APR/MAY 2018
37
LONG TRADITION OF OREGON FAMILY FARMING
ENHANCES THE BEND CANNABIS SCENE
by Denise, Deona, Jack & Sonny
Creative Crops Rec, LLC
Our grandparents sailed over from Czechoslovakia in 1909 with 13 other families to
make a better life for themselves. It wasn’t until they came over Stukel Mountain and
looked upon the valley that is now called Malin (which means “Beautiful Place”) that they
knew they had found the perfect place to settle. They knew it would be hard work to clear
the land but were excited to have a place to call their own.
The land was cleared and farming started. We have never been afraid of hard work and
perseverance. In the late 80’s, our patriarch Adolph and his son Richard decided to turn
the farm into an Organic farm knowing it was better for the land and for the people that
ate our spuds. Again, hard work and perseverance prevailed, since we were the first family
in our area to believe in clean food and farming. As the years went on the kids grew and
the grandchildren helped work the land and make it prosperous.
Fast forward to 2001, the Klamath Basin’s water was shut-off 2 weeks before we were
to begin farming. Everyone was in a panic, but it really gave us the opportunity to make
changes in our farming practices. At that time we decided to start raising Organic Alfalfa
and Organic Barley. From 2002 to present we have been very lucky to make it work as a
family and a farm.
During that time Sonny and Jack started growing cannabis for medical patients. We all
helped them in raising and harvesting the cannabis. What a great learning experience but
also to learn all the aspects of cannabis and the health benefits for all people. In 2016,
when the cannabis laws changed in Oregon, Jack and Sonny formulated the idea to open
a recreational dispensary in Bend, due to the fact that the county where we lived opted
out. They came to Deona and I (Denise) and asked if they would be interested in becom-
ing partners in owning a dispensary. And so the journey began.
We researched many places within the Bend city limits to find the spot we felt was a
perfect fit for us to work and eventually for our customers to come to to feel a part of
our Family. Not only did we do all the remodeling ourselves with the help of great friends,
family and some local contractors, we have worked diligently getting all the licensing done
ourselves, so we could open by July of 2017. We believe that knowledge is the key to
helping this industry thrive and to help our customers get the product that best suits their
needs. We are proud of the work we have done and hope you will come and enjoy our
friendly atmosphere and knowledgeable bud-tenders.