Gato's Journey from Colombian Cannabis Boom to Global Cultivation Expert

In the vibrant world of cannabis, few stories are as compelling as that of Alejandro, known as 'El Gato'. As the face of the Marimberos seed bank, Gato's life has been a rollercoaster of thrilling highs and perilous lows, deeply intertwined with the history of Colombian marijuana. His journey began in Medellín, where his father, a gallant rooster breeder, capitalized on the burgeoning cannabis boom of the 1970s, a time when Colombia was the epicenter of global marijuana production

The 1970s marked a golden era for Colombian cannabis, with the country producing over half of the world's supply. This period saw the rise of legendary strains such as Punto Rojo and Colombian Gold. Gato's father, known as 'Picotazo', transitioned from breeding roosters to smuggling marijuana to the United States, taking advantage of the demand for high-quality Colombian weed. This era of prosperity was not only lucrative but also notorious for its extravagant celebrations and the socio-economic transformation it brought to rural Colombia

Gato's early life was steeped in the culture of cannabis smuggling. His childhood memories include flying over the Bahamas in a contraband plane, asking if the lush greenery below was 'marimba' crops. As the business thrived, so did the risks. The 1980s saw a shift as the U.S. intensified its war on drugs, making marijuana transport increasingly dangerous and less profitable compared to cocaine, which soon dominated the illegal trade

Returning to Colombia from Miami, Gato's family witnessed the violent transition from marijuana to cocaine, a change that embroiled them in the dangerous world of cartels. His father, once a close associate of Pablo Escobar, had to flee for safety after Escobar's ruthless actions threatened their lives. This period of upheaval forced the family to relocate multiple times, seeking refuge from the escalating violence that marked Colombia's drug wars

Despite these challenges, Gato's passion for cannabis endured. His time in the United States exposed him to the burgeoning stoner culture and the art of cultivation. By the late 1990s, he had become an expert grower, traveling internationally to share his knowledge and genetics. His return to Colombia in the early 2000s saw him and his brothers pioneering high-quality cannabis cultivation, setting new standards that transformed local perceptions of marijuana

Tragedy struck again in the 2010s, with the violent deaths of Gato's brothers, victims of the same drug-fueled conflicts they had tried to escape. These losses prompted a pivotal decision: to leave Colombia behind and embrace a life devoid of violence. Encouraged by his daughter, Gato relocated to Europe, where he continues to cultivate cannabis, focusing on peace and innovation rather than the perilous past

Today, Gato stands as a testament to resilience and transformation. As the face of Marimberos, he channels his expertise into creating premium cannabis products while advocating for a peaceful and progressive approach to the industry. His story is not only a chronicle of personal survival but also a reflection of the broader shifts within the global cannabis landscape