December 1, 2023

Jim Belushi needs no introduction. On the big screen, he is the hilarious star of films like “About Last Night,” “Mr. Destiny,” and “Taking Care of Business.” On the small screen, he is known for stealing every scene in shows like “Saturday Night Live” and “According to Jim.” He is one of the most unassuming, affable and beloved actors in Hollywood, and it all comes from a place of genuine authenticity. He is one of those rare stars who, in person, proves to be exactly who you always imagined and hoped he would be. I had the distinct pleasure of speaking to Mr. Belushi about his latest venture, the marijuana farm he has developed here in Eagle Point, Belushi’s Farm.

Every bit as down-to-earth, funny and friendly as his movie star persona would suggest, Jim is also a profoundly spiritual man. He admits that this entire process, from finding the land to building his home and his business, has been a spiritual awakening of sorts. It all began 12 years ago while visiting a friend in Shady Cove. After emerging from a swim in the waters of the Rogue River, he felt baptized, reborn, and he committed soon after to buying property in the area where he could continue to commune with nature. Apparently there weren’t many opportunities to do that in Los Angeles!

Moving here and building his new business — chronicled in both the DIY Network’s “Building Belushi” and Discovery Channel’s “Growing Belushi” — has been a phenomenal experience for the actor. He stated that the title of his current show, “Growing Belushi,” is a bit of a double entendre in that it refers not only to the crops he is growing, but also his growth as a human being. “There is something special about this
land,” he stated, and he has made a concerted effort at every opportunity to honor it, the indigenous people of the area and their spirits.

From the beginning, he made the decision to use primarily repurposed wood and old-school construction techniques to build both his home and outbuildings. A totem pole and sweat lodge were erected on the property by local Indigenous There is a common misconception that the higher the THC levels, the better, regardless of anything else. But according to Jim, that approach lacks finesse. High THC levels will get you stoned, no doubt, but they won’t get you high. Ideally, most people are seeking a more pleasurable experience, one without the inevitable paranoia, persistent munchies, etc. With that in mind, THC should be at a respectable level, but more importantly, so should the terpenes. This is not a common concern in the industry, but for him, personally, 19 to 21% THC with terpenes at 1.5 to 3% is the perfect balance. It’s what makes all the difference. And it’s this kind of attention to detail that sets Jim’s signature brands above the competition.

“Chasing Magic” is his premium farm brand, and it’s unlike anything you have ever tried. You will smell, taste and feel the land. This produces a smooth and pleasurable high like no other. “The Blues Brothers” is his working man’s brand. More widely affordable but still superior in quality, this brand delivers on the same level as the band which inspired it: a 10-star, quadruple-A experience! “Captain Jack’s” is a phenomenon in the industry. It’s “the smell of SNL” and, like Jim himself, requires no introduction. Suffice it to say, this is the stuff of legends. And finally, “Good Ugly Weed” is exactly as its title suggests: It isn’t the prettiest stuff to look at, but otherwise meets all of Jim’s strictest standards of quality.

Jim Belushi is a consummate professional. He has put his heart and soul into this endeavor, and we are the fortunate beneficiaries. He is a humble steward of the land and has genuinely come to love our state and the communities he serves. He is a big supporter of the Last Prisoner Project and regularly holds benefits at the farm to raise money for a variety of causes. Check out his website belushisfarm.com for more information and to find out where you can purchase his fantastic products and merch.

By Dennis McNabb, Staff Writer