for something like this for so long!

    Gabriela xxx

    Reply
        • You can up to $9,999 across in cash. $10k+ has to be declared and explained. So if you make more than that, you will have to either deposit some into a bank, purchase money order(s), make multiple trips across, travel with other people (the $10k limit is per person) or just go for it and hope you don’t get searched.

          BTW, this was actually a great question. Thanks for that. So tired of the same ol’ questions here. (People reading this, just do a page search to find what you are looking for before commenting…thanks!)

          Reply
  29. Hey, I’ve been looking to trim this Harvest. I just moved to the west coast.
    I’m 26, good shape, healthy, don’t do drugs or drink, a hard worker & fast learner.
    Do you have any other tips? I know & understand you can’t give contacts.
    [email protected] is me. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  30. Hi Derek,
    Iam a 28-y-o aregentinian/italian traveller, nowadays around Cambodia, and hopefully heading North America to start tripping down to South America. Working in a weed farm in Califronia seemed like an utopic job and the best option to work in order to save a little bit of money to keep travelling southwards. So I found out about this blog, and thus me writing you. Just had a look at your last reply (and indeed to an argentinian as well) and realize you are not able to share the contacts. Do you know if it is somehow possible for travellers (with no working visa) to even get a job around there?
    If you can share any info, I would be more than grateful ([email protected]).

    Cheers,
    Diego

    Reply
    • Hey Diego,

      Are you still in Cambodia? I am in Singapore now, about to leave for Malaysia. Will be in Cambodia soon after — would be great to cross paths!

      To answer your question, no working visa is needed. The job is completely off the books, no taxes or even formal paychecks, just straight cash money. The landowners don’t care who they hire — locals, traveling hippies, foreign tourists, anybody and everybody is welcome. As long as they can work that is 🙂

      I actually worked with a guy from Costa Rica one season and he was in the USA on a simple tourist visa.

      Best of luck out there bro! And let me know how long you will be in Cambodia 🙂

      Reply
  31. Hi Derek

    Thanks very much for this article it has been very helpful for me to get things more clear

    I am looking forward the next september to try to get some jobs over there but unfortunately I don’t know anyone over there

    I know you can’t give me any contacts but I’ve seen you may be able to email me some tips that may help me in my job hunting??

    Thanks in advance for your help

    my email : [email protected]

    hugs from Brasil

    Alexis

    Reply
  32. Hey Derek I’m Marco and i’m very interested in the trimming job. Im 25yrs old. If u can e-mail me to give me more information about where can i apply.

    PS: I’m from Portugal, is it a inconvenient?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Hey Marco~ No worries, they hire foreigners just as easily as locals. In fact one of the fastest and most dedicated workers I ever met was from Costa Rica. That guy could do 3lb/day like it was nothing! Anyway, I’m shooting you an email now. Best of luck out there bro!

      Reply
  33. Ho there, Derek I was wondering If you can helpme out with some tips ( Locations, towns, spots … ) because I´m coming in September and I´ve never been in Cali before, I really need to get this job, hopefully you can give me a hand. David.

    My e-mail : [email protected]

    Reply
  34. Great service there Derek! Much appreciated bro! I’m actually from a horticultural background already and am actually a qualified horticulturist 🙂

    From Ireland which is a difficult place for work right now and would love to do this for Autumn as well as experiencing North California and even Oregon further on.

    Just like the others any more tips and pointers in the right direction would be of great help. Would appreciate an email and it would be of major help to someone in my situation.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  35. Hi Derek
    Me and my girlfriend would be glad to get some tips from you how to get a job like this! We would be very grateful if u can help us by emailing us some information about locations, towns, how to get contact in common.
    Thanks in advance! Alex

    My email: [email protected]

    Reply
  36. Hey Derek,

    thank a lot for this article, very informative, well writen, certainly clarifies a lot for all of us willing to take up this job and do not have the experience. Me and my mate are travelling from Europe to Cali and definitely going up to the mountains. I would appreciate if you could send me some more information to my email. I know you have done that x-times but we all do want to get that job 🙂 Thank you

    Reply
    • Hey Tom,

      You are certainly right — I’ve emailed well over a hundred people more information yet so far only a handful of people have replied back with a thank you. In fact I am about to stop responding to these comments and emails b/c it is taking up to much of my time and people do not seem appreciative of that fact…

      Anyway, email sent. Hope it helps — and that you respond with a thank you.

      Reply
  37. Hi Derek,

    I just read your article and gained a lot of insight as to what exactly the job entails, thanks a lot! I’ve also just skimmed your replies and was totally amazed that you seemed to have answered a lot of peoples requests so I’m hoping that answer mine! You said that work “up in the mountains” usually starts late sept and then forward, my boyf and I are looking to start early sept or as early as possible before leaving to mexico in October. Would really LOVE some info on sights, contact info (if avail), where to head, even if its just a few town names, anything would be of help! Just saw your last email also, your reply will be much appreciated and I’ll let you know it. Anything would be useful. Thanks again! Great article =)

    Reply
  38. Hi Derek, me and my boyfriend are travelling around south america at the moment and had a hook up in humboldt that fell through . we are running outta money fast and are thinking of travelling up to cali anyway to try our luck but would really really appreciate some tips..i know you seem to have done it millions of times but it would be massively helpful. happy travelling this summer and i look forward to hearing from you

    Reply
  39. Hi Derek,
    I read the full forum and understand that these lock to answer. I would appreciate if you could send me some tips. For example some special bar farmers to get together. Any hints more. Also it would be the idonea season to plant me in any of these towns mentioned. I come from Spain, I have little money and I can not spend much time out of work, consuming in USA
    Gracias.

    Reply
    • In Arcata there are literally only a couple bars in the whole town — and only one in Fortuna. They are both small places. Eureka has more of a nightlife scene but is harder to find work in. Email sent.

      Reply
  40. Hi! My boyfriend and I are looking for some trim work. We have never done it before but we traveled cross country to try. We are fellow street kids so we would like to go to an area that isn’t blown up by raggedy looking people who will ruin it for those of us who know proper hygeine and can keep up with our outer appearances. Where should we go to get the best chances for work? Email me please!

    [email protected]

    Thanks!!

    Reply
      • hey derek,
        would love some contacts too. have long term experience with growing the plant an would love to get a possition where i can tace care of a part of one of the plantations. if not im happy with some trimming for the beginning. if you could send me some contakts where i can send my resume i would be more than thankful.
        all the best,
        ramses

        Reply
  41. HI, my name is Carlos, I am from Spain and Im travelling in South america now and I want to spend 3 months in Califonia on september . I have the inteest to work in this job. Could you please pass me some contact or link in the internet related to it?

    Reply
    • Clearly you have not read any of the previous comments. I cannot and will not divulge any of my contacts. In fact I am also done responding to repeat comments and questions that are already answered in the article.

      Reply
  42. Thanks for your email and help Derek! Greatly appreciated! The responses on this are a perfect example of where society is today? Take take take no give and little thanks! Where is the common courtesy?

    Reply
  43. derek. ive herd that humboldt is not really the hotspot for finding work what citys do you think are going to be doing the most hiring.
    hey thatnks for taking the time to share you experience and trying to give as much info as you can.

    Reply
    • I always had much more luck in Humboldt than in Mendo or Trinity — the people are friendlier there. Of course everyone’s experience / perception is different and I can only speak of my own years up there…

      Reply
  44. Hello Derek,

    I heard already about something like this and i m very happy to see that jobs like this exist 😉
    its very beautifull what you make here 😉 please could you send me some info about how i could come into this? im from austria it would be very helpfull thank you 🙂 love and peace Bianca

    Reply
  45. Hi Derek, sorry to be one more asking for that email with some more tips that u’ve got and i promisse u that i won’t be asking for contacts, ok???? lol
    Thanks for all the information u passed to us and if u r still in Indonesia please have a blast in Gili Trawangan, Sama Sama reggae bar will be waiting for u… [email protected]
    Thanks a lot

    Reply
  46. Hey Derek, Great read! For those looking for work and/or that are paid by the lb, you might consider taking a look at one of these. They are absolutely remarkable and save about 70% of the time while catching all the trimmings, and I kid you not – it’s better than hand trim! I have a handful of friends coming out that way next month with their wands in tow. They’ve made a huge difference for our harvesting (and our bottom line) out here in Colorado – good luck with everything and keep up the great posts.

    Reply
  47. hey derek

    living in france me and my girlfriend would like to take a trip a cross California
    and we would like to work on these fields to earn experience, discover and earn money of course 🙂

    can you tell me where people like us from another country should looking for for a job

    thank you very much greeting from france

    Reply
    • Foreigners have just as equal of a chance at getting hired as traveling Americans do — more so if they are “cool cats” hehehe. I’ve worked with trimmers from both Central America and Europe. Anyway a brief email has been sent, hope it helps 🙂

      Reply
  48. Hello Derek! I also like a lot of people want to go to Cali to experience cutting, of course mean that you can not reveal your contacts, but whatever your advice would be very helpful …. I leave you my email [email protected] thanks in advance to write to me, and the help you are giving us all.
    Asia is beautiful, I know it for the most part if you want to ask advice as well …… Pura vida

    Reply
  49. Hey,
    I read all the comments here… Very interesting 🙂
    I understand that you cannot help with contacts but I became a lot smarter… 🙂
    Now I know the towns and that I have to just be there to find a job and be lucky to find a good one… 🙂
    I will try it this september, october, … With a tourist visum (I’m Belgian)
    Maybe one question, is it easy to find cheap and clean accomodation untill I have a job?
    Thx Geert

    Reply
    • Hey Geert,
      GOOD QUESTION! Depends on what your definition of cheap is. Up there $100 bills are referred to as “Humboldt twenties” because there tends to be a lot of money flowing around. You can find budget hotel chains along the 101 for around $50-60, but I do believe there are some hostels in the region as well. Unsure if they are much cheaper though but probably not during the trimming season due to the influx of backpackers. Unfortunately since I have friends in the area I have always stayed with them, and as such do not have much advice on the abundance of hostels in the Emerald Triangle. Sorry.

      Reply
  50. Hey Derek,
    Great article, very informative. I plan on flying into sanfran at the start of october and working for a couple months. Do you think its realistic to expect to make ten grand by mid december?
    I have done other forms of piece work, picked fruit/planted trees in BC.
    Thanks for the article.
    Dags

    Reply
    • It’s possible but would definitely be in the upper ranges. Of course it all depends on how fast you can trim and the abundance of crop available. Those are both BIG variables.

      Reply
  51. Hey Derek,
    Im looking to get put to work. 40yo, i dont have any experience but can work like a machine.
    i live in SoCal and can make my way up that way anytime.
    would greatly appreciate any tips, info on how to go about getting work trimming that is if your still responding to posts. thanks bro.

    Reply
    • Still responding, just been motorcycling around Indonesia and have not had the time to answer people — especially because so very few actually thank me. Anyway an email as been sent your way. It is a mass email and will be the last responses I give unless someone comes up with some truly creative questions. Best of luck, hope it helps!

      Reply
  52. Hey! I noticed that a LOT of people have been writing to you.
    I’m a big traveler and I’m trying to go to the US for a while, specially Cali.
    (I’m Swedish)
    Can you send me some info of who to contact please because this is a job I really would love to do! [email protected]
    Thanks, Lee

    Reply
  53. Hey Derek thanks fro all your information. Would greatly appreciate more info like what are the best dates to start looking for work along the 101, and any other tips you could provide. THANKS!!

    Reply
  54. Hi there! My name is Mary-Jane. I’ve been looking for something like this to read about to see if there was anyway I could meet someone to get me started on a job trimming and growing for the season. Like some of these other posts, I have no idea how to get incontact with you. When you get a chance, if you don’t mind, please hit me up with some more information. In the mean time, stay easy and smiling. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • ciao, sono italiano anche io , hai qualche altra info..io forse trovo una dritta..magari teniamoci in contatto. sono a bologna e tu?

      Reply
  55. I would love to know more about fall work. A friend would do it for 2 weeks at a time, and it didn’t sound like a bad way to make some money. Thanks for the article! kl

    Reply
  56. Hi Dereck, me and my friend are spanish and we were very up to go to Cali and try to find some job. Unfortunately we are having second thoughts seems we think it may be late getting a farm to work in. Do you think we are still on time to do it? (thanks in advance, i ve seen you have awnsered all the questions to everyone and i think its very cool form you, thanks honestly!!!!

    Reply
  57. wow! i’m already appreciative and grateful for the information i have gained from this website, thank you derek for your existence, its an important movement, because of sinsemilla, cancer is eliminated, and all kinds and forms of illnesses are going to be of past mythology. with that being said do you mind sending me an email derek, as it would help me immensely in more than one way. i’m already thankful for your past and current and future efforts, sincerely daniel.

    Reply
  58. Hey man, I just got to Cali and have been living off of cereal bars and staying on venice beach/friends couches. Can you e-mail me any info on how to get at trim job or who to look for/where to go? Thanks so much man.

    [email protected]

    Reply
  59. Hey, my name is Isabelle, I’m a high school senior in Vermont. I’m planning on taking a gap year next year to work and travel. Right now my plan is to drive across the country and hopefully find a job in CA for the summer. I’m going to work for a few months to save up money and then travel to Hawaii and (hopefully) New Zealand! Anyway~This sounds like it would be perfect! Anyway you could give me some more info? My email is: [email protected]
    Thanks so much!

    Reply
  60. Hi!!

    I’ve been hearing about it for years, but I never had no idea of how to get it. I’ll go to California this year on Agust (want job in Oct-Nov) to see a friend (first trip to UE, I’m from Spain), and I have not any contact to start to work or where to start, because I don’t know anybody there and I really want to get a job & money to pay the bills, and this job is fucking amazing I allways want to!! 😀
    Could you send me some info? [email protected]

    Thanks!!

    Reply
  61. Hey man thanks for the info, I was thinking of heading over to the Humboldt area to get some work as a trimmer. Can you hook me up with a job? It’d be greatly appreciated! Hoping to move out there to start growing myself, but got my student loans to worry bout first. Thanks man!

    Reply
  62. hey! i know you said you werent going to respond anymore, but i have a couple of questions before i just run out to california. Where is the best places to look for these jobs? my and a couple of friends are supposed to be headed out this week. Also how many day does it generally take to find a job? I would really appreciate some more information! thanks so much and i hope indonesia is treating you beautifully, i hope to make it out there by may if i can make some money this and next season! thank you

    Reply
    • Thanks, Indonesia is treating me amazingly well — just finished my first film here and my co-star was a famous Indonesian TV star. She and I had an absolute blast on set and the video apparently turned out awesome, although to be honest I have yet to see it.

      Anyway, I had better luck in Humboldt than in Mendocino, but that was just me. As far as how long it takes to find a job, usually — if you are arriving in the area and don’t know anyone there already — it is a minimum of 3-4 days but sometimes as long as a couple weeks. It all depends on your people skills and how quickly you can make friends with the locals.

      Reply
  63. I’m already grateful of the information that i have gained through this website. It’s an important movement, hemp oil has been clinically proven to kill cancer cells. Cannabis has multiple uses and is a widely respected healing herb that is known throughout the entire planet, and will only continue to grow in its popularity. Although in life i have learned that heartfelt moderation is key to consumption, a balance to taking in. i have thought long and hard about wanting to go to california and i have arrived to the conclusion that i would love to check it out. i would love some info on how to go about it? Thank you derek, honestley, i will appreciate it many times over,

    Reply
    • Sorry, I really don’t have much information to pass out besides the rather extensive load already covered in my article and these few hundred comments. Take a look back through it all and I bet all of your questions will be answered. If not, let me know!! 🙂

      Reply
  64. Hello Derek,

    So I’m currently extremely interested in heading up north to try to get a trimming job but pretty nervous about the chance of not getting hired by anyone because I have no connections out there. I was wondering if you have any advice or tips on how to get hired out out there or if you could help me or anything. I would greatly appreciate it. My email is [email protected]. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Hey Derek,

      I was also wondering how safe it is out there. I’ve heard that its gotten a bit sketchy lately. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you.

      Reply
      • “Safe” in terms of safe from the government or from unscrupulous individuals? I worked out there in 2010, 2011, and 2012 and it was perfectly safe. There was once or twice when the helicopters overhead got close to make the farm owners worry but nothing bad ever came of it. I will not say I’ve not heard a horror story here and there but I will say those are few and far between.

        Reply
  65. Hi Derek I will like to receive more info about the jobs opportunity’s in any Country that you may know Uruguay recent start to cultivate for legal distribution. It would be nice to find a source that will advice people on how to work and travel farming canavis send me your information package to [email protected] I also want to share this CNN documentary about the benefits of canavis for the health of many people http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyf-ffoatHg Thanks in advance for the info keep up the good work And lets all enjoy life to the fullest.

    Reply
  66. first, i just want to say thank you for the already informative blog posts! they have been a real help in my decision to travel out west. also the trip you are on sounds absolutely amazing and i plan to travel after this season. it would be a great help in you could send me some more information. i would really appreciate it 🙂

    [email protected]
    thank you my friend
    safe travels

    Reply
  67. Hey Derek – I’m a recent graduate and can’t find any work but like to travel. I don’t smoke anymore but like you said: some people are in it for the money. One of my friends said she’s been doing this for a few years but didn’t give me any real details. Can you send me some info on where to look? [email protected]

    Reply
  68. Hi Derek
    I book a flight from Greece to San Francisco for next week.
    No connections, no nothing, i just make a coin flip and hopefully be lucky and get a trimmer job…so any info is very welcome !
    Thanks in advance )

    Reply
  69. Thanks Derek awesome article…I recenlty had a great convo with a traveling hippie that mentioned having done some trim work in the past. I’m by trade a chef and am looking to start my own business..but need some more capital and creat9ive ways of making cash. Right now I’m ready to make some bold moves..I’m fast with my hands and can stand or sut in one place for long peroiods of time having done plenty of heavy production. Can also help with development and production of edibles. Would really appreciate a hook-up for a serious worker.

    Reply
  70. Hi guys, thank you Derek for all your informations and help, nowadays is so difficult to find someone that helps others without asking anything in return. I’m italian and I will travell to California in the next days to visit friends and family, and I’d like to work in the mj fields, better than harvesting apple like I use to do here in Italy in the fall. First answer is about the right time to find a work like trimmer: is it now (early October) too late to find a job? I will try to find growers moving around without a car, do you think it is realistic to do, or I need a car in all cases? Have you some mail contact to make my job search easier? If not, can you recommend a place where I can more easily ask people for a job in the mj fields?
    Thanks in advance for any answers and for your loss of time.

    Reply
  71. Hey Derek!

    My name is Sarah and my boyfriend and I have been traveling all through California looking for trimming jobs for a while now with no luck! We’re in Mendocino county right now just hoping a job will turn up. Do you have any contact information I could have for farms that possibly need some workers?

    Here’s my email,
    [email protected]

    Thanks a million, the article was very informative!

    Sarah

    Reply
  72. Hi there! This article was very interesting. A friend of mine and I are both preschool teachers on the east coast losing our minds with boredom. We were planning a trip out west for summer 2014 to see family, and this would be a fantastic way to make some funds. If you wouldnt mind sending me some information, like contacts, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you! [email protected]

    Reply
  73. Hi Derek, Thank you for the informative article. I am travelling around California right now and am looking for this kind of work. If you have any contacts and are willing to share them I’d be very grateful! Happy travels. [email protected]

    Reply
  74. I Derek could you send to me the mail with addictional info and tips?
    I read that the job is going on till december and some trimmers leave their places because of the hard and bored that the job is, so I think that is not late to try looking for it even in the middle of october.
    Thank you in advance for your precious help.

    Reply
  75. HI Derek
    I just moved to California from New York, on my first leg of travelling to pretty much anywhere any time I want. And I am looking to start funding that as quickly as possible. I just read your bog post on picking marijuana in Northern California and I was wondering if you could help me with a little bit more information as to how I go about that. If there is a website I can go to directly or a direct email address.
    I would also love to hear more about your travels where you are and what you are up to. [email protected]

    Reply
    • From the amount of traffic this page gets, I’m pretty sure this is the most helpful link on the web. If you read the entire article and all the comments then I am sure that will answer 99% of your questions. Let me know if you have any more specific ones though…

      Reply
      • Hi Derek I read your article and all the comments and I have been in the business for about a year or so. I don’t need any connects or contacts I just had a few questions about pricings and how it fluctuates. Thanks so much. I believe my email is sent. I would love to hear back.

        Reply
  76. Hi Derek! I enjoyed reading your article and was wondering if you could give me any tips on finding a job (obviously I understand you can’t give me a direct contact LOL). Where would you suggest I look for the job? What are the best times of the year to look for a job? How skilled should I be at trimming weed ( as I have no prior experience). Any other useful tips would be a world of help, please send me a reply at [email protected]. Thanks!

    Reply
  77. Hey! Great article and very great insight! I too am also looking for a trimming job. Im a quick learner and have trimmed before. So I have some experience and was wondering if you could help me out? My email is [email protected]. Thanks again and great post! Hope to hear back soon

    Reply
  78. Hey Derek, do you have any connects out there? I am looking to go out there, so can you email me with some info like where are some spots that I should go and where should I checkout?? Please email..

    Reply
    • I have lots of contacts out there…but I cannot send people I do not know out there. They don’t even know I’ve written this post. If they did then they certainly would never let me back in the loop.

      Reply
  79. Dude, thanks for all the information.

    This will help me a lot since I’m up here and running out of funds quick. I get along with everyone and I’m fairly confident I can make friends with the right people.

    I’ll be travelling around nor cal till I find some kind of work, so hit me up of you need a ride or anything. I don’t know how else I can get you back for this article, brother.

    [email protected]

    Reply
  80. Hi! I’m Caterina from Italy…i will fly to Oakland next time…maybe someone can give some contact for trimming work?? me and my boyfriend we have cut grapes in France for two years…but this is best that wine!!!
    contact me at
    [email protected]

    thank’s so much!!!!

    Reply
  81. Hey Derek,

    Loved ur the article man. I’m really interested in making some good money in a field that I enjoy. If there is any thing you could do to point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

    Reply
  82. hello,
    I read your interesting blog about the work in the sector of canapa spp, I’m Italian and I would like next year to make a working holiday in California and I’m opting for different types of work, but being a graduate in Agricultural Science and a great “smoke” this type of work is exceptional for me.
    Can you give me pointers on how I can find a job before you leave (I understand that I live in Europe, traveling and everything else!), Such as email addresses, telephone,
    thank you very much

    Reply
  83. Hello guys!

    I am again Valentina and then in the previous comment that I was not given any response from you to my question of having contacts of some farm in California to work as a trimmer or anything else like that, so I’m writing my personal email and if you or anyone else wants to help me, I’d be very happy.
    [email protected]
    Again, I’m Italian and before leaving for the United States would like to find the contacts of some marijuana farm.

    Reply
    • Hi Valentina. As I’ve mentioned repeatedly both in the bottom of the article and all the comments here, I cannot give out any contact information. The best I can offer is the advice on this page. If my friends in Cali knew I had written this post they would not allow me to come back to work next season…

      Reply
  84. Hey Derek. Enjoy this and your travelling blog, seems like you live the life!

    I’m from the UK and finish university in May, I’m looking to do this sort of work next season (september 2014 onwards) probably for about 2 months . (I’ve been interested since seeing the film cash crop!) Hopefully that will then fund travelling after, around the US and Canada. Scanning your previous comments I’m glad that the employers don’t care whether you’re a foreigner or not. Just wondering if you have any tips? I guess what I’m really asking is if I turn up as a 21 year old healthy male is there a good chance I would find a job? Anyway any advice you could give me at [email protected] if you get a minute would be hugely appreciated! It sucks people aren’t giving you the thanks you deserve for responding all the time, especially when you yourself are travelling.

    Anyway regardless of whether you get the time to reply, keep doing what you do, thanks again!

    Tom.

    Reply
  85. Hi Derek,

    Great article. I have been trying to find out more about getting seasonal work as a trimmer in CA for a family member from the east coast that is interested for the 2014 season. Are there any specific farms that you would recommend and if so, how would somebody specifically go about getting a trimming job at those places? Is it possible to have a job lined up before you travel to CA? Please contact me at [email protected]
    Thanks so much!

    Jenifer

    Reply
    • People — especially farm owners — are very secretive and as such there is nowhere that I can openly recommend. It also is usually not possible to have a job lined up prior to arrival unless you have really good friends there or have worked a prior season. Wish you the best of luck though!

      Reply
  86. Hello Derek how you doing my name is Mj i have being looking forward getting in to the trimming business in Cali but my problem is i have no family there or even know anyone till i came across your blog. if theirs anything you can do for me as fars as who to contact or how i can be part of that field please email [email protected] Thank you may god bless you.

    Reply
  87. Hi Derek, I’m really interested in this opportunity and was wondering if there was any way you could possibly help with me some information or can give me some kind of direction as to who to contact. Please email me at your earliest convenience. I would really appreciate it. Thank you for your time.

    Reply
  88. hey derek! ive been curious as to how i might find i job opertunity in california, unlike other people im not really in it for the money i just want a learning experiance so eventualy i can grow my own medicine and learn first hand how to extract cbd’s and make myown medicine for my epilepsyy. how would i go about getting in contact with growers that need help?

    Reply
  89. hi!
    i’m italinan and right now i m working like a tree planter in frace, but after 6 mounth i wanna change lifestyle !
    will be perfect do this summer en experience like your.
    can you give me more info for realising my dram?cheeeeeers!:)
    [email protected]

    Reply
  90. Hy Derek! I’ve just read your article and I got really interested. How could I get more informations about this kind of job? cause we (couple) think It could be a great way pay for our trip meanwhile we live it!Hope you can help! thank you! greetings from europe

    Reply
    • Well given the sheer amount of traffic that I receive from this post I dare say this is the best resource on the web for advice and information on how and where to find a job trimming cannabis in California. It’s a subject few document online, and certainly not in such extensive detail. If my buddies back in Cali knew that I had written this then I would certainly not be greeted with open arms the next time I return. However I’m convinced that if you read my entire article and all of the comments then all of your questions will be answered. But if you should have any specific questions after that then please do not hesitate to respond with another comment 🙂

      Reply
  91. OMG this sounds like an incredible opportunity. I came upon your website and I love it. I am trying to sow my wild traveling oats. If you could email me a bit of info of who I can talk to or write to, so that I can get in on this for the summer of 2014. You are such an awesome writer too. You made me just want to be there right now.

    Reply
    • Thanks but as I’ve stated 100+ times already I cannot give out any contact information. You’ll just have to take a trip out there yourself and make friends with some locals… Best of luck!

      Reply
  92. Hi Derek. California native here and I have seen first hand the result of medical use. I have seen the relief that it has brought to so many, including my father and best friend who unfortunately passed 2 years ago this month. I want to give back…I guess my way of showing thanks is to help with a harvest and continue to surround myself with those who may have similar beliefs. This is truly a heart felt request and hope to hear from you soon. I’ve realized in my life time that no mans convictions will exist without confrontation from those that do not share in those convictions. I need a positive change in my life and know that this is a great start for me. Thanks again for the information and your time.

    Sincerely a friend,
    Richard

    Reply
    • Hey Richard, thanks for the heartfelt response. I completely agree with you, I’ve seen so many positive benefits of medical marijuana firsthand that it is mind-boggling to me that there is even still a debate about the subject. Without delving into the sordid reasons for that, I am convinced that eventually everyone will see the light and the laws in the USA will be reformed. It’s not a question of ‘if’ anymore but ‘when.’

      Of course my friends in Nor Cal don’t know that I’ve written about this subject — if they did then I’m certain they would not continue to welcome me back with open arms anymore. That having been said, I’m afraid I don’t have any contacts I can put you in touch with. But you seem like an honest, down to earth kind of guy, and therefore I’m convinced that if you take a trip up to the Emerald Triangle and make some new, like-minded friends then everything will work out for you just fine 🙂

      Best of luck bro!

      Reply
  93. hi, i interesting to come there and doing some trimming! this can be my dream work.. for sure is something i love !!
    soo when i should be there ?? better can i have some information about this amazing place??

    Reply
  94. Hi there! My name is LEILA I am 38 6 ft tall single no kids this will b perfct for me I stay in Miami,fl but will travel any where for this job. I’ve been looking for something like this to read about to see if there was anyway I could meet someone to get me started on a job trimming and growing for the season. Like some of these other posts, I have no idea how to get incontact with you. When you get a chance, if you don’t mind, please hit me up with some more information. In the mean time, stay easy and smiling..and in great health

    Reply
  95. Hey brother,

    This is a fantastic article. Thank you.
    I’m an Irish guy looking for trimming work this summer.
    I have no experience but i’m a fast learner.
    Can you email me some details.

