Frenchy’s impact on the cannabis community helped shape an entire industry and forever changed the way that hash is recognized and appreciated. He inspired countless individuals during his life, and even after his passing, he will undoubtedly inspire many more. Although he was based in Northern California, his reach wasn’t confined by his geography. 

Earlier in his life, he traveled to the traditional hash-making regions of the world, learning the craft and eventually bringing it to the Emerald Triangle.

Frenchy Cannoli wasn’t originally from California. He grew up in Nice, France but left home early on, living a nomadic lifestyle for over twenty years. He stayed with traditional producers and absorbed their techniques which had been handed down through generations. From Morocco to Mexico, to Nepal, Pakistan, and India, Frenchy experienced first-hand how traditional solventless techniques have been utilized through the ages. 

After years living in the shadows, practicing the ancient hash-making craft out of sight of the law, California became a welcome change. The medical cannabis industry provided the framework he needed to bring his knowledge, skill, and art into the light. 

Frenchy understood how important the local soil was to growing the best cannabis, and how special the soil is in the mountains of Northern California. He loved to speak about this with all kinds of growers, and even formed partnerships and collaborations with this notion of terroir at the center. 

His hash always spoke for itself. It never mattered that it didn't always have the light-blond color that drives so much of the current demand for solventless products. He helped people understand that darker hash can be some of the highest quality stuff around. It was also many times rolled into a Temple Ball, an ancient practice that he helped bring back to life. Most people today into solventless extractions know about Temple Balls thanks to Frenchy. 

Cultural and even regulatory and political impacts were also a part of Frenchy's legacy. He was committed to doing everything he could to bringing awareness to appellations that are central to the way of life in Humboldt and Mendocino counties.

With all the knowledge and experience he gained, it may have been easy to treat it as a scare asset, carefully protecting it for others in order to use it only for his own personal branding and business advantage. But Frenchy shared like an open book.

One of the most impactful ways he shared his vast knowledge was through the “Lost Art of the Hashishin” seminars. With these comprehensive and awe-inspiring demonstrations and talks, he enlightened thousands of aspiring hash-makers. Not only that, Frenchy freely shared his knowledge and techniques on Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook. He also wrote about the science and history of cannabis for publications like Extraction Magazine, Skunk, Weed World, and Dolce Vita. His research and writings are invaluable to our approach to hash and trichomes today.

The only thing that could rival his knowledge of cannabis and solventless extraction methods was his high tolerance for those beloved concentrates! Frenchy's ability to outlast his peers in smoking sessions was legendary. But he loved to share his hash, and didn't mind watching his premium products inebriate even seasoned stoners beyond recognition. 

The first hash that French ever made was charras, or hand-rolled hash, made by handling ripe cannabis flowers and rubbing the open palms together. Eventually he came to ice water extraction, and had a reputation for making the finest hash even the most discerning connoisseurs had ever seen. He was also known for making Temple Balls, a form of preparing hash for storage and long-term preservation. From this, he also taught about aging hash, and how the approach is similar to wine.

He was always ahead of the crowd.  

Frenchy’s knowledge and experience was matched only by his personality. He was energetic, outgoing, and lively. This energy drew many people to him, and he seemed to be friends with everyone. 

Frenchy Cannoli’s recent passing has left a hole in the community, and in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. He will always be missed, as his legend lives on. 

Frenchy left his knowledge open to everyone, much of which is published on his website. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where was Frenchy Cannoli born?
Frenchy was born in Nice, France.

What did Frenchy Cannoli do in cannabis?
Frenchy was a California-based teacher, consultant, artisan, and activist dedicated to the production and appreciation of traditional cannabis concentrates. 

How did Frenchy learn about hashish?
Frenchy spent over 20 years traveling from Morocco to Mexico, to Nepal, Pakistan, and India, where he spent eight growing seasons living in caves and harvesting cannabis resin with Parvati Valley cultivators. He immersed himself in traditional hash making regions and learned from generations of producers. 

Did Frenchy write a book?
Although he did not publish a book before his death, he finished the first draft of a book on the history of cannabis concentrates that his wife is editing for publication.

How did Frenchy die?
He passed away due to complications from a surgery.