By Mark Smith
Featured image – Don Carlos photo credit Erik Christiansen
Pheno-hunting is a method for identifying and selecting specific cannabis plants based on desirable attributes. These attributes may encompass flavor, aroma, potency, yield, and resistance to pests or diseases. Depending on these traits, growers typically choose to keep or eliminate a plant from their selection. This rigorous process ensures that only the highest quality plants are cultivated or bred. Join us as we delve into the art of large-scale pheno-hunting with Humboldt Seed Company (HSC).
The Breeders Behind the Phenohunt
Nestled within the dense woodlands and rugged terrain of the Emerald Triangle in Northern California, HSC focuses on preserving and improving cannabis genetics while building trust and connections with local growers within the community. This region comprises the counties of Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino. It is renowned as the most significant cannabis-producing area in the United States, with a rich history of cultivation dating back to the late 1960s.
Established by Nat Pennington and Ben Lind, HSC has collected extensive cannabis seeds from dedicated heritage growers, skillfully stabilizing and crossbreeding them to enhance their genetic diversity and adaptability. This refined process ensures the seeds are tailored to thrive in California’s unique climate and terroir, characterized by its varied microclimates, nutrient-rich soils, and distinct environmental conditions. In addition to these California-centric strains, HSC has a diverse selection of seeds suitable for various bioregions sold in legal cannabis markets worldwide.
Nat Pennington, CEO of HSC, has been breeding cannabis and restoring rivers in Humboldt County for over 20 years. With a background in salmon genomics, he understands the need for unbiased cannabis genomics research. Pennington founded Humboldt Seed Company in 2001 to provide strong cannabis genetics that require fewer pesticides and offer a more sustainable approach to farming. He has also founded nonprofit organizations and played a crucial role in negotiating the removal of dams on the Klamath River.
Ben Lind, Chief Science Officer and co-owner of HSC, has deep roots in the cannabis industry. His passion for preserving ancient landrace genetics was ignited during his time as a paleoecologist in Mongolia. Ben focuses on developing stable, award-winning cannabis seed lines by preserving heritage genetics from diverse global bioregions. His careful enhancement process ensures these strains adapt to modern cultivation, honoring cannabis’s history while improving quality and resilience for cultivators and enthusiasts in the cannabis community.
Back to the Roots
The counterculture movement of the 1960s in the U.S. sparked massive interest in homegrown cannabis. This led to the emergence of selective breeding in California, where growers began crossing landrace varieties from around the world to create cannabis hybrids capable of facing the varied climate challenges and the range of pests and diseases associated with them. This marked the early stages of pheno-hunting.
Throughout the 1980s, cannabis breeding transformed as Californian and Dutch breeders created hybrid strains by crossing Southeast Asian and South American landraces. Dutch seedbanks offered a legal platform for breeders. This process was crucial in developing iconic strains like Skunk #1, Northern Lights, Trainwreck, and Haze. With indoor cultivation growth, pheno-hunting enabled growers to select specific traits, paving the way for a new wave of genetic diversity.
The cannabis community experienced a surge in hybridization during the 1990s, leading to the emergence of renowned strains like OG Kush, White Widow, Jack Herer, and AK-47, known for their potency and vibrant growth characteristics. Indoor growing techniques became more advanced, allowing breeders to grow multiple cannabis strains simultaneously. This era saw a focus on optimizing cannabinoid levels and terpene profiles influenced by the medical movement in California.
The legalization of recreational cannabis in California in 2016 with Proposition 64 provided a significant boost for the cannabis seed industry on the West Coast of America. This opened up various opportunities for HSC to expand its market. They transitioned from distributing genetics to farms across California to distributing high-quality seeds through dispensaries across the state, becoming California’s largest licensed cannabis seed seller.
The Big California Phenohunt
Recognizing the highly competitive nature of the large-scale cannabis cultivation industry, HSC made a strategic decision to prioritize quality over quantity. This involves extensively evaluating multiple plant varieties to select the best genetics. By doing so, the company ensures that only the most superior and resilient strains are chosen, thereby maintaining their unwavering commitment to producing top-tier genetics and setting them apart in a crowded market.
During a conversation with Nat, he articulates that the primary objective behind the pheno hunts was to preserve and showcase the unparalleled diversity of genetics originating from the Emerald Triangle. This region is renowned for its unique and rich genetic lineage, significantly influencing various cannabis strains across the broader industry today. He continues to explain that:
“Capturing the plant in clonal form is something we initiated back in 2005. This is important because cannabis is not generally seeded in its most common uses. Capturing each genetic in its vegetative state is essential in pheno-hunting because you need a living copy of the phenos you select to work within your breeding program.
Since 2018, HSC has since embarked on extensive phenohunts at numerous top cannabis farms throughout Northern California. Through these annual phenohunts, Ben and Nat aim to provide over one hundred attendees with an in-depth look at their intricate breeding programs. This initiative highlights the company’s commitment to high-quality cultivation and showcases the meticulous processes involved in its ongoing quest to develop new and innovative cannabis strains.
