Arjan Roskam

How do you get crowned King of Cannabis? Arjan Roskam clearly has the answer.

Arjan Roskam is a singular character. He is currently the founding owner of Green House coffeeshops, the Green House Seed Company seed bank and several other businesses such as Strain Hunters, a series of reports on the search for original cannabis. He is also the only grower in the world to have won 38 Cannabis Cups. And he learned from the best.

Arjan was crowned King of Cannabis in the 90s. Before that, in the 80s, Neville Schoenmakers carried this title. Neville had made the Haze in Amsterdam and created several hybrids of this plant, even though it was considered to take too long to flower, and was therefore rarely used. He had also created the first seed bank, the Super Sativa Seed Club. In 1991, Neville retired and left Amsterdam, leaving the throne free for Arjan.

The main aim of Arjan's «coronation», he says, is to normalize cannabis around the world, and promote a positive cannabis culture in mainstream media.

In the 90s, most coffeeshops were dark, crowded and sold only hash and weed imported from Thailand or Jamaica. In 1985, Arjan began growing exotic strains donated by some of his friends and «hunted» on trips to Thailand, Nepal and other Southeast Asian countries. The growers who supplied the coffees at the time were only interested in high-yielding, short-flowering varieties. Arjan, on the other hand, began experimenting with his favourite variety: Haze, as a true heir to Neville. Unfortunately, coffees were not interested in this variety because of its long flowering period and high price.

After several years of trying to convince people to sell his haze, Arjan decided to open his own coffee shop, the Green House, in 1992. In 1993, Arjan entered the Green House in the 6th Cannabis Cup and immediately won first prize. In 1994, Arjan took almost all the prizes in the High Times Cannabis Cup. His success earned him a place on the cover of High Times in 1995.

Many smokers flocked to the Green House to sample the finest cannabis created by Arjan. The first celebrities were quick to show up and pose with Arjan. The photos still hang on the walls of his coffee shop.

Snoop dogg at Green House coffee

These celebrities have helped Arjan spread his message about cannabis consumption and his cannabis culture. For example, Arjan asked Woody Harrelson to speak out in favor of the decriminalization of cannabis in the United States.

Arjan's vision is now a reality: the United States legalize or decriminalize the use of cannabis, whether for medical or recreational purposes. Uruguay has completely legalized cannabis, and half the countries in Europe have decriminalized cannabis for personal use. Cannabis social clubs have opened in Spain. And Amsterdam, once at the center of the battle for legalization, is now one of the few countries in the world where consuming cannabis is socially accepted.

Since opening the first Green House, Arjan has opened 4 other coffees, one of the most successful seed banks, a foundation and won several awards for his documentaries.

Vice followed Arjan on his «hunt» for untouched, unprocessed cannabis strains. We bring you this Kings of Cannabis« report» below.