Cultivating Life
by Jude Croyle, CG
estled within the I-694 beltway of the Twin Cities is MJ Habadashary, a cannabis farm and dispensary in Oakdale, Minnesota. The threads of care—between caregivers of the earth and what they receive in return are intertwined in the story of Molly Cronk, steward, cultivator, and operator of MJ Habadashery. She is a community leader, cannabis advocate, and healer whose mission is to connect people with the transformative power of the plant.
Understanding Terroir- Where Land Meets Soul
Molly’s journey finds its roots in terroir—a concept that extends far beyond soil and climate, embodying a profound relationship between the land, its stewards, and the love that binds them. Terroir is the land’s love letter to Molly,
and her stewardship is the return of that love in action.
Terroir is love in its most grounded form—an intimate, reciprocal relationship between the land and those who care for it. It is love expressed through deep understanding, respect, and nurturing of the earth’s unique identity.
Originally a term used in viticulture, terroir refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, and geography that shapes the characteristics of agricultural products. Continuing with viticulture as an example, a grape grown in Napa, California, thrives on warm, sunny days and cool nights, developing rich sugars and complex flavors. By contrast, a grape grown in Minnesota adapts to shorter growing seasons and colder climates, creating a heartier, more tart profile.
Just as the soil, weather, and care shape the grape’s biochemistry, these differences are reflected in how we taste and experience the fruit—one might evoke bold richness, while the other offers crisp brightness, each carrying the essence of its origin.
“Collectively, we are all passing love through to the land, and it is coming back to us in our food and cannabis.”
For cultivators like Molly, terroir is a living dialogue—a relationship between grower and ground, requiring meticulous care and a deep respect for nature’s rhythms.
At MJ Habadashary, terroir manifests in the vibrant cannabis plants cultivated for medicinal and recreational use. But here, it’s not just about growing; it’s about fostering a community that mirrors the balance of nature—symbiotic, diverse, and deeply rooted in loving care.
The Soil Beneath Our Feet
The soil is more than just dirt—it’s the foundation of life itself. Rich with nutrients, alive with microorganisms, and shaped by the elements, it cradles every seed and supports every root. Soil represents the connection to the earth, grounding us in something larger than ourselves.
To nurture a plant is to partner with nature, rooted in care, patience, and
respect. Every moment spent tending to a garden reflects an act of love—whether in watering, pruning or simply observing its needs. This love transforms cultivation into something more profound than a task; it becomes a connection to life itself.
The Plant That Heals
Cannabis is more than a plant; it’s a companion on the journey to restoration. For centuries, it has offered comfort to those seeking relief—whether from physical pain, emotional burdens, or the weariness of life.
Cannabis teaches us that healing is multifaceted; it’s not just about curing but about nurturing balance and wholeness. Molly's work at MJ Habadashary is dedicated to connecting people with the plant’s potential to heal and restore, and the belief that love can take root and thrive even in the smallest acts.
“First, I take care of the land. I have horses, chickens, and bees that help me take care of the pastures, and I take care of the animals. Collectively, we are all passing love through to the land, and it is coming back to us in our food and cannabis.”
Love in Practice- A Gardener’s Heart
Molly’s relationship with cannabis began with curiosity, but it has since blossomed into a passion that now defines her life’s work. Through her craft, she honors the earth while fostering healing in those who turn to cannabis in times of need.
Her cultivation practices prioritize sustainability, blending modern horticultural techniques with traditional wisdom. By paying attention to the micro-ecosystems in her grow operation, Molly ensures the plants are not only potent and effective but also reflective of the land’s unique qualities—a true expression of terroir.
Stories of Resilience
Cannabis has emerged as a cornerstone of Molly’s outreach to cancer patients. Cannabis is renowned for its medicinal potential, particularly in the area of pain management, and its reported anti-cancer properties.
Molly has witnessed the power of cannabis in transforming lives. She recounts stories of patients who have found relief after traditional treatments failed, their lives altered by the hope cannabis brings. Her journey with cannabis is deeply personal, rooted in love, loss, and resilience.
