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One of the most famous, interesting and significant seedbanks in human history is, of course, Green House Seeds. Its creator and owner Arjan Roskam is renowned for discovering, developing, and distributing some of the highest-quality cannabis genetics available. His ambitions extend further, with aspirations of becoming the first cannabis billionaire. While it’s uncertain if he’s reached that milestone yet, his journey had humble beginnings. Greenhouse Seed Co left a lasting impact on cannabis culture.
History of Green House Seed Company
The Green House Seed Company, often simply called Greenhouse Seeds, is one of the most influential and award-winning cannabis seed banks in the world. Founded in Amsterdam, it has played a pivotal role in modernizing cannabis breeding by introducing hybrid strains suited for indoor cultivation and shorter flowering times, transforming the industry from predominantly long-flowering sativas to a diverse array of hybrids. With over 40 High Times Cannabis Cup victories and a global reputation for quality genetics, Greenhouse has been at the forefront of cannabis innovation since the late 20th century. Below is a chronological overview of its key milestones.
Early Foundations (1980s–1993)
- 1984–1991: Roots in The Seed Bank. The story begins with Nevil Schoenmakers, an Australian cannabis breeder who founded «The Seed Bank» (later «The Seed Bank of Holland») in 1984 after fleeing U.S. authorities. Schoenmakers imported elite genetics from California, including strains from Sam «The Skunkman» Watson (e.g., Skunk #1, Original Haze, Hindu Kush). He pioneered the first commercial cannabis seed bank, selling to over 15,000 growers worldwide by 1986 and creating hybrids by crossing equatorial sativas with Afghani indicas for better indoor yields. In 1991, he sold the company to Sensi Seeds but soon left to co-found Greenhouse.
- Arjan Roskam’s Early Influence. Arjan Roskam, the self-proclaimed «King of Cannabis,» began collecting exotic genetics in the 1980s during travels to Thailand, Nepal, and beyond. Obsessed with Haze varieties, he focused on breeding standout strains while others prioritized mass production. Roskam opened the iconic Green House coffeeshop in Amsterdam in 1985, which became a hub for testing and showcasing new genetics.
Founding and Rise to Prominence (1994–2000)
- 1994: Official Founding. Greenhouse Seeds was established in Amsterdam by Arjan Roskam and Scott Blakey, building directly on Sam the Skunkman’s 1984 seed collection (including foundational strains like Durban Poison and Cali-O). They aimed to normalize cannabis globally for medicinal and recreational use, emphasizing high-quality, innovative breeding. Nevil Schoenmakers joined as head breeder, bringing his expertise.
- 1995–1998: Early Breakthroughs and Schoenmakers’ Departure. The company quickly gained traction with strains like Super Silver Haze (a 1997 Sativa Cup winner) and White Widow. Greenhouse’s hybrids addressed growers’ needs for faster-flowering, temperate-climate-adapted plants, revolutionizing coffee shop menus and seed catalogs. By 1998, with multiple Cannabis Cup wins, Schoenmakers sold his shares and stepped back to pursue other projects, leaving Roskam at the helm.
- Key Early Strains: Super Lemon Haze, Great White Shark, and King’s Kush emerged as staples, earning the company its first wave of awards and establishing it as a leader in sativa-dominant hybrids.
Expansion and Global Impact (2000s)
- 2000s: Awards Domination and Diversification. Greenhouse solidified its dominance, winning over 30 Cannabis Cups with strains like Super Silver Haze (multiple first places) and Flowerbomb Kush. They expanded their catalog to include indicas, hybrids, and early autoflowering versions of classics. The company also launched the Strain Hunters project in 2008—a documentary series and expedition team (led by Roskam and Franco Loja) to preserve rare landraces from regions like Morocco, India, and Jamaica, directly tying into Greenhouse’s genetics preservation efforts.
- Business Growth: By the mid-2000s, Greenhouse was the most successful cannabis business globally, with coffeeshops, seed sales, and merchandise. They faced scrutiny over claims of breeding iconic strains like White Widow but maintained their reputation through consistent quality.
Modern Era and Legacy (2010s–Present)
- 2010s: Innovation and International Reach. Greenhouse continued racking up awards (e.g., 2012’s Flowerbomb Kush for Indica Cup) and introduced modern hybrids like Exodus Cheese and Hawaiian Snow. They expanded into the U.S. market with Strain Hunters USA in Denver (opened around 2014) and focused on autoflowering and feminized seeds to meet evolving demands. Despite controversies (e.g., breeder Shantibaba’s 2010s claims that Greenhouse altered his genetics for strains like White Widow), the company thrived, emphasizing non-GMO, untreated seeds.
- 2020s and Beyond: As of 2025, Greenhouse remains a powerhouse with nearly 100 strains in its catalog, including autos and regulars. Led by Roskam, it continues Strain Hunters expeditions for biodiversity preservation and pushes for global legalization. Future plans likely involve further R&D in high-THC/CBD hybrids and international expansion, though as a private entity, details are limited. The company operates from greenhouseseeds.nl and U.S. outlets, stocking seeds at major retailers worldwide.
Notable Strains and Achievements
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Iconic Strains | Super Silver Haze (multiple Sativa Cups), Super Lemon Haze (2008 Cup winner), White Widow, Flowerbomb Kush (2012 Indica Cup), Exodus Cheese. |
| Awards | 42+ High Times Cannabis Cups; 17 Highlife Cups; Best Seed Company (2008 Cannabis Tipo Forte Expo). |
| Innovations | Pioneered indoor-friendly hybrids; Landrace preservation via Strain Hunters; Early adopter of autos and fems. |
Greenhouse Seeds’ legacy lies in its blend of adventure, science, and advocacy—turning cannabis from a niche pursuit into a global movement. For current offerings, visit their official site or authorized retailers.