In the ever-evolving world of cannabis cultivation, specific individuals stand out as pioneers, shaping the essence of the plant we know and love today. Through their passion, expertise, and relentless dedication, they've crafted exceptional strains and laid the groundwork for an entire industry. Today, we pay tribute to some of the most influential cannabis breeders of all time, whose legacies inspire growers and enthusiasts worldwide.
Becoming a revered figure in cannabis breeding takes a lot. Indeed, there’s more to it than simply crossing two strains to make a new one. The standout breeders carry a resume of success, either by introducing an army of incredible new varieties or perhaps just a few. Winning a Cannabis Cup will get you noticed, too. There’s more to it than luck. It takes an innate understanding of the breeding process and cannabis genetics. Our list of five legendary cannabis breeders below covers some of the forefathers of the breeding game. Each of them is worthy of a place on Mount Kushmore.
1. Nevil Schoenmakers: The Father of Modern Cannabis Breeding
Nevil Schoenmakers, once referred to by the distinguished High Times magazine as the "King of Cannabis," is widely recognized for revolutionizing cannabis breeding in the 1980s. If you're putting together a list of five legendary cannabis breeders, it's hard to argue against Nevil sitting at the top. His journey began with the formation of "The Seed Bank of Holland," the world’s first cannabis seed bank, where he meticulously collected and preserved a diverse array of cannabis genetics from around the world. That alone would be enough to make him a seminal figure in cannabis history, but Schoenmakers was just getting started.
Born in Australia in 1957 to Dutch parents, Nevil Schoenmakers moved to the Netherlands in 1976, where he would open The Seed Bank of Holland in an area where he could function legally. He went about collecting famous West Coast USA strains such as Skunk #1 and Northern Lights, but his interest in and understanding of genetics led him to begin experimenting. He aimed to create strains that were more adaptable to different climates, and his work with Haze and Northern Lights began to draw attention.
Nevil was the first person to sell seeds in High Times magazine and sold seeds to over 15,000 customers in 1985 alone. He eventually sold The Seed Bank of Holland to the now-infamous Sensi Seeds and co-founded The Green House Seed Company along with Arjan Roskam. He continued his pioneering work until 1998, picking up some Cannabis Cups along the way before he sold his shares in 1988 and stepped away from the public eye.
Schoenmakers pioneered the concept of crossbreeding different landrace strains, resulting in iconic hybrids like Northern Lights, Haze, and Skunk.
Notable Strains: Northern Lights #5, Neville's Haze, Super Silver Haze
Achievements: Schoenmakers' strains have won numerous Cannabis Cups and High Times awards, solidifying his status as one of the most influential breeders in history.
2. DJ Short: The Master of Blueberry
Next in our list of five legendary cannabis breeders, is DJ Short. DJ Short is renowned for his unparalleled expertise in crafting exquisite cannabis strains, particularly his masterpiece, Blueberry. With a focus on terpene profiles and genetic stability, Short's creations have become legendary among connoisseurs worldwide. Known in some circles as The Willy Wonka of Pot, his meticulous breeding techniques and dedication to preserving heirloom genetics have earned him a place of honour in the cannabis community.
In the 1970s, DJ Short began preserving old-world genetics and perfecting cloning techniques under a desk lamp in his bedroom. It’s said that this passion was inherited from his grandmother, a Romanian gypsy herbalist who grew cannabis alongside other herbs for medicinal purposes. He became proficient in crossbreeding indicas with sativas, creating award-winning new strains in the process.
Notable Strains: Blueberry, Flo, Old Time Moonshine
Achievements: DJ Short's Blueberry has won multiple Cannabis Cups and remains one of the most sought-after strains for its unique flavor and effects.
3. The Haze Brothers: Pioneers of Haze Genetics
We're counting these two as one entry in the list of five legendary cannabis breeders. The enigmatic Haze Brothers, believed to be based in California during the 1960s and 70s, are credited with developing the iconic Haze strain. This legendary sativa-dominant hybrid revolutionized the cannabis scene with its soaring highs and complex flavors. While their identities remain somewhat shrouded in mystery and stories vary from source to source, their contribution to cannabis breeding is undeniable, shaping the genetic landscape for generations to come.