    Kindest regards,

    Kev

    email: [email protected]

    Reply
  96. Hi,
    i’m from Italy and because right now here it’s so difficult to find a job i really would like to have if it’s possible some contact to go at the beguing of September in California to pick weed and save some money that in this period is so hard do it. I will really appreciate if anyone can help me in this direction or give me some advices.
    I hope to hear something soon from you.. Thanks for your time and for your great blog!!

    Marta

    Reply
  97. Hi there Derek,

    I recently heard about the scenes from a friend who has recently been over in the usa and heard about it and i was immediately keen to get involved but do not have a contact in northern Cal unfortunately. i was wondering if you could send me and email also just outlining the best way to get in contact with someone so that i could get involved in this years (2014) harvest and any general tips that you believe would help me being selected. I have some experience (although in Australia where i am from and live). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Once again my email is [email protected].

    Cant wait to hear for you.

    Reply
  98. Hi,
    I’m a french traveler, I would like to travel around the US this year but I need some money to do that so I seek for a job in marijuana farm. Beside I love those green plants so if somebody can help me find a job or help me in my project it will be awesome.
    Thank you all, and thank you for this blog
    Once again my email is [email protected]

    Reply
  99. Im very interested in Summer 2014 trimming job…Im 45 female and kids are grown so I am available throughout harvest season. I have grown/trimmed over 25 years! Need the job…please email me info

    Thank You

    Reply
  100. Hello everyone

    I’m going down the west coast soon from Vancouver until…as faraway as possible. And like I would no have so much money I really hope find one if awesome job to reach south america !

    I read you already gave many times at many people informations about it so you probably tired to do it but if you still have energy to send me some tips it’s welcoming.

    I also read you traveled a lot, keep traveling may-be we will cruse on the road 🙂

    And thank you for this article.

    Lucien

    Reply
  101. Hi Derek, first of all: thanks for your article and yourpatient replying to everyone 🙂 me and my girlfriend were thinking about going to CA and trying our luck to find a job “up the mountains” next September. To be honest, we never did it before but I’m sure we can learn quickly. We are two girls and we don’t even smoke, this should be a “plus”, isn’t it? 😛 Do you think it’s really hard to find a job for three months? We are really going there to make money and not to get wasted for free. If there is something more that can help it would be very much appreciated. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Yeah, it’s a very easy job to learn and get good at. Plus since you two don’t even smoke there is no danger of your profits, well, going up in smoke 😉

      However it is hard to find one single job for three months because once harvest happens all the bud has to be trimmed rather fast. Very few places are big enough to have enough crop staggered over that long of a period. I most often work a series of 1-2-3 week jobs at a variety of different farms. Of course indoor jobs are much shorter as indoor harvests are much smaller. But these are usually reserved for the expert trimmers who can trim perfect-looking bud at a crazy fast pace.

      Reply
  102. hey derek! great insightful article. i’m a portuguese girl interested in trimming work in northern cali to fund some travelling.
    although i have no experience, i am professional, work hard and learn super fast. any tips or suggestions would be super welcome. thanks a million in advance. [email protected]

    Reply
    • Just go up there with a few spare dollars (don’t come hitchhiking in to town with nothing but a few coins in your pocket and expect to be working that first night) and a few weeks or more to kill. It could easily take you a week before you find work. The best trick is to make friends with the locals. Then once y’all are friends casually bring up the subject of “work”

      Reply
  103. Hi man, I am student from Europe. This is my second year in Usa and i travel all around. I stay in every city few months. I need some warm place for next winter, I am inChicago now 😀 Can you send me something about this weed job? Also if you have some good advice about where to go and what to see at west coast? My email is [email protected]. Thanks mate!

    Reply
    • Best advice: Make local friends first, then gradually inquire about work after you’ve developed trust.

      I’ve left countless tidbits both in the article and my comment responses above…sorry I cannot provide more, I no longer have the time (or will) to respond to the same questions repeatedly…let me know if you have any more specific inquiries 🙂

      Reply
  104. Jesus H. No wonder Garberville, where I live, is now overrun by street bums, stupid, uneducated, unemployable scuz bags, in incrasing numbers every day. Thanks a lot!

    Reply
    • Yeah, hope my words didn’t send too many more of them your way. In fact I feel the same way as you — there are too many stereotypical, dirty hippies in the region every autumn hunting for work. I’m an IT expert turned RTW explorer and definitely not one of the usual “scuz bags” that passes through town. However I happen to know Garberville quite well…in fact one of my good buddies still lives there. Anyway, thanks for the comment (deliciously refreshing compared to the hundreds of other comments/emails I get related to this post) and greetings from Vietnam!

      Reply
      • Hey! awesome article, very informative for those of us interested in the subject, not many of these around. Great work.

        By the way im a vegan chef from Argentina, and id certainly could use any information, contacts or help in this area, really, any pointer would be super appreciated.

        Reply
        • Thanks for the kind words but unfortunately I cannot divulge any of my contacts or I would be blacklisted from ever returning to work there. However if you re-read the article (or even some of the prior hundreds of comments) you’ll find all the tips and pointers you need to find success out there 😉

          Reply
  105. Hi there Derek!
    hope you are still somewhere here, and could share with me some contacts also 🙂
    i already cross more than half of world by hitchhiking, and get in Cali from Hong Kong. here is my money almost end, so i decided to work a bit for to continue my way. otherwise, no chance to back home, haha)
    will be very appreciate for any help to get in this magic field.
    thank you!
    Maria

    Reply
      • Hey Maria (or is it Mariia?)

        My apologies for the late response, this article generates SO many comments / emails that I rarely take the time to respond anymore. I know that we have already chatted via FB but wanted to say WOOOOWWWW! I finally checked out your site and you two have had some awesome fun on your journey so far. Really hope that y’all are able to find some work in the mountains of Cali and put a bit of cash back in your pocket so that you can keep doing awesome things 🙂

        Keep in touch and let me know how it all goes, would love to help y’all out anyway I can. Oh and by the way I feel like I have seen you on Twitter too but I cannot find your @ — am I crazy or are you on Twitter too? That’s my biggest means of communication. In fact I respond to tweets faster than emails and blog comments and FB msgs too hehehe 😉

        Reply
  106. Hi Derek, this is Laura from Italy. I’ve been living in London for 3 years now..but I’m looking for new adventures and I”d really like to travel in US. Your article is amazing. Thank you for it. I just found it after a year that I was looking for work with marijuana farms.
    I know that you can’t share the farmer’s contact..but if can you give me any help would be great.
    Hope to hear about you soon 🙂
    Thanks a lot in advance.
    [email protected]

    Reply
    • Make local friends first, then inquire about work. I’ve left countless tidbits both in the article and my comment responses above…sorry I cannot provide more, I no longer have the time (or will) to respond to the same questions repeatedly…let me know if you have any more specific inquiries 🙂

      Reply
  107. Hey Derek! I really want to go and visit north california at the end of this summer and was wondering if you could give me some info about this, it would be a millions of help. I really liked your article also, very detailed and made me make my decision!

    Email me at: [email protected]

    Thanks for the help!

    Reply
  108. Hello Derek!

    I’m french student and i want to work in california. I saw that we could work in the harvest cannabis and i looking for a new experience 😀
    But i don’t know how do… I would like to travel around the US this year but I need some money to do that so I seek for a job in marijuana farm.

    If somebody can help me find a job or help me in my project it will be awesome.
    Thank you all !! 🙂 [email protected]

    Reply
  109. Hey,
    I was wondering if you knew any contacts for this summer? And what do people do for housing up there when working in this industry? I’m a college student trying to figure something out for the summer and would love to get into this, but I’m not totally sure how.
    Thanks,
    Jessica

    Reply
  110. Hello Derek!
    i live in France and i am now looking to find a work for the trimming,is it possible for this season?i could come soon if it s possible,tenting will be ok because i don t know exactly where i can live :)i know the work,i am realy motivated to work and to better know this domain,realy thank you if you could give me answer or help me to find..Good whishes.Ced

    Reply
    • Wait until September, that is when the harvest season starts. Just go there and make friends with the locals, don’t stand on the side of the street with a “will work for weed” sign because those people rarely find what they are searching for. Then after you have a few local friends casually bring up the conversation of work. They are the gatekeepers of the mountains.

      Reply
  111. Hi, my name is John. I’m interested in this job. How can I go about getting information about this? I Can be reach at… [email protected] Thanks for taking the time out to reply! Look forward to hearing back from you.

    Reply
  112. Hello mate! I’m a swedish Guy with a Lot of experience both trimmimg and growing. I’m looking around to find a job within the cannabis business for a couple of months. But having a bit of a hard time geting in contact with the right people. If you would have any tips for a foreigner looking to trim or contacts i would be glad to receive all the help i can.
    good article! Thanks for answering.
    // [email protected]

    Reply
  113. Hi. I read this article and it was most informative. That said, I am a 40 something single woman who has a zest for adventure and a bucket list to try harvesting at least once in my life.

    I live in Atlanta, but want to come to California in hopes of making some serious summer cash, but I have no idea even where to start in finding a job that is worth taking the chance to come there (Cali), but I will for a guaranteed gig.

    I know you cannot guarantee me anything; however, any assistance you or anyone reading my post can provide would be great. I am willing to leave anytime after June 15, 2014.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Wait until September, that is when the harvest season starts. Just go there and make friends with the locals, don’t stand on the side of the street with a “will work for weed” sign because those people rarely find what they are searching for. Then after you have a few local friends casually bring up the conversation of work. They are the gatekeepers of the mountains.

      Reply
  114. Hello, Derek. I live in Estonia and i very interested in this work. I am 33 years old and have 2 children. I don’t smoke. Tell me please in a private conversation, how many times work in week , and how much money in hour? I am interested, because I go to work and not fun. But!! I love to grow flowers and not only take care of them, this is my real hobby. I hope to get an answer from you. Photos of my work I can send in a personal message. All the best and have a nice day. Vitalii

    Reply
  115. hay derek that sounds like a dream come true for me.would love some contact info/connections for some jobs this season i am planning on heading that way this September any thing would help. thanks a tun my friend
    [email protected]

    Reply
  116. I am definetely interested in the clipping!

    Do they provide training?

    I will be in Cali this summer during the month of August. POSSIBLY stay for the fall! Please let me know if you have any contacts or tips on how to get a job like this! Thank you

    Reply
    • The only real training is hands-on…you get a pair of clippers and are told “trim this much” or “don’t do this.” All the work from each individual goes into a large clear plastic bag intended for turkey basting. If they see anything they don’t approve of in your clippings, they will instruct you otherwise. Simple as that 🙂

      Wait until September, that’s when work really kicks off…August is too early. Oh and make local friends, they are the “gatekeepers” of the mountain and can help find you work. For more advice please read my hundreds of prior comment responses. Let me know if you have any more specific questions.

      Reply
  117. hi derek
    i curntly moved to live in santa rosa and i am looking for this kind of job ,but i dont know anyone in here.
    please see if you can help me out here.

    Reply
  118. Hi Derek
    the info you shared here with us is truly amazing,this all sound like a great plan for summer.
    i would love some contact/info.
    i will be in the northern Cali for all summer long till Christmas season .
    [email protected]

    Reply
  119. Oh!! Amazing article! I would like to work there. Iam spanish girl , i would need to have the work before travelling California. DO you hace any idea about what i should do.?
    Thanks!!!!

    Reply
  120. hey Derek, how are you..?. my name’s Olivier, come from reunion island. .i would like to come in cali next september, i know you can’t send contacts,but if you ll have some specials informations that are good to know, it would be great if you could email me…thanks for your article, waiting for an answer..bye

    Reply
  121. Hi Derek,
    I started traveling around the country last summer and heard a lot of talk from other drifters about ‘trimming’ in Cali in the Fall. As the season is approaching, I figured that I’d start doing some research and this was very helpful; it’s the first thing I’ve found that gives an idea of what trimming is actually like. And this site itself is also pretty cool! I love the traveling/drifter/nomad/hippie/vagabond community. 🙂

    Anyway, was wondering (like everyone else commenting here) if you could send me some more info about how to get in touch with those farmers and find some jobs. I’d even be interested in working on the farms prior to trimming time, if that’s an option. Any information you have would be much appreciated. [email protected].

    Thank you for being a voice/advocate for the community!

    Reply
    • Hey Emma, my apologies for the late response…I get so many comments and emails as a result of this article that I often fall behind. Anyway the season is kicking off now. My best advice is to head up to Humboldt and hang around one of the towns for a few days, make a few local friends. They will be your ticket up the mountain as every trimmer needs someone to vouch for them. Anyway, let me know if you still have any more specific questions and I promise an immediate response.

      Reply
  122. Heey… do you believe that going to the Humboldt and get to know people today is still a good thing or is it better to try to be added to a waiting list?
    Any suggestions for the next season?
    thanks
    and if you pass in CostaRica send me a message… are you welcome in our house!! 🙂

    Reply
    • I don’t know for certain…I’ve been on the road abroad the last couple years and missed harvest season. May give it a shot this year, unsure just yet…but that is a good question, things in such a quasi-legal field can change suddenly and rapidly.

      If I do notice any difference I’ll post an update here. In the meantime though I’m headed back to Central America now and was actually going to pass through Costa Rica again. I have some friends to visit in Puntarenas so I won’t be far away. We’ll have to keep in touch, would be great to pop in and say hi 🙂

      Reply
  123. I know you are probably tired of getting asked this question, but would really appreciate any contact info you may have. Long story short, finally rid myself of a soul-sucking corporate job and took off for Thailand. FELL IN LOVE…what a place. Now, I am back in the states and looking for ways to start saving up money to go back to Asia, and love gardening and growing anyway..and smoking BUT I have discipline! If you could share any info with me, it would be really appreciated. Last question: They wouldn’t feel weird having a black girl show up, would they? Have to ask, in today’s climate. Thanks a bunch.

    Reply
  124. Hi Derek,
    I liked the informative article. I am currently in San Francisco just arrived after 6months in Central America. I met a lot of people on my trip that trim. I am very interested but have no idea how to find contacts, if possible I would appreciate it if you could send me some info a direction or contact thanks. email: [email protected]

    Reply
  125. hi derek!
    i just moved to portland this summer from st andrew jamaica where i had some practice already. dwl 🙂
    you know of any hostals or camp spots you suggest i go to to try n find a link for trim work this fall?
    i was maybe going to go explore at end of summer to try n meet poeple but i duh know nobody here except my mum.
    any help appreciated sir!
    bless up, Dalila :p

    Reply
  126. Hey man, great article, the best I’ve yet read about this subject. I’m wondering what other kinds of work you do to fund your nomadic lifestyle. I travel by motorcycle and I’m going out to sturgis this year to try and work. But I’m always looking for new ideas too. Also, can people bring their vehicles with them to the trim sites? I get anxiety when I’m separated too long from my chrome steed…

    Reply
    • Thanks man, happy to connect with another enthusiast of motorcycle travel. There is no better way to roam than by just hitting the pavement on two wheels with a loose plan, a vague destination and no map.

      Well since I’ve done a lot of foreign travel I’ll write articles for sites/magazines, design tours, social media management/promotion, etc. Random stuff like film or TV even, whatever interesting offers I get on the road. And I love it.

      And yes, no worries, you’ll be allowed to bring your chrome steed up there. It’s cars that are the big concern. Since the helicopters do occasionally fly over no one wants there to be 20-30 vehicles at the front of their property. Out there that’s just like saying “come raid our party pig.” Out-of-town workers all carpool together with a local or two. Plus since they are farms there is plenty of space and a locking gate to keep everything safe.

      Best of luck out there man, let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  127. Hi Derek, your post and description of all the stuff is awesome, i appreciate your struglle
    im argentinian and i like to know some more to do this, thanks a lot

    Reply
  128. Hey Derek!

    Recently my spouse and i have taken our life on the road in a motorhome and are currently living in British Columbia. With the right opportunity we would love to come down to California. can you please send me an email!

    thanks !
    Richard & Marina

    Reply
  129. hi!!! i m also very interested in this job!!!! someone can send me an email with some contact or can tell me where i can apply??????????pls thanks!!!
    I was there last year but i lost my contac.

    Reply
  130. Hello Derek!
    Ok for the Job and for asking local people..but is it possible to sleep somewhere?because if i come to America i don t know any person there..do you have an adress to prepare my travel?or do you know exactly where i could go??it s important for me..i don t need to lost my time and my money..it s important for me this work..i will realy thank you if you could give me a it more informations about..on my mail if possible..realy motivated..:)

    Reply
  131. I would really like to work on one of these farms for a little while for the experience and the money. I have a car and am currently in venice so getting to wherever i need to get to isnt a problem. Can someone please tell me where to go to to get one of these jobs? Thanks.

    Reply
  132. Hey I’m currently in Santa Rosa but what dates should I really start looking for a trimming job and should I be going further north to other towns really need this cash trying to head to Thailand soon. Thanks man everything helps

    Reply
  133. hej Derek me and my friend was thinking to get a trip to California, maybe trim some flowers 😉 we are from Skandinavia, and we thought that we could try the luck….. maybe they will be needed 4 more hands wile us being there….. if you feel for it 😉 so maybe you could send some info….? thanx, peace.love&harmony …..Eve & Kate

    Reply
  134. Hello man just actually stumbled upon this and this sounds like very hard, but very exceptional work. This was such a great blog also. Very good reAd. This sounds like such a great thing to have said you’ve done but I would greatly appreciate some help finding out a way to get to work on one of these farms. Man if u could help me with a contact or some great advice that would be awesome.

    Reply
  135. Heyyy derek, im actually heading out to san francisco in august, i would love to work there i have unlimited amount of time and also love field work, love camping sounds exactly like my job here in colombia, how can i get in contact with someone out there i well work cheap. [email protected]

    Reply
  136. hey derek i think your article is amazing and it describes the job just at it is, im aaron from mexico i love surfing and traveling thats one of the reasons my goal is to go up there to work and travel, and i’d apriciate it alot if you could send me a email with info and tips about the mauntains, id aprriciate it alot man, hope to see u around town I really want to go on early season or late season once everyone is over working, just thought I could start looking for some work now!!! yeeew =D

    Reply
  137. Dear Dereck,

    I am Tim, a Dutch traveler and I am running out of money.
    Will keep mouth shut and have experience in trimming back in Holland.
    If you can send me details about how to get in contact with a farm that would be greatly appreciated.
    Then I can continue my journey 2 peru as wel and do an ayahuasca retreat over there.

    Peace,

    Reply
    • Ahhhh nice ayahuasca is AMAZING! One of my favorites. Unfortunately I cannot divulge any of my contacts for a variety of reasons. However I can say that without a doubt I had the best luck finding work in Arcata, Humboldt country. Make friends with some locals first, establish a rapport, and then bring up the subject of wanting to go “up in the mountains.”

      Best of luck on your journeys! Feel free to give me a shout back with any more questions or to let me know how it all goes. I’m currently en route south now and might just be seeing you in Peru 😉

      Reply
  138. Hi Derek, great article, thanks so much for sharing, I’ve spent hours reading through the comments and can’t think of anything to ask that you haven’t covered, I’m from Scotland currently residing in Barcelona, I’ll be heading out with my girlfriend the end of August with the view of finding a months work either side of the season while doing a big road trip in the middle, later backpacking through South America. If you have anymore tips please could you forward them onto me? Which of the 3 towns/cities you mentioned did you have the best luck meeting contacts? U seem like a good guy and I plan on following your advice and fingers crossed it all works out
    Cheers brother

    Reply
    • I definitely had the best luck in Arcata…I’ve replied to several new comments in the last few minutes and have detailed why I vote for Arcata. Without repeating myself too much, it’s a college town and as such perfect for finding work. Biggest advice? Make friends first and then after having established a rapport, however brief, you can bring up the subject of work. Best of luck!

      Reply
  139. Hi Derek,

    I have been doing some research on that topic and have to tell how refrashing it is ti read your article. Zillion of thanks for that.
    I have learn more in reading you note then the hrs of research made before.
    I am planning to come to CA mid sept to emerauld triangle to get work on the harvest season.
    My motivations first of all to be able to get cash in, to practice my english and get to know better the community of worker.
    I am a hard ladie worker and have done fruit picking back in FR as well as weedsitters in Amsterdam. I am use to travel therefore I am easy to feet on that type of group. Usealy farm owner are very please with my work and keep on asking me to get back to work for them.

    I am so motivated to get some work in a farm.

    Derek might it be possible to get valuable info in order for me to get in PLEASE.
    If you are located on the area I would be pleases to meet that you might get an idea about me and my motivation.
    I would glad if you could answer to my letter.

    Once again tks a lot for the valuable article.
    sylvie from FR

    Reply
    • Glad to provide the information and help answer your questions, hope it helps 🙂 I happened to be in Cali a few weeks ago but as a permanent nomad I’m always on the move and rarely know where I will be more than a week or two in advance. Unfortunately I’ve already left the country and don’t plan on returning anytime within the next few years. I do wish you the best of luck there though, good luck!

      Reply
  140. Hi Derek, I have a friend who went out to california last year and did some work ‘up in the mountains’ and since then have been really interested in getting out there to do the same. I live abroad at the moment but should be flying out there at the end of september. I’ve been wondering how to get some contacts for some farms as I’ve heard it is a better way in that way as opposed to just rocking up. Would really appreciate your help. I think what you’ve done with this blog is really inspiring and honest. So, respect to you! Help a brother out? Thanks!! – my email is [email protected]

    Reply
  141. Sending my hubby out to Arcata and surrounding areas to check out the scene in March..he has been growing in FL for 20yeasrs lol…While I enjoy my vacation..camp..bike..and enjoy the mountains. I am a part time photographer and a fulltime health insurance agent..If you have any suggestions how he can get a home to start in please let us know..yes he is definately going to talk to locals 🙂 Please shoot an email..

    Reply
  142. Hoping to go to area soon …researchng now..hubby has been growing in fl for 20years lol..will be talking to locals for his trim works,etc…please email [email protected] with more info regarding jobs and housing…will share home with a few people to get started…

    Reply
  143. Charles, here. Drove out from Jax. Fla. Been in La. 2 mo. I hear all sorts of things ? Have not met ANYONE yet that can say Yes I have done IT!! LOTS of talk around the table. I came to Cal. to be a FARMER and I will. I will find out the ins and the outs. Door to Door OR BUST!!!!! If you want something done, DO IT YOURSELF.

    Reply
  144. Hi! Hey i was just wondering how to get in contact with the growers? I would really love to work trimming. Is there sonething i could do to know more about then? Or do i need to be over in the 101? Please advice me.

    Reply
  145. Hi,
    Im going to the states for the burning man festival and might plan to stay there longer if I can get a job like this. Can you please send me some contact info to the farms? Or is it better to just travel to the villages you mentioned?
    BR Victoria

    Reply
  146. Hello Derek!

    Thank you for posting all this great info on trimming in the Emerald Triangle. My boyfriend and I are headed down to California from Washington starting mid September to dirt bag around and are looking for a way to continue our travels. My plan was to trim in October. I was wondering if you had any contacts that you wouldn’t mind sharing? This would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks so much,

    Sara

    [email protected]

    Reply
  147. Hi Derek, Thank you so much for taking your time to write this excellent article, I’m hoping this helps me out! My girlfriend and I, (Spanish & Scottish respectively) will be heading out at the end of this month, we are flying into San Francisco, with a plan to get a van and go roadtripping/backpacking across the USA and later into South America. Getting this work is absolutely necessary for our plans, we are both good workers and positive people so I’m pretty sure we’ll find something. Which of the towns you mentioned did you have the most luck finding contacts? if you have anymore tips I would really appreciate it, and anyone reading this going on the same trip would love to swap notes!

    Thanks Derek, Safe travels

    Kris

    Reply
    • Hey Kris,

      I definitely had the most luck in Arcata. It’s a cool li’l laid-back town, no fast food restaurants, permanent population of only 10-15k but does see an influx of 30k+ college students when HSU is in session. I think it’s because of all those youth that it’s always easy to find work there. Just make friends with a few locals first over a harmless conversation before bringing up the subject of looking for work.

      Let me know if you have any other specific questions and best of luck! 🙂

      Reply
  148. Hello Derek! Thank you for taking the time to write up this magnificent piece on this most interesting of occupations. I met someone recently who was telling me about what I just read in your article and I’ve have been doggedly trying to track down any lead I possibly can about this type of work.; I’ve been calling & visiting various clinics to no avail. If it was at all possible to email me some contacts, or contacts of contacts I would most greatly appreciate it! Be well!

    Reply
  149. Hello Derek, I am sorry no one thanks you for your help and hookup of work. I see you stated you were no longer helping people find work but I thought I would give it a shot.

    I have two kids and a wife I am putting through college. I recently became unemployed for the 2nd time since the housing crash in 2008. I would like find some work that will help my family for the next year.

    Thank you for your direction. Philip [email protected]

    Reply
  150. Yes my name is Josh and I have had a dream for almost ten years to be involved in the medical marijuana cultivation industry. To work side by side with the product and learn the tricks of the trade from industry masters in order to become a legal cultivator myself. If anyone has any numbers or emails or other blogs or ANYthing to recommend to me it would be greatly appreciated for I’m not quite sure where to start on my journey to getting my foot in the door. Thanks so much for any information anyone is able to provide.

    Reply
  151. yo guys whats the best time to go? thank you for all this info. this is going to save my life =). im thinking of going in between september 10th to spetember 20th. is that a good time. this is probly the best site iv found for information on this. thank you so much my people xxxx

    [email protected]
    if anyone got any pointers or extra tips or jus wanna jam with me up there send me an email. x

    Reply
  152. Hi Derek

    I came upon your site after doing a Google search for “work trimming cannabis”. I am currently a driver for Lyft and Uber in the North Bay and San Fran. It is a good gig, except both companies just reduced driver wages again. Anyway, just seeing what’s out there as far as finding other work. I’m a fast and tidy trimmer with experience from prior years, and from a small project earlier this summer. Any chance your could still send me the info you shared with the others on this? It’s ok if not. I plan on just going up North and camping out of my car and hanging out at local cafes to meet some locals and hopefully find a job. Any tips on that? I am also willing to work doing post-harvest clean-up. I have my own car that I can sleep in, and come with my own fiskars, gloves, and rubbing alcohol. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  153. Hi my name is azri. I’m actually interested in some work for fall 2015. Please email me b/c i have no idea how to get ahold of you. :/

    Reply
  154. hey, appreciate the detailed post. i read many of the comments but not all so hopefully this is not a redundant question. are there any hot spots in the area you recommend hanging out at to meet people in the trade?

    Reply
  155. Hi Derek,
    I had the opportunity to work at a farm but couldnt due to school, I’m a traveler but also own an american passport.
    IMy connection is gone and I’m searching online if you could help out it would be highly appreciated 🙂 [email protected]
    if you could send me and email help me out.
    thanks in advance,
    Dor

    Reply
  156. hi, in first thank you for this present article ! my name is seb , just a simple question if you can give me back answer . apparently as you writte many people look for a place and the big part of work is in october and september. But we’re planning with friend of mine ,anahi, to be over there around the middle of october , do you think that will be to late ?
    were’re skilled , open- minded, and as motivation the strong urge to move far away even if we’re not rich ……. hello from France .
    in any case thank you for the reading !

    seb .

    Reply
    • Middle Oct is the peak season, go for it. But in late Nov and the start of December things to begin to taper off for the year. By that point all the outdoor crop has long been harvested and all that remains are small periodic indoor hydroponic grows. That is the top tier bud and as such only the best trimmers (e.g. experienced locals) handle those jobs. Anyway best of luck and thank you for reading 🙂

      Reply
  157. Hi! I’m backpacking through California heading to Arcata and planning to go around looking for a job as a trimmer. I have no clue how to contact growers, any help would be very much appreciated even if isnt in the area. Thanks for everything man!!
    This is my email [email protected]
    Hoping you read this any time soon 🙂

    Reply
    • Just make friends with the locals first, then casually bring up the topic of work once you have established a bit of a rapport (over a beer always makes this step easier). Certainly don’t let the first words out of your mouth be work or marijuana, they get enough of that. However you probably also don’t want to say “some guy online told me to come here.” Just be natural, be social, make some new friends and go for it. You’ll never know if you don’t try 🙂

      Reply
  158. Hi there Derek.. an amazing informative article you’ve written 🙂 .. But just a quick question, incase of any possible raid – would folk from outside of the states get busted for not having a US working visa?

