Preserving the traditions of hash with Laura Bell

Laura Bell, also known as Cherry Blossom Belle (or Belle for short), is a California-based hash maker and the former official apprentice of the legendary Frenchy Cannoli. She worked under him from 2015 until his death in 2021 at the age of 64. 

When it comes to hash, Laura seamlessly blends the traditional artistry of hash-making with the demands of California’s legal cannabis market. With a deep appreciation for the craft and the plant, Laura has become a leading figure in the hash community. She works with Heritage Mendocino, a dispensary and the world’s first public cannabis hashery in Ukiah, California, and collaborates with legacy farmers to produce award-winning products. Her journey into hash-making is one of dedication, mentorship, and ethical commitment to preserving the traditions of the craft.

Finding her path in making hash

Laura was introduced to hash-making when her brother Leo, a breeder, grower, and the founder of Aficcionado Estates, introduced her to Frenchy Cannoli at a High Times Cup event in 2013. 

This serendipitous meeting set the stage for a life-changing apprenticeship. Frenchy saw potential in Laura and invited her to learn under his wing. The journey involved living with Frenchy, his wife Kimberly, and their family, traveling for workshops, and immersing herself in the art of hash-making.

Laura’s background is as diverse as it is inspiring. Born into a military family, she spent her early years traveling the world, living in Japan and Southeast Asia, before settling in the United States. Her early exposure to different cultures and perspectives shaped her appreciation for craft and tradition. 

“I never imagined I’d find my way into hash-making,” Laura reflects. “But when I saw the passion and precision that Frenchy brought to the craft, I knew I had found my calling.”

A love for craft and community

For Laura, hash-making is more than a process — it’s a way to connect with the land, the plant, and the community. Her favorite form of hash to make is pressed hashish, a nod to the traditional methods she learned from Frenchy. “There’s something magical about pressing hash,” Laura shares. “Seeing the resin heads pop and transform under the bottle never gets old. It’s a craft that connects me to the roots of hash-making.”

When asked about her favorite aspect of the process, Laura highlights the moment of sieving. 

“It’s the art of understanding the resin, the sizes, and what you want to pull. That tactile connection to the material is what makes the craft special.”

Keeping Frenchy’s legacy alive

Since Frenchy’s passing, Laura has made it her mission to preserve his traditions and techniques. She continues to teach workshops, collaborate with Kimberly Cannoli, and promote the cultural importance of hash. 

“Frenchy’s vision was to create a community where knowledge is shared openly, and the plant is celebrated. That’s what I strive to embody every day,” Laura says.

Frenchy was passionate about empowering women in the hash-making space, so much so that he dreamed of teaching at least 100 women the art of hash-making so they could enter the male-dominated industry. Laura and Kimberly have worked tirelessly to fulfill Frenchy’s dream. By offering discounted rates to women for their workshops, the pair ensures that Frenchy’s inclusive vision continues to thrive.

Lessons from Frenchy Cannoli

Laura’s time as Frenchy’s apprentice was filled with invaluable lessons, many of which she carries into her work today. 

Here are the five most important lessons Laura learned from Frenchy:

1. Appreciation for the land and the plant: Frenchy emphasized the importance of respecting the land and the cannabis plant, which has existed long before us and will continue to long after.
2. Love your craft: Frenchy’s enthusiasm for his work was infectious, inspiring Laura to embrace her craft with passion and dedication.
3. Stay humble: Frenchy believed that the community, not the individual, decides who is a master. “The community will tell you if your product is good,” Laura says.
4. Fight for your people: Standing up for what you believe in and supporting the cannabis community were central to Frenchy’s philosophy.
5. Share knowledge: Frenchy advocated for open-source learning and was always willing to share his techniques and insights with others. Laura continues this legacy by teaching workshops and inspiring the next generation of hash makers.

Balancing tradition and innovation

In her role at Heritage Mendocino, Laura partners with legacy farmers to produce products that honor traditional hash-making techniques while embracing modern innovations. 

“It’s about finding that balance,” she explains. “We use advanced equipment to scale production, but the fundamental principles, agitation, sieving, and respecting the resin, remain the same.”

Working with legacy farmers has deepened Laura’s connection to the craft. “Every farm has its unique terroir, and working with these farmers from Northern California allows us to capture the nuances of the plant in our hash,” she says. “It’s a privilege to be part of their story and to help showcase their work.”

What’s next on the hash landscape?

As the hash industry evolves, Laura sees opportunities to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. She believes that the popularity of hash will continue to grow, driven by a renewed appreciation for artisanal products and the storytelling behind them.

Looking ahead, Laura plans to expand her educational efforts, offering more hands-on workshops and online sessions to make hash-making accessible to everyone. 

“Education is key,” she says. “The more people understand the craft, the more they can appreciate the work that goes into it.”

A message to aspiring hash makers

Laura advises those looking to follow in her footsteps: “Stay open, stay humble, and stay passionate. This craft is about more than making hash — it’s about building community, preserving tradition, and respecting the plant. Frenchy taught me that, and I hope to pass it on to the next generation.”

Laura’s journey from apprentice to master hash maker is a testament to the enduring power of tradition, mentorship, and passion. Through her work at Heritage Mendocino and her dedication to preserving Frenchy Cannoli’s legacy, she continues to inspire the hash-making community and honor the craft’s rich history. 

As the hash world grows, Laura remains a beacon of authenticity and artistry, proving that the heart of hash-making lies in the love for the land, the plant, and the people.

Written by Alice Reis | Featured image courtesy of Laura Bell