“In 2016, my brother Eric was diagnosed with leukemia. I started researching alternatives to conventional treatments, which led me to cannabis. I was listening to a podcast called Cannabis Health Radio, where I heard a guest going by the name of Uncle Pete discussing the use of Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) for treating blood cancers. I was ecstatic to hear about patients whose blood levels were coming back with good results after using RSO. I contacted ‘Uncle Pete’ to tell him about my brother and his current diagnosis. We talked about how I could grow hemp and the process to turn it into RSO, but that I didn’t have enough time to do that with how aggressive the leukemia was, so he offered to gift me enough RSO to treat my brother and that I would have to come pick it up in Michigan where he lived. My brother wasn’t too far away at the time in Minnesota, and we were able to arrange a meetup. Within six weeks of consistently using RSO my brother’s blood work came back completely normal. Sadly, he passed away from complications [related to] conventional treatment methods later in 2017.”
Molly’s journey to becoming a steward of cannabis and its healing potential is marked by a profound empathy for others. She has championed the needs of patients navigating cancer treatments, providing not only medicinal solutions but also emotional support.
Her work with MJ Habadashary has positioned her as a trusted voice in Minnesota’s cannabis community. Whether hosting educational events, mentoring new growers, or collaborating with local nonprofits, Molly embodies a philosophy rooted in connection—between people, plants, and the land.
The connection between terroir and healing is not an abstract concept—it’s vividly real in the cannabis cultivated by Molly. Her reverence for the land shines through when she speaks about the plants. Every bud carries a story of care, nurtured by the unique conditions of her soil and guided by her steady hand. This fusion of terroir and love makes the cannabis at MJ Habadashary extraordinary.
Cancer and Cannabis- A Lifeline for Many
Molly’s advocacy for cannabis as medicine stems from a deep belief in its potential. She works tenaciously to edu-cate others about the benefits of cannabis, addressing misconceptions and empowering clients with knowledge.
Cancer patients often face daunting physical and emotional challenges, from managing pain to confronting the unknown. Cannabis offers a beacon of hope. While more research is needed, anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies suggest cannabinoids may play a role in reducing tumor growth and alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy.
Cannabis has been proven effective in reducing symptoms like nausea by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to suppress the signals that trigger them. This relief can significantly improve one’s quality of life during treatment, as chemotherapy often causes a drastic loss of appetite, leading to weight loss and malnutrition.
Cannabis is well-known for stimulating appetite—a phenomenon often called the “munchies.” By encouraging patients to eat, cannabis helps them maintain their strength and energy throughout their treatment.
MJ Habadashary- A Hub for Compassion
More than a dispensary, MJ Habadashary is a gathering place for those seeking community and connection. Under Molly’s leadership, it has become a haven where stories are shared, knowledge is exchanged, and lives are transformed.
Molly’s approach extends beyond commerce. By supporting local growers, educating consumers, and partnering with healthcare providers, she is weaving a tapestry of care that reflects the principles of terroir—rooted, sustainable, and filled with love.
Nurturing the Future
As Minnesota’s cannabis industry continues to grow, Molly envisions a future where the principles of terroir guide every aspect of cultivation and consumption. She advocates for policies prioritizing local growers, sustainable practices, and client access to high-quality medicine.
For Molly, the work is personal. Each plant, each bottle or capsule, and each client’s story serves as a reminder of why she does what she does: to honor the land, uplift her community, and provide a pathway to healing.
Love Rooted in Action
Terroir is love in its most grounded form—an intimate, reciprocal relationship between the land and those who care for it. It is love expressed through deep understanding, respect, and nurturing of the earth’s unique identity.
In Molly Cronk’s hands, this philosophy comes alive, shaping the cannabis at MJ Habadashary into more than a product. It becomes a symbol of hope, a medium of healing, and a testament to the power of love.
Through her work, Molly reminds us that when we nurture the earth, it nurtures us in return. And in that exchange lies the essence of terroir—a grounded love that has the power to transform lives.
www.mjhabadashary.com