    Reply
    • Doesn’t matter because it’s a cash job, not even a real taxed job to begin with. Plus they are after the “big fish” the guys running the farm, not the hired help. If anything just blame the economy. At most you’ll have a bit of questioning before being released, simple as that.

      Reply
  159. Hi!! Thanks a LOT for the article. I´m already in SF an heading north to arcada tomorrow. Do you know a good cheap place to stay there??thanks again!!!

    Reply
  160. Hi there!
    A really good article! Tks for all of this, and for replying to our many questions! =)
    I am looking at coming aver to California in a week or so. I am French and i can only come to California with my tourist visa.. is that a problem to find trimming work there ? is it a problem with controls ?
    Hope you can help me with that.
    thanks for all
    barley

    Reply
  161. Hey Derek! I’ve been going over some of this thread, and like most I have been wanting to get into this kind of work. I’m in Orlando, but I travel all over and I usually don’t just “wing it” by hopping over somewhere hoping to find work. I was thinking of getting an intern job in N.Cal so I could get to know the scene and the people, it seems like a good place to start. I have a friend up on a hill getting some work in, but I know the owner has all the people he needs, and mainly only puts family to work to begin with. By chance would you email me your thoughts, advice etc.? I’m doubting you would have direct contact info, I’m sure it doesn’t work that way, but any thoughts on a good place to start would be appreciated! [email protected]

    Reply
  162. My daughter is driving there now. Lol. After reading this, I have to place bets on how long she will last…. Sounds like very hard work. She is good with her hands and can make delicate jewelry …. But she does need her blunt breaks. Do people get allergies with all the green? Ahh…. To be a gypsy again. Nothing like this when I was a kid. I guess I will live vicariously. Nice long lasting blog! Kudos.

    Reply
  163. Hi Derek,

    It’s so good to find helpful people on the internet.
    I’m willing to come in California to work a bit in the industry with a tourist visa, could you send me some contact?

    Kind regards, and great job man!

    Reply
  164. hi, would love to get some more info,i´m on my way to san francisco,with only hope in my bag that i could work and continue my trip, please send me any advice on how to make this happen,thanxs 😉

    Reply
  165. Derek,

    Loved this article and live in Los Angeles. I was looking into getting out of this city for a couple of months. I would love to do the trimming. If you could send me some info on any places to hit or maybe inquire before I would appreciate it. This was definitely one of the best articles about job opportunities in this business. I never knew how the trimming industry worked. Thank you.

    Daniel

    Reply
  166. salut derek merci pour tous ces renseignement je suis en se moment avec un ami a LA
    Nous serions intéressés pour se genre de travail et nous voulions savoir si tu pouvais nous envoyer un email avec plus de renseignement ou aller (quel ville) ou directement un contacte merci
    mon e-mail [email protected]

    hello derek thank you for ALL offices Intelligence I am in LA with my friend
    WE would pay so interested kind of work and we wanted to know if you can Send email with more Intelligence where going (what city) or directly contact thank you
    My e -mail [email protected]

    Reply
  167. Hi Derek, Had such fun with that read dude, answered a lot of questions!

    What we were cautious about though was that we are from the UK and only have a visa’s. If we were taken in, do you think we would be deported? Either way we think its worth the risk but if you know we would be really grateful. Please could you send us any info like others, as we would drooling over the chance of doing this! Many Many thanks Derek.

    All the best and look forward to hearing from you. Johnny

    Reply
    • Hey Johnny, no worries at all. Over the years I have worked with trimmers on tourist visas from Central/South America and even Europe. Granted during none of these experiences were we ever raided, so I cannot say 100% firsthand. But I know from locals that when a raid does happen the trimmers are released almost immediately, although they may ask you a few simple questions first. At the end of the day a raid (although highly unlikely) will usually result in countless plants being destroyed and farm owners being arrested, so look at it like those doing the raids: the last thing they want to do is waste more time and energy focusing on the trimmers, the lowest of all people on the totem pole. I think that you have absolutely nothing to worry about…now go for it!

      Reply
      • Derek, Thanks again bro for getting back to me. Please could you email me any info you think could help me with heading to the right spot and we can take it from there. Really appreciate the advice and feel much better about taking a chance over there can’t wait!! Look forward to hearing from you mate, Cheers and all the best!

        Reply
        • Well it’s pretty late in the season this year but I mention my three favorite cities in the article — of course everyone has their own preferences and opinions. At the end of the day though it could all just be luck.

          Reply
  168. Hellooooo 😉

    thank you for the article 🙂 can you please email me with some tips or help to try to find some work .. i want to go to cali soo any help would be awesomeeeeeeee <3

    Reply
  169. Hey Derek,
    I really want to go on holiday to Amerika to experience the american lifestyle myself. But I don’t have enough money to pay for the trip and this job seems perfect for me. So I was wondering if they still need trimmers in the months january and february.

    My email: [email protected]

    thanks in advance,
    Axel

    Reply
  170. Hi Derek!

    I am from the UK and I have come to South Lake Tahoe for soccer. Love it here, but really need some extra cash!

    Can you help me put my foot in the door with a trimming farm?? I am willing to work a good week or two!!

    Any help is appreciated!

    Best regards,

    James

    Reply
  171. Hi Derek, This is Maria from Spain

    First of all, thank you very much for the article, i’m so interested about this kind of job.
    Me and some friends are planning to travel to California to find a THC job, so if you could help us with some information about how to find a job…it will be awesome!

    My e-mail is : [email protected]

    Thank you very much!

    Reply
  172. Hello, man!
    First all, nice infos you`re passing to us. THANK YOU!!!!

    My name is Vinícius, I`m from Brasil, man, and I`m planning to go to Cali next year with my girlfriend.
    I long planning to go to US to visit some places, but would like a lot to wok in the marijuana cultivation, crops, in the trimming, every/any part of the process. And need some info about the best time to arrive, I figure that its best to go up to the mountains before the time to trim, but don’t know when. As I like to seed and to grow, the entire cultivation is nice to learn, so, is the trim the only part of good work? And do the farmer take people to work along the entire cicle of cultivation?

    Well, I got a lot of questions, but these can be nice by now. If you can, I waiting your answer.
    My email is [email protected].
    Thank you. A lot. Light and Love to us.

    Ps.: Whenever you want to come to Brasil, let me know. Maybe we can meet one another.

    Reply
    • Hey bro. The best time to arrive is in early September. That’s early enough in the season to get a feel for the area and make a few local friends/contacts but not so early that you will spend all your money before any work even becomes available. Unfortunately, unless you live in the area, there is very little chance of becoming a worker for the actually cultivation aspect. Those jobs go to experienced locals who don’t mind being stuck up in the mountains for four straight months with no women or social life. As someone who has done it before, let me just say that is not worth the money. It’s tedious work and gets lonely up there.

      P.S. That would be awesome. I am always meeting readers and social media followers in real life, every country I visit. Have yet to make it to Brazil but I have heard such great things, I’m really hoping to in 2015. Will give you a shout when I do, thanks!

      Reply
  173. Hello Derek, we are very happy fiddling your article and answers, its really enlightening and cleared our questions.
    I’m brazilian and me and my boyfriend are thinking about go “up to the Mountains”. We had read almost everything, but there is some doubts yet..
    I see lots of people planning and going to try one of these opportunities. Is that a kind of job that hire lots of people or they just select few people to help them in each season?
    Is there lots of fields to try opportunities?
    And is it possible to work in more than one field in a same season?
    I hope you had not answered it already. haha
    Thank you so much! All the best!

    Obs: if you could, please send us your massive email with some tips ( [email protected] ). 😉

    Reply
    • Hey Mayara. When the season starts there is ample work up there. Of course not everyone gets a job — some people are lazy and just stand on the side of the highway with a sign — but anyone that actually makes friends with a few locals after arriving should have no problems finding work. And yes, there are TONS of fields. Everyone has their own opinion on which little town or county they prefer working in but for an outsider they will all be the same. Most likely you will end up working for multiple farms, even if its the same local recruiter finding work for you every time. I work in multiple farms each year, some crazy big and others relatively small. Best of luck out there!

      Reply
  174. hi Derek!! Tibo here! Thanks for your article, after some research its the first one as such! Its relly interseting and full of informations, im sure it will helping me, i’d like try one’s luck next year!!!
    As you said u need to be lucky to find a good farm where to work, thats good i feel lucky in my life, im still alive!!!!
    Anyway some people told me there is two yearly harvest per year in califorina? im a bit sceptical about it.
    Also could be good to bring some tools,for working or farmer provide it?
    Finally if you have some contact to share it will be a pleasure to share mine, if you want work/visit north africa, but thats not the same rate!!
    One love
    Tib’z

    Reply
    • There is only one big harvest a year, from October to December, and this coincides with the seasons (e.g. natural plant life cycle). However there are a few small indoor hydroponic grows but these happen randomly throughout the year. For example farmer A could be harvesting his in February but his neighbor farmer B could be harvesting in July. However these small grows are only trimmed by local experts who have years of experience because these are the top notch best of the best buds.

      No worries about bringing scissors, the farm owners will provide them for you.

      Reply
  175. Hi Dereck

    I’m Brazilian agronomist, and I’m in California making a trainee in agricultural farms.

    I would like get a job with maryjane before I back to Brasil.

    I wish get some knowledge about cultivate of this plant because I intend cultivate the weed in Uruguay in few years.

    Can you share some information to help to me enrolling in this jobs???

    Thank you.

    Reply
  176. hey derek!
    thank you so much for writing this article man it was a great read! i live in orange county and i would love to get up north to find some work on a farm. anyway you could send me some info on how to come in contact with some possible job opportunities? hope to hear from you soon
    ian

    Reply
  177. Hey there,
    I just did the season.
    I found it one of the most interesting experiences I’ve ever done and met the most amazing people and would do it again for sure.
    My only problem is I haven’t been paid by anyone yet and have given US bank details to the bosses.. Just a waiting game now.
    Back in my home country and starting to get worried.
    Is this normal and have you experienced the same?
    Any advice would be so appreciated!

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Hey Jack, I’ve been there and felt that same worry before so I can relate. Once or twice I actually had to wait until Jan to get paid. The problem is so much money gets spent and invested during the course of the grow (easily tens of thousands of dollars, or more depending on the size) that sometimes the bosses at the end are not just short on cash but actually in debt to other friends and associates. In that case the first money that comes back in always goes right off to paying any outstanding debt before the trimmers get their cut.

      Of course the whole overseas (or well just not in the US anymore) thing makes it a tad bit trickier. Although I have heard of other people being paid by bank transfer/deposit, it is usually not for much. Again, I could be wrong, but all I’ve ever heard is for small amounts, $1000 or maybe $1500 max. The problem is it’s a “cash is king” industry and lots of landowners are already treading a fine line legally so they prefer not to leave a paper trail, e.g. deposit slips. If you have any sort of a buddy in Cali now who could follow-up on your situation personally, or even collect the cash on your behalf and then send it your way, that would be my best recommendation. I only fear that if you wait too late into 2015 someone else will start spending your money.

      Hope this helps!

      Reply
  178. Hey Derek,

    Thanks for your quick response!
    My last boss gave me a few dates and it looks like they just don’t have enough to pay everyone just yet, from what you say, is totally understandable.
    They said they could deposit it in my US bank or PayPal it (but yeah I knew cash would be something they prefer)
    Luckily I only made under 1k in the last place so hopefully it won’t be a problem.
    And the other places I was made aware that we wouldn’t get money till after the new year.. So fingers crossed!
    I know what to do next time!
    Thanks so much for your info and reassurance.
    Would be cool to cross paths one day.

    One last thing! From what I can gather there isn’t many years left in this industry in Cali. Word about Oregan being the next port of call.. Any ideas on places further afield? ie – not America?

    Big Love ^ <3 ^

    Reply
    • Sorry, no idea buddy. I don’t even live in the States anymore, just pass through occasionally when the season is right 😉 Not sure how the scene is progressing in Oregon and honestly don’t even have the slightest idea which country will be the next marijuana mecca. All I know for certain is it’s about damn time! Marijuana is a harmless, naturally growing plant and locking people up because of it is a waste of time, money and resources. I’ve traveled to over nearly 30 countries over the last six years and guess what? I’ve smoked marijuana in every single one of them. In fact usually it finds me, I don’t even have to go searching for it.

      Reply
      • Haha! That’s brilliant you’ve managed to travel so many countries. I agree with you 100 percent on that one too. Thanks for the info dude. I will keep my fingers crossed. Keep on sailing 😉

        Reply
  179. Very interesting article! Now that it’s legal in more places do you know of any legit (and non-exploitative) farms closer to Georgia? You have my email back channel, so please send me contact info and any other pertinent information about ones you can recommend. California is quite a distance away from me though, so would likely be interested in trying this type job on a seasonal basis, especially if there are states in the East side of the country where it’s been legalized with growing operations. I’ve heard Massachusetts may be doing it now or in the near future. If you can send me references of people with personal experience with specific places that would be great.

    Also, for those with no experience trimming do these places train on the job?

    Reply
    • You might find some luck in Colorado, that’s a bit closer to you. Don’t know about Massachusetts though as I’ve been traveling abroad for a while now. And yes, people with no trimming experience are hired. It’s a skill you can pick up in a few minutes, but it can take you a couple weeks to get fast at.

      Reply
      • Thanks, Derek 🙂 I’d like to look into farms in Colorado but don’t know where they exist and which are best for workers. Do you have any contact info for those or are all your contacts in California? If you only have the California ones that would be good enough, as I think they are probably networking with other states and can recommend Colorado sources.

        Thanks so much for any help you can provide regarding contacts. Both my son and I are interested.

        Reply
        • As I’ve stated dozens of times in the comments above (not to mention the big bold text at the end of the post) I will NOT divulge any of my contacts. I don’t know you or anyone else commenting here so there is no possible way I will vouch for a stranger and potentially lose my credibility or worse.

          Reply
  180. Getting ready to watch “Pot Barons” tonight on MSNBC. They went into the work aspect of this a little bit last week. Hopefully they’ll go into more depth this weekend. I’m sure there are going to be lots of people interested in trimming jobs now that there are more jobs available with all these states going legal recently, and farms may want to be more open now than before this big expansion.

    Reply
  181. hi,

    I was wondering how to get into this field I am planning on moving out to northern California this spring and want to get into marijuana farming. I’ve worked on other farms but those were just produce farms and were easy to get into those jobs. it says you were there for a few months before you found a person I was wondering if there is an easier way to do so/

    Reply
    • Unfortunately not that I know of Stew. The cannabis business is 90% who you know and only 10% what you know, as hands-on learning is commonplace. These people are not the type to be hanging Skype chats with potential employees prior to there arrival either. You have to get there and make some friends, get connected — or at the very least have a friend there doing this legwork for you.

      Reply
  182. Hey Derek thank you so much for this article. I think there’s a wealth of information in what you’ve given all ready, but if you are still giving out the email with additional tips I figured I’d holler in case. [email protected] if not big ups anyway for being passionate and helpful even years after writing the article.. lifes a garden dig it.
    Seth

    Reply
  183. Hello I currently live in South Africa and would love to pursue a Career in the marijuana industry I know how to to grow of course but am willing to learn everything I can please get back to me, yours sincerely.

    Reply
  184. hi, i’m aldrein from the philippines. i have experience in farming, sales, etc. how can i apply on that job? i need a job badly.. pls do reply. tnx!

    Reply
  185. Derek,

    Not only is this an awesome article, but I am so impressed with how well you’ve followed up with people after writing this story a few years ago. You are awesome! On behalf of everyone that hasn’t said ‘thank you’ (and goodness gracious, there are a lot of people asking for connects here with NO comments of praise or appreciation…

    So, I’d like to send you A BIG THANK YOU!

    That’s all:)

    Jaye

    Reply
    • Thanks Jaye, appreciate it. Even but the smallest percentage of the people I’ve emailed in the past would ever respond with a past, so eventually at some point last year I stopped responding — unless I receive a truly legitimate or interesting question/concern from someone whom I can tell has at least taken the time to read the article and (at least a handful of) the comments.

      Anyway, thanks again, you are awesome! Cheers 😀

      Reply
  186. Hi derek! i’m from chile and this end of the month im going to LA with 2 friends. We have tourist visa and we want to work with you. can i work with my tourist visa? I like grow marijuana, that is the reason that I’m looking for work like this.. Hope you answer 🙂

    Reply
    • Yeah, no worries, they hire foreigners and being there on a tourist visa is no problem at all. The growing is usually done by local professionals (and by “professional” I mean people who learned growing up, who have that natural green thumb) and not outsiders. They are only used for trim work from late September through late December.

      Reply
  187. Awesome issues here. I’m very happy to peer your post.
    Thank you so much and I’m having a look forward
    to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?

    Reply
  188. I have read this blog over and over again, then found your twitter and see the extensive travels in a land that I have always wished to go photograph, explore and live for a few months out of the year. My dream has always been to go to The Indian Holi Festival as well as Magh Mela festival….this seems like a reachable goal if I utilize the steps in the holidaze blog. If there are any additional advice please email me I would like to begin on my path this year….Thank you if you email me and thank you if not, you have given alot of information already…

    Reply
  189. Hi Derek!

    Thank you for this amazing article, I have been trying to find solid information like this for some days now after a friend told mine about trimming jobs in the US. I would have to come from Amsterdam to the US on a tourist visa but that does not seem to be the problem, I dont actually want to go unless I have a guaranteed spot on a farm, is that possible at all? Im trying to save money for a trip to Japan 🙂
    Anyway, how do I ever get in contact with employers in the US, do you have an idea?

    Cheers and thanks!

    Reply
    • Unless you have a local friend or know someone already there at one of the farms, they don’t exactly take reservations. It’s more of a “oh shit we’ve got this much ready this week, let’s call in some more trimmers” type business. All in who you know, which is why having (or making) local friends is key.

      Reply
  190. Hey Derek! Congrats about the article, Im an Argentinian traveler and other travelers told me about the trimming season at CA and would really like to go this year. Im a Marihuana fan that travelled over Peru and Colombia searching for the best bud and got lots of seeds 🙂 Thanks for writing the article which is very rich in information and also brief. It would be greatfull if you could give me some extra info or any other advice.
    Im from Argentina and im a bit afraid of going to CA and dont be able to get a job on a field.
    Thanks!
    Santi

    Reply
  191. Hey Derek!
    Was wondering if around end of May would be a good time to find a job trimming there?
    I’ve been looking into this for about a year now and I think it’s time for me to go pay a visit!
    If you could email me that would be great, I have a few questions that I’m hoping you can answer
    [email protected]

    Thank you in advance
    Great article!

    Reply
    • The trimming season (at least for out of towners) is based on the outdoor grow season, which means work doesn’t really start until the end of September. Let me know if you have any other questions though. And sorry for my late response, I was in the Kathmandu earthquake…still am stuck here, in fact.

      Reply
  192. Hello, we are 2 people and we would like to work in a job like this in california in august or september its possible? cant’ you send us some information about this? where can we apply? thank you so much we wait for your answer!! Write us in this mail: [email protected]

    Reply
  193. Hey Derek, firstly i just wanted to say thanks for a very informative article!
    I am an musician and a freelance gardener/landscape designer based in London…
    it has always been my dream to travel across the US, but finding the cash to do so can be hard!
    i would really appreciate it if you could help me get in touch with possible growers or farms looking for experienced workers… or if you could even just point me in the correct direction? I would be very thankful!
    i can honestly say i am a hard working guy, been working for a landscape company based in London for nearly 4 years and i also have previous experience with working with cannabis, from seed to harvest…

    Hope to hear from you soon!

    Best regards

    George 🙂

    e-mail: [email protected]

    Reply
  194. hey there Derek,
    great article. thanks alot.
    me&bf heard lots of stories about trimming in cali and wondering how we may involve the job.
    do you know any contacts or smth to help us for it?
    it would be amazingly helpful for us.

    thanks for your effort.

    Reply
    • forgot to write our email
      caginturker @ gmail. com you can reply

      also
      hopefully you are ok in Nepal.
      let us know please.

      Reply
  195. Hola Derrick,

    Many thanks for sharing all this information and also for your other blogs; I enjoyed the recent ones about the current situation in Nepal. It’s nice to read stories from an insider.

    I just spend half a day reading every comment and answer to this particular blog and as a yogi / yoga teacher I’m very impressed by your relentless patience… You keep answering the same questions over & over! Sometimes snappy, but mostly in a cheerful and kind way… maybe spending a lot of time in the temples of Asia made you so zen! 🙂 If you would start your own farm now you would have a surplus of employees for many years to come!

    I haven’t read a comment from somebody planning to bring their kid to work… We are two Dutchies and busy building a new life in Costa Rica. We want to make some big money to create our own affordable and ecological wellness yoga retreat here. We have learned about ‘family camps’ in the US where mum and dad take their turns in trimming and looking after their kid(s). Have you heard about a place like that in the area where you worked? NO, I’m not asking for contacts, LOL! Just want to know if we would stand a chance if we bring our 4-year old son along… or if we better go look for work in another area or just one of us making the trip to the US.

    Million thanks in advance for anwering our questions! Enjoy your travels and if you are ever in the neighbourhood of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica… come and eat some rice ‘n beans at our place and enjoy a spliff after. Pura vida!

    Reply
    • Hey, good morning from Nepal and greetings from the 19th 😉 yes, considering patience is not my strong suit I think I’ve done quite well responding to people here. Anyway, yes, I have seen a couple kids out there at the farms. Not trimming, of course, but hanging around the house watching TV or playing with the dogs while the parents work. So yes, no worries there 😉

      Sounds great, will give you a shout next time I’m in Costa Rica 🙂

      Reply
  196. Hola DEREK,

    SHOOT, just realized I spelled your name wrong… <:O
    SORRY!

    I have two friends in the Netherlands named Derrick…
    That's why I made this stupid mistake!
    And maybe because I'm brain dead after reading the same comments over & over…

    Sorry again, hope you can forgive and you are still willing to answer our question about bringing our kid to work…

    Pura vida,
    Mariska

    Reply
  197. Hey Derek, it’s me again. Also just realized it’s EXACTLY three years ago you wrote this blog. Maybe I will now receive The Golden List of Trimming Contacts by e-mail…? (like being the 10th million visitor of this page) 😉

    Have a good one,
    Mariska

    Reply
  198. I’m very interested in trimming jobs. Currently in Thailand but will be returning soon. Also the newsletter! Thanks…

    Reply
    • Thailand eh? Well good luck getting a trimming job upon your return to help you replenish your travel funds. About to send out the June newsletter…will add you to it. Cheers and best wishes from Nepal!

      Reply
  199. Hey Darek….;) Thanks altor for the information and the article….
    I might come around in mid september….Do u have an Idea where to find a cuttingJob or can send me some good spots per mail?
    Thanks and Respect
    Lenni

    Reply
  200. Dear Derek,
    thank you so much for providing all this information!! As a piano player I am quite talented with my hands and for that reason I will be coming to California in autumn 🙂 I would be more than grateful and super happy if you coud help me with the connections!! That would give me a much better feeling. Thanks!!!

    Reply
  201. hey derek,

    again a big Thank you for sharing this information with us.
    My bf and I wanna start in September.
    Friends of us recommended working up in the mountains…

    We haven’t found any proper contacts yet, that’s why I’d like you to give me some information via e-mail?

    Reply
  202. Hi Derek, how you doing? Right now i am in states traveling around and getting out of money so i would love to go to the west coast to work for a few weeks to refill my empty pockets. If you can provide me a contact would appreciate. My e-mail is [email protected]
    Thanks!

    Reply
      • Yes i know… I already read that lines before. But i still will be here (usa), i want to contact the ppl to be on the fields at the rigth time and to start inmediatly… Is that possible? Any extrainfo is always good!

        Thanks!

        Reply
  203. Hi Derek!
    first of all congatulations for exposing all this amount of info so people like me can get a very accurate idea of what´s like to work as a trimmer and what to expect.
    i´m coming with my girlfriend to cali at the end of august from Spain and the idea is to get a trimming job somewhere, maybe you can hook me up with some more info or direct contact ?
    I appreciate very much your help anyway , thank you =)

    [email protected]

    Reply
  204. Hi Derek!
    You blog is very very interesting, thank you to share this information. I’m planning a 3 month stay in USA and trimming looks a very good idea. Please could you help me to realize this amazing experience and send me some contact and suggestion? Thank you in advance for you kindness! my contact is [email protected]

    Reply
  205. Good afternoon Derek! I was blessed enough to stumble upon this wonderfully curated treasure trove of information about the NorCal cannabis culture. Spending a harvest season in America’s Mecca of Marijuana has been a goal of mine since I was a wide-eyed young teen. I’m aware of the fact that it’s considerably early to be poking around the web for connections, but I’m curious as to whether you might have the time to put a hard-working, animated, high-spirited (no pun!), and dexterous recent college graduate in contact with someone looking for trimmers this year? I’ll be making my westward trek mid-July, and will be available to start working immediately. I also come prepared with my own trim supplies!

    Endless gratitude for your consideration and assistance in advance,

    Allen

    Reply
  206. Hi Derek4Real. First of all I want to thank your interesting post about this job. Really apreciate that.
    My girlfriend and I are going to california from Spain this September and see what we can do with your good advices to get a trimmer job.
    I would like to know if you are going to be this year over there. It would be nice to meet you!
    We also have experience in care assistance, vegan/vegetarian cooking, permaculture, ecobuilding…

    Thanks a lot for your attention, I hope you have time to contact me.

    Best regards!

    Reply
    • Hey Miguel, unfortunately I won’t be there this year. I was in Nepal for the earthquake and am still here now, two months later, doing relief work. Just posted a video about it too, if you are curious to see…Nepal Quake Relief: 2 Months in 4 Minutes.

      I plan on hanging around the area for several more months and have already decided to skip harvest this year. Best of luck out there though, you sound prepared and I’m sure you two will love it out there 🙂

      Reply
        • Removed good sir, no worries. I think I replied to your original comment but honestly I get so many, can’t remember. Certainly hope I did, and wish y’all the best of luck out there this year! Cheers from Nepal 🙂

          Reply
  207. Hi all, and thanks for a great article Derek! I just learned about trimming few days ago from backpacker-mates in Xela, Guatemala. I’ll try it this year for sure, before continuing to New Zealand. I have two questions for Derek (or anyone) – how is it working with public transportats in northern California counties around 101? Does it offer some flexibility while searching connections, or is own car a must? Another question – does it pay off to search for places less trimming-famous (I suppose there exist some) or is it more or less the same when it comes to cash rewards? I would certainly be glad to get in touch with Derek or anyone experienced via e-mail, so if someone wants to get in touch, leave me a mail. Cheers guys! And see you in California 🙂

    Reply
    • Hey Jan, most of the cities in Humboldt and Mendo along the 101 are somewhat small — 50,000 people or less — so walking around them is relatively quick and easy. This also means there isn’t exactly an abundance of public transportation there like in the big cities. However, I have always have my own wheels every year….as I haven’t exactly been looking for public transportation around town, it is possible there is more there than I realize. Of course transportation in between towns via buses like Greyhound is no problem. And transportation up into the mountains once you find work is all organized by the person leading you up the hill. So in reality, yes, it is quite possible to head out there without a vehicle.

      As far as places less famous for trimming, well, it stands to reason that they are going to have less work available. What makes the Emerald Triangle unique is that the climate is PERFECT for huge, industrial outdoor marijuana grows. That over-abundance of crop in the fall is what leads to this temporary work boom. So while there may be other pockets of work elsewhere, I think that without already having an “in” or a contact inviting you over there, it most likely wouldn’t be worth it in the end. As much as I prefer to avoids the crowd when I travel, this is one instance where it is best to be part of the crowd — as long as you make sure to find a way to stand out and give yourself better odds, like by following some of the tips and advice covered in this article but also in the hundreds of comments 😉

      Best of luck out there! Shame I can’t make it this year…

      Reply
  208. Thank you Derek. 🙂 Your answer is more informative than I coud hope for. I will also study all the other comments. And maybe will come up with more questions in the future. Once again, big thank you! 🙂

    Reply
  209. Hi Derek! I’m a CA native, born and raised in Los Angeles, though I’ve been living in Ireland for the past year or so. My fiancé and I are short on cash – she doesn’t smoke,but a calm, repetitive & temporary job that comes with a change of scenery (she’s only left Ireland once) is right up our alley. I want to take her home to show her California and introduce her to traveling but we don’t have the money.
    If we were to borrow the money for the plane tickets (minimum 1000 each)… would you say it’s a safe bet that we’d a) actually acquire a trimming job and b) make enough to pay back the tickets + some to hold on to? I wish I had your guts – the thought of travelling halfway across the world with no definite prospects is frightening! I have a few more questions, and I swear I’ve read the article and all comments thoroughly! If you wouldn’t mind emailing me ([email protected]) or tweeting me (@sophiesinlove), I would greatly appreciate it! If you would rather respond via comment, that would still be very much appreciated. Thank you so so so much for your time! Wish us luck c;

    Reply
    • I don’t know, 2k is a hefty sum and it would be one thing if it was your own money, but to go into debt for it…..well its a toss-up. I’ve made more than that every year I’ve gone, but it also gets much easier after the first year, after you know the lay of the land and have some local friends. If it were to go back for a second year, I’d save for sure, do it! But for a first-time trip, that’s a tough call. Also, keep in mind that finding work for two can be harder than finder work for one. However whatever your decision, best of luck out there! And I hope you can forgive my late response, I’ve been in the mountains of Nepal doing quake relief work and haven’t had time or internet to respond to everyone until now.