Notable Strains: Haze, Original Haze
Achievements: The Haze Brothers' creations have won numerous awards and accolades, cementing their place in cannabis history as pioneers of sativa genetics.
4. Arjan Roskam: The Green House Seeds Visionary
Arjan Roskam, co-founder of Green House Seeds, is a visionary breeder known for his relentless pursuit of excellence in cannabis genetics. Under his leadership, Green House Seeds has produced some of the most iconic strains in the world, earning countless awards and accolades along the way. Roskam's commitment to innovation and quality has elevated the standards of cannabis breeding worldwide.
True innovation often means going against the grain, and Arjan did exactly that. At the time, most Amsterdam breeders focused on faster-flowering, higher-yielding varieties for the coffee houses. Arjan focused on exotic varieties with interesting characteristics and often slower-flowering varieties. Coffee houses were initially reluctant to entertain Arjan’s creations, but he believed in what he was doing and decided to set up his own coffee house instead. Named The Green House, it was an instant success, achieving broad recognition for the sheer quality of Arjan’s cannabis.
The Green House Seed Co was the next logical step for Arjan, and the accolades just kept coming. Throughout the 1990s and beyond, Arjan’s creations have racked up over 40 Cannabis Cup wins, a testament to his expertise and a reward for his refusal to compromise. Along with his brother Franco Loja, Arjan created the Strain Hunters project, a series of documentaries dedicated to searching for exceptional landraces around the world and 'pure' varieties unaffected by man.
Notable Strains:White Widow, Super Lemon Haze, Arjan's Haze
Achievements: Green House Seeds' strains have won over 40 Cannabis Cups, making them one of the most decorated seed banks in history.
5. Shantibaba: The Master Breeder Behind Mr. Nice Seeds
This list is in no particular order, but Shantibaba is an absolute shoo in if you're talking about five legendary cannabis breeders. Australian breeding genius Scott Blakey, better known as Shantibaba, is the co-founder of Mr. Nice Seeds. He is celebrated for his exceptional breeding skills and dedication to preserving classic cannabis genetics. With a focus on genetic stability and cannabinoid profiles, Shantibaba's creations have garnered widespread acclaim for their consistency and potency. His collaborative efforts with other breeders have resulted in some of the most beloved strains in the industry.
Shantibaba's journey with cannabis began at the age of 13 when he discovered its therapeutic properties. In the 1980s, he travelled an estimated 40,000 miles around Asia on his motorbike, collecting seeds of local landrace strains. At this time, he was given the name Shantibaba (Peace Person) by local Sadhus. In 1986, Shantibaba travelled South America for 11 months, where he continued to gather up cannabis seeds for collection and research. His career took a significant turn when he formed partnerships with Arjan Roskam and Nevil Schoenmakers, and together, they established the Green House Seed Co. While at Green House Seed Co, Shantibaba played a pivotal role in breeding several iconic strains that have become staples in cannabis culture. One of his most notable creations is "White Widow," a potent hybrid renowned for its resinous buds and powerful effects. White Widow quickly gained acclaim and remains one of the most popular strains worldwide. Shantibaba’s creation won the Cannabis Cup in 1995
Notable Strains: Critical Mass, White Widow, Black Widow, El Nino, Mango Haze
Achievements:Shantibaba's strains have won numerous Cannabis Cups and High Times awards, showcasing his mastery of cannabis breeding and selection.
5 Legendary Cannabis Breeders: Summary
These five legendary cannabis breeders. represent the pinnacle of breeding achievements in the cannabis industry, with names forever etched in folklore. As more bold new creations appear every year, it’s evident that the trail was blazed by the breeders above. While others seek to emulate their achievements, we may never again see such pivotal figures in the breeding game.
Next time you blaze up, consider this: whatever you have in your hand, chances are high that one of the legends above has influenced that beautiful bud. Whether they bred the strain itself, are responsible for the strains behind the strain, or possibly innovated breeding techniques, their hand continues to guide cannabis breeding to this day—and will continue to do so for years to come.
