Cal Poly Humboldt’s Caleb Chen Awarded $25,000 ARI NEXTGEN Fellowship for Cannabis Genetics Research

Press release from Cal Poly Humboldt: 

Cal Poly Humboldt graduate student Caleb Chen was awarded a $25,000 Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) NEXTGEN Fellowship to support his groundbreaking research on changes in cannabis genetics.

Caleb Chen, a graduate research assistant, delves into the history of cannabis genetics and its societal impact.

Chen is pursuing a master’s degree in Public Sociology and is a senior graduate research assistant under Sociology Professor and Cannabis Studies program Director Dominic Corva. This role allows him to contribute significantly to the University’s Cannabis Studies program, which accepted its first cohort of Cannabis Studies majors in 2023 and is the first of its kind in the world.

Humboldt’s Cannabis Studies program covers historical, geographical, cultural, economic, and political aspects of cannabis legalization and students can choose an Environmental Stewardship concentration or a Justice and Social Equity concentration. It integrates curriculum from 18 disciplines and aims to prepare students to be agents of social change, understand complex policy landscapes, engage with diverse communities, and conduct research.

In 2023, the Cannabis Studies program received a $2.7 million grant from the Department of Cannabis Control to support the Legacy Cannabis Genetics: People and Their Plants study, which aims to identify, document, and preserve California’s cannabis genetics and the stories of its legacy communities throughout the state.

Chen’s work delves into the long history of human influence on cannabis through selective breeding, with a focus on the significant impacts that criminalization and prohibition have had on cannabis genetics. His research aims to explore these shifts through a sociological lens, employing ethnography and interviews with cannabis breeders.

Chen, who has also made a name for himself as a cannabis journalist and cannabis judge most recently at the California State Fair, expressed gratitude for the fellowship. “The fellowship gives me the financial support I need to focus on my research while also allowing me to continue contributing to the groundbreaking work happening in the Cannabis Studies program,” Chen says.

Chen’s fellowship not only supports his research but also provides him with opportunities to enhance his skills in science communication and leadership through workshops. These opportunities align with ARI’s mission to advance the sustainability of California’s agriculture through applied research and partnerships across the industry. The goal is to enable applied research through the California State University system, benefiting California agriculture, natural resources, and food systems while cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Corva, a mentor and collaborator to Chen, highlighted the broader implications of Chen’s research and fellowship. “Caleb’s work is not only crucial for understanding the ongoing changes in cannabis genetics but also elevates the profile of our program. His research is helping to shape the future of cannabis studies, and this fellowship further enables him to be a leader in this emerging field,” Corva says.

As Chen continues his research and prepares to defend his thesis in May 2025, his work will likely contribute to the ongoing dialogue about cannabis genetics and breeding practices, offering insights that could influence future policies and practices in the industry.

For more information on the Cannabis Studies program and Chen’s work, visit the Cannabis Studies Lab website.