      But on a side note, if you want to see what’s been going on here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_PCKbBKjNk

      Reply
  210. Hi man,
    First of all, thanks a lot for the article! and for the endless amount of patiency in every and each comment i saw you wrote.
    I was wondering if there is any problem or a lower chance of finding jobs fornon American workers and workers who does not have any working visa.
    Im arriving to california at the end of August/erly september with a friend and would realy like to start work for at least 3 month.. if you have any spcecific advice/connection i would appriciate it very much.
    thank again Derek!
    Nimrod

    ([email protected])

    Reply
    • It’s easy for foreigners to get a job and since it’s a cash business, there is no need for a work visa. Just make some local friends and put your trust in them…best of luck!

      Reply
  211. Hi Derek, I was travelling in Peru last month and heard from some travelers about this trimming jobs in California. I am really interested in going for this season, I also heard that is much easier to actually work there if you already know someone in the business, can you help me out?

    My email is [email protected]

    Anyway, thanks for the article, it’s really helpful

    Reply
  212. Im wondering if it is posible to work from january to march.
    I know there is no harvest on that moment, but maybe there is still work…
    It would be fantastic for me to go on that moment to save money and return to study…

    Reply
    • There Are always small indoor grows that need trimming around the year, but you have to be in the loop (and good at trimming) to get these jobs. They usually only go to locals. As a general rule, Jan through Mar is the slowest time of year. Not just because of the weather but also because people are tired from having slaved away on top of the mountains seven days a week since spring. As I mentioned in the article, during spring half the people GTFO of town and the other half use the time to upgrade their house, put in a pool, buy a new vehicle, etc.

      Reply
  213. Hello Derek! First of all, thanks for your patience in responding!

    I’m all in for trimming season this year and was looking for tips. I’d really appreciate one of your famous emails! I’m a non smoker myself, interested in the culture only, so I’m very reliable!

    My email is [email protected]

    Thanks a lot!

    Reply
  214. Derek, Derek, Derek! Clearly a champ for making this article so information so informative for everyone. And I thank you for that. I’ve spend all morning going through as many of the comments as I possibly good. Good job for being so great with your replies. This read has definitely been a hit for many. 🙂

    A friend of mine and I are planning on being in humbolt end of November this year. Too bad you won’t be there. We are two 23 year old aussie chick’s after some quick cash, and will work our asses off for it. I read the best option is to just go there and meet people. Which is what we will do.

    I’m currently in Canada working on a shitty wage and living in a not so cheap place, makes it hard to save but we will work it out.

    Anyway if you could pretty please send me an email with any contacts you can provide. Or even just a name of a cafe or somewhere you met people. 🙂

    You and I could even become pen pals if your up for it. I’ve been meaning to have a pen pal over my travels and you seem like you have some pretty cool stories.

    Although I’m sure your very busy writing and working in Nepal. I really hope everything is okay there. Thoughts are never too far away!

    Bye champ 🙂

    [email protected]

    Reply
    • Glad you found it helpful, poured a lot of knowledge and tips in here over the years 😉 But c’mon now you gotta realize I have never and will never give out any contacts. When you vouch for someone you put your reputation on the line. So how can I vouch for anyone I don’t know in real life?

      However I can tell you some cool places in Arcata where I made friends that helped me find work. Hole In The Wall is great (both people and food) as is Arcata Deli and of course the Wildflower Cafe if you can hang with the vegan crowd.

      When it comes to nightlife, Arcata doesn’t have much and it’s all in one plaza. Toby & Jack’s where usually our first stop after coming down from the mountain and I made many great connections there. Everett’s is also good place to meet people over drinks.

      As far as Nepal, well I’m working on several campaigns here that are keeping me too busy to write. But I did just put together a quick video on Nepal, if you are curious to check it out:

      Reply
      • 🙂 understood it’s okay! It’s more of an adventure to figure it all out yourself anyway isn’t it! Thank you so much for the hot spots, much appreciated! !

        Beautiful video, and what a beautiful selfless act your doing!

        Cheers !!

        Reply
  215. Good afternoon from the Bay Area Derek! I have one quick question for you: what is the climate of race relations in the Emerald Triangle? I have heard some nasty rumors about racism in the community, and I was wondering whether there was any grit to these rumors. Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Really? That is news to me. All my buddies there are the most down to earth people I known when it comes to things like race and sexual preference. And California as a whole is known as a very forward-thinking state. This is completely new and unheard to me, and all I can hope is those nasty rumors are nothing more than rumors. Please do keep me updated if you find out otherwise.

      Reply
  216. Hi there,

    I am interested in working here for Fall 2015. Can you send me more information on how to get in contact with this facility? Do you know of any other facilities in California that I can also call or email.

    Thank you,
    Beba

    Reply
  217. Hi Derek, and thanks a lot for all this info! I m from france, hitchiking around, and I would like to make a nice stop in the triangle before going down south to spend the winter under the tropics.
    For now I don t have any contact, but with the places in Arcata you mentionned I ll probably find my way out. Anyway do you have any more tips ?
    Julien
    [email protected]
    PD Hey nice video of Nepal, it brought a happy smile on my face, thanks!

    Reply
  218. Hi Derek!!

    This article is simply awesome! Thanks for writing it! Crazy that still 2 years after you still answering comments!

    So I am a treeplanter and used to working hard and repetive work. I am MORE than motivated to find a job in the fall and work hard for a month and make good money to save up. I take this thing really seriously. Do you think you could contact me and provide me some more infos. farm names or good contact for honest and hard workers? Thanks a lot in advance!

    Reply
  219. Hello derek, i am french(49 years old!!) and i will come in USA in september for a trimming job,25 years experience in cultivation growing and trimming. thankx for your reply and best regards Laurent

    Reply
  220. Hey Derek i actually came across an English guy who said he worked doing this but didn’t mentioned te place in California; the idea of it really sounded good. I’m actually down in Costa Rica volunteering at my friends organic farm but will head back to Cali in a few months and jobless since I quit everything to ride my bicycle here… I’m interested in doing this seasonally, if you have any contact information please hook me up!

    Reply
  221. Hey Derek! thank you so much for the info, was very helpful.
    I am from Latvia, but at the moment traveling in South America, and of course, very short on money, so I am considering to go green-fingers.
    Is i worth of going in the end of October? And could the field be overcharged, so we can also get there and not get the job?
    I would be terribly grateful if you could send me some contacts to [email protected].
    Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Yes, definitely. Things start off slowly in September but late October is the peak, when everyone has weed to trim and they need it done fast, before it dries out too much. That work will taper off gradually late November and by December it will get harder and harder to find work. By that point they start favoring skilled workers who can trim x number of pounds a day, instead of just any random person asking for work. Of course if you’re a good trimmer and have met the right people, they can usually keep you working through at least part of December as well.

      Reply
      • Dear Derek, I’m interested in trying to find the job,
        could you please give me leads to the places you have metioned in a private message.
        I leave you my email address [email protected]

        Thank you for being so kind with everyone of us

        Reply
  222. Hi Folks, hope you’re fine (and well stoned)
    A friend of mine (girl) that is a Cali-trimmer from 2-3 years, told me that because of the crisis that hit the field, the farmers actually are hiring ‘ONLY GIRLS’.
    I’m a man and I’m worry to spend my last money in an high priced flight-ticket [from the land of San Francesco (the Saint) to San Francisco (the Town)] and then have a lot of troubles finding job.
    Some of you have already experienced this situation? Any suggestions?
    Thank you all, have a good life.

    Reply
  223. hey I just read your article and it sounds amazing! I’m going out to californa from Missouri in to weeks and wondered if you could pass my contact along ([email protected] ) if not thanks anyway and keep up the good work!

    Reply
  224. Hi Derek, am thinking of going over in September. But I have no idea on how to look for a job. Could you please send me some advice by mails?
    Thanks!!!

    Reply
  225. Hi Derek,

    I’m a 21 year old guy from England and I’ve been facinated by being a weed trimmer for 5 or so months now. I love the culture surrounding the crop, I think traveling is essential to the human condition as well so I thought why not combine the two, right?!!

    I realise this is quite an old blog post but I saw that you have responded to a couple of recent posts so I thought I might ask a couple questions. How secure is the job? I understand its subject to the crop being ready but I mean in terms of can the farmers just let you go without pay? Also I saw you’ve sent some emails out with useful info/contacts/places to go? so if you have time to send me one I would be forever grateful, cheers bud 🙂

    Email: [email protected]

    Mikey

    Reply
    • There is no job security whatsoever. I once got out to what was supposed to be a long 3-week gig…but around 4hrs later the call came in that helicopters were in the region. The old man who owned the farm made the call to send all the trimmers home, lock up and pretend like no one was home — rather than provoke a raid by having activity in the fields and trailers and tents visible from the air. I never returned.

      Its a game of chance and luck at first, at least until you start to develop some local contacts. But as long as you pick up your trimming skills fairly fast and can get up to speed, you should have no problem finding work. I never have.

      Farmers occasionally might not have cash to pay trimmers right at the very beginning of the harvest season. I’m talking about the first couple weeks, where they’ve been up on a mountain working seven days a week for the last four months, have spent all their cash during that time, and haven’t yet been able to unload the season’s first batch of new herb. In this case, they usually tell trimmers and they have two options: 1) take product instead of cash or 2) wait a week or two, for cash to come in.

      Overall, its an honest business. Stoners are peaceful people and this is a fairly trusting industry. Of course there are always people that fuck this up, but thankfully they are rare. Everything and everyone is vouched for, so to speak. The person who first brought me up to the farm had to vouch for me, even though he hardly knew me. That’s why I tell people the whole process is easier if you make local friends first and then ask about work. That’s also why I ignore all requests for contacts because I don’t know anyone commenting here and I put my reputation on the line with each person I vouch for. So no offense but I’m not doing that for anyone — and that goes for everyone else reading this as well.

      The point is, word gets around. Trimmers and farm hands may come and go but the farm owners are there for life, and more times than not are second or third generation of growers. They are not going to start screwing over their employees because word would spread fast. That being said, it’s also a quasi-legal field, so just be smart and use common sense. Trust your street smarts.

      Reply
  226. This article was very informative I’m from Philadelphia going out there this Friday 8/07/2015 had a couple questions was wondering if you could shoot me a email you might be able to help out a little thanks so much [email protected]

    Reply
  227. hi derek!
    first of all thank you very much for all the information!
    i know its been a while since you posted the article but im honestly despriet.. iv been looking everywhere and struggling to find..any chance you could help me with any contacts?
    i would be so so grateful!

    have a splendid life!
    cheers 🙂
    [email protected]

    Reply
    • ho and just as i finshed posting the first replay i tried somthing ells . but this was quit strange..the job was published in indeed. i send my resume and got a call back. some sort of agency i guss. they asked for 50$ to do a background check. and i had to do this online certification do be able to work legally and insted of 200$ per pound i will get extra 25$ per pound. the card of course costs 100$ but he could give it to me for half price.
      any way i followed my guts and said no. ( hopefully they won’t use my card details- because stupid inasen me gave it to them)
      did you hear about anything like that?

      Reply
      • Hey Samantha, no, I’ve never heard of anything like that. Sounds like it is just someone trying to capitalize on the naivety of others. You don’t any sort of certification and certainly don’t need a card to be a trimmer, only a legal consumer. Plus I’ve never heard of anyone paying more per pound because you have the card. But when some of the crop needs to be brought down the mountain to be sold on the streets, it is always sent down with someone who has a card. For example, I finished a two week stint at one farm and was driving my truck back into town. One of the guys had taken several pounds as payment, instead of cash. Since I don’t have a card, he grabbed one of the guys from the farm who did and had him ride down with us — just in case we got stopped for a random traffic check, at least this way one person would be legal and able to claim the weed.

        Reply
  228. Hi my name is Andres and I am very interestid to get a job, I am hardworker and I love to travel and this seems to be a great way of doing it

    Reply
  229. Hi Derek,
    first of all congratulations for the post. It is really interresting and thanks for keeping answering to the messages that you have received during the last years 🙂
    You really keep giving a lot of useful informations about the topic! Last but not least I would also like to ask you if you can send any kind of contact and information that could help me to find a trimming job for next october/november. My email is [email protected] . I live in San Francisco and working there for 2/3 weeks would really help to pay my studies. I hope to hear from you soon and thanks again for all the info you provided. Alessandro

    Reply
  230. Hi… Sry for my language, i am french..
    So, i will come with my girl friend in california the 1st october. We want to travel in america so we would like to find job: trimming weed in the north of california is a good idea. My skill ‘s trimming is good… Do you have any contact to find job?? we are serious and we really need to work with elsa. can you give me a contac or an idea where i have to go??
    thanf you so much
    François, [email protected]

    Reply
  231. Hi again, I am already preparing for my try during this season. I will arrive in mid September, isn’t it too late? Shouldn’t I consider to come earlier?
    I recently came across an article claiming that competition is really hard lately and that without contacts from before the trip, it is useless to show up. Honestly I do not believe it, and still much more I like the spirit of Derek’s article and help in comments.
    I have some very very uncertain contacts, so I rather like to think I have none. Anyway I am skilled (was trimming my own buds for years back home) and get well along well with people. I think I do have a chance! Do I? Please tell me I do 😀

    Reply
    • Nope Jan, not too late at all. Things will just be picking up then. I cannot attest to the ease of finding work nowadays with no contacts, as I obviously have my own from years past. However I have heard good things back from a few other people I’ve given advice to both of the last two trimming seasons. Especially if you’ve got skills already. Just make a few local friends at the cafe or bar and then once you’ve established a rapport, work the conversation around to work 😉

      Reply
  232. Hi Derek.
    Thank you for this article , very informative.
    I’ll be arriving to this area in the nearest week, and I’m planing to arrive and look for a job – trimming.
    I’m arriving spontaneously not even knowing where I’ll be staying so hopefully also finding a job that gives accommodation and basic needs.
    I would love to hear from you, maybe you can help me, explain me how to plan this job and how I could get it?
    I’d like to work with good people, and to be sure that I’m in a safe place wherever I’ll be working. Can you advise me on a good plan ? How to contact these people, to call or meet them.?
    Would appreciate an answer very much.
    Thank you,
    Diana

    [email protected]

    Reply
    • Just strike up a normal conversation with locals, strangers…establish a rapport first, don’t just ask for work five minutes in to the convo. I’ve covered this many many times in the hundreds of comments…sorry, tired of repeating myself

      Reply
  233. Hey derek! Awesome article me and my boyfriend derek were just in Humboldt for the secret cup in June we traveled all the way from florida !We were hoping to find work but had no luck.derek is very skilled at growing (with indoor obviously bc we are in florida,but has the knowlege for outdoor) and trimming and packaging (he worked in socal last year packaging) it was my first time there and i fell in love i would give anything for us to be out there. If you have any advice to point us in the right direction please send me an email! Thank you and keep on with the good vibes ✌

    Reply
    • Yeah, June isn’t the best time of year for new hires….the fields are already planted and weedsitters hired, and there isn’t bulk trimming jobs available yet — just small, sporadic indoor grows that usually go to experienced local trimmers. Hope y’all at least had fun on your trip. I take it you are already back in Florida now? Shame, work season will be kicking off here before too long….

      Reply
      • Oh it was amazing, life changing. We had a blast and met some awesome people. But yes i was sad when i realized work doesnt come until october i almost felt at first like the whole trip happened too soon and was a waste of time but then realized it wasn’t. We made connections and actually are going in october for some trim work. Byebye HOT florida! Like you said its all about finding an “in” and its not hard you just have to throw that fear out the window, be honest and friendly and the rest will happen. Norcal is a magical place it feels like your on another planet sometimes cant wait to be back in those mountains. Anyways im so excited and hope everything goes well! keep us in mind this trim season and throw some good vibes our way

        Reply
  234. hey derek! so after reading through the comments and the article i was curious if you had any specific places that you would recommend getting to know some of the locals? any specific bars or resturants or hang out spots/ beaches?? like jan said earlier my contacts are very iffy so i would rather consider i didnt have any, but am thinking it would be very helpful to know some key spots to meet the right locals before i travel over there…… i would feel so much more confident at least getting the down low from somebody on possible good spots to meet the locals!

    Reply
  235. hey Derek. I’ve just moved back to Austin Tx. after living in Oaxaca Mex. for 12 yrs. and found its not the place I remember. it has too many people and kinda lost its vibe. I worked in this field in mex. and would love to continue. I know you get a lot of requests for this but if you could give me some contact info it would be a life saver. thanks.

    Reply
    • Hey, I’m from Austin! After six years on the road I passed back through last year and yeah, the city has changed. Call it going mainstream or getting played out or whatever you want, its not the same place I remember. Traffic and prices and police are all so much worse than they used to be. A few things are better, like the art scene (and arguably music scene as well), but anyway I’m getting off topic. Point is I feel ya brother. But unfortunately I don’t know you. And I put my reputation on the line with any person I refer. So I’m afraid I cannot help ya there. But you’ve got experience and with that should come a cool personality, so it shouldn’t be hard for you to find work if you make a few local friends first 😉

      Reply
  236. Hey, this job sounds like a really great way to save up some cash quickly, I heard about trimming season through a friend and she made it sound really appealing. She said she thinks she can probably find me work up there this year, but just in case, can you pass along the info you are sending other people to me as well? My email is [email protected]. Thank you.

    Reply
  237. Sup man,
    Much appreciate the wealth of info. This thread has definitely given me a better idea of what to expect up north.
    My question is a two-parter; How competitive is it gaining a trimming position these days for those with no experience in the professional sector? And, would trimmer be the best entry-level position for someone with no contacts in the industry?
    I plan on venturing out from the deep south until it becomes legal there, and gain experience in this beautiful and world-changing industry so I can bring my knowledge and skills back home when it inevitably becomes legal on a national level.
    Any additional advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again, mate.
    Cheers!

    Reply
    • Hey bro, sup 😉 As far as competitiveness, I can’t really answer that because I have my go-to guys and farms for work. And I’ve heard mixed things from different people, depending upon where they go. I’ve been telling people for years that Humboldt is the easiest of the three counties for an outsider to find work, so who knows, maybe all that talk has shifted the flow of newbies and things have changed.

      And yes, being a trimmer is pretty much the only way an outsider with no contacts can get their foot in the door. Do that and if you work hard and connect with the owners, other opportunities will arise. For example, being a “weedsitter” and spending four months up on the mountain top nuturing those beautiful buds from seed to harvest is a tedious and stressful but well-paid job.

      Reply
  238. Hello there Derek,
    thank you for posting your article, fantastic advise–you pretty much answered every question I had about heading to Cali. My name is Anna and I am heading cross-country from PA at the end of September/early October to find work for the season. I work hard, go with the flow and I’m very happy person, especially when meeting new friends and I have a tent!. I can make friends, just wanting to know a direction if you could help me out. [email protected]
    thx for your time and help man!

    Reply
  239. Hi Derek. I need a big favor from you, you should delete my comments please, also this one, because there is written my email address. As a precaution.
    2 comments: october 1 and october 4, 2013 – from marco and email marcopolo
    Thank you for your attention

    Reply
  240. Dear Derek,
    After a long travel of 5 years i am back in Europe and all ready bord.Now i looking forward to go to south america. On the road i heard a lot story about this jobs in Calfornia.I am considering to go there .i red your blog and the comments thanx for the info.If i will go there in the end of september is this till in time for the harvest ? Is it possible to get some extra info, tips about this jobsearch.thank you derek.. a fellow traveler.. peace love and harmony ..email : [email protected]

    Reply
    • Hey Jean, no worries, the end of September and beginning of October is the best time…its when things are really kicking in to high gear. All Oct and Nov things run at full throttle. But I am no longer emailing out tips for two reasons: 1) no one EVER thanks me & 2) basically everything has been covered in the article or these comments already…just search for it. And if you have any more specific questions, well please post them and I’ll be happy to help if I can 🙂

      Reply
  241. Hi guys im a canadian clipper and i want try the clipping in cali this years. I need to find a contact who can give me some job for 3 weeks or more. Im a tree planter so im not scared of hard working or live in the bush whit the minimum. Please if you have something email me soon as possible.

    Thank you

    [email protected]

    Reply
  242. Thank you Derek for this great artice. I was searching for something like this for so long!!
    I want to head to California with my my sister this season. BUt I#m still confused when is the best time to go there and find work and when does the actual work strarts then?
    I would be so thankful for an answer!
    keep your vibes,
    Linda

    Reply
  243. Yep makes sense. Thanks for the info and sorry for the late reply. I couldnt find my post in the middle of the forum but just realised it had also been emailed. I plan to go anyway. Is being vegetarian an issue?

    Reply
  244. Hello Derek! I’ll be in Cali in October to work as trammer and I would like to know if camping is legal there. I’ll bring my tend and the first days it will be hard to find some place to stay until finding a farm. Could you tell me some campings for staying in Arcata, Eureka or Fortuna? Recommend me free camp in anywhere? Thank you 🙂

    Reply
    • Hey Giovanna, the answer is yes and no. Bringing a tent or other camping gear with you up the mountain is a great idea because every farm is different in terms of trimmer lodging and amenities. There is a good chance it can be put to good use. But as far as camping goes back in town, no idea. There are plenty of parks and spots available, but not sure if its legal or enforced or what. I’ve never tried camping over there because I have friends in town. Let me know how it goes though, best of luck 🙂

      Reply
      • Thanks for your reply! So the farms are not so far to the town, isn’t it? The problem is that I have no enough money and I don’t know how survive there until find a job.

        Reply
        • The farms are located up in the mountains anywhere from a 1-3 hour drive. Most often whoever is arranging the trimmers (usually a local person from one of the cities along the 101) will collect them all together and then everyone drives up as a group in one or two vehicles. The reason for this is that local growers in these small mountain towns are extremely suspicious of outsiders, and always on the lookout for out-of-place or suspicious vehicles. In other words, you cannot just head up into the mountains yourself and expect to find work. That has to be sorted in town first.

          Reply
  245. Hey dude nice Article, I bet yu nailed your blog with this! 🙂 Do yu think its already to late to head to CA im sitting in india at the moment and would love to do such work for a month or two, im a little experienced due to homegrow in europe. Think that would help. Would be nice if yu can send me some reliable contacts 🙂

    Reply
    • Really? I’m sitting in India at the moment. Or rather eating my way through Delhi I should say 😉

      Its not to late at all. TO EVERYONE READING THIS, the season starts in September and peaks in October and November. NOW PLEASE stop asking me questions that have been answered 100 times already — AND covered in the original article — or I will stop responding.

      Reply
  246. Hi Derek

    great article, full of useful info. I have read it thoroughly and I have read almost all the comments as well. I am heading to California in a few days and I am pretty confident I will find a job. My question concerns more the “after-job”.

    Let’s say I will have gained a few thousands bucks at the end of the season. How will I bring all this cash back home through the custom? I know you don’t have to declare anything under 10.000 $ but I’m sure that the officers will find a way to give you a hard time, they are not stupid (i.e. They will guess that I have worked in the States on a tourist visa). Or maybe (hopefully!) I will have more than a 10.000 dollars and then will exceed the limit.
    I assessed various options but none really seems to be optimal.
    1. Moneygram and Wester Union transfer: they charge A LOT of commissions (40-45%).
    2. Opening an account in USA or getting myself a prepaid card or similar: I guess I need to be US resident or have a proper working contract or social security number. Is this right?
    3. Bank transfer: I don’t know if I can enter any bank and give cash for a wire transfer. And even so, my own bank is obliged to report me to local authorities for controls on the origin of the money (I don’t have a fixed wage).
    4. Buying a lot of tech stuff to resell on ebay once home: not really my thing and maybe being caught at the customs with 10 brand new iphone 6s is not less risky than having cash on me.
    5. Try to change the cash in 100 $ notes, hide it on me, take a big breath and cross the border: maybe the best one?

    Do you or other users have any experience on that?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Confidence, my friend, and an unflinching story. Once I was stopped by immigration returning to the States from Mexico with $9,990 on me. I claimed it was the remainder of the $15,000 I arrived in Mexico with, that I partied my ass off there, and that the police were “foolish if you still keep your money in the bank after what they did to the economy a few years back.” I spent an hour being searched and questioned but in the end there was nothing I could officially be charged with, and they had to let me go.

      As for your other options, all are more work than worth. Go to a post office or bank and buy a $1000 money order — it only costs $0.69-$2.00, depending upon location. Make it out to yourself and then sign it with a different pen and fake name. Write something like “used furniture” in the memo field. Buy as many of these as you need for various amounts ($875, $620, $950, etc), then cash them in gradually once at home. As long as you get the money to cash and don’t deposit it, your bank won’t keep a record of how many money orders you cashed.

      Reply
  247. hi Dereck , am 42 years old, I live in Argentina with my family, economicamentes things are not going well , so I thought about going to season Bargerslville , I ‘m in good shape , I’m American citizen , and I have experience in this field , you think my age or something that could be a hindrance , since September 24 i would be arriving , thank you for your attention , Greetings

    Reply
    • Hey Tony, no worries about your age — I’ve trimmed with people older than you. And having experience in the field definitely helps. Biggest piece of advice I often give is to just be friendly and interact with the locals. Once they realize you’re a good guy, any one of them can help you find work. You just need to make new friends first, rather than sitting on the side of the road with a “will trim for weed” sign.

      Reply
  248. Hi Derek!
    Thanks a lot for all the info that you shared, you are so generous… and thanx for keep on answering to the comments 🙂
    we are a spanish couple that are travelling since two years and is running out of money, and because the info that you gave and other travellers info that were working on trimming, we decided to do a stop in Arcata, to check if we coud find something, and here we are. But we want to ask you if you know if this year is harder to find job (because now more farmers have trimming machines…) or if is just a matter of time that we get something…
    Another question that we have is that if we get the job and suddenly a raid happens, Do you think we were in trouble because of we are spanish people? Or they treat everybody the same independently his/her nacionality? I saw that you answered to a girl a similar question, but wasn’t for me clear if we could get a problem because we aren’t from here.. on theory we are tourists… Did you meet some foreigner that had troubles because of that?
    It was just this two questions, sorry if I add myself to the tedious questions, and I agree your answer beforehand, we are a bit nervous because we didn’t know about those trimming machines…
    A hug!!
    And if we have enough luck we will see you in India 🙂

    Hola Derek!!
    muchas gracias por toda esta información que has compartido, eres muy generoso… y gracias por seguir respondiendo a los comentarios de la gente 🙂
    Nosotros somos una pareja española que lleva dos años viajando y se ha quedado ya sin dinero, y gracias a tu información y toda la que nos han dado por el camino otros viajeros que han estado trabajando de esto, decidimos hacer una parada en Arcata para ver si encontrábamos algo y aquí estamos, pero te queremos preguntar si sabes si este año es más complicado encontrar trabajo (por el tema de que cada día más granjeros tienen máquinas que hacen el trimming…) o si es solo cuestión de tiempo que nos salga algo…
    Otra pregunta que tenemos es si por casualidad nos saliera trabajo y por mala suerte hicieran una redada, ¿crees que estaríamos en problemas por ser españoles? o tratan igual a todos los trimmers independientemente de su nacionalidad? ya he visto que a una chica le respondiste una pregunta así, pero no me queda claro si nos podemos buscar un problema por no ser de aquí, en teoría somos turistas… Alguna vez conociste a un extranjero que tuviera problemas por eso?
    Solo esas dos preguntas, perdona si me sumo a las preguntas pesadas de todos, y de antemano te agradecemos la respuesta, es que estamos un poco nerviosos porque no sabíamos de la existencia de esas máquinas…
    un abrazo!!
    Y si tenemos suficiente suerte nos vemos en la India 🙂

    Reply
    • Hey Laura…my Spanish is not as good as it used to be after not using it for so many years, I’ll just respond in English.

