[VIDEO] How Dutch seed banks changed cannabis forever

The history of modern cannabis cannot be told without mentioning the Netherlands. Often associated with Amsterdam coffeeshops, the country also played a central role in the development of the cannabis seed banks, that have shaped the world's most famous varieties.

This is precisely the subject of our new YouTube video: «The secret history of Dutch cannabis seed banks».», an unprecedented dive into the history of breeding and the people who transformed a simple seed into a giant. global industry.

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From coffeeshops to the first seedbanks

In the 1970s, the Netherlands adopted a pragmatic and tolerant approach to cannabis, allowing the emergence of the first coffeeshops. But behind this social revolution lay another transformation: that of the cultivation of varieties adapted to the European climate.

The first seeds imported from Thailand, Afghanistan or Colombia produced plants that were difficult to grow under Dutch skies. It was then that pioneers launched the first Dutch seed banks, The result is robust, powerful hybrids.

Legendary breeders

Our video looks back at the history of several emblematic figures:

• Nevil Schoenmakers, founder of The Seedbank, who introduced American genetics such as Skunk #1 and Haze to Europe.
• Shantibaba, creator of White Widow and co-founder of Mr. Nice Seedbank.
• Ben Dronkers, founder of Sensi Seeds, Jack Herer and Super Skunk have become legendary varieties.

These breeders, along with others, have laid the foundations of a genetics that is now indispensable worldwide, for both recreational and medical cannabis.

Worldwide influence

Today, varieties born in Amsterdam can be found in the catalogs of the world's leading growers. The White Widow, the Northern Lights or the Jack Herer have become classics, available both in coffeeshops and in pharmacies via standardized medical cannabis.

Like tulips, cheese or tomatoes, the cannabis seeds have become an export product and a symbol of Dutch innovation.