We observed the immediate benefits of this method in the early 2000s and utilized the rapid scaling of the cannabis industry to expand our hunts, reaching 10,000 plants as early as 2018. Hunting on this scale and employing a standardized, science-based data collection method with lab testing has allowed us to get to where we are today.”
The annual phenohunts were created to communally search for specific plant characteristics and phenotypes across multiple farms. These events bring together scientists, cultivators, and connoisseurs to search for unique traits based on aroma, flavor, potency, and overall growth characteristics. The main objective is to explore and identify a range of diverse genetics while developing new strains and enhancing old classics through innovation and genetic variety.
Attendees have the opportunity to examine a staggering 10,000 individual cannabis plants and help identify 10 to 20 genetics that will serve as the foundation for future seed development. These gatherings are pivotal in shaping the future of cannabis cultivation in California, as they enable the community to impact the upcoming genetic releases. The selected cuttings from each participating farm were preserved, paving the way for ongoing enhancement of the plants with desirable traits.
When speaking to Jorge Cervantes, he explained that participating in the 2024 Phenohunt as part of the Emerald Legends Tour was an incredible experience that reinforced his passion for cannabis cultivation and education.
“The opportunity to explore HSC’s innovative Triploid lines and exciting new varieties like Granny Candy, Jelly Donutz × Poddy Mouth, Chicken N Wafflez × Gazzurple, and Orange Cream Pop was truly eye-opening, showcasing the remarkable advancements in selective breeding.”
As Ben describes it, hunting for unicorns, or unique phenotypes, has even led the hunt to Lansing, Michigan, where they collaborate with a local indoor growing facility to combine the knowledge and skills of Humboldt growers with the innovative practices of Detroit. This partnership aims to refine a curated selection of classic Humboldt strains tailored explicitly for indoor cultivation. With an ear-to-ear smile, Courtney Rodgers from Illiad Epic Grow emphasizes that:
“A plant that knows no boundaries. I’m honored to help bridge the gap between the heritage of Humboldt sun-grown and the modern indoor legal market in Michigan.”
The Art of Selecting the Perfect Strain
Engaging in pheno-hunting requires keen observation and often requires multiple generations of breeding to achieve optimal results. Experienced growers recognize that developing a top-quality strain demands significant time and effort, yet the rewards are substantial. By being dedicated and observant, growers can identify the finest phenotypes from each succession. As the attendees walk through the crops, they will see several key characteristics that they must rate from one to ten.
The physical appearance of cannabis plants, including their height, leaf shape, and branching, is heavily influenced by their genetic structure and overall plant morphology. Indica-dominant strains are typically shorter and bushier in stature, whereas sativa-dominant strains are known for being taller, exhibiting larger internodal spacing, and featuring elongated leaves. These characteristics are vital in determining the plants’ growth patterns and morphology.
Depending on the strain, the flowering period can range from as little as six weeks to as long as 16 weeks. Some growers may prioritize strains with shorter flowering times for quicker harvests, while others prefer longer flowering times for distinctive traits and effects. Selecting cannabis phenotypes of the West Indies resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors is also beneficial for a more sustainable and healthier cultivation environment without any unnecessary stress.
Remember the importance of the visual appeal of cannabis flowers for marketability. You want to avoid selecting weed that looks like schwag. During the hunt, breeders often look for resinous, densely structured flowers and vibrant colors, which are more attractive and usually indicate a rich cannabinoid and terpene profile. Unless they have a unique terpene profile, light, airy buds are often seen as inferior and may not provide the desired cannabinoid levels.
Terpenes play a significant role in determining the distinct aromas and flavors of cannabis. Strains with exceptionally gassy or fruity terpene profiles are often popular among enthusiasts. Therefore, during the pheno-hunting process, paying close attention to terpenes is crucial, as the appealing aromas can significantly influence the overall appeal of the strain. Additionally, terpenes play a vital role in the entourage effect, maximizing the therapeutic experience by synergizing with cannabinoids.
Like Unicorns, Each One’s a Rare Breed
Over the years, Nat’s daughter and Product Executive, Halle Pennington, has entered thousands of participant’s rating sheets into their database. While the trends in cannabis are constantly evolving, the numeric rating system has generally stayed the same since the company published its protocol nearly a decade ago, allowing anyone to download the protocol from its website and try their hand at hunting. The top five strains are determined based on this comprehensive analysis, ensuring that only the finest selections reach the forefront of the phenohunt results.
The top cultivars are carefully selected and sent to the geneticist, Richard Phillbrook, for analysis. He examines potency and composition, which are crucial for understanding THC and CBD levels. They also play a key role in pheno-hunting, identifying desirable traits. Their data informs cultivators and helps them select promising strains for breeding programs. By understanding the genetic makeup, the growers at Humboldt can target specific characteristics, shaping the future of weed cultivation.
Once the best of the best have been selected, a second analysis involves picking the winners from each participating farm, typically around 200 specimens, and narrowing them down through testing in our indoor facilities. According to the team, only about 40% meet the standards for cannabinoid content, reducing the specimen count to around 80. Then, breeders trial several cuttings from each plant in various microclimates across Northern California and indoor growing facilities nationwide.
