Becoming a Breeder: A patient-based breeding program helps others to heal through cannabis
Huckelberry Kush by Relic Seeds
The History of Dynasty Genetics by Professor P of Dynasty Genetics
It was the summer of 1996 in the sweltering heat of upstate New York when I decided it was time for a change. Over night, I gathered my seed collection along with other essentials and began the westward bound journey. 18 years old and 2,800 miles away from home was more intimidating than I expected but soon became engaged with like-minded folks.
I began the next chapter in this new stage of life after getting a job and settling into an apartment on Mt. Hood, Oregon. It took several paychecks to get the growing gear I needed but eventually I acquired lights, fans, soil and other basic supplies for the initial indoor seed crop.
I’ll never forget germinating my first seeds and the joy they brought when experiencing them grow under the climate that I had personally provided.
Starduster Greenhouse. Photo by Professor P at Dynasty Genetics.
Cannabis and I had a very special relationship from the get-go, and I saw that there was much more potential than I ever imagined.
My path becoming a cannabis grower/breeder was unique from many others. I made my own seeds and grew them out before I ever grew a clone, with no intentions other than self-sufficiency.
I observed cannabis as a cure firsthand though a close friend who suffered from epilepsy
Dynasty Genetics Seeds. Photo by Professor P.
After a few successful seed crops, I had no choice but to produce more seeds before the original supply was completely diminished. With this process, came the determination to create the best strains for growers and friends in the community that I became directly involved with.
First hand, I observed cannabis as a cure for a close friend who regularly suffered from Epilepsy.
Only one strain I had was effective for suppressing his seizures, so that was the one I focused on over the first few years of breeding. Witnessing those moments of healing, I began to understand the amazing potential of cannabis’ medicinal qualities and I made sure to hold onto certain traits just for that.
The love and determination grew stronger with every plant grown
Starduster: Creative, clear thought provoking buzz followed by a euphoric full body sensation. Great strain for functional pain relief. Photo by Professor P at Dynasty Genetics.
Living within a booming medical cannabis community it was common occurrence to come across local and elite clones such as the Oregon Afghani, Oregon Blueberry (purple thai), skunk #1, The Cough, Snowbud, original NL#1, NL#5, Strawberry fields (90s Vermont clone only), purple urkle, Trinity, Arcata Trainwreck, Chem D, Jasmine, Dogshit sativa, NW Pineapple, William’s Wonder, Blue Magoo and many mor I learned more than I could have ever imagined by growing and breeding with many of these old cultivars I’ve come across. Some don’t breed as well as anticipated, while others breed wonderfully. The learning process was agonizing at times but that made success even sweeter.
Throughout the late 90s and 2000s, I expanded my seed collection from several to several hundred cultivars, ranging from South African, Afghani, Mexican, California, Oregon, Dutch, Canadian and more. Seed collecting became more than a hobby, it became an obsession. Having experience with many of strains that had hit the market from mid 90s to the present date, I continued to avoid certain genes in the belief that they are detrimental to the stability and longevity of the cannabis gene pool.
I discovered a profoundly greater understanding of medical cannabis after a near death experience
Close up of stigmas on marijuana. Photo by Professor P of Dynasty Genetics
After a beautiful 8 years living in the mountains with no computer or internet, I eventually moved closer to the Oregon medical scene that I had been directly involved with over the last decade. Shortly after my move, I had a near death experience when my friend and I were hit head on by a drunk driver. Unable to walk for months, I discovered an even greater understanding for use of medical cannabis and the looming dangers of pharmaceutical pain medicine. At that point, it was one of the biggest moments of clarity that I’ve had in my entire life.
Over the next few years I helped many patients in need by donating seeds, clones, buds, hash and edibles. Growing and care-giving for multiple patients, broadened my understanding of ailment specific plants and their capabilities of healing. After my accident I became stricter on the parental selection process, and in most circumstances I would choose medicinal values over any other traits.
Cvc Calyx Purps. Photo by Professor P of Dynasty Genetics.
Most of this was done with the help of patient feedback. In the past I had been extremely partial to Sativas and Sativa Hybrids, but my work expanded towards the Indica realm after one of my best friends lost his leg in a snowboarding accident. The most effective indica for this post surgery was Oregon Afghani, but it didn’t yield high enough or have a fast enough veg time. When a mutual friend approached me about making a Oregon Afghani hybrids for our friend, I certainly didn’t decline. We ended up making several indica hybrids with the clone provided and they were deemed lifesavers.
Passion for patient’s stories over profits has been our moral compass
Platinum Huckleberry Cookies Trichrome: The potency is intense and should be intended as medicine for patients with higher tolerance. Photo by Professor P at Dynasty Genetics.
Working side-by-side with other compassionate medical growers has been tremendously helpful and very motivating for Dynasty Genetics and myself. I’m very grateful for being closely connected to so many masterful growers that bring out the best in the plant that we love so much. Passion for patients over profits has been a moral compass for much of the process, and will remain to be so. Some of the stories we have heard from our patients makes us strive to be better growers, breeders and most of all, better people.
With over a decade of implementing this “function over fashion” breeding methodology, we’ve seen strains test with some interesting anomalies. Our Kali Snapple was recently tested for the fist time since her creation began in 2002, and came in with a whopping 3.4% CBGa. These factors often create an effect that is not necessarily translated the same as THC percentage, but more of a catalyst that amplifies the perceived potency for the user. To this date some factors remain unmeasurable to testing or undiscovered.
I believe as the evolution of cannabis continues, testing labs will gain information and learn from growers, while in turn growers will discover parallel relation in traits and treatments for certain numbers that current technology provides. n the meantime, there is a balance to be found which begins with the relationship between plant and a person, not solely a machine. The more aware we are about the current effects of cannabis on our body and not a digital readout, the more we become in tune with our body and nature itself.
Relic Seeds
With over 20 years of cannabis breeding experience, Dynasty Genetics founder, Professor P, recently established Relic Seeds with the goal to streamline his genetic salvation efforts and share his collected heirlooms, landrace and unique CBD varieties with future generations to come. Amidst much of the gene pool becoming diluted and disappearing at a rapid rate, there has been concern throughout the cannabis community at a global level. Since launching Relic Seeds, Professor P experienced huge support and camaraderie from fellow preservationists that has spurred worldwide collaborations.
Purple tip 3 trichs by Relic Seeds
You can join them on their journey following the breadcrumbs back to where it started. Discover more at Relic Seeds & Dynasty Genetics.
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