Shantibaba: The Accidental Hero of Cannabis Genetics

Scott Blakey, known in the cannabis world as Shantibaba, has become a pivotal figure in the development of modern cannabis genetics. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Scott began his journey in the 1980s, financing his travels to Asia by cultivating and selling cannabis. He returned from these trips with seeds from various regions, which he used to develop new cannabis strains. His early experiments in guerrilla growing in the forests of Mullumbimby, Australia, led to the creation of Mullumbimby Madness, a strain that became iconic in the Australian cannabis scene

Scott's passion for breeding new cannabis strains took him to Amsterdam in the 1990s, a time when the city was the epicenter of cannabis culture. Here, he joined forces with other legendary breeders like Nevil Schoenmakers and Rob Clark. The legal environment of Amsterdam allowed them to work openly, selling their creations in coffee shops and investing in indoor growing techniques. This shift from outdoor to indoor cultivation enabled them to harvest multiple times a year, accelerating the development and refinement of cannabis genetics

A significant turning point in Scott's career was his brief incarceration in Switzerland, which led him to seek legal avenues for his work. This experience inspired him to co-found CBD Crew, a genetics research group focused on developing high-CBD, low-THC strains. These strains were pivotal in the burgeoning CBD industry, contributing to the development of products like Epidiolex and supporting the growth of hemp-based businesses in the U.S. following the 2018 Farm Bill

The advent of lab testing transformed the cannabis breeding landscape, allowing breeders like Scott to gain precise insights into the chemical composition of their strains. This scientific approach replaced the trial-and-error methods previously used, where growers relied on personal experience to judge the effects of their plants. The ability to measure specific compounds such as THC and CBD has been instrumental in advancing the medicinal cannabis industry

Scott reflects on his journey from being viewed as a 'scalawag' to becoming a respected cannabis geneticist. The legalization of cannabis has allowed him and others in the industry to work openly and confidently. Scott now mentors young breeders, sharing his knowledge and learning from them in return. He believes that cannabis itself is a 'living teacher,' offering lessons to those who cultivate it

Looking to the future, Scott sees the cannabis industry entering a 'second wave,' characterized by more specialized and quality-focused companies. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and believes that smaller operations can offer superior products due to their ability to focus on quality over quantity. Scott continues to be deeply involved in the industry, running several businesses and experimenting with new strains, demonstrating his enduring passion for cannabis genetics