      I didn’t have any problems finding work last year, but this year I cannot make it and have no idea if there are that many more people using machines than last year. In my experience I find that lots of growers don’t like them. Call them old-fashioned or sticklers for quality or whatever you want, they just don’t care for them.

      As far as nationality, no problems them. I trimmed with people from Costa Rica, Chile, France and Russia, among other places. However I will say the hardest thing going for you is being a couple. When you are solo (male or female) people are more likely to approach you. But as a duo, sometimes it just….I dunno.

      In regards to raids, no, you have nothing to fear IMO. Firstly because there is such an incredibly small chance of you actually being on a farm when a raid takes place. I’ve been going for years and never been caught in a raid (although I have had to leave the farm I was working on a couple times because the helicopters were in the vicinity and the owner wanted to close up shop and pretend no one was home). And secondly because the trimmers are the smallest fish in the pond, the lowest man on the totem, the poor guy just doing it because the economy is shit — or in your case, you might want to use “just wanted to see what it was like for a day” as an excuse, instead of the latter, which works better for Americans.

      Give me a shout if y’all make it to India. I’m going to be there (technically I just arrived back in Nepal for a few days) until the end of March 2016.

      Reply
  249. hi derek! thank you so much for writing this article. it was very informative and insightful. I am a girl that would be going alone up north, planning on meeting a friend (another girl) and then look for work. I must say I’m slightly nervous about being two girls alone, but I am in touch with my intuition and have a good feel for if people are sketchy or not. do you know any girls that went up alone? also, I am imagining myself asking to either be paid up front or paid (for the first round) relatively soon after the first batch to make sure its a legit deal…i’ve heard stories of people getting shafted. is this normal or would this be over the top?

    if you are still giving leads on contacts, that would be SUPER appreciated. thanks again for your service through this article. [email protected]

    Reply
    • I always meet plenty of girls up there traveling solo, some still teenagers and others over the hill hippies. Most they don’t seem to have any problems, except for a few creepy guys or some shady offers that they’ve turned down because things didn’t feel right. Nothing bad enough to ever traumatize them away from the industry.

      As far as pay, well you will never be paid upfront because your pay rate depends on the amount you trim. Your best bet would to go up and work for a short period, like 3-4 days, then say you have to head back down the mountain. That means its payday. Gauge their reaction according.

      Contacts? Pffft just make local friends. They are all you will need 😉

      Reply
    • Hi!

      I was wondering if you ever ended up finding work. I am also female and plan on making that trip, but I would love to hear of your experience and even possible contacts if you have them! If you don’t mind, please shoot me an email at [email protected] . Thank you!

      Reply
  250. Thank you for the reply to my last post. Very helpful for planning the trip. For some reason I dont see the reply button after your reply hence new message.
    I should also have left my email: [email protected]
    Next question is can I ask a question to anyone reading this forum so they can get back to me by email?
    I would ask things like “if anyone knows a safe place to camp or any other ways of living cheaply in Humboldt please let me know.” and “Are there paces where trimmigrants congregate for mutual safety and to help each other?”
    Please let me know if I can help with info for any of your blogs.

    Reply
  251. Hey Derek! From all the things I’ve read about this topic, this article has been the best! Thank you very much! I’m heading there with a friend in November, hoping for the best!

    If you ever have the time to answer me, I would only like to ask you one question… it is about the age…. is there any problem if we are just 20 years old? [email protected]

    Thanks again !!

    Reply
    • No worries about the age — plenty of students from HSU (Humboldt State University) trim part time for spare cash and often they are younger than 20. And I think the youngest trimmer I ever met was 14 or 15.

      Reply
  252. Hey Derek, Im Ron from Kentucky…Im 31 years old and have been raised around marijuana my whole life. Though I wouldnt consider myself a frequent marijuana user, I still love the plant and belive it is the most beautifull plant on earth as well as the most beneficial plant on earth. I do have a bit of expierence in the field (growing, trimming, drying, and curing.) and ive been contemplating taking a trip to the triangle (if any thing just to make some new friends.) You have mentioned a few areas, some stores and such, my question is that if and when i visit one of these locations and try to make some new friends. is there a certain type of people im looking for? as i wouldnt want to just strike up a conversation about mmj to the wrong type of people. I also wouldnt one to spend days getting to know someone just to find out that there completely against mmj. Any advice could be of help …. Thanks and by the way its awesome that you put this information out there for us and that you still respond to comments 3 years later, Thats dedication and to you brother I SALUTE

    Reply
    • Good point. Well just trust your instinct. Who looks cool? Who looks like a regular smoker? Or just go to a small bar late one evening and look to see who lights up. Myself, it was actually at a sandwich shop just talking with some kids who were (oh crap I called ’em kids I must be getting old) like 4-5 years younger than me and attending HSU. Whether visible on the surface or not, the entire economy up there revolves around the amazing plant. 95% of the people who live there at least accept it, if not partake in it — either in the form of personal indulgence or professional work. Best of luck, let me know if any more questions.

      Reply
  253. Hi Derek, my name is Giuliano, im from Argentina. I have read very good comments of this experience but i never had the opportunity to do so. The problem is i only have the B1 visa, is tourist, but i intended to stay three months , which is legal. Can you give me more info, and if you have, the contact to carry out this oportunity please? Thanks man!

    Reply
  254. Hi Derek!

    I have trawled through many of the above comments because I am actually a little concerned about a close male friend of mine who is heading out to Humboldt in a few days. He is latin american and does not speak much english (yet) and I’m pretty sure he currently does not have any contacts. He is placing much of his future in the chances of finding work and making good money. How likely are his chances of finding work? I am almost tempted to accompany him… but I saw you said it is more difficult if you arrive as a couple? (I am from the UK)

    I cannot imagine how tiring it is to read and respond to so many similarly worded comments but I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give for this situation ! <3

    Reply
    • Yeah, finding work as a couple or duo can be trickier with no contacts. Easier at first by yourself. More likely to be approached as well.

      Well I definitely trimmed with many people from Europe and Central America. All (as far as I can remember lol) had at least basic English skills, and a couple were perfectly fluent. Most were somewhere in between. But all were cool, good people. That’s the key to getting in…being one of the good ones. Not some jerk but someone that the others don’t mind sitting next to for 16 hours a day, day after day….ya know?

      Reply
  255. Well I’m in Willits at the moment, trying my luck here, there is many backpackers here hoping to find a job, everybody is meeting on the bar as u said. Thinking of maybe heading to Garberville cuz I heard its a bigger place where everybody grow, maybe I’ll get a better chances there.

    Reply
  256. great article!!!I have no experience trimming except in my own little garden. need money to support my family, any direction would help. ready to go!

    Reply
  257. Hi Derek! I’m just read you article and it is very intersting ! I would like to go in california and find a job for trimming season, do you have any advice for find a place? I already have experience on this job.. If you have time for replay my email is: [email protected]. Thank you in advance for you help!! It’s very appreciate

    Reply
  258. Thanks for all Derek!! I will arrive this 9 October alone have 2 friends in diferents points but not sure Ill have comunications with them by movil, Ill go capsula style :)) with my tent and sleeping outside try to looking for friends and job je the worst case if I dont get the job I ll go to Yosemite Bishops and Red rocks to climb. Would be great if you have some locals contact to ask! Thank you!

    Reply
  259. Hey Derek, we (Martijn en Gideon) heard so much about this job, but now its all written down. Great job!
    We wanna go where the work is, so hopefully you can give us some inside advice. [email protected]
    We are 2 Dutch-men who have a lot of experience with the great plant, and we have a very good work ethos. Work hard, party hard.

    Reply
  260. Hi,

    I am very interested in working at one of these farms this season. Is it too late to drive up there? If it is still possible, could you please let me know who I may contact to make sure I am able to work once I arrive?

    Thank you. I will wait for your reply.

    Reply
  261. Hello Derek! My names Leah, I am originaly form New Jersey but now with my boyfriend living in Portugal. I cam along ur Blog as we have tickets to san Fran for next weekend, and the place we weer going to work bailed on us, they are completley full now. I am wondering if you have any advice or connections ? We already have our tickets and it feels a shame to have to cancel.. Any advice is helpful ! thanks alot

    Reply
  262. Hello there,
    I’m coming to California on June 2016, and would like to know which are my posibilities on getting a job. I’m open for any possition available on the marijuana field. Thanks

    Reply
  263. Hi Derek, my name is yuval and im from israel. I just heard about thia job and it sounds amazing. Thing is i don’t want to waste the flying ticket only to find out theres no jobs for me there. I’d really aprreciate it if you could give me any advice. Here’s my email – [email protected]

    Thanks!

    Reply
  264. Hey thank you for the information.. It was quite helpful. I am very very interested in finding work. But I don’t know where to start to find connections. Do you have any advice to help me, or possibly know of somewhere I might be able to go to start my search for work? I would really appreciate any help you can offer. namaste

    Reply
  265. hello
    i’m interested on working in some weed farm,how can i do it?im currently living in los angeles and i would like to know who can i contact or someone that have contacts with this jobs,thank you

    Reply
  266. Man it must be super hard keeping upto date and replying to messages consistently 🙂 especially when people seem to ask the same questions you answered before. THANK YOU MAN! I s appreciated
    I’ve had a good read through your article my main question is which areas to hit up first in Humbolt. I’m on the road now from LA with 2 other friends…2 guys 1 girl We are all from the UK and livin on a prayer…camping our way up the coast got van. Been chilled vibes all the way…any advice you have for us specify?
    Thanks brother your really helping people.

    Reply
  267. Hi derek, thank you very much for all this information!
    Do you know a cheap way to get there? I’m in LA and airplane tickets are a bit expensive for me right now… is there any greyhound to get there?

    Thank you in advance!! You would really help me right now (:

    Reply
  268. Hi, I am in California now and slowly running out of cash. I would love to stay here a bit longer and therefore I need to find a solution to my broke-ness. I just heard of the jobs in these plantations and wanted to try but reading your article it seems it’s a bit late to look for that. However, someone told me that there are also plantations indoors that might operate all year round. I was wondering if you know something about it and what is your opinion on trying to find this job now despite it being so late already… Thanks for your article! Any advice will be very appreciated!

    Reply
    • Hey Debbie, yes, by now the peak season has just passed and things will slowly wind down over the next month or so. It’s still possible to find work, but definitely much easier at this stage in the season if you have contacts already.

      And yes, there are indoor grow ops that run year round….however they are small, usually one or two rooms (at least in my experience….sure there are bigger “fish” in the sea but obviously they are harder to come by). This means that not only does the work go fast b/c there isn’t much of it, it also goes to the most experienced trimmers. The indoor grows are the crème de la crème and with perfect product means perfect everything, including perfect trimmers — which first and foremost means no newbies. So….well I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I wouldn’t put too much faith into getting one of those gigs without first having worked on the mountain and made a few friends. However if you’re already in the right spot, there is still a bit of a window open….best of luck 😀

      Reply
  269. Worst part of the work is when a grower starts using a trim machine part of the way through the season. Because of that I now have a team that has been working together two years looking for work. If you had any tips for getting an experienced team some work it would be greatly appreciated. [email protected]

    Reply
  270. Why don’t you all go home!! Humboldt LOCALS have trimming covered. Your ruining out town, shitting in the streets, blocking legal businesses, scaring our schoolkids. The town is FULL of transients looking for work. You come from all over the world…this is a LOCAL gig. Go home!!!

    Reply
  271. Hi, i’m coming to CA in July 2016.I am very very interested in finding work. But I don’t know where to start to find connections. Could you send me contacts, or how to find some? Thanks, you’re helping!! PEACE

    Reply
  272. hi I’m Rachel and I’m looking for a job in the marijuana fields I’m in texas wanting to relocate I think ill be good for a job in his field I think more ppl should be opened minded on this its a miracle medicine just about to really boom ive been interested in this for years id love to be apart of helping others with needs of such a miracle medicine

    Reply
  273. Hello Derek and great post. I have little experience and am interested in the 2016 season. I am happy to find contacts by foot but if this post can make my efforts easier, then so be it!! I am 25 year old female… by then I will be 26. [email protected] for direct contact. With or without a response, I am looking forward to the adventure 😉

    Reply
  274. Hi derek. I recently got a job offer to trim down in Cali. I met the grower at my job while he was shopping. I made small talk. I asked if he was hiring and he asked for my number and that he would get back to me. Few days later he gives me a call with an amazing job opportunity (sounds like it) he said he has a few frams and that his leaving on the 15th of jan. And that the job should be about 6weeks of trimming. He said he has a big house and that I could stay there. He said id get paid $20 an hour plus $200 per pound. Idk i feel like everything sounds too good to be true. The grower has 3 shops already here in WA. But he grows his own product that why he has alot of work to be done so he says. And all so he assured me that he could leave his information such as copy of his photo id for my family so id feel more safe and he also said if I wanted to bring a friend that would be okay to feel more comfortable. What do you think? I honestly dont smoke anymore but ive always had a love for cannabis and the process of growing it and an interest in all the different types of strains. The pay sounds amazing too. Any advice????

    Reply
    • The pay does sound amazing. However, as a seasoned veteran of the mountain work, a few things make me curious.

      – For the trim work to start Jan 15th, that means it is an indoor crop. As I’m not originally from Cali, I’ve always had to have local references that can vouch for skills before doing indoor trims. After all that is the crème de la crème, the most pretty (and potent) stuff that the state produces. So, during your small talk, did you mention that you have experience or references?
      – $20/hr on top of $200/lb….hmmm….well I’ve never heard of anyone offer an hourly bonus in addition to the weight rate. How would you track your hours? Why? Why not just say $250/lb or something and leave it at that?
      – 6wks of work for one person? How did he estimate this? I’ve always been told “there is XX pounds that needs work” not “there is XX weeks of work” because the length varies SO VERY much depending on the skill of the trimmer, whether they work for 8 hours a day or 18 hours a day, whether there is one trimmer or multiple coming and going throughout the batch, etc etc. See what I mean? Lots of variables. And that’s before you take it the variables between different strains (e.g. is it big, loose buds, tight compact ones, lots of stems, lots of leaves, etc etc).
      – Copy of ID for family. On one hand, this seems safe. But on another hand, why does he want to convince you so much that you’ll be safe? At all of the farms I’ve worked at, I only received first names of anyone involved, never last names — let alone copies of IDs with DL # or SS #s. Frequently I was even blindfolded when getting close to the farm so I wouldn’t know exactly which road or which house it was.

      Of course, all of what I’ve just said is based on trimming in California. I’ve only ever worked there and in Colorado. I have no idea how things operate in Washington — oh but wait you said he has shops in WA but the job is in CA? I’m assuming this based off your use of the words “down in Cali.” Then this raises more questions like why go to all the work to get an out of state worker?

      Have you ever been to Humboldt or Mendo in January? It’s an interesting time of year…the work is done, the out-of-town trimmers and highway walkers looking for work have all left, and many of the farm owners have even left town as well, to enjoy the brief vacation period before the next season starts. Those who are in town still are doing house renovations, upgrading their grow setups, and other such things now that all the money from their last six months of hard work has finally come in.

      Let me know if you have any further thoughts or if I can be of any assistance. Cheers from Thailand and happy new year 😀

      Reply
      • This is a great piece of advice. That conversations sounds very shady, the pay is way too high as right now the rates sit at around $150 / pound. Also the timing (January) is way past harvest time.

        You know what they say: If it’s too good to be true, then it isn’t. Use your sixth sense but don’t let money replace it. Great advice as always Derek, thank!

        Reply
  275. Hi Derek ,

    Amazing article and amazing info ! Thanks very much for sharing all your experience and detailed knowledge about this industry .. i don´t think i could get this much info even in a live conversation being there at Cali ! lol
    I am not much of a weed smoker…. I would definitely go into it for the cash ……(tired of working in front of a computer screen !) although i do love nature and natural stuff…
    I just have a couple of questions for you, hope you can find the time to answer them :
    1) I know you have mentioned it in a couple of replies before , but how does the paycheck system work for us the trimmers ?
    I know that that depends a little bit on the cash fluency or debts that a farm owner may have at that particular time but when do trimmers USUALLY get paid ? a couple of weeks after starting the trimming ? how does each trimmer keep track of the cumulative pounds already trimmed ?
    2)let´s say that my objective is to go the whole season (meaning from late September to early December ) and that I am an average skilled trimmer , how long do you think I could maintain a ¨regular¨ job or maybe …what would be an average of income I could make during that time frame ?

    Again , I hope you can find time to answer this and wish you good luck in whatever you are doing !
    Good vibes from Costa Rica !

    Eduardo

    Reply
    • 1) Clear bags are used to keep all your work in. If you fill one up, knot it, write your name on the outside with a marker (if not there already) and then start on the next bag. You usually only ask for your money right before going in to town, as there is no where up on these mountain farms to spend your cash except at the one general store in town. So a paycheck could be after 3 days or 3 weeks. Either way, at that time your bags are weighed and cash is dispensed.
      2) Maintaining one regular job the entire season is next to impossible. Nearly all gigs (at least in my experience) have been a few weeks long at most. The problem with longer ones is that means there are still fresh plants being harvested every week. The bigger the farm, the rarer they are. Make sense? So except to be hopping around a bit, especially if you are going in blind with no friends there. But you will gain contacts and tips on other farms that need work with each gig.

      Reply
    • Epale Eduarlo mi nombre Es Jose acabo de ver tu post aqui en el blog, Soy venezolano viviendo en Montreal y vi que eres de Costa Rica, mi hermano esta viviendo alla en Puerto Viejo de Talamanca y Bueno hemos estado planeando porque queremos lanzarnos esta aventura del weed trimming. Bueno Queria saber Si habias conseguido algo para esta temporada o Si tienes alguna informacione al respecto. Me parece mejor hablar por otro medio entonces te dejo mi email para que cuando tengas tiempo Si me Puedes responder te lo agradeceria muchisimo. [email protected]

      Reply
  276. Hey Derek,
    This is a great article ,you have put a lot of work into this. It is very appreciated for sure.
    I’ve got a couple questions if you’ve got time.

    My first is , at the end of each day of work, who is responsible for keeping track of the bags that you have filled ? Are they accurate at the work you have done , so you don’t get shorted on money? For example if you work for three weeks that’s a lot of bags. Is it possible for someone else to take one of your bags to claim as one of there own?

    My second is , who supplies meals at the farm? If the farm does, then what is the cost for meals? If they don’t, then what is the norm when you are there? Do we take food up the mountain when we go ? How does that work?

    My last question, I am a journeyman plumber, I have been for over 10 years now. So would there be an opportunity for this type of work on top of trimming for me? Trimming would be awesome but I’m just wondering if there is a need for other trades as well?

    Thanks a lot Derek, again awesome job here man!!! I appreciate your insight and dedication. Take Care

    Reply
    • Whenever you get a new bag, trimmers always write their name on it in black market. So no one else can claim it as theirs.

      As far as meals, most often trimmers have to fend for themselves. Usually we band together and cook for all. For example, one night I might prepare dinner while the others trim. The next day, someone else makes the food while I trim. Of course some other people just fend for themselves and bring a bunch of ramen noodles up there.

      When it comes to acquiring the food itself, we would always do group a once or twice a week trip to the local store and pick up meat and veggies there.

      In regards to your specific plumbing skills, who knows, you could find a farm with a hydro op that needs a little assistance or fine-tuning. You really never know when/where your extra skills will come in handy up there 😉

      Reply
  277. Hi Derek,
    I am a agricultural student from UC Davis and wanna collect leaves from cannabis indoor/greenhouse growers for research (leaves is not available now for outdoor cultivation).
    I read your journal “How To Get A Job In The California Marijuana Fields,” and know you have connections with cannabis growers in Emerald Triangle region. If you know farmers who can sell cannabis leaves, could you let me know by sending me email? (commission fee will be given also..and I have a doctor recommendation for purchasing )
    Wish you can help 😉
    Regards,
    Hong

    Reply
  278. Hy Derek,

    Are you still here ? ???? Here is too much for read man! ???? I am interested for this story.. Can you contact me ?
    Im sending you good vibes from Key West ????

    Reply
    • Hey James, unless you’ve been there before or have some really good contacts there, it is impossible to secure work before going. So you’ll just have to dive in and hope for the best. I’ve covered best destinations and time of year many times in the article and hundreds of comments above. Best of luck!

      Reply
  279. after reading more i get that the best time is late August, early September and to go make friends and put out good vibes . i’d really like to go to Cali as theres a few things i’d like to see whilst there. i’m just really unsure about where i should start my journey? i’m not worried about wondering around and making friends i just want to make sure i doing it in the right places. any help would be greatly appreciated.

    [email protected]

    Reply
  280. I believe this would be a great opportunity to work for your farm i am very serious and would luv a respone if u will i kno many people send messages trying to become apart but if u do actually get to see my request i hope u will be open to maybe hiring me…. I am a 32-year-old female and very hard working it will be plenty of time to have fun later, thankz in advance.

    Reply
  281. Hey there
    That was very interesting article and from the look at all these comment i’m not the first to say.
    Would you be able to send me a contact or even point me in the right direction to sorting out a a job in California’s Marijuana Fields . I have been googleing and can’t seem to find anything then found this article . any help would be greatly appreciated .

    Reply
  282. Really interested in being a trimmer in the marijuana fields but lack the contacts to get to get started,I know a lot about the business but have no contacts in cali anything you can do to help me get started would be great, ready to leave at A moment’s notice.thank you for your time,….FREDDIE

    Reply
  283. Hey Man, you helped me and some mates along our way last season with your advice 🙂 With legalization on the way in California whats the deal with trimming in humbolt this year from september onwards?

    Reply
  284. Derek my brother, my girlfriend and i are planning to head over to the states from Australia, after traveling through India and hopefully spend a bit of time over in you part of the world, we will head out just before september to try our luck finding a trimming job, either it happens or it doesn’t its all part of the adventure in the end, if you had any extra information, contacts, towns, farms etc you could let us know about we would much appreciate this, cheers :):)

    Reply
  285. Hello Derek,

    Thank you so much for all the above information! I’ve read it all and a lot of comments, I noticed you sent some additional information to some people leaving email addresses. Any addition info would be greatly appreciated.

    [email protected]

    Reply
    • If you have any specific questions I would be happy to answer them, but I am not sure what additional general advice I could give that I haven’t already mentioned before — either in the article or my countless comment responses.

      Reply
  286. So me and my girlfriend are young hoppies and really just wanna leave this town and start somthing great, were both pretty broke and its hard to fond jobs in this small town. Anyway you could help us out, ik you posted this a few years back but any help is helpful. Reach me at.
    [email protected]

    Reply
  287. Hi, I’m from Argentina and I’m interested in doing this job because I have the idea of traveling later. I would like if I prune spend some serious contact so you can communicate, my plan is to go in September 2016. thank you very much. regards!
      I leave my mail [email protected]

    Reply
  288. Interesting! I have a valid question to which I can see an answer here… 🙂
    Do you have to have prior experience or knowledge to get this kind of work? I don’t have a clue about cutting, I don’t even smoke! But I am that kind of person that if I’m shown what do once I just get into it and you wouldn’t even know I’m there, I’ll just land back to you in a week, a month, whatever with the work done and done well. I’m interested in an opportunity like this for a few months as I like hard work, could use getting some good decent cash together and mostly because repetitive work and solitude suit me – I write, so I think a lot while I work and then write in my free time. Double whammy. In your experienced opinion, would I be wasting my time going looking for this kind of work without any previous experience? I’m also not from the U.S, so I’d be going there in late August specifically to look for this kind of work for a few months… I’m all up for taking a chance, but wondering if my odds are zero 🙂

    Reply
    • Hey Ciara, sorry for the late response. Don’t worry, no experience is needed. I was a long-time smoker but first-time trimmer and had no difficulty finding work. The skills are learned in a matter of hours, not days. It’s the speed at which you can trim that takes longer. Some people can trim crazy fast. And since you pay is based in weight rather than hours….well you get the picture. Ideally you don’t want to have any free time during the season 😉 Best to write afterward 🙂

      Reply
  289. Hi there.

    Im Ed from Chile
    Thank you so much for all that information it really helps to understand .
    I have read it all and a lot of comments as well , and I can notice that you reply to some of this comments and I really would like to get some more info.

    Reply
  290. Hi Derek! We are planning to try our luck this season but we have a son (he will be 7-8 months when the season begins) and we would love to know if you think it’s liable to take him with us! Mostly regarding sanitary conditions as well as if it is possible to cook in most farms and have a decent field where we can set our tent and not die from cold! All other advise would be welcome! Thank you very much for your blog and all the information! Cheers

    Reply
    • Most places have some indoor lodging available, even if its just a basic trailer. At some places people do camp in tents, but that’s usually from a temporary shortage of beds indoor or just a desire to be in nature, and not directly from a complete lack of suitable infrastructure. Of course every camp is different so I always had a tent and sleeping bag with me, just in case. Not sure about having a kid that you up on the farms though. Needing constant attention would mean that only one of the two of you could be trimming at a time. In the eyes of the grower, that’s a waste of limited space and resources. Might have to opt to only work one at a time if all else fails.

      Reply
      • Thank you very much!! That’s what we though so we’ll probably go for the just one of us working while the other takes care of the baby! Thanks again 🙂

        Reply
  291. Hey man first of all thanks. It was ignorant of people you contacted with help not to say thanks. I have two questions for you if that’s OK. First. Do you know if there is any kind of work the growers need done besides trimming? And second. If you don’t have trimming experience would they still give me work? I’m a recently released felon on the other side of the country trying my hardest to get on my feet and maybe just maybe this might actually be a way. I don’t figure they care if I’m a felon or not unlike EVERYWHERE I been trying for 9 months. If you can let me know. Thank you very much.

    Reply
    • Hey Bill first off, no worries, no experience is necessary. It’s easy to learn and no one has a problem hiring newbies for the field weed. The indoor hydro trim jobs, well those all go to experienced people, obviously. But not the massive outdoor harvest that takes place at the end of the grow season.

      Once you have your foot in the door, you might be able to worm your way into other work — such as being a weedsitter or assisting with the grow in some other way. Guessing you might prefer to stay away from the less legal aspect of the industry now, but those jobs also abound as well. However there will be a couple month vacation period after harvest is over before the next season kicks off, so you might have yourself for a period there with nothing much to do.

      Reply
  292. Hey Derek thanks for posting this article it had a’lot of great information that I had questions on, but there was one I wasn’t 100% sure on. I’m an 18 year old who’s about to graduate high school but is very interested in horticulture and the cultivation of plants as well as the cannabis industry. I’ve been looking into different websites and different online classes for college next year to try and learn more about horticulture but I’m still unsure of what my first step should be. What I ultimately what to do is form some type of apprenticeship from trim work but I live in the mid west so I don’t have any connections in California. If you have any tips or ideas for me that would help point me in the right direction that would be much appreciated.

    Reply
    • You don’t need connections but you do need a cool attitude, friendly nature, and of course some faith. Also the means to support yourself for a few weeks (e.g. lodging, food, drinks, etc) just in case you don’t find a gig right away helps. You need to be able to meet locals and connect with them, and sometimes that involves food or — better yet — beers. So have a few bucks to spend on “networking” and some faith and just fucking go for it 😉

      Reply
      • Hello Derek,

        My name is Haider and I would like to thank you for your very detailed blog it’s immensely helpful. I myself like most of the people on here would like to ask you if there’s the possibility to work in the mountains for the next season (from September onwards) if that is possible it would be a lifetime dream coming true! I have previous personal experience in this field and I am a hard worker in life. My email is [email protected].
        Thanks again for your wonderful work and I hope to hear from you

        Reply
  293. Hey Derek I d really like to come farm for 2016 if you could send me a email on how or where i can get work that d be awesome . thanx much .

    Reply
  294. Hi! Thank you for all the information. I am looking for this kind of job in California and I find it difficult to find co
    ntacts. I would like you to send me an email with details. Thank you very much!
    [email protected]

    Reply
  295. Hello Derek, i’m from argentina and i’m travelling to california on august 15th and planning to stay until october 25th. i’ve just read this article and i found it very nice, useful and positive to do that kind of work by october! my only question, given that have been 4 years since it’s been written, is: do all these items and tips are still trustworthy and pretty much the same by this year? thank you very much!

    Reply
    • Good question Juan. I’ve worked the fields several years but I was not around for the last season and might not be around for this season, so am not completely certain. But I don’t see things having changed that rapidly that fast….

