Staying true to our roots

Ben Dronkers in the field of marihuana

We have seen the cannabis industry spread across the world. However, a subject rarely discussed is that of forgetting where it all comes from. New strains appear daily and our relentless search for the “big new thing” means that the older genetics are at high risk of fading away.

Over 30 years, we have seen the cannabis industry grow from a few seeds, to spread out across the world, in thriving, ever-expanding fields. This evolution brought with it entrepreneurs, activists, philanthropists, profiteers, politicians, opposition, etc. All of which have played a crucial role in where we are today.

Ben Dronkers in the field of marihuana
Staying true to our roots

It is human nature that leads us to look to the future, to try to improve upon what we have achieved. This pursuit of progress has led to incredible discoveries, such as the identification and isolation of THC in 1964, the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the human body or even the incredible range of products that can be made from industrial hemp. It is this drive that has led to the developments of innumerable new cannabis varieties, providing a range of cannabinoid, terpene and flavonoid profiles we could only dream of in the good ol’ days.

This in turn has revolutionised our understanding of the medicinal potential of the cannabis plant while providing the recreational users among us with a plethora of tastes and effects to experience. Definitely nothing wrong there!

However, a subject rarely discussed is the inherent risks linked to this kind of incredibly quick evolution. That of forgetting where it all came from. New strains appear daily and our relentless search for the “big new thing” has as consequence that some of the older genetics are at high risk of fading away.

This is where we step in.

Throughout the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, genetics were gathered throughout the world and shared among the few who truly understood the value they had. Ben Dronkers was lucky enough to be one of these people and this is what allowed him, together with the help of his friends, to initiate what would lead to the most comprehensive cannabis genetic library available today: the Sensi Seeds Bank.

Ben Dronkers and Ed Rosenthal standing in the greenhouse filled with marihuana
Ben Dronkers and Ed Rosenthal

Not only did he understand the value of developing new exciting strains, he also understood the importance of preserving these genetics for future generations. It is to this end that Sensi Seeds has put such incredible effort in preserving these genetics over more than 30 years. Afghani, Thai, Moroccan, just a few examples of landraces we have pampered throughout all these years to ensure their continued existence.

This genetic goldmine is at the core of what has become the cannabis industry we know and love. It is from these genetic roots that the cannabis community flourished, and this is the highest form of reward we could ever have asked for.

Our search for cannabis genetics has never ceased in the last 30 years. Neither has our dedication to preservation ever diminished. We are to this day true to our roots and continually amazed by the versatility on this incredible plant, Cannabis Sativa L.

We are now, more than ever, aware that the future of cannabis genetic research lies in its past, in the genetics that started it all.

Grow On!

#growonsensi

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    Sensi Seeds

    The Sensi Seeds Editorial team has been built throughout our more than 30 years of existence. Our writers and editors include botanists, medical and legal experts as well as renown activists the world over including Lester Grinspoon, Micha Knodt, Robert Connell Clarke, Maurice Veldman, Sebastian Maríncolo, James Burton and Seshata.
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