Chasing Unicorns – The Global Pheno Hunt
As part of their research and development programs, Ben explains that HSC is now conducting phenohunts internationally. By strategically expanding operations to countries where cannabis is legalized, the company has further solidified its reputation as one of the leading seed banks in the industry. This expansion has enhanced their visibility and accessibility, allowing the company to conduct phenohunts in new markets and fostering a global network of cannabis enthusiasts.
“For the first time, thanks to the worldwide trend in legalization, we have been able to take the Pheno hunt global. From Jamaica, Antigua, Germany, and Morocco, we have explored millions of plants, gaining a new, unique understanding of cannabis’s true potential.”
Morocco
Morocco’s genetic diversity offers a unique opportunity for cannabis research. Establishing relationships with local farmers, who have cultivated the cannabis plant for generations, is crucial. Amid the breathtaking Kiff mountains, a groundbreaking breeding initiative is underway to document these farmers’ stories and preserve their traditions, ensuring they have a voice in the changing landscape of cannabis legalization while focusing on culture, genetics, and regional terroir.
The genetic aspect of the Beldia encompasses its origins, thriving conditions, and characteristics. Its drought resistance contributes to environmental sustainability, enabling growth in diverse regions. This resilience confirms its robustness, allowing it to thrive under challenging circumstances marking it as a valuable cultivation option. International genetics enhance cannabinoid production, enabling these plants to flourish with minimal water and addressing the ongoing drought. Ben remarks:
“After a century of suppression, we are playing catch up when it comes to applying modern breeding techniques to cannabis. Triploids, which can occur naturally in cannabis, hold exciting promises for the future.
Strong evidence suggests a percentage of these plants will be seedless, more potent, and better for hash production. This is especially interesting in regions like Morocco, where the pollen burden from endemic plants is so significant that it pollinates plants in southern Spain.”
Our conversation delved into the robust traits of the Beldia strain, which stem from global and regional genetics. The diverse expressions of cannabis in Morocco result from the mingling of global genetics with the local Beldia strain, resulting in a myriad of distinct characteristics. Interestingly, despite this variety, the Beldia strain consistently emerges as the dominant cultivar, showcasing its resilience and adaptability in cannabis cultivation in the region.
Antigua and Barbuda
Along with grower extraordinaire Ed Rosenthal, HSC has partnered with Dr. Machel Emanuel of the University of the West Indies to revive Indigenous cannabis strains from the Caribbean. They aim to modernize pure Caribbean sativa genetics while exploring regional strains. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of agricultural biodiversity in tropical environments by identifying the finest specimens among thousands of Caribbean Queen plants.
Northern California genetics are being grown locally and documented to create strains adapted to the challenging Caribbean climate in Jamaica, Antigua, and Barbuda. Due to the equatorial climate, these hybrids have the potential to grow enormously. Their aim is to discover these outstanding plants and study their characteristics, growth patterns, and resilience to ensure the successful preservation of these invaluable genetics.
Dr. Machel emphasizes that collaborating with Humboldt Seed Company has been a game-changer for the cannabis community in the Caribbean. They now have access to genetic stock selected and bred to maximize economic potential in the tropics.
The traditional ganja culture in this region is deeply rooted in generations of farmers who depend on cannabis cultivation as a livelihood. Many farmers may lack access to infrastructure like lighting, greenhouses, and ventilation for cultivating temperate hybrids in the tropics.
However, equipping the farmers with seeds that do not require manipulation of the external environment to reap success presents an opportunity to cultivate using traditional techniques while meeting the aesthetics and organoleptic qualities of cannabis in the modern marketplace.
Germany
After the legalization of cannabis in Germany, HSC established a collaborative partnership with Humboldt University of Berlin to delve into the study of cannabis genetics and morphology. The research extends to various Humboldt strains and involves in-depth work with tissue culture techniques. This partnership aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of cannabis genetics and to explore the potential for larger phenohunts throughout Europe.
Leon König, a renowned cannabis cultivation expert, passionately discusses an innovative genetics program. He emphasizes the need for adaptability throughout the seasons, noting, “Berlin’s summer is ideal for vegetative growth, but autumn can be harsh. Autoflowering plants are safer, yet the cold-resistant, short-flowering photoperiodic strains from HSC surprised me.” He highlights Blueberry Muffin as the first officially registered THC strain at the university, calling it the program’s standout.
“It’s highly versatile, suitable for indoor and outdoor cultivation, and known for its ease of care, disease resistance, and quick flowering time. It’s a strain that symbolizes the program’s dedication to advancing cannabis research and cultivation, making it a reliable choice for researchers at Humboldt University.”
The research program at Humboldt University focuses on medical and nutritional applications. The initiative also explores various cannabis production processes, both post- and pre-harvest, along with the burgeoning legal industry. This partnership holds promising prospects for the emergence of the legal sector in the coming years, with both parties aiming to contribute to genetic advancements throughout Europe.