      Reply
  296. Do they accept non-Americans? I am English and I am looking to travel the states. People have spoke about this work quite a bit and I wouldn’t mind trying it.

    Thanks

    Nathan

    Reply
  297. Hey Derek, thanks for all the info and the patience to respond to everybody. Yet I don’t get it: Three years later, tons of post saying “I won’t be able to contact you with anyone for a job as a trimmer” and people still write asking for it. What’s wrong with humanity?! LOL! Take care.

    Reply
  298. Hola. Veo que este post es de hace unos años. Soy de México y he escuchado de tan magnifico trabajo por algunas personas que viajan y trabajan en esto. A mi me encantaría poder ir este año. Tengo planes de ir para California y me gustaría mucho vivir esta experiencia, aparte de ser responsable y trabajador soy sociable y amable. Si alguien pudiese ayudarme a localizar o contactar con el dueño de alguna granja que necesite gente para trabajar, estoy dispuesto a todo.

    Te dejo mi correo: [email protected]
    Gracias por leerme.

    Reply
  299. Hi.
    Im wondering about how did you
    get in contact with the growers? im plaing to go there this year, but i have problem to find any contacts for this kind of work.
    How did you do it, maybe you have any contact there that you can share?
    I would greatly appreciated if you could help me out. Please email me at [email protected] thank you.

    Reply
  300. HELLO DEREK
    I am writing to you in order to obtain information JOINING THE WORK IN HIS RANCH .
    I read your article and notes on his blog , and I find very interesting , ALL THIS WORLD THAT IS AROUND THE FARMING CANANABIS , THAT IS NOT EASY OR SIMPLE , I would learn .
    I ‘M FROM MEXICO , AND I’M READY TO WORK WHEN YOU SAY .
    TELL ME WHAT IS THE WAY TO GET THERE ? ?
    WHO MUST SPEAK WITH to BE ACCEPTED ? WHERE TO GET THERE ? It REQUIRED TO BE ACCEPTED ? AND YOU PROVIDE ANY SUPPORT TO GET THERE ?
    ANSWER ME appreciate it , and thereby obtain more clearly TO BE PART OF YOUR PROJECT Cannabic

    MARIJUANA IS SACRED
    THANK YOU

    MAIL
    [email protected]

    Reply
  301. I see you still respond years later if you can pass some info it would be great, I got excited just thinking I could participate. awsome post by the way

    Reply
  302. hey how is it going your article gave me tons of information about the type of work id like to do i have trimmed before as well as growing and love to work with cannabis now my question is, how would i get into this type of work and who would i have to contact to get into a farm. I aslo see that you said people tend to get tired of trimming cause it is very tides but that is something i do enjoy doing cause i have learned patience is a virtue so if you can help get into a farm that would be much appreciated.
    thank you so much and stay green

    Reply
  303. Hi

    I’d also be very keen. The unstoppable wave of legalisation hasn’t quite reached my neck of the woods yet so i’m keen to get involved and learn as much as possible so I can hit the ground running when our government finally decides to pull their finger out. Any information on how to get my foot in the door would be greatly appreciated.
    Contact on [email protected]

    Thanks a bunch in advance

    Reply
  304. Dear Derekk!

    Hi Derek,
    I am a yoga teacher and gardener who want to organize and build healing center where the people can paractice yoga and meditation,relax and improve themselves. But i have not enough money for this project…:-( But i never give up!
    When I was travelling and heard from some travelers about this trimming jobs in California. I am really interested in going for next season, I also heard that is much easier to actually work there if you already know someone in the business,
    Can you help me out? Please send me some contact if you can.

    [email protected]

    Thank You!

    Reply
  305. Holaa, me podrias pasar información? soy de Uruguay y estoy buscando un trabajo con la marihuana ya que tengo mucha experiencia porque en mi pais es legal y tengo mi propio cultivo
    mi mail es : [email protected]

    Reply
  306. Hello man, hope you are well and thank you for the info here. I’m going to California mid September and wanna get job trimming. So was thinking to do what you say here, to go meet people and get the job, but for what I read you have a few contacts to share so if you can send some of them to me would be awesome. Thanks again!

    Reply
  307. Hi,Derek,my name is Mirko and i’m italian…I would like to experience workin there as a trimmer,i spent some time looking for some contact on the internet but i couldn’t find anything usefull,could you please provide me some info and contacts by email?my email address is [email protected]
    thanks in advance and have agood one mate!!!

    Reply
  308. Hi, hopefully you or someone reading this may provide me with some contacts to smooth down my journey in the first cannabis trimming phase of my life. After almost 2 month and many emails and calls done; I still don’t have a reliable plan setup for me to be confident in purchasing my airplane ticket and begin this American Dream Job, which if everything goes as wished I would definitely plan a career around the cannabis industry and if possible work all year round as well. Please any serious and legit information will be highly appreciated, I only have one month to get everything organized and scheduled. I am from Puerto Rico and my intentions are to move with my wife and baby to a place near a cannabis industry that I can take part in. At first I guess alone or with a partner until I gather some income and slowly work my way up in the legal side of the industry. My email. [email protected]

    Reply
  309. This is a great article, I just returned from a trip to San Francisco around 48 hours ago. I spoke with some locals and started learning about trimming season and jobs that could possibly become careers. I guess my question to you would be do you know the chances of actually landing a job there. I saw where you mentioned getting a job is more likely for women, but as far as a growing job not a trimming job. Do you have any information on that. Or is it more of a start trimming and ask questions then? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hey Michael, yes, it’s definitely more of a start trimming first type of game. Without a “resume” (e.g. locals to vouch for your growing skills) no one will hire you to work the farms because it is such a precise process nowadays. Anyone can grow weed. Growing good weed takes knowledge, skill and experience. Some people are born with green thumbs and just better at it than others, but either way, you have to at least get your foot in the door before they’ll let you cover the most important part. Make sense?

      Reply
      • Hey Derek. I’ve made the trip to the emerald before with no contacts and has good luck after about a week of meeting people and putting myself out there. Getting ready to head up again and was wondering if I could use your contact? I would appreciate it so much. Thanks!

        Reply
  310. Hi. My name is Flavio, I’m Brazilian and I’m interested in the job. I’m living in Seattle now. Give me the tracks please. I can move to California.
    Thanks for the attention.

    Reply
  311. Hello, I just moved to Eureka and am looking for this type of work. I don’t smoke, just looking for the experience/paycheck. I’m a 26 year old female, super responsible. Thanks!

    Reply
  312. Hey, Derek,

    first of all – thanks for the informing article! Was browsing the web for some information so I stumbled upon your writing. I’ll travel to CA beginning of October 2016 with my partner, and we’re looking for a job for the first month, or at least the first 3 weeks. Would be so glad if you could help us out with some contacts! We’re both used to farm work, well not that kind but definitely used to hard work 😉 So if you could put me in contact with somebody that would be just great!! Thanks anyway – warm greetings from Austria, Europe.

    Reply
  313. Hi Derek!
    I’m Renata, first congrats for the job you are been doing all these years since you wrote the article. You give us great information and you still answer comments
    I can’t understand why a lot of guys still asking you for a contact when you said you don’t give that! It’s funny
    I heard about this job a few years before but just now I have the time to go, I just have one question for you, you said the best way to find a job it’s no meet and make local friends. So you advice me to go there, whit out contacts and have luck?? Or it’s better to find a contact before travel there. I’m from Mexico, no experience traveling to other countries, and with no money so it’s going to be a huge effort to get there.
    Email: [email protected]
    Thanks for all!! And good vibes!!

    Reply
    • Yeah, people are funny Renata. Gets annoying, to say the least. Anyway yes, I’d say go without any contacts and just make local friends. Just two days ago I met an Austrian guy in Bangkok who is here in Thailand for a few months before flying to California in September. When I mentioned that was a “convenient time of year” to visit, he explained he’d gone to Cali last year for the first time and ended up finding work without any problems. Made some decent money. Now he is headed back for his second season (this time with contacts) and hopes to make even more to help fund his travels. So yes, even though this article is a few years old, it is still accurate. Go for it 😉

      Reply
  314. Hi Derek, I’m interested in going to work the emerald triangle at the end of July, I had a contact, but I do not know why now she refuses to answer, yet my intention is go to know California, but I want try if I can get a job, for that I want ask you if you can recommend, where I can going to ask for job? (like stores or in the streat, some place like university or something like that)
    or if you can give me a contact?

    if you want to add something to your post, it would be interesting to know if the weed are fresh or dried

    If you prefer you can reply to my coment in my mail ( [email protected] )

    Reply
  315. Could u help me to find a job for the autumn season 2016 ? Or a nice place where to stay to have a better look on the field?

    Reply
  316. Hi Derek!
    I don’t know if the question has been asked already but I was wondering if going with a car is really the best or we can still make it “easy” without? It would be more complicated for me to get my car until there since I’m not from the States but if you tell me that makes a big difference, I would consider it more seriously!
    Also, if you are not from the States, once you are there, is it smart to open yourself some kind of an account to not be suspicious when it’s time to cross the border?
    Ane one last question: me and my boyfriend are vegan. Once we are working, can we have access to a grocery so we can cook for ourself are usually there are common meals?
    And I will not ask you for any contacts since it’s not the purpose of this website 😉

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • You don’t need a car. These little mountain towns are quite secretive in a way. Locals along the 101 will gather a group of trimmers and then all will go up together in one vehicle. Often the one organizing the trimmers will drive. You may or may not be blindfolded or asked to pull your shirt up over your head during the last 5-10 minutes of the drive, so that you do not know exactly which farm you are working on. It all depends. But all of these towns have at least one general store. Some places even have stockpiles of ramen and other simple foods. Again, it varies with every place. But they all know you have to eat, so no worries there, you’ll have access to food of some sort. Cannot expect starving people to be good trimmers 😉

      Reply
      • Thank you Derek! But there is one more question you didn’t answer:
        If you are not from the States, once you are there, is it smart to open yourself some kind of an account to not be suspicious when it’s time to cross the border?

        Thanks!

        Reply
        • It depends on the amount — and whether you have it in small or large denominations. More than $10,000 USD has to be declared at customs. But if you have say thirty $100 bills, well that’s just leftover vacation money. Have no idea how opening a bank account as a foreigner goes.

          Reply
  317. Hello Derek,
    thanks for your detail and serious information about this job.

    I am actually planning to do this job for a couple of months with my friend this Autumn and go on a surfing trip with the money we get.
    Since we are two young women from Asia (small but strong..haha:)), we must find the safest condition and farmers’ contacts.
    Do you know any recommendable farmers we can try to contact with?
    Please contact me via Email, it would be super super grateful!!

    Reply
    • Most everyone out there you will meet is “good people.” Just trust your instinct and if something sounds too good to be true or just a tad bit off, don’t go for it. But no worries you’ll be fine 🙂 Have fun and best of luck 😉

      Reply
  318. Hi Derek, I would like going to there for working some time but i would like know some things before. Could you send me a email for speak? [email protected]
    Thank you so much and i hope that you have a lovely day.
    🙂

    Reply
  319. Hey there Derek,

    Yes, this “how to guide” is great! Thanks for all the info to date!

    I am a traveler and will be back in the states looking for work, though i am traveling in my own vehicle and I’m wondering how that might limit my chances of finding work.. Do all growers hire on the real DL – people with no cars who aren’t so traceable? As I will not be hitching along the 101, would it be more of a matter of me knowing growers directly? I may or may not have contacts, its tricky to gauge how sketched out people are talking about this, i have a few acquaintances who have trimmed before.

    If you’ve got any tips or advice on this one.. sorry if its been asked before, its tough to filter through this comment feed.

    Reply
    • I’ve always gone out there with my own vehicle, but only a couple of times have I driven it up into the mountains. Usually I leave it in one of the towns along the 101. They aren’t looking for super DL peeps who are 110% off the grid or anything like that, just looking for friendly, trustworthy people. Just make some local friends and then once you’ve broken the ice, inquire about “work” 😉

      Reply
  320. Hi… I’m Nathiascia.. Me and my boyfriend we are trying to get in touch with farmers but no chances to get contacts….. would you be able to give us any info or contact ??
    we are 2 nomads ready to travel towards California…
    Thank you very much

    Reply
  321. Hello, I was thinking that it will be an amazing experience go there around September, but I can’t get contacts with growers.
    basicaly the same questions of everyone, do you have info or contacts?
    Thank you in advance,

    Sincerely,

    Alessandro.

    Reply
  322. Hi Derek, Wassup mate ?

    First of all, thank you for this article. OMG it’s just like a weed trimming encyclopedia and even more !
    I opened several pages but then I just needed yours to know (nearly) everything I needed. This is so great ! 🙂 I can’t believe you’re still here after 4 years and not bored. Really man, you’re the best !

    Anyways, I do have “2” quick questions.
    – I plan to come around from France for 90 days, The time allowed by the tourist visa. I guess I’ll buy a tent when I’ll be in SF but I was thinking about bringing my hammock. Just wanted to make sure I’ll be able to hang it somewhere. I know it’s in the montain and full of weed plants. But what about the other kind of vegetation around the farms and weed fields ? Is there plenty of normal vegetation and trees around ? Also, what about mosquitos….just to know if I need to bring the mosquito net that goes with the hammock.
    – As I said I’ll be there for 90 days, so 3 months. You said things kick off to a slow start in late September, with October and November being the best working months. And then the outdoor season is coming to an end by December. What would you recommend most…late September to late December or mid September to mid december ? Just wanna be there over the best period !!

    Thanks mate, you’re a star !

    Reply
    • A weedclopedia ehh? Never looked at it that way. Just wanted to write the most damn thorough article possible to answer the intimate details that no one else would do publicly. Guess it worked 😉

      Anyway, here’s the thing…..each farm is on private property, so it varies completely. Sometimes its fairly wooded, other times it’s been fairly cleared out to set up greenhouses and a trailer for trimming, and the only trees that remain are near the edges of the property, to prevent people from seeing in so easily. I’ve worked a quite a few farms and no two have been exactly the same. The only consistency was that the farmers always had some sort of sleeping area set up for the trimmers, albeit guest room, trailer, or extra tents. Personally, I would take both a hammock over a sleeping bag. Hammock gives you freedom *if* there are suitable trees there. But even if not, you’ll have somewhere to rest your head, guaranteed. A sleeping bag is a bit too bulky of you are trying to travel minimalist — although to be fair it does get damn chilly up in the mountains late in the year. As far as mosquitoes, I don’t ever recall having a problem with them….but I’m one of those lucky ones who never gets bit. Of course even if there are some at the start of the season, they will drop as the temperature drops.

      I would say show up in mid-September. Better to arrive early. Also gives you a chance to make some local friends before the madness starts. Remember, its having local contacts that will make all the difference in finding work 😉 (And I’m sure every person in Humboldt hates me now for sending them so many new faces over the years.)

      Reply
      • Alright mate. Super thank you for the quick reply !!!

        So I’ll take hammock and sleeping bag without mosquito net then ! I’ll have room in the bag cuz it’s not like if I needed a lot for a 3 months trip. The bag won’t be heavy so 600g for the hammock won’t make a big difference.
        Got it for the 3 month period your recommend. If you had the opportunity to make a mid September/mid December or early September/early December, what would you choose ? (sorry, promise last question about weed trimming 😉 )

        On another subject, will you be around Emerald Triangle the coming season ? If yes, I’d be really happy to meet you and thank you for your time and advices. I’ll defo be keen on paying you some beers or something else to show my gratitude toward you.
        If you ain’t, I saw you seem to travel quite a lot. Do you plan to come over to France sometimes ? If yes, I’ll still be happy to meet you for the same reason. Plus I’ll be able to show you around some cool and unusual places if you’re in Paris and feel like an underground adventurer ! (I don’t live in Paris but I go there as much as I can).

        Cheers for everything again and keep it up !!!

        Reply
        • Well Burning Man doesn’t end until September 5th so no point in arriving too early 😉 Not sure I’m going to make it this year. I popped in to see everyone for a few days back in February so no rush to return again so soon. Got your email saved though, will give you a shout. Cheers, and best of luck out there!

          Reply
          • Oh yeah, that’s right…burning man !! That’s something I defo wanna do one day !!!
            Alright mate, thanks for the great info and see you soon then.
            Take care.

        • Hello El triton,i am headed there in the next week or 2. I am french canadian from Bc and i have travelled with many people from france.when i was in australia
          It would be nice to meet up and have a little ricard and play belotte?
          email me [email protected] ill tell you more about me.
          a toute biloutte!

          Reply
        • hey sorry for my writing Im from Mexico and I would like to Know if you found out contacts already to work as a trimmer Im planning going in 2 week to California to eureka and arounds to seek a job as a trimmer so if you can help me to figure that out that would be the most awesome thing in the world!!! thank you !!!

          Reply
  323. Awesome pictures, thanks so much for all of information you’ve provided. It is absolutely amazing how many benefits there is to something still illegal in many places. Great travels, and thanks so much for sharing! Keep up the great writing!

    Reply
  324. Hey Derek, great info on this site man.. really helpful. I’m planning on hitting Northern Cali late september with my girlfriend to get a trimming job. Travelling from the Emerald Isle (Ireland) to the Emerald triangle 🙂 Plan is to go to Arcata and hang for a few weeks and hopefully meet some cool cats who can hook us up with work. Is there much accommodation available in Arcata due to the influx of trimmigrants or is it best camping somewhere outside town? Also any info on contacts or places we could be checking out in order to sort some work would be seriously appreciated. Funnily enough when I was travelling the west coast a few years back I stopped in Arcata and ended up buying a Wurlitzer electric piano in the local music shop and shipped it back to Ireland. Never thought I’d be heading back there to look for work Haha..

    Thanks again for all the knowledge, your a legend

    John

    Reply
    • Small world. But yeah pretty sure anyone from Arcata who has ever read this article hates me with a passion hahaha. I usually stay with friends but bringing along camping gear cannot hurt because it could also come in use up on the mountain. Don’t recall there being many places to stay in Arcata, as its a small town the basically quadruples in size when university is in. (And that’s before you also tack on the seasonal workers who show up during harvest time — it can become quite a task to find an actual room.) However I have heard lots of good things about the Redwood Lily Guest House, although I admit that I have never stayed there myself. And if you have wheels there are more lodging options available down the road in Eureka, although again harvest is their peak season as well, so expect rates and occupancy to be at their peak.

      Reply
  325. Hi Derek,

    Thanks man for your awesome blog. I loved reading it and sucked up all your information.
    I’m a German gal and I would like to go to Cali this fall. Could you give me a contact please? That would be great! Thanks a lot!

    Take care!

    Reply
  326. Hey derek
    Thank for this article.
    Solo girl traveller, Im going in september in california for this season.
    I know you cant give your contacts for everybody I will fnind by myself.
    Only do you know a bad farm not advise for a sola girl
    Thk

    Reply
    • Hey Aurelia, no, I cannot name any specific bad farm. But that’s a good thing! I just heard a couple of stories over the years from different girls. Basically there would be lots of alcohol, coke, molly etc available for free to the ladies trimming. Of course while doing a few lines and then trimming your ass off might sound like a feasible idea, it never happens like that. Then the guys went to hang out. Basically just treat it like you would any other job. Focus on work. Those mountaintops are not fun. They are boring. The food often sucks, or at best is rather basic. There is nothing to do but trim or get fucked up. So take the option that gets you paid. Then get your jollies back in town for a couple of days, return to the mountain afterward, and repeat. Oh then there is the old tactic of getting a slightly higher pay rate if you do it topless, but haven’t seen or heard of that one in a while. That one is more……well I don’t know if harmless is the word I want. Nonchalant maybe? Guys and girls trimming in a large group, just a couple of girls walking around with shorts only. Nothing more, nothing less.

      Reply
      • Hi Deker,
        thank you for the article. I really appreciate that you share all the experience. I´m also alone girl and I´m interested in trimming job for this season. Can I ask for help?
        Thanks a lot!

        Reply
  327. Hey Derek,

    My name is Jesus, I’m a graduated and I’m from Spain. I’m planning to go to California for this season. I would be very grateful if you could send me more information about this. I really want to do this.

    Here is my contact: [email protected]

    Reply
  328. Dear Derek hello, I’m Lis
    wherever you are, I’d like to thank you very much for all your remarkable work during the years on this single post, that maybe you hate (I would understand), but we all clearly love… This page is a huge source of information, the pure essence and goal of the Net.
    I really would make more punctual questions about emerald triangle and so, if you find the time to write me an email ( supertupet [at] gmail.com ) you will make me happy and I’ll thank you since now. I’m going alone from the other side of the planet, as anybody else, but I promise I won’t ask you for work contacts, as I see the spirit of the adventure is completely different.

    Thx, see you, happy days!

    Reply
      • Hello there! I’m sorry for not answering… I lost your notification email and, apparently, also myself working… So sorry 🙂
        Now I’ve got my ticket to cali! And just 2 questions for you, maybe useful for other people too. How much could be the minimum budget to live in Humboldt County per day? I mean, waiting and hoping to go up to the mountains, meanwhile sleeping somewhere and eating… I’ve been checking some B&B prices and they are 40-50 USD per night. Then, if you’re lucky to get a job, you are also lucky to have some place free for sleeping bag? I really hope so. Thank you very much Derek! And… your website is great, do you post any photo from Thailand? Ciau!

        Reply
        • No worries Lis, I know how it goes. Unfortunately Humboldt is not cheap. In fact out there a $100 bill is referred to as a “Humboldt twenty” — pizza delivery people make ludicrous amounts of tips and even the cheapest budget chain motel or B&B will, as you said, set you back around $50/night. Camping is a better option but depending on where you do it, you might have police kick you out. (I’m sure they tire of the seasonal flock of would-be trimmers, many of whom are the more, ummm, hippie-ish or spiritual kind. Nothing wrong with that but never been a favorite of Cali police.) Would definitely recommend researching online about current camping sites/policies or even make a few calls beforehand, because things do change there from time to time.

          If/when you get a trimming gig, accommodations are always provided. Once in a blue moon they may warn you to bring a tent or sleeping bag because there are already so many trimmers that indoor sleeping spots are full, but this is rare. Of course some people just prefer to sleep outside. The weather is quite comfortable at this time of year, even up in the mountains. Also, trimmers tend to rotate. Some like working at night when no distractions, but most prefer to work during the day and chat or listen to music/television in the background while working. So beds are rotated.

          I just would not recommend wasting the money on a B&B or motel unless you truly have no other option.

          Reply
          • Great Derek! Thank you very much for all the input, I will check best the net and make some phone calls. Furthermore, you also answered to another question I had on usual temperature 🙂
            I follow right away on IG, and here. THX!

  329. Hi Derek !!! Very useful information you´ve got in this post man !!! Unbelievable !!! Thank u very much…

    I´m from Chile, got a friend living in L.A. He´s already doing some contacts for both of us…

    I have a ticket to L.A. arriving August 6th… Do you think its tooooooo early to make the 101 ?
    ( Apparently, there are some jobs out there right now )

    Do you think I might delay my trip a few weeks to the emerald triangle, or I better go just right away ?
    (Changing airplane tickets costs 200$ !)

    Thank u very much !

    Octavio.

    Reply
    • Definitely too early. I arrived in August once and it was mid-September I think before I found any work. The cost of living there that without work is way more than $200, so change those tickets for sure. Best of luck out there, cheers

      Reply
      • Thank u men ! I will consider your advice. Maybe I´ll stay a little bit around the US, visiting some friends before arriving to Cali…

        What do you think about going there around August 25-26th ?
        Or, if the 26th seems too early as well… Which date would you recommend for this season ? What would the locals say ?
        (I don´t want to be annoying, but it´s my first time and your blog has been a great source of clarity for this adventure)

        Best regards !

        Octavio.

        Reply
        • Still too early brother. Burning Man is first week of September and bunch of the cool cats not stuck up on a mountain weed-sitting head out to that. The week after Burning Man is when things start to kick off and the early weed comes in. Of course, that’s just my opinion. On the other hand, arriving earlier is always better than later because you have a chance to network and make more contacts.

          Reply
        • Hi Dereck ! Thank you again for the info and the good wishes… I´ve wrote you an email from my adresse [email protected]

          I hope you can read it (just in case it arrived in your spam folder).

          Have a good trip in Thailand !

          Octavio R.
          Independent Filmmaker

          Reply
  330. Hi Derek,
    Many thanks for all the informations. I am planning to go to California for 3 months to work in a farm as a trimmer. I would be very grateful (and so would be my bank manager) if you could give me any contact.
    Enjoy Thailand!

    Reply
    • Hey Olivia, you get one point for noticing I’m in Thailand…but then lose one point for asking for a contact.

      Every damn day I get emails and comments and Facebook messages about this post but how am I to tell the cool cats from the scandalous folks from the feds? Seriously? So no one gets any contacts. But they all get my “best of luck!” wishes 😉

      Reply
  331. HI dEREK, my friends went to Humboldt County from Spain last season and luckily went trimming after a week. She bought the tickets already, but some info came from california about the massive flow of workers this year, especially from south america, offering cheaper labour.
    is this true? and if so, will that significantly affect chances of finding work this year? My friend is considering cancelling the tickets and wait. should she do it? shes flying from spain.

    Reply
    • People said that foreigners working for cheap was making competition more fierce last year. And the year before that. And the year before that…. If you haven’t noticed, Americans are always scared about immigrants taking their jobs. Silly fools don’t realize it’s actually US businesses outsourcing jobs abroad that they should really be afraid of. Oops, sorry, getting off-topic… And yes, I do realize that you are not American, which does kind of add to the humor, one foreigner worrying about another taking their job lol 😉

      Anyway, no, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Locals love the work because it is in their blood. They’re doing it because their parents did it. Hell they bleed green. There is a passion to this, it is not all about the profits. Trimming is a tedious but important step that requires a good eye and therefore will always be primarily done by those with skills, not migrant laborers working at a discounted price or trimming machines. Think about it. The entire year has been building to this one moment. Large sums and countless hours invested over the last half a year. No logical person is going to risk everything by trying to save a few bucks at the very end.

      Reply
  332. Hello Derek!
    I hope that i can find some job for myself, but for secure you ould send to me few contact 🙂
    And Also it is probably enough if you reccomend more villages and tonws to look aroun for work. I am a hungarian guy it will be my second trip outside of europe and this is relly good money and adventure to me. My email: [email protected]
    Greetings
    Adam

    Reply
  333. Hey Derek,

    A friend from South Africa worked on one of these farms an told me all about it. I just got to the US from South Africa doing some travels um currently in Connecticut an will make my way to the west coast pretty soon will be great if i can earn extra cash while traveling. if you guys still looking for people please do consider me. my email address is [email protected]

    Reply
  334. Hi Derek,

    I can’t imagine you were able to find work for everyone who has messaged you. My God this is a popular blog. I remember seeing it a year ago.

    Anyway, I too am inquiring about getting work. I don’t have much experience in it but my husband did grow like 12 plants very successfully in the south of france. We were trimming for days. It is hard work, and a very sticky mess.

    We are both yoga teachers and have a lot to offer. If people felt like taking a break to move their bodies we would be happy to lead that. We also do meditation, and workshops. We know Thai massage as well.

    My husband is Belgium and I’m from California. We will arrive late September from teaching at the California Tantra Festival. Here is a link to our website of our services, http://www.tantrayogalovers.com

    We’d love to work “in the mountains.” Please contact me with a possibility for work. [email protected]

    Reply
  335. Hello, my name is Kirsty and I’m interested in getting work within this industry.
    Could you please give me some advice on how I find a farm, or if you know anyone who wants a good looking, intelligent blond girl from Australia working on their farm. I currently live in Panama and can get to USA easily.
    Thank you for your help. Great article.

    Reply
  336. Hey Derek!

    What a great article you wrote here! It’s unbelievable. I too would like to have some information about who to contact if I would like to work in the fields for some weekends this fall.

    Could you help me out? 🙂

    all the best
    Laura
    [email protected]

    Reply
  337. Hello Derek,
    Thank you for this post, it provides all the main info one could need to face this adventure. I did it last fall, and it was great, I want to go back this season to finance my arts studies next year. I live in France and I lost my phone with all the contacts I made in California in 2015… I wonder if you could help me some how to get to work. Thank you a lot for any extra info you can give, I leave you my email if by chance you know something.
    Much Love!!

    [email protected]
    Tam.

