Barney's Farm Genetics, Sensi Seeds and ILGM to merge in 2025

Three major cannabis companies announced on Wednesday at MJBizCon their intention to merge their operations and go public in the United States, which would be a first for cannabis seed companies.

Barney’s Farm Genetics and Sensi Seeds, based in Amsterdam, will merge with the U.S. company ILGM (I Love Growing Marijuana) while retaining the identities of their respective brands, company representatives announced. The transaction is expected to be finalized in early 2025, and an initial public offering is planned for the middle of the year.

«2025 will be a year of transformation, not only for our company, but also for cannabis growers and enthusiasts around the world,» said Derry Brett, founder of Barney's Farm Genetics, who will serve as CEO of the merged company.

The merger would create the world’s first publicly traded cannabis seed company, but the financial terms have not been disclosed. The companies’ joint press release does not contain any details about the target stock exchange or the start of formal negotiations with stock exchanges. And no further details have emerged.

The partnership would bring together the two Dutch seed banks and ILGM’s e-commerce platform, which has become one of the largest online seed retailers in the United States.

Barney’s Farm Genetics, founded in 1986, has built its reputation by collaborating with cannabis breeders around the world to develop new strains. Sensi Seeds, founded a year earlier, has one of the industry’s largest collections of cannabis genetic heritage.

Ben Dronkers, founder of Sensi Seeds, said that the merger «strikes a balance between honoring the traditional market and building a brighter future for the cannabis industry.».

The two companies plan to streamline their operations while expanding their reach in the European and North American markets. The new company would combine Barney’s Farm’s breeding programs, Sensi Seeds’ genetic library, and ILGM’s distribution network.

«This is more than just a business merger—it’s a game-changer,» said Mr. Brett. The partnership will combine «our reputation for premium genetics with Sensi’s extensive library of heirloom seeds and ILGM’s loyal customer base of home-growing enthusiasts.».

This announcement comes as companies in the cannabis industry are increasingly focusing on on the development of exclusive varieties in order to differentiate their products in competitive, maturing markets.