15) Nevil Schoenmakers : "King" Of The Cannabis ?

Start of life and journey

Nevil Martin Schoenmakers was born on February 2, 1957 in Perth, Australia. At the age of 17, he moved to the Netherlands, where he was introduced to cannabis cultivation. Nevil quickly developed an interest in cannabis genetics, which led him to become one of the most influential figures in the cannabis industry.

The founding of The Seed Bank

In 1984, Nevil Schoenmakers founded The Seed Bank, the first commercial mail-order cannabis seed business. Based in the Netherlands, The Seed Bank has revolutionized the cannabis industry by making high-quality seeds accessible to growers around the world. Nevil has traveled the world collecting cannabis strains, often called landraces, from regions including Afghanistan, Thailand and Colombia.

Achievements and genetics created

Nevil is known for creating some of the most famous and influential cannabis strains. Here is a list of some of his creations and associated stories

Northern Lights

Description : A legendary strain, characterized by its white crystals and high potency.
Impact : She marked the history of modern cannabis.

Super Silver Haze (grace à Shantibaba)

Description : A cross between Skunk, Northern Lights and Haze.
Impact : Winner of several High Times Cannabis Cups.

White Rhino (thanks to Shantibaba)

Description : A cross between White Widow and a strong indica.
Impact : Renowned for its medicinal effects and potency.

G13 x Hashplant

Description : A legendary cross combining G13 and Hashplant.
Impact : Known for its powerful and long-lasting effects.

Strains influenced or popularized by Nevil

Nevil also contributed to the popularization and improvement of many other cannabis strains

Big Bud

Description : Known for its huge yields.
Impact : Used in many crosses to improve production.

Hash Plant

Description : A powerful indica strain, ideal for hash production.
Impact : Popular among resin producers.

Jack Herer

Description : A balanced hybrid between Haze, Northern Lights #5 and Skunk.
Impact : Name of Jack Herer, pro-cannabis activist, and very popular for its energetic effects.

Skunk #1

Description : A balanced hybrid, considered a modern founding strain.
Impact : Basis of numerous crossings and stabilizations.

Important collaborations

Green House Seed Company

In 1994, Nevil Schoenmakers co-founded the Green House Seed Company with Scott Blakey (aka Shantibaba) and Arjan Roskam. Together they have developed several Cannabis Cup winning strains, including White Widow, Super Silver Haze, White Rhino and Nevil’s Haze. However, by the end of the decade, a change in Dutch law prohibiting seed production, as well as conflicts of interest and egos, led Shantibaba and Nevil to part ways with Arjan.

Mr. Nice Seedbank

After leaving Greenhouse, Nevil and Shantibaba teamed up with Howard Marks (aka Mr. Nice) to form Mr. Nice Seed Bank. Shantibaba moved his operations to Switzerland while Nevil remained in the Netherlands, continuing his work in complete discretion. Nevil also used hash imported by Mr. Nice to treat his heroin addiction, showing the close relationship and mutual support between them.

Beliefs and influences

Nevil Schoenmakers was a cannabis purist. He strongly believed in the preservation of landraces and the importance of genetic diversity. His work has been influenced by major figures in the cannabis industry, such as Sam the Skunkman and the Haze Brothers. Nevil was also a strong advocate for cannabis legalization and often took public positions in support of the rights of growers and consumers..

Entourage and close friends

Nevil has worked with several influential figures in the cannabis industry

• Shantibaba : Co-founder of Mr. Nice Seedbank and partner of Nevil in several projects.
• Howard Marks (Mr. Nice) : Famous hashish trafficker and activist, Marks and Schoenmakers have collaborated on various projects.
• Ben Dronkers : Founder of Sensi Seeds, Dronkers has often collaborated with Nevil on breeding and preservation projects of cannabis genetics.
• DJ Short : In Switzerland with Mr. Nice Seedbank (creation of Flo).
• Brother Haze: Great relationship they created during Nevil's travels. Allowing Nevil to export the original Haze to Europe.

Nevil's acquisition of Haze seeds

Nevil Schoenmakers had a close relationship with the Haze Brothers, who are often credited with creating the first strains of Haze in the 1970s in California. These brothers, whose exact identities remain largely anonymous, were passionate growers who experimented with complex crosses of sativa strains from Mexico, Colombia, South India and Thailand..

Meeting the Haze Brothers

Nevil met the Haze Brothers through his travels and efforts to collect rare and valuable genetics. The Haze Brothers were known for their experimental and purist approach to cannabis cultivation, which resonated strongly with Nevil. Fascinated by Haze strains and their distinct psychedelic effects, Nevil recognized the unique potential of these strains.

Obtaining Original Haze Seeds

The exact details of the transaction between Nevil and the Haze Brothers are not widely documented, but it is well established that Nevil obtained the original Haze seeds directly from them. This acquisition allowed Nevil to introduce Haze genetics to Europe and begin its own work stabilizing and improving these strains..

Stabilization and Hybridization Work

With Haze seeds in hand, Nevil began intensive work to stabilize and improve these strains. Here are some of the key steps in this process:

Stabilization

Nevil worked on stabilizing Haze genetics, which were initially very variable in terms of phenotypes and flowering times. By selecting the best plants and carefully crossing them, he was able to create more uniform and predictable lines.

Creation of Hybrids

Nevil also used Haze to create new hybrids by crossing it with other famous strains like Northern Lights and Skunk. These crosses gave rise to some of the most famous and award-winning strains in cannabis history, including

• Super Silver Haze : A cross between Haze, Skunk #1 and Northern Lights. This strain has won several High Times Cannabis Cups and is known for its energetic and euphoric effects.
• Nevil's Haze : A sativa-dominant hybrid with a strong Haze influence, renowned for its psychedelic effects and long flowering time.

Impact and Legacy

Nevil's introduction of Haze to Europe had a significant impact on the cannabis industry. Haze strains became extremely popular among growers and consumers, and their influence is still felt today. Nevil's work with the Haze Brothers not only preserved these unique genetics, but also paved the way for many innovations in cannabis cultivation and genetics.

Nevil Schoenmakers and the Haze Brothers have left a lasting legacy, continuing to influence breeders and cannabis enthusiasts around the world. Their collaboration has been a cornerstone in the evolution of the cannabis industry, ensuring that Haze strains remain an integral part of modern cannabis culture..

Why Nevil is considered a purist

Nevil Schoenmakers is considered a purist for several reasons

• Commitment to quality : Nevil has always focused on creating high-quality cannabis strains, focusing on potency, yield and unique terpene profiles.
• Preservation of landraces : He has traveled the world collecting landraces, ensuring the preservation of cannabis genetic diversity.
• Innovation et influence : His strains laid the foundation for many modern cannabis lines, and his work continues to influence contemporary breeders..
• Activism for legalization : Nevil has always been a strong advocate for cannabis legalization, using his notoriety to promote legislative change.

Illness and Death

In 2019, Nevil Schoenmakers passed away from liver cancer, leaving behind a monumental legacy in the cannabis industry. He is still considered one of the most influential and respected pioneers in the field of cannabis breeding..

Conclusion

Nevil Schoenmakers will forever be a legend in cannabis history. His work laid the foundation for modern cannabis cultivation and genetics, and his legacy continues to influence breeders and cannabis enthusiasts around the world. His commitment to quality, landrace preservation, and innovation has shaped the cannabis industry as we know it today.