    Reply
  338. Hey dude, im David from México, im a traveller and im going to have a job like this to get money to still travelling so, im writing this to get help by you. i never do this before (go to a usa field to work) so, im in blank on this. Im going to fly to San Fracisco and then i will go to the area just to, literaly, knock each farm to get the job so, if you know how, would be very awesome to know how to be in the farms area from San Francisco, by bus, amtrak or how?… If you can guide me on this will be awesome, and im going to be very thankfully to know more about this… I wish you a the best life for you. my email is: [email protected].

    Reply
    • C’mon now brother, don’t go knocking on farm doors to search for work. First off that is literally not possible, given where the farms are located and how things work up there. Plus as I have mentioned repeatedly here, chill out and make some local friends in the small towns and cities along the 101. They are the ones who can connect you with work in the mountains. Just be open, honest and friendly.

      As far as transportation from San Fran north to the Emerald Triangle goes, stick to buses going north unless you happen to make some friends with an empty car seat. Pick a city and settle there for a week or two. Connect. Network. Make friends. Gradually inquire about work. If it doesn’t pan out, move on to the next town and repeat.

      Hitchhikers are quite common along the 101 in autumn, especially as you get further north, so that is a more acceptable option for short “next town up” jaunts once you are already in the region — just not all the way from SF. Broke hippies too cheap to pay for their way up north rank low in the local hierarchy of potential trimmers, as do those sitting on the side of the road with a “will trim for weed sign.” Not saying there is anything wrong with being a lazy stoner, just that no one wants to hire a lazy stoner.

      Reply
  339. Hi, Derek! I already found couple contacts, but after reading your artcile especially after “female friendly” moments, now I’m not so sure about it. And topless trimming made me cringe to be honest. Can you please write me couple tips about how protect yourself when you are girl. And is there any farms who hiring girls because bosses are girls and not because somebody needs company…..

    Best regards,
    Jen.

    Reply
    • Hey Jen, sorry if that warning for females deterred you. Situations like that are a very rare occurrence. After all this is California, the most progressive of all US states. People here are into healthy lifestyles and the newest hip trends. A smart solo female searching for trimming work in northern California has nothing to fear. 999 out of 1000 places are going to be perfect — and beyond your wildest dreams in fact 😉 But because a few of these sex-starved farmers have been trapped atop a mountain working the crop for the last four months, some can be a little horny. Offers of increased pay for females only (regardless of whether they come from a men or women) tend to come from these less-than-fine gentlemen. I merely want ladies to be aware that these dubious offers do exist and to not be easily lured in. Every good farm hires trimmers of all ages, sexes, religions and nationalities. After all, marijuana turns strangers into friends, even if you cannot speak the same language. I’ve been nomadic for more than seven years and there has been only one country where marijuana did not find me… 😉

      It wouldn’t surprise me if there are some female-run fields, however being a male I would have no idea for certain. Just be honest

      Reply
  340. Hi, Derek!

    I’ve already got couple contacts with farmers. But after reaing your article now I’m not so sure about them. Can you please write me some tips about how female friendly farms are? And how not to get in trouble, because the info about topless made me cringe. And any suggestions for a girl where to look for a decent farmer. Not the one who take girls just because he and the guys felling lonely……

    Best regards and hank you in advance!

    Jen

    Reply
    • I feel bad now Jen, I’ve scared you away. Seriously, you’ll be okay. Now you know what to look out for. Just trust your gut. And remember that new trimmers are always brought up to the mountains in groups, not by some lone guy promising riches. If you have any more questions you can respond directly to this comment notification email to reach me privately. Cheers, and best of luck! 😀

      Reply
    • hi Jen can you help me with some contacts!! I really desperate finding a job as a trimmer I need the money so bad so I can continue travelling.. thanks anyways good vives all the way !!!! 🙂

      Reply
  341. Hi Derek! Firstly thank you for being so insanely generous with all of us. I have so so so many questions!!! But I do promise I will not. ever. ask. for you know what!! haha

    1- Have you heard about any updates in the pay? I’ve read it got lowered. Do you know if there are still farms paying $200/lb?

    2 – Do you have to be some sort of trimming wizard to do a lb in 8 hours? Or anyone focused could pull that? I also read on another article it takes 10 to 15hours, so I just wanna confirm that info with you because it can make a huge difference in the financial outcomes I can expect.

    3 – Still on the same line of the last question, and knowing there are variables, how much on average can I expect to make in 35 days of work (not including breaks)? Just an average value, for someone going there with the one intention of making some good ca$sholla.

    4 – This one is so important: Any tips on ensuring I’ll get payment immediately, and not have to wait for several months like you and some other folks experienced? Can I discuss this directly with the farmer, and ask for weekly payments? Or would they consider it somewhat offensive? I don’t really get why they only pay you at the end… seems so sketchy. Did they explicitly lied to you and said they would pay as soon as you were done and in the last day were like “sorry, only next year”?

    5 – What is the best time to go? I don’t have a lot of cash flow so I want to be able to stay for the least amount of days possible in any of those cities you mentioned. Also do you recommend any of the cities mostly? Im gathering its arcata?

    6 – Finally, doesn’t it get too cold to camp? Do I absolutely need a tent, and can I get it in Arcata if I need one?

    Thanking you in advance :)))))))))

    Reply
    • Hey Karen, sorry for the late response….been on the road and since you asked such polite and detailed questions, I wanted to wait until I had time to provide a detailed response.

      1) Someone reported to me recently that they only got $180/lb last season, but that’s the only case I’ve heard of. The problem is Colorado and other states are also in the game now, so “street” prices have dropped and growers have had to lower their prices, which in turns means they tend to reduce costs across the board to compensate. It was $250/lb back in 2008.

      2) Yes. 8hrs/lb is not easy. It requires LOTS of practice and top-notch fat compact buds, not any stringy or fluffy strains. Your very first pound every, expect it to take 16-18hrs. But within a few days you should find your groove and be more in a 12hrs/lb mode. I still cannot trim a fullie in 8hrs but then again, I don’t have Emerald Triangle blood in my veins 😉

      3) Average is so hard to say. Some people can stay 2-3 weeks on the mountain trimming 18hrs/day. Others can only take 3-4 days before they need some human interaction and head back down into town. Another thing is the size of the farm. Sometimes I get brought in and there is two weeks worth of crop to trim. Other times more trimmers are brought in to get it trimmed in time, before it dries out too much, and then all of the sudden what look like a big long gig has become a short one. It’s tough to estimate without knowing the trimmer personally and basing my estimates off their habits. Use my math from #2 and think about your estimated number of working hours per day to estimate to estimate the maximum you could earn. Then knock 25% off that because there will not be as much work as you expect or whatever. Remember, it’s always better to expect less and be excited when you make more than the other way around.

      4) Well first it is a rare occurrence not being paid when you’ve finished your work or want to bug out back to civilization. After all these are small communities and everyone knows everyone. If word gets out that you are screwing over trimmers, you won’t have any work next year. However it cannot hurt to clear things up upfront by saying something like “I’ve got to be back in town in a week — you’ll be able to pay cash when I’m done, right?”

      5) Work is starting now. Mid-Sep. By late Nov and early Dec it will be drying up and only the most reliable trimmers will still have jobs.

      6) Yes, it does get cold, especially later in the season. But not too cold to camp, at least IMO. Hell sometimes at night I feel it’s colder down in Arcata where that cold Pacific air is blowing directly in than up in the forested mountains. Don’t recall if Arcata has a camping supply store (it is a really small town) but you’ll be able to find one in Eureka for sure. Believe they even have a Wal-Mart there if I recall correctly.

      Reply
  342. Hi Derek!!
    what’s a good thing to find your blog,seriously
    First thank you so much for all the information you give.
    My girl friend and i left our home in France 1 year ago for traveling and we are now heading to California because we heard so many times about the job ‘up in the mountains’.
    we really need to put some cash in the pocket.
    Could you please tell me by email some more tips!! or places to get a job.
    waiting for your answer
    thank’s in advance
    my email [email protected]

    Reply
  343. Hi Derek,
    Thank you so much for keeping answering these questions all these years. It is amazing your commitment and kindness.
    I have some specific questions:
    First do you have some advice on how to manage the money? are yo carrying thousands of dollars in your pack in the mountains or do you go to town to make a deposit once in a while? Are there some safety tips to share?
    If you make deposits is there any recomendation about a maximum to deposit without being subject to inquiries or investigation? Maybe I am wrong, I don’t know in US but I think insome countries you can’t make big deposits in cash without being subject to some kind of inquiries,

    I heard about some kind of kickoff that is made in some of the towns where trimmmigrants join at the beginning of the season. Do you know something about it? If this exist but you consider not convenient to disclose the place maybe a tip around which date takes place could be helpful.

    Thank you very much for your time .

    Reply
    • Appreciate the kind words Saul. All in the spirit of spreading the green revolution….although everyone in the Emerald Triangle probably hates me by now :/ Anyway, let’s dive on in:

      Most trimmers who are travelers and not Californian are still American. Like 98%. So the bank issue of is of no concern for them. This is different for foreign tourists but last I checked only amounts over $10.000 USD needed to be declared/explained — this goes for both cash at immigration and bank deposits/transfers. At $200/lb that is 50lbs. Newbies spend 12-16hrs+/lb and experienced trimmers can for 6hrs/lb if it’s good quality nug. Few trimmers work more than 1-2 weeks straight without a few days off (by returning back down from the mountains to the towns along the 101 to social and eat at restaurants and not be living on a farm).

      Factor in sleep and food and “off-time” in between trimming gigs, do all the math and basically $10,000 USD is possible to acquire during the harvest season if you work hard, have minimal off-time, and spend very little on it. (Or in other words no going wild and treating the whole bar to a drink the first night you return to town from up on the mountains with a paycheck.) But most likely you don’t have much to worry about. And if you do find yourself five figures rich after trimming season is over then go with a wire transfer or money order or Western Union or TransferWise or whatever gets the job done. And hey wouldn’t complain if you sent a couple bucks of that my way either, just to make up for my dedicated comment responses years later — or as you put it, my “amazing commitment to kindness” (once again, thank you for that brother)

      Will admit that I’m not active in the trimmigrant community so much anymore because I have my own local friends now. Plus even when not trimming, I make my living by traveling the world. Would rather work on a farm I know than hang with nomads same as I do the other 9 months of the year 😉

      Reply
  344. hi Derek
    you are giving really good information in your posts.

    im fruit seasoner in france for 5 years and now im really tired of it..
    im going to california this year and i would like work like trimmer with my girlfriend.. if you can help us with some information and places to ask for job it will be grate.
    thank for your work in the net.

    Reply
  345. Hello Derek,this article (and the comments section)
    has filled me of ideas,hope,inspiration.And a lot of laughs!
    I am leaving soon,and im glad i stumbled upon your page to pump me up for the adventure!
    I would like it if you could give me your contacts that pay the best price and have work all year round…
    Just kidding obviously, i just wanted to take a minute to thank you for all the info , and admire your dedication as you have answered most comments through all those years,and through your adventures. you truly are an angel and wish you all the best on the road to come!
    cheers from BC!

    Reply
    • Appreciate the thanks and have fun out there RastaNinja! Just never forget: you are there to make money, not to smoke or drink all your profits away during off-time in between trim gigs 😉

      Reply
  346. Hey Derek,

    Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to your blog, you are doing a phenomenal job. I have been reading your blog for the past three months since moving to Washington, DC. I’m a 23 year old Organic Chemist with industry experience, and course work in Genetics, Genomics, and molecular bio from Yale. My partner and I have been saving to move to California to start in the industry as it grows. We want to start with some ground work this fall. Any advice about gaining some industry experience? Keep up the great work.
    Warm Regards,
    Future Business owners

    Reply
  347. Hey there, great article, loads of useful stuff in there. I’m a UK citizen trying to realise a 10 year dream to travel and now my circumstances have given me the opportunity to fly to L.A. within the next 2-4 weeks. I know that I can enter as a tourist for 90 days visa free, but my question is would I need a visa for this type of work? I’ve been told that most people are paid cash for this type of work and so I wouldn’t need a visa, but would appreciate someone with your knowledge and experience helping me out a bit.
    Many thanks,
    My email address is: [email protected]

    Reply
      • great news! Is there any particular spot on the 101 I should aim for? Also would I be better landing at LAX and getting the bus up the 101 or SFO and down the 101? And lastly how do I know who to approach to ask for work? Again, thanks for the information, and if there’s anything additional you think I might find useful or need, please send me an email with it in.

        Many thanks 🙂

        Reply
          • 😀 As soon as I hit send I realised the mistake. So land at SFO and head north up the 101. Any spot in particular I should head for? Or at least the spot I shouldn’t bother hitching a ride beyond?
            Basically where’s the spot I’m going to find work the easiest?

  348. Hello Dereck
    Great article m8, big thanks and blessya
    Actually I won’t be the one here with a unique wish – my thing is how can get in contact with mountain growers if I never been to CA and have no idea how it works? Should just walk around the Humboldt city or on the side of 101 with table “looking for trimmer job” or it’s better to ask some dispenceries for contacts. I know that it is illegal for growers so they won’t be very glad to share information with random guy like me.
    Please will you be so kind to to email me?
    Big thanks and respect

    Reply
      • Thanks m8
        Already have read all the comments to this article and find them very useful 🙂
        one more things – do you think that making friends on couchsurfing before I land in CA is good idea? I mean do most of local people in Humboldt know the ones who is “up in the mountains”
        And is better to stay in Humboldt or in cities mentioned by you?
        Big love, Chingiz

        Reply
    • Hi Derek i’m goin over there on oct 15, and i know the madness had already started so i wantedto know at least one or two people there to not waste time finding somebody to employ me, but to have somebody already expecting my arrive to star work quickly, need this so much right now i would really appreciate the help you can give me, hope to here from you soon, send me and email to [email protected] if you can and want please. Will appreciate so damn much, have a blessed day to you and to all of the Bud friendly people out there ..’

      Reply
  349. Dear Derek,

    First of all I’d like to thank you for everything do doing on this article since the day it written. It’s a big work and very kind that you still manage to answer to all this comments, write back emails.
    Last year one of my friend met a girl in some random bar in SF, who told her story about trimming experience up in the mountains. That is the way I first heard about that kind of job and I thought like “Oh my god. That IS the American Dream”.
    I have decided to visit CA this month. I have some information from over the internet (actually there is NO any article like yours bug thanks again). Of course I have no contacts and that match is clear – it’s illegal for farmers so noone will live any contact here in web.
    I saw in the comments that you don’t send emails anymore, but if you could make some exception I’ll be very glad to get answer for some of my questions that I don’t think is ok to post here.
    Please feel free to contact me and if it is not possible let me know replying this comment.

    email: [email protected]

    Cheers my friend
    Big respect
    Peace

    Reply
  350. Hii Derek,
    Me an my two bestfriends are planning a trip to do exactly this come october time, we live in B.C an will be going for a road trip down an hope to all get a job doing this, were pretty much just winging it… But any more detailed advice you can give in terms of like how would be the best way we should go about aquiring the positions in i guess the most promising yet safe manner, because we are 3ladies an there like you shared obviously some risks so maybe some definite “Yes’s” we should try an some defnitly “dont’s” we shouldnt try… thanks for all the information you shared already it definitly helps… hoping you can help us out somehow, you can email me at [email protected]
    thanks agaain!!!

    Reply
  351. hi derek,

    please send me the email too,

    im thinking moving here in 2 weeks and i really need this jobe! i have plenty of experience and good motivation! thank you in advance!
    tereza

    Reply
  352. hey man!

    By the moment i am in portugal, I have a friend that has a friend (ehe) ok those friends called her to work this season, so she is going there now to work – they say the teams ar full so in that farm there’s no more position available (also they were asking for girls or couples). SO a girl that is going work with them, has to return on 3rd -November since her visa expires on that date.

    SO my question, do you think someone is going to hire someone like me without experience in November? there will be still a lot of people around in november searching for a job?
    also do you think is a good decision fly from europe to head CA to start to work in november, since the season is finishing and also i will be the slower one over there, so if i have the chance to go, i dont know if its the correct decision, because i dont know until when i will have work or how much i am able to gain.

    sorry for my bad english i hope you got my doubts

    and derek, nice blog man! congrats
    [email protected]

    Reply
    • Hey brother, so here’s the thing.

      While yes there are technically more people searching for work in September than in November, there is also significantly less work in November. That means competition for work is more fierce among those who remain. The ones who end up working late into the season (Nov/Dec) are the ones who are either the best connected or the best trimmers. Arriving so late in the season doesn’t mean that you have no chances of making money…..but if it were me, I think purchasing a €1500 round-trip ticket to California is a big gamble.

      Reply
      • probably i can fly for less than 300$ (one way).
        my friend will try to know if i can replace the other girl. if yes i am going and done!for sure at least i can cover my expenses and get contacts for the next year.
        because going now with any contaact, and so much people over there searching for job is quite dangerous for me.. since i don’t have so much money by now to stay some days weeks without any income.
        anyway. thanks for your reply and dedication bro.

        Reply
  353. Wow! I’ve just finished reading through the comment. Thank you so much Derek! I’ll try to go to Cali soon and feeling reassured after reading this! I wish you good luck with all your projects and be safe!
    Nevertheless, I haven’t managed to find the answer to one question that’s important to me. Sorry, if I wasn’t attentive enough, I really tried.. 🙂
    SO MY QUESTION IS: is it more difficult to find a job if you’re a group? There’re 3 other friends going at the same time as me and I would appreciate having some good company while working, but I’m afraid being all together (4 people) might decrease the chances of getting hired for me as well as for them.
    Thank’s a lot for your time, patience and great energy!
    Kindest wishes and a huge hug!

    Reply
    • Yes, it is definitely much harder to find work as a group — especially if no one in the group has a local friend. Hiring one stranger is common. Two, sure, possible. But four…..without any prior experience or contacts….that’s a tough one.

      Reply
  354. Hey man,
    Great article, I’m really interested in getting into this type of work, and you’re article is a great help. I was hoping you could give more info on you’re experiences and possibly even a contact from you. I’m extremely interested in becoming a grower one day, but looking to get my foot in the door any way possible. Unfortunately I’m from the East Coast, love the plant, but have no clue how to get more involved. Please email me if you can, I know it’s a lot to ask but I’d love to talk more. Thanks. (Is there a better way to contact you?)
    Best,
    Evan

    Reply
  355. Hi Derek, What can I do If I want to work there?, coluld you help me to find a Job; I really need it, I am Borken and I need to pay all the debts I have because my harvest in Mexico was bad, so Diesel and Gasolonie are to high that you can not afford all the things you need, please help to get a Job, I know everthing about a farm. I dedicate to cultivate beans , onions, wheat and tunas. here in Mexico. although this is a different Job, I believe that I can do it.

    my email: [email protected]

    Reply
  356. Hi, Derek! Great story, it really pulled me in and had my attention. I tried to also read all the comments, then realized there is like a thousand. So I hope this question hasn’t been asked yet. I was planning on leaving my home town of Oklahoma City in two weeks to go with a friend to trim. I’ve never done it, but am super eager to learn. I just got my ticket to China with a friend, and we leave in January, so extra cash is defiantly needed. Kinda nervous about doing this, is that normal?
    Finally if you did have a good place to sign up or knew where I could get info on people to email, I’d be epically grateful.
    Thanks for your time dude.
    [email protected]

    Reply
    • Nervous about Cali or China? (BTW I just left China, am in Hong Kong now.) I always found that I had the best luck making friends with the 20-somethings of the Emerald Triangle. They are mostly all cool and are open to meeting other cool cats from around the States. Just make friends first, don’t be one of those people begging for work. Making local friends while open up all the doors. So go wherever the locals hang out and be friendly — that is definitely step #1 😉

      Reply
  357. Hey Derek!
    First of all thank you for the great article!
    I would like to start working in this field from October, Do you believe is good time to start loking for a job?
    Would you mind shooting me an email regarding growers and farmers i may be able to get in contact with and were to go exactly?
    Thanks again!
    Alessandro

    Reply
  358. Hey my names Veronica Parker and I would love to work for you. I love love love trimming I’ve been doing It for about three years now and would love to do this again this year. Please contact me back if you need anyone else I would love to help and be a part of this..my email is [email protected]..thanks!

    Reply
  359. Hello Derek!
    I have read many articles, and I already had information given to me by people.I’m ready to fly to CA,so I would like to know if there is possibility of work, if there is demand, and if it is easy to arrive at the place of work, inthe farm.If you can give me some advice,i appreciate it.I’m working in Florence in an handicraft industry, and i work with tools, such as scissors, every day for 10 years .I know the persistence and patience.I hope to hear from you soon, Niccolò

    Reply
  360. Hey Derek, My name is Chloe and I have been looking all over the internet for ways to get into a tree trimming job over the summer. If you have any information or contacts you could share with me I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you!!

    Reply
  361. Hey Derek 🙂
    My name is Ron and im from Israel, I would really appreciate your help in connecting me with someone for a trimming job.
    me and my girlfriend want to do it asap. it sound amazing. we need your help,
    joy and happiness 🙂
    and thanx a lot!
    ron
    [email protected]

    Reply
  362. Great timeless and timely article Derek. Thanks for all the good info. I just find it hard to believe the ratio of idiots to people of at least average intelligence in this comment section. Gotta be at least 3 or 4 to 1. Maybe a tutorial on using the “Find” function of the browser would be in order to help keep the same stupid questions from being asked. No, probably not. Best just to ignore them . . .

    Reply
    • Exactly James, I don’t have the time to help people who cannot even help themselves ???? Now I’m getting daily emails from people asking me to remove their email address from their public comment because apparently the USA gov’t just started Googling the email addresses of visa applicants. Someone said I should start charging for email removal hahaha 😉

      Reply
  363. I want to work as soon as possible. I realize that the faster I work the more I will make. There is nowhere to reply on your website. Please contact me asap.

    Brenda Byrnes
    310 404 7027

    Reply
  364. I have experience trimming, just looking for a place to link up with. Coming down to California on Nov 7th. Anyone know anyone looking for some trimming help until the end of the season.

    Any help would be appreciated.
    [email protected]

    Reply
  365. Hi Derek

    Great article !!! I´ve got a few job offers from farms in CA but the all want that I should pay at first money for a Marijuana card and a cultivation license (200-400 $). Is that a usual proccess? Do I need something like that to work as a trimmer? I`m looking for a safe farm. Would really appreciate it , if you can contact me. Thanking u in advance. [email protected]

    Reply
  366. Hi Derek,
    Great info, very informative. I stumbled on this site doing research for a documentary that I’m working on. I am looking to interview male and female trimmers. Would love to interview you the next time you are in California! Safe travels and adventures wherever you are and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE contact me when you get a chance.

    Reply
  367. Hi Derek, Thank you for all the information.
    I saw that you put some people in contact. I am leaving for California in two days with my girl friend and two freinds and I was wondering if there was any help you could lend getting linked up with a place.
    Thank you so much for the info
    and if you have any more information about a spot to trim.My email is [email protected]
    my number is also 9062029115
    thanks again

    Reply
  368. The $2 billion estimate for the worth of the marijuana industry could definitely surprise the general public. It’d be interesting to see how that figure has changed 5 years after the original 2011 date.

    Reply
    • Me too Christina. By now its bound to be like $20 billion or at least close, especially with all these edibles and tinctures and other amazing revolutions to the industry. Sure other states are hopping on the bandwagon too but everyone in the USA knows that you can’t beat Cali 😉

      Reply
  369. Hi Derek, really informative piece, thanks a million. I was hoping to do a J1 or get a graduate visa and hopefully work on a farm for a while, but as I live in Ireland it’s proving to be quite difficult to find anywhere. And I don’t even know how I would apply. Is there any way you would email me any contacts you have or any farms you know of that I could contact please? I would really appreciate it.

    Reply
    • Hey Derek thanks for everything! A friend and I are from Israel and currently are living in Florida. We we’re thinking on coming to California for a month or two and try to get a job in one of the farms but we heard that the season might have already over and no one will hire us? Is that True? We are both very good with our hands and before a trip in South America and thought that could be a good interesting job to gain money for the trip.
      So my first question is if we can still get jobs?
      And if you can give us directions?

      Thank you.

      Sahar

      Reply
      • Hey Sahar, yes, the 2016 harvest season is essentially over. Without any prior experience or local references, there is no way to get a job this late in the year. Aim for mid-September to early October, right at the start of the next season.

        Reply
  370. Hello Derek, I was a fucking big asshole. I don’t know how but I missed the most important advice that don’t write your mail address in public, few months ago. I really don’t know how but I didn’t see it then. And the fucking cbp sent me back to my country. Please delete everyone’s pots here who write mail address. Sometimes we can’t recognize the most huge things. I take away from me my biggest dream when I wrote down my email address here. I can’t go ever to the U.S. even just for a fucking holiday. It would be really nice from you just delete all of those posts. Even if we were so fucking blind and dump. Best regards to everbody

    Reply
    • Your email address has been removed but I have neither the time nor interest in removing *every* email address people posted here, and no reason to pay my assistant to do it. Honestly I’m surprised it took this many years for immigration to start cross checking email addresses from visa applications in Google. Until the last few months it had only been people upset because potential jobs had found their pro-cannabis comments.

      Reply
  371. hola dereck,
    muchas gracias por esas informaciones preciosas…
    yo he escuchado que tambien hay trabajo desde mayo, verdad no ?
    yo planeo de irme con mi esposita Mexicana a California para buscar este trabajo y seguir nuestra vida de viaje y sueños ! Tal vez nuestra ventaja es que no somos fumadores…
    me podrias dar, por favor, algunos contactos bonitos ?
    Te dejo mi email : [email protected]
    MERCI BEAUCOUP

    Reply
  372. Hi there Derek!
    My name is Tiago Matos and I write you from Portugal.
    Keep up the good work, no doubt helping all these people must feel amazing for you.
    Anyway, after reading a couple of comments and answers from you decided to take a try and see if u could pass me some more depth-in information.
    I know the good months are already finished but maybe I could start to build a relationship with some of these workers/companies already.
    Im just a multi-tasking people person looking for it’s dream job.
    Best regards,
    Tiago Thieleke Matos

    Reply
    • Greetings Tiago,

      Unfortunately after emailing hundreds and hundreds of people extra information I noticed that almost none of them said thanks. So I stopped wasting my time. But just do a search on this page and I’m pretty sure you’ll find all the answers you need here. Sadly there is no real way to “get in” with the right people without being there in person. Not exactly a big online community given the quasi-legal situation there and government spying. However if you have any specific questions (aside from contacts) then feel free to post them here. Cheers.

      Reply
  373. Hi Derek,
    I really appreciate the posting. Not many people would do that.
    I also kind a know a few people that work there,but for some reason they dont want to share information. Go figure. I have been in those cities myself , but as almost anywhere , you need to know the right people. My wife and I are legally here and would like to work together. So any help would be much appreciated. Thanks one more time buddy)

    Reply
  374. Hi again Derek,
    I wrote you few months ago, and yes, you replied me! thanks again.

    Look, I see that the bussiness it’s really increasing in all the US , that means, lower wages, more security and also, less people giving job to a turist””.

    am i right?
    i am wondering if next year it will be like the years before or its over these 3months working, and then traveling around with the money that we get there.
    just asking your opinion.. i dont know if i should try to go there or not. by the way canada and australia ar in the bussiness right? for a tourist its the same method than US?
    sorry about so many question, take care man.
    pedro

    Reply
    • Unfortunately Pedro I cannot speak to this most recent harvest or the future. I skipped last harvest and most likely won’t be returning to Trumperica this year either….or ever again if I have my way.

      Reply
  375. Hey Derek I have a question regarding trimming work. I know the season is already done but will there be any trimming work lets say Jan and on? Or will I have to wait until mid sept on? Thanks in advance 🙂

    Reply
    • Not in California — at least not unless you already have local contacts that can help you find indoor crop to trim. However you may have luck in other states that have legalized marijuana.

      Reply
  376. Also one more question!! I know with social media now you can ask if anyone has trimming work available but how do you know the man or woman behind the photo is someone you can trust? Any tips?

    Reply
    • Well in my experience I’ve found potheads and marijuana farmers a lot more trustworthy than cocaine smugglers and meth cooks, so I don’t think you should have anything to worry about. After all what do they have to gain by trying to rip off some simple trimmer looking for work? It would do more harm to them then good.

      Reply
  377. Awesome article, I was wondering if you could send me some information on working in Northern California, me and a buddy are looking for work

    Reply
  378. Hi Derek and Team

    Thanks for our work.
    Would love to get in contact with grower for the coming harvest or if possible even before.
    I know it is more difficult and some conservative forces prosecute us, but still: if you like to connect me, do so, if not, thanks for the informations given above!

