Our People
Our cannabis cultivation and science specialists carefully research and select each cultivar in our collection. Well-versed in the history of cannabis genetics and with decades of experience between them, our curators are unafraid of the unknown. They are dedicated to the creation of inspired, interesting cultivars.
Jim Hole, VP Cultivation
What is your favourite cultivar?
Zour Apples because of its amazing terpene profile. Its fruity fragrances are second to none. And beyond the fruitiness, I’m impressed by its vigorous growth habit.
What fascinates you about genetics?
The variation in the genetics between the cannabis cultivars is fascinating. From morphology to phytochemical profiles, variances in cultivars are often dramatically different.
What do you consider the most meaningful moment in cannabis history?
The day cannabis was legalized in Canada.
CHRIS ALESSANDRINI,
MASTER GROWER
What is your favourite cultivar?
My favourite cultivar at the moment has got to be Cactus Breath, bred by Thug Pug out of Michigan. The flower it produces looks and smells absolutely insane. It was the first variety that made me realize the game had changed. This cultivar was my first introduction to the new wave of next-level cannabis genetics being bred in the United States. Cactus Breath far surpassed almost everything I had seen up to this point.
What's your favourite part of growing cannabis?
My favourite part of growing cannabis is probably selecting for genetics (pheno-hunting). All the different aromas, colours and plant structures interest me. A large room or rolling table of different phenotypes resembles some sort of distant alien forestscape. Finding a keeper pheno that you know is going to blow minds is definitely rewarding.
What do you consider the most meaningful moment in cannabis history?
Hard to say. Cannabis being designated a prohibited drug in Canada back in 1925 was an extremely meaningful moment albeit on the negative end of the spectrum. But I’d say for me specifically, cannabis being legalized again in 2018 after nearly 100 years of prohibition is the most meaningful because it gave me an avenue to pursue a career that I love, in an industry that up until that point carried large risks and a negative stigma.
REED MYERS, CHIEF SCIENTIST
What is your favourite cultivar?
Australian Bastard Cannabis (ABC). There was a moment in time when this cultivar was thought to be an Internet-hyped myth, but recently photos came out of a male plant at the Oregon State Fair. ABC is an odd-looking landrace genetic from Australia and was recently stabilized by Hybritech, a cannabis breeder. Hybritech released it as Subterfuge #1 after 19 years of work on the project.
What fascinates you about genetics?
I’m passionate about extract production and hunting down new genetics. Genetics are fascinating because of the diversity and the hint of the unknown. The cannabis genus is so diverse and many breeders are working on different aspects. It’s always exciting to see something new—or even new to me!—being developed, like the 2019 Shapeshifters release of Freakshow seeds.
What do you consider the most meaningful moment in cannabis history?
Proposition 215 (1996). November 5, 1996. California. Until this point cannabis cultivation on a global level was either very small scale or guerrilla style. This and the following propositions throughout the United States finally gave cannabis enthusiasts a legal space to master the plant. This early work resulted in the breeding that produced the grandparents and great grandparents of modern production cultivars. Right now, across the planet, the cultivars being produced include the Cake, Kush Mints, anything Gorilla, Cookies and OG Kush strains. These genetics are the by-product of California voting to take action on November 5, 1996.
PHILIP LEMIEUX,
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
What is your favourite cultivar?
I love LA Kush Cake. This cultivar has a great aroma—and it’s very potent.
What's your favourite part of growing cannabis?
I’m fascinated by the process of extracting cannabis into amazing concentrates and products. At Natural History we are exploring new and exciting ways of processing cannabis into various concentrates and recreational products. I want to offer all consumers extracts of the highest quality
What do you consider the most meaningful moment in cannabis history?
Legalization in Canada. Let’s pave the way for the world!
JON SAN AGUSTIN,
HEAD GROWER
What is your favourite cultivar?
LA Kush Cake, hands down. The team selected this plant for its dense, dark-coloured, perfect-looking buds—and it’s potent! It has a savoury, sandalwood scent. We love growing it here!
What fascinates you about genetics?
My curiosity and passion for growing this plant is driven because of how little we understand. There is a massive amount of potential and data that is inside a gene. The genetic variety in cannabis is vast, and it’s been a privilege to explore that potential and be a small part of bringing it to the public.
What do you consider the most meaningful moment in cannabis history?
The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 is the notable point in time that effectively made marijuana illegal in the United States. Ultimately this led to the industry that is developing today, but it was also the beginning of problematic policies against marijuana that exist, which are rooted in incarceration and inequality. It is important that we recognize the negative impacts that cannabis regulations cause and be a proponent for proper regulation of this humble plant.