    Georg Frei

    Reply
    • Team? Just me 😉 The next harvest won’t be kicking off until much later this year, so you have plenty of time to get prepared in the meantime. If you have the time/means, might be worthwhile to head out to Nor Cal in the summer, make some local friends/contacts, then return once harvest has begun and use your newfound friends to ensure that work is waiting for you.

      Reply
  379. Investing in this cash crop is turning big revenues, what an interesting read! Thanks for sharing about California’s cannabis culture (as you call it).

    Reply
  380. Derek! Thank you for all your advice. I am not going to bother your for info about how to make contacts in Humboldt County.

    Derek is right, the harvest season is over.

    I came from New Zealand a couple weeks too late and learned the hard way.

    However in Washington, where recreational marijuana is legal, marijuana is being grown indoors all year round. I was able to find casual cash in hand work at different places. A week here and a couple days there.

    Reply
  381. hola Derek una historia increible!!! , sorry if is possible to get the info to have a job I’m mexican and would love to have a job there trimming, this is one of a kind of opportunity, would you mind sir.?

    Reply
  382. Selamta. More blessing.
    Thank you for exposing the experience and vibes, Derek. I am from Perú and fortunately, I got a week of trimming-work in Grass Valley and Nevada City area. I don’t have any contact with the owners of the farms, but I am willing to give my effort again and even improve skills while meditating in my trip. It would be great if you can guide me to a contact in order to continue applying good works!!! I give thanks in advance. The investments should be for more sustainable ways : more lands, clean energy, agricultureAgreeCulture, permaculture.
    Reality is tangible and intangible. We should stay in the middle

    [email protected]

    Reply
    • Hey Derek,
      Thanks for taking the time to write such an insightful and practical guide to finding such work:) Your article has really helped me to see that finding trim work is actually possible without having a prior contact. I plan on doing as you have advised and will head up to Mendo and/or Humboldt around September to try and meet a few locals and with some luck, establish a contact that I could potentially work for over many seasons. I am originally from the Bay Area in California and studied cannabis cultivation and processing at Oaksterdam University in Oakland. I have been Wwoofing the Hawaiian Islands the past 2 years learning about permaculture, organic gardening, and sustainability. I will be returning to NorCal for festival season and have been told that many trim jobs are found by meeting the right person at one of the many CA festivals. So perhaps I can find something by that route as well as I plan on attending a number of festivals this year.. BTW, your blog is an inspiration man, really. Saw that you were recently in Estonia:) Your blog has added many a destination to my ever expanding bucket list. It is amazing that you have found a way to travel the world and get paid doing it. #Goals! Really enjoy the whole setup of your page, especially the timeline and counting the number of flights, busses, trains, etc that you have taken. I too woke up to the system in my early 20’s and have been traveling ever since. Like you did, I have hit the money wall and have been considering ways of making money doing things that I am passionate about, as opposed to the 9-5 hamster wheel existence that I left behind . Any advice for someone potentially hoping to get into the blogging game? Hope to hear back from you! Stay Awesome! -DJ

      Reply
      • Hey Dalton, glad that you were able to get some insight and renewed inspiration from my blog. And yes, I was just recently in Estonia. Completely unplanned and by accident too, just chasing after this girl I’ve fallen for 😉 Been meaning to do some updating of my blog, feel like its rather “naked” but didn’t want it to be too cluttered like some sites. Anyway yeah, you have to do something that you love if you don’t want the system to wear you down. Definitely get into the blogging scene if you have a strong passion for something, be it travel or weed or whatever. Sure, technically I make less money blogging than working for the man but its so much more fun, it doesn’t even feel like work. And I realized that you don’t need a big house and truck and fancy motorcycle to be happy, just a little food, friends and scenery. (Plus hey a little smoke never hurts.) So yeah, whatever your passion, whatever you feel like you have lots to share about, start a blog and start pursuing it. Blogging is becoming more and more accepted as a legitimate career every year, and the availability of influencer and blogger gigs likewise increasing.

        Reply
  383. Hey Derek!! Beautifully written article! Your words have really left an imprint and i’m determined and confident that I will land some work as a trimmer.

    I would be ever so grateful if you could advise me of the next steps I need to take in order to get myself a job in the field, lols.

    thanks in advance!!!

    Reply
  384. Hey Derek,

    Thank you so much for this entire page of info was very helpful with real content that we, seekers for this kind of jobs wants to know. I am from Brazil (already in USA), and now I have to keep searching for some contact to get there in Califa! Anyway thank you and I know that a few years had passed and you probably will not read this or reply. lol but here is my email [email protected] (and yeah this is not my real name) 😉 haha thank you! And peace bro!

    Reply
  385. Hey Derek, thanks for taking your time writing this exceptional article, I’m in San Diego right now but I’d like to head north to get a job in these marijuana fields, can you give me some contact info or maybe some advice so I can take the next steps? my email adress is [email protected].

    Have a good day and thank you again man, cheers.

    Reply
  386. Hi Derek!!! This post is completely amazing and really useful. So I would to know if you can share with me some tips to find …you know what I’m talking about. Actually will be my first time there and I want to have a lot of informations as I can. Thank you for everything. I’m from Peru and my email [email protected]

    Reply
  387. This really is an insight into the logistics of working on a farm! I had heard mixed reviews about the experience but feel I can trust your words. I am travelling Europe this summer then heading to Cali in september, maybe you can hook me up with some more info or direct contact ? My friends have done it in past years and have put some feelers out but nothing back yet, would really appreciate your help!

    Cheers man.

    [email protected]

    Reply
  388. Hi Derek! Thank you for the amazing article!! I just reached here as I was searching for the way to get involved in marijuana jobs. The article was full of reality and it made me excited. It would be nice if I can contact with you and get more info on the job. Please send me an email to kairi1980 atmark gmail.com. Thank you!

    Reply
  389. You offer some very realistic insight into the marijuana growing business, with a good balance between the pros and cons of being a trimmer. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  390. Hello, can you send me that information about howhat to work there. I’m traveling the world and will need some money in the end of the year. Thank you very much! 😉

    Reply
  391. One centurion pro or twister trimmer can do perfect work of 20-40 people alone. Then why time consuming manual trimming?

    Reply
  392. Hi, I was really impressed and found the article very informative and I was looking to move out to California to build my own business in that field so I was looking to see if you had any farmers that you know personally that would need a hand around their farm because I want to work and learn in a farm before I start my business because I need to learn everything about growing etc. if you could
    my email is [email protected]

    Reply
  393. Hi Derek. Thank you for all the information. I’m from Spain, and I’m going to California to trimming but I have no contacts, so I’m a bit of scared because all I read on internet is scary about it!! haha…I want to work, i want to have money, and I love marihuana. Do you know how I can I find a good contact? please, I appreciate if you answer me.

    Thank you so much!

    Reply
  394. this information you bring up here is really good. Thanks for that!! I was wondering about the best timing to do the trip since Im really far away right now. Is there any “weedkeeper” jobs available for late summer? And if so, how easy it is to get hooked up?

    Reply
    • Unfortunately all the weedkeeper jobs go to those with experience and connections….got to have the skills to get the job. Trimmer is the best “entry-level” position — and the only one available for random strangers. But if you prove your skills then there is a possibility of being a weedsitter the next season. But trust me, that is not nearly as fun as it sounds. Four months of long hard work with minimal outside interaction and no free time to hit the big cities for a weekend getaway or anything like that.

      Reply
  395. Yo Derek,

    Nice article. My friend (English) and I (Tennessean) just started looking into this. We’ve been bumming around for about 4 years throughout Asia, Europe and South America. Any tips or contacts into snagging something this year?

    Much appreciate the information in advance, brother.

    Reply
  396. Hi Derek!
    Thank you so much for your article, super super informative. I know I’m a little late in the comment thread but was wondering if I could give you my e-mail to ask you a little bit about Humboldt County and farms you would recommend reaching out to/ looking into for trimming.

    Let me know!

    Reply
      • Hello Derek,

        Thank you for helping us all. I’m always hearing about this harvest but seems like to be really like a “secret society”, all my friends keep telling me “Ohh I’m gonna put you in contact with the growers” but they act like “Its my thing, I’m not gonna share if you”. So I’m wondering since you have the knowledge like the dungeon master and share some contacts with some of the people, maybe you can help me with this as well?
        My email is: [email protected]

        Reply
        • Hey Bruno, thanks, happy to help. Of course what you’ve got to realize is you’re putting your reputation on the line by vouching for someone else and sending them up the mountain so it’s a tough call for anyone to make, not just me. Especially if you don’t know the person who wants a contact that well. It’s much easier for people to talk about the trim work they’ve done than to hand over contacts to a stranger, sorry. Happy to answer any other questions though.

          Reply
      • Hi Derek is it harder for men to find work. I’ve Been reading online and it seems like the growers are looking for females.

        Reply
        • Yes, mentioned that in my article and it is definitely still true. I mean shit if you just spent four months slaving over a Mary crop you’d want the other Mary in your life too. Can’t say I blame them. But this is only for the farms where horniness outweighs professionalism. Find a good farm that has their shit together and is about profit and getting shit done, they are the ones to work for. Of course finding that farm is up to you — and this is something that can only be done in California, in person, and not online.

          Reply
  397. I’m suuuuuuperrrrr interested in finding work with this. Hopefully you can help me or pass my info down!? Please and thanks!

    Reply
  398. Hi Derek!

    Thank you veryyy much for the hole articule. Is the most complete info i have found about it.
    I am planning my trip to Cali on september of this year and still have some tiny doubts.

    From my phone i cant see The post under the publication sorted by date so i am not sure if you are or not answering by email.
    Hope you do.

    Thanks in advance!
    F

    Reply
  399. Interested in coming down south this fall 2017. Please contact me to discuss anything and to let me know how the process goes. I am experienced over 20 years.

    Reply
  400. Hello! Amazing article about marijuana camps! Actually I didnt even know it was possible to do that! i found out like 2 months ago from a friend of mine that knows someone that is doing. Actually I am quite interested to do that but just after August 2018. I am doing a volunteering programme now and I will spent 6months in Africa or India. Thank you attention and good luck with everything

    Reply
  401. Hi Derek,

    I’m interested in working in this field over the fall of 2016 in NorCal , and I was wondering if you could email me about some direct contacts on how to get a job? [email protected]

    Thank you(:

    Reply
  402. derek!
    I have a ticket to san fran later in the week.
    ive been doing the transit thing for a while and really want to trim. heres the only facebook i had when i was with a friend and backpacking across country facebook.com/easttowestproject
    if you can help me out that would be awesome!
    if not peace and love brother

    Reply
  403. Hello Derek,

    thanks a lot for this article. I would like to go to Californie with my friend for trimming this automn. Can you send me some useful contacts on farms where we can find job, please?

    Thanks a lot for your help.

    Ivi

    Reply
  404. Hi Derek !
    Amazing article, love it ! I’m coming in northern California in september and I’m veeery interested in this kind of job ! But how can I get a contact ? Do you think you can help me with this or just pass my info to the good person ? It would be awesome 🙂
    Please email at this adress: [email protected]

    Reply
  405. Hi there Derek,

    Thank you so much for sharing all of this information and your experiences with trimming in NoCal. This is great!

    I have some (a couple of days) of experience trimming for a friend’s business on the East Coast last year, and years of experience working on vegetable farms and orchards. I really enjoyed the work and am planning to head to Humboldt County this fall (in the next few weeks) to hopefully work and live there for a while. Northern California has been calling my name! Currently having lived in Taos, NM for the past year, I don’t really have any grower connections in California at all. If you wouldn’t mind inquiring with any farmers that you may know of to see what help they might need, I would really love to help trim for the entire months of October and November. I am a conscientious and reliable employee with excellent references, a fast learner, and a diligent worker.
    My email address is [email protected]. Thank you so much for all of your help and I hope you enjoy a wonderful season this year. 🙂

    Reply
  406. Heyaa, thanks for the article. I just have a couple of questions because I was thinking of doing this with a couple of friends. How high are the chances to actually find a job when going to some of the cities you listed? And do you literally just walk up to someone and ask the locals about it or wait for someone to walk up to you?
    Thank you! 🙂

    Reply
    • My first time was back in 2010 and it was pretty easy to find work, but now I have local connections and am not 100% it is still *that* easy to find work for newcomers. Basically if you’re a cool person, I think it will work out for ya. Make new friends at a local bar or business first, then inquire with them….don’t just walk around town asking random locals where the work is. And definitely don’t be one of those lazy bastards sitting on the side of the road with a “will work for weed” sign 😉

      Reply
  407. I’m in Arcata, CA now. I’m an experienced with trimming in CO. but not in Cali. Does anyone have a good contact for trim by pound?? I only have access to email.

    Reply
  408. Hey Derek,
    Thanks for an amazing range of tips, it helped me out more than talking to friends who go to CA regularly <3
    I'm not gonna ask you for connections as some of the ignorant people up here but I do have one question. I might have a job interview in late October which means I will come to CA (was thinking of Nevada City vicinity) at the beginning of November.
    From your experience working many seasons – do you remember new people coming in in November? I read in above that some people get jus tired and leave. I'm coming for the first time so have no idea if it makes any sense at all to attempt to find work at the beginning of Nov.
    Thanks in advance, you're doing a great favor to many people here. Best, Stan

    Reply
    • Hey Stan, can’t say I recall people specifically arriving in the mountains in November, but there is definitely still work that month. As you already mentioned, lots of trimmers, especially inexperienced ones, get tired fast. They don’t realize that four days up on a mountain trimming for 16 every waking hour feels like four weeks. The temptation to take a break strikes those folks fast. Meanwhile the season won’t wait. The crop won’t wait. It needs to be properly manicured before it gets moldy or dries out otherwise the farmers have wasted an entire season, essentially an entire year. So yes, I think you’ll be fine. It is not until December that work starts to get more scarce. Have fun out there.

      Reply
  409. Hey Derek, thanks for this post! I’m in Northern California right now for another job but it’s not working out for me and I’d like to try out trimming, but have no idea how to find a place. Do you have anyone you can set me up with? I have a van I’ve been living out of that I would ideally take with me, and I can go anywhere north of Sacramento. I’m available until November 20th. Let me know if you can help me find something!
    Thanks

    Reply
  410. Hi, I’ve readen the article and I wish U could give me a contact, name of towns, something…
    I’m from Spain and I would like to live a different expirience.
    Thanks for your time!!
    My idea is to go this November

    Reply
  411. Hi Derek,
    I really enjoyed the article because unlike others you are objective with the pro’s and con’s.
    My name is Anna I am an American living in Panama and have been considering for a while now going to California to do some seasonal trimming.
    Do you have any farm contacts to share?
    Thanks again

    Reply
  412. hi my name is wayne and id like to know more about the whole trimming , cannabis culture, are there any jobs worth looking into in the sf bay area for a new guy?

    Reply
  413. Hi Derek!

    First of all thank you so much for the info, you are so kind trying to hel people.
    I´m a nomad who would like to work next year (2018)
    I would love to receive some contact information on how I can get involved in doing that.

    Please send me an emai: [email protected]

    Reply
  414. Hi Derek

    Really liked your article and the way you wrote it. I had a couple of friends who got a job from a friend’s farm but last summer the farm burned all over and now it´s just ashes (sad story, a friend almost died with his phones on).
    Now I´m looking for new contacts, I would like to find a family farm or something more personal and friendly, but I would be gratefull if you could send me contacts and info. [email protected]

    Cheers

    Reply
    • Thanks João aww that sucks though rough stuff. I’m already off in Asia for the winter and won’t be back for a while. Best of luck though, hope ya meet some cool new friends

      Reply
  415. My name is Sheikh demba lo of Senegalese nationality. I am 27 years old and I would like to come to work in the United States. I am currently in Senegal and available to travel.
    I would still like to have your contacts to know more about the process.

    Reply
  416. Hey Derek,

    thanks for the article. One question.

    Whats the best way to find a job in the mountains? If I go to those small cities, can I ask around if there is someone to offer one? Is that going to work, or I have to have some contact or recommendation?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Definitely DO NOT just go randomly driving up into the mountains with the hope of finding a farm to work on. Not going to happen. You have to get a contact first.

      Now, whether you want to go “contact hunting” by asking random strangers, sitting on the side of the road with a “will trim for weed” sign, making new friends in the small coastal towns, or whatever other idea you come up with, that is entirely up to you. Some things work better for some people than others. I just wanted to share what worked for me — however you will have to test it out yourself to discover what works for you.

      Reply
  417. Good morning Dereck, I am writing to you from Venezuela, SOUTH AMERICA, I am an announcer of Radio, producer of programs, radio publicist. I am going to travel to california at the end of April, I read your article in HOLIDAZE, it caught my attention and I am very interested in a trimming job in CALIFORNIA. I NEED A CONTACT THERE IN HUMBOLDT, please thank you, blessings.

    Reply
  418. Hi Derek, I am from contry of Montenegro, i am planing to go in California to work with weed , I was thinking to take a turist visa for 6 months and go to work there ilegal (black market), and it will be also good if there is some agency to pay me a ticket to California and i will give them back when i earn the money. Sorry if i am annoying and thank you.
    And if you give me some contact this is my e-mail ——————–

    Reply
  419. HI , I’ red your article and I’m interested in the harvest ! I’ve cople of friends with whom we love to do different kind of harvest , I still have some questions . I thought it was legal by now , isn’t it ? And of couse how do we do to get the job ? THX to email me back ! Enjoy.

    Reply
  420. Hey, this is the experience I am looking for. I have experience in trimming. Can you please share some info on contacts? Please! 😁

    Reply
  421. Hi, thanks you for the info. maybe i´ll be traveling arround california in september. I hope work there in the mountain.

    See you!

    Reply
      • Hello Derek.

        I’m ian mauricio, I leave at Massachusetts 21 old years, I wanna go to California and work there . If you can help me with this I will be so happy! I wanna be at California about 2 – 3 months. Please can you talk to me by email ?!

        Thank you

        Reply
  422. We are having a team group work through farmer to farmer not by other team worker. We are work fast 3 to 5 lbs a day if the product are good to trimming. We are preferring 180 to 200 lbs, but the price is negotiable and we buy our own foods
    Please contact me at 715 497 5022

    Reply
  423. Hi Derek,

    I would plane my trip to America in the next year and it would be nice if I could get any job contacts from you. Could you help me?

    Thank you for your answer=)
    Alex.

    Reply
  424. Derek, what an awesome article. Loved it.
    Btw im Mauro, from Argentina, im 26yo i have a two friends working in cali right now, but im late for this season, and their places are already filled.
    And i would really love to do a season of trimming, im a grower here, i have some experience in dry and wet trimming. Could you help me?
    I leave you my email.
    [email protected]
    Ty, looking forward to your reply. Have a nice day.

    Reply
  425. Hello Derek
    I’m from Switzerland, my brother came to California to work with weed but we haven’t heard from him since more than a month.
    Do you think this is normal based on your experience ? I’ve read your article and as far as I can read, people doesn’t have their phone or connection.
    Can you help me ?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Hey Nora, it’s normal but a month is a long time. Depending on where you are working cellphone service will most likely be nonexistent. Don’t expect the farms to have public wifi for trimmers to use. Since the point is to limit distractions and maximize productivity, working on a weed farm is very much a no frills environment. Plus to protect the privacy of the farm, you’re cut off from the world and often without knowledge of your exact location. If you wake up one morning and suddenly want to leave, there might not be a ride back down the mountain for a day or three.

      So to answer your question, yes, it is not uncommon for trimmers to go a month or more without connecting with the real world — especially those that really need to earn as much as possible during the short season. Alternatively, the work is surprisingly tedious and quickly goes from a labor of love to a painstaking chore. Trimmers are often eager to return to civilization for a night or two before going back up the mountain — especially those craving the company of a cold beer or hot lady (or man). Guess it just depends on your brother and his intentions. Was he up there for the money or the experience? Is he the type to work a month straight without taking a night off to go grab a drink at the bar in town and make some new friends? What city was he in the last time you spoke with him? Had he already found a farm to work at, or was he still searching?

      Reply
  426. I am a chick who has been traveling and working on a boat all year. Would love to chat more about this industry if possible.
    Could you please shoot me an email?
    Cheers

    Reply
    • Sure, you can respond directly to this comment notification email with any specific questions. Just please make them unique questions. As you might have guessed from the 1000+ comments, a lot of questions have already been asked and answered here 😉

      Reply
  427. I wanted to work but quickly realized it would be difficult to get in unless you know someone with connections. That’s why I didn’t travel from Texas unsure if I would get a job. Good luck to all those who are trying.

    Reply
    • So true. Smart move. Without any connections you end up being one of those people on the roadside holding up a “will trim for $$$” sign on the side of the road….or returning home broke and with your tail tucked between your legs.

      Reply
  428. Hello Derek! My name is Natthy and I’m from Dominican Republic, work in this industry has been my dream always just for show to my mom that the cannabis isn’t bad as she says. I would really appreciate if you can give me that oportunity.

    That’s my email: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    I will wait for your answer.

    Reply
    • Hey Natthy, please forgive my late response. Also, I have edited your comment to remove your email address. (I am guessing that you missed my warning about how the US gov’t recently began rejecting visas to anyone posts their email address here publicly.) That having been said, unless you already have a trim job in Cali lined up, now is too late in the season to try and just show up randomly hoping to find work. Next season is a different story of course 😉
      P.S. Cannabis is nowhere near as bad as your mom says, go prove her wrong!

      Reply
  429. Hello !! My name is van I m planning to grow marijuana business .. like marijuana farm . But I don’t know anybody’s there for business.. I only know people or friends who good in trimming.. please gave me information by email .

    Reply
  430. Hey!

    We were looking at coming through Feb/March 2019, would there be any seasonal work then? I know normally it’s only later in the year, but some farms are now doing double harvests. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Of course, Alexa, there are indoor farms harvests going on year-round across the state. It is only the outdoor farms that have to obey Mother Nature. Unfortunately, there are also numerous reasons why these massive outdoor farms are the only ones that hire new trimmers with no trimming experience and no contacts. Indoor harvests are scheduled, smaller and more expensive in both equipment and strain. Only experienced trimmers with local grower contacts are hired for these because of the increased security and skill required. Sometimes friendly locals even “argue” among themselves for these sporadic, short-term gigs, depending on how many people you know and how many “rooms” are being harvested that week.

      In other words, if you do not have a trusted contact inviting you out there with job lined up, and/or if you do not have enough experience trimming to know what rates you can trim at (the different speeds depending upon the type/quality of bud, not different prices) then there is a 999-1 shot that you will spend more on transportation/accommodation than you will make trimming. Just a friendly word of warning 😉

      Reply
  431. Derek for real, I love the name and it seems like your a cool dude. I have been interested in coming out to California but I wanted to change scenes and try Colorado. What is your advices? Can you shoot me an email to talk to you.

    Reply
  432. Hi,
    I want to start a transport / independent courier business and am wondering how to establish contact with growers. Any advice? TIA

    Reply
  433. Hello , I am interested in cultivating the plant, however need some guidance in regards to apllying for the permits. recently I heard about assistance for farmers. do you know of any?

    Reply
  434. Don’t forget to tell these unknowing innocent people that while there in the mountains they are also subject to the more increasing home invasion rippoffs occur and the amounts of hard drugs like meth and cartel heroin is around as well as gone missing persons never to return and the large number of murders being committed due to greed ,theft and addiction rates in the triangle and surrounding communitys I gave up my property and got out of eureka after 20yrs of watching my town one of the most beautiful places on Earth because of this cancer Wich is now rampant there

    Reply
  435. Hi, I’m from Europe. In America, I could be six months a year, As a beginner, how much money I could earn in a week , and what conditions on plantations. I would be very grateful to let me know.

    Reply
    • Depends on how fast you can trim — earnings are based on weight. Newbies need maybe 16 hours to trim a pound but experienced trimmers can do it in half that time. However even if you trim 20hrs a day, seven days a week, periodically you need a break to return to civilization or depending on the size of the farm, the crop could even run out. Too many variables to give you an estimated earnings. Keep in mind the harvest season is a limited time of the year though, and you might not be able to find consistent work.

      Reply
  436. Im already in California i live in the bay but im looking for a trimming job this season in the mountains could you help me out?

    Reply
  437. Hi Dereck im from Puerto Rico. And be working in trimming is like a Dream. I been like 2 year searching to find how can I apply for a Job in trimming. Can u contact me for thus season.

    Reply
  438. Hey Derek!
    My name is Alex, I’m from Europe. Looking for new friends in Cali and for some jobs on a farm for the following season September-November 2019. Would like to discuss it with you in person. Please, email me: [email protected]

    Reply
  439. I am a trimmer. Been doing it for years. Know the frustrations like the back of my hand. Very motivated to work and to grow in this economy and keep learning

    Reply
      • Hi, Derek
        many thanks for your detailed info. I’m from Eastern Europe and I will go to “Emerald Triangle” in mid-sept. to look for a trimming job there. Eureka seems fine to stay there at first until I make some friendly connections to find a job, but it will be very helpful if you send to me some email contacts there, especially if some of them speaks serbian/croatian/or bulgarian language, like myself. Thanks, dude. You should visit Eastern Adriatic Coast in Balkan, most beautiful coast 😉

        Reply
  440. DEREK HEALTHY, I AM MORE IN CALIFORNIA, Eureka, PLEASE: If you are a contact FOR WORK ON plantations at Americans, I came on a tourist visa which is valid for 6 months, many thanks

    Reply
  441. Hey Derek,

    I really like your detailed article. But I was wandering if its still the same as in 2012. Im from europe and thought about working there in the season of 2019. Can you give any advice on finding a job there?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • There’s always work, but if you don’t have any local friends or contacts then it is entirely up to luck. So given that it really just depends….are you a gambling man?

      Reply
  442. Derek Perfect article!,
    I’m located in NV, i’m self grower for almost 4 years & really want to blend into a good farm in CA(Humboldt) . trimming, growing everything needed.
    Any chance you can help me getting contacts?
    [email protected]

    Thanks man :o)

    Reply
  443. Hi Derek!
    interested for my boyfriend and I this September, 2019.
    we are from Australia! we just visited Cali in April 2019
    cheers!
    Lauren

    Reply
  444. Hey man! Thabk you for the read. If you could possibly lead me into the right direction for a job to trim i would be more than jubilant. Ive been trying to follow my dream.

    Reply
  445. Hello, my name is Nera, I’m really interested in trimming this September-November in the California/Los Angeles area! If anyone knows of anything please email me at [email protected]

    Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  446. Hi Derek,

    I’m interested in working up in Humboldt, possibly moving there. I hurt myself a few years ago and can no longer continue in the career I was in. If you have a chance to chat, I’d love to pic your Brain for some advice on working in Humbolt. I imagine there are safe ways to go about it and from what I hear, not so safe.

    Reply
    • Not sure what more advice I can offer that has not been covered already in the article or the 1000+ comments here, but if you have any specific questions than feel free to give me a shout. Cheers.

      Reply
  447. Hey Derek,
    thanks that you share your Knowledge here,
    do you still have any Contacts for a Farm in California to visit this year?
    would be awesome if you have any Idea
    you can Email me ofc
    [email protected]
    Greetings Raphy

    Reply
  448. Hi ,I’m living in Las Vegas I want to go to the trimming season in September,I have work permit to work in USA do you think it will be easier to find a job ?If you have any suggestions or any farm that you know, could you send me an email? Thanks ! [email protected]

    Reply
  449. Excellent article for the person who is looking for job. thanks for helping these persons. you can also buy or sell medical cannabis oil or marijuana from my site.

    Reply
  450. Hey
    Great article…I’m afraid I maybe guilty of not reading everyone’s comments…but I’m a little confused ….so when I arrive in the area I just hang out waiting for some guys in black (agents) to come down the mountain and pik me to go back up? And does it matter if you are a felon?

    Reply
  451. Hello my name is Scott I’m from out of town looking for work in the emerald triangle or it’s surrounding areas have prior cannabis experience in trimming and bud tending just in desperate need of work as I am from Virginia and stuck in the area please contact me at +17578932714 or by email at [email protected] with any assistance or work I can do in order to make enough money to stay or make it home . Will work hard and do anything asked just stranded as of now with no money or way home please help $

    Reply
  452. Hey my name is Brittany and I’m looking for work to trim I’m passionate about this and ready to get work done! I live in Texas but I’m willing to travel and In need of this opportunity. Let me know if you have work for me at [email protected]

    Reply
  453. Hi Derek, I read your story and sound pretty good I am very interesting doing it. I love trimming. Can you please send me contact where to apply?

    Reply

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