Community Collaboration
The annual phenohunts stand out due to their vibrant collaborations with esteemed growers like Ed Rosenthal and Jorge Cervantes and the expertise of Dr. Machel Emanuel, a prominent botanist at the University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica. This collective effort fosters a rich exchange of ideas and allows each expert to bring unique insights and extensive experience. Their primary objective is to identify and curate the finest plant selections, promoting innovation and high quality in cultivation.
Speaking to Jorge, he said as he journeyed from the legendary Emerald Triangle to the emerging “Golden Triangle,” he was impressed by the industry’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of plant genetics and cultivation techniques for sun-grown cannabis.
“It allowed me to share my decades of experience while learning from the next generation of cultivators and breeders. The event not only highlighted the cutting-edge work being done in cannabis cultivation but also reinforced the importance of events like these in driving the industry forward.”
This collaborative approach is not limited to the scientific aspects of cannabis. The involvement of musicians like Don Carlos Miles Doughty and Kyle McDonald of Slightly Stoopid brings a unique perspective to the process. They provide insights into the sensory aspects of cannabis, such as aroma, flavor, and overall effects. Combining scientific expertise with sensory input, this holistic approach aims to identify genetics that exhibit exceptional characteristics with delightful effects.
Collaborations extend beyond farm visits, and after a full day of exploring the blooming gardens, all visitors are invited to indulge in a delicious feast made from locally sourced, organic produce. As the sun sets, the evening comes alive with captivating entertainment and engaging conversations with fellow cannabis enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. By the end of the evening, you’ll have forged life-long friendships with individuals who share your passion.
Chasing Unicorns – The Global Pheno Hunt
As part of their research and development programs, Ben explains that HSC is now conducting phenohunts internationally. By strategically expanding operations to countries where cannabis is legalized, the company has further solidified its reputation as one of the leading seed banks in the industry. This expansion has enhanced their visibility and accessibility, allowing the company to conduct phenohunts in new markets and fostering a global network of cannabis enthusiasts.
“For the first time, thanks to the worldwide trend in legalization, we have been able to take the Pheno hunt global. From Jamaica, Antigua, Germany, and Morocco, we have explored millions of plants, gaining a new, unique understanding of cannabis’s true potential.”
Morocco
Morocco’s genetic diversity offers a unique opportunity for cannabis research. Establishing relationships with local farmers, who have cultivated the cannabis plant for generations, is crucial. Amid the breathtaking Kiff mountains, a groundbreaking breeding initiative is underway to document these farmers’ stories and preserve their traditions, ensuring they have a voice in the changing landscape of cannabis legalization while focusing on culture, genetics, and regional terroir.
The genetic aspect of the Beldia encompasses its origins, thriving conditions, and characteristics. Its drought resistance contributes to environmental sustainability, enabling growth in diverse regions. This resilience confirms its robustness, allowing it to thrive under challenging circumstances marking it as a valuable cultivation option. International genetics enhance cannabinoid production, enabling these plants to flourish with minimal water and addressing the ongoing drought. Ben remarks:
“After a century of suppression, we are playing catch up when it comes to applying modern breeding techniques to cannabis. Triploids, which can occur naturally in cannabis, hold exciting promises for the future.
Strong evidence suggests a percentage of these plants will be seedless, more potent, and better for hash production. This is especially interesting in regions like Morocco, where the pollen burden from endemic plants is so significant that it pollinates plants in southern Spain.”
Our conversation delved into the robust traits of the Beldia strain, which stem from global and regional genetics. The diverse expressions of cannabis in Morocco result from the mingling of global genetics with the local Beldia strain, resulting in a myriad of distinct characteristics. Interestingly, despite this variety, the Beldia strain consistently emerges as the dominant cultivar, showcasing its resilience and adaptability in cannabis cultivation in the region.
Antigua and Barbuda
Along with grower extraordinaire Ed Rosenthal, HSC has partnered with Dr. Machel Emanuel of the University of the West Indies to revive Indigenous cannabis strains from the Caribbean. They aim to modernize pure Caribbean sativa genetics while exploring regional strains. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of agricultural biodiversity in tropical environments by identifying the finest specimens among thousands of Caribbean Queen plants.
Northern California genetics are being grown locally and documented to create strains adapted to the challenging Caribbean climate in Jamaica, Antigua, and Barbuda. Due to the equatorial climate, these hybrids have the potential to grow enormously. Their aim is to discover these outstanding plants and study their characteristics, growth patterns, and resilience to ensure the successful preservation of these invaluable genetics.
Dr. Machel emphasizes that collaborating with Humboldt Seed Company has been a game-changer for the cannabis community in the Caribbean. They now have access to genetic stock selected and bred to maximize economic potential in the tropics.
The traditional ganja culture in this region is deeply rooted in generations of farmers who depend on cannabis cultivation as a livelihood. Many farmers may lack access to infrastructure like lighting, greenhouses, and ventilation for cultivating temperate hybrids in the tropics.
However, equipping the farmers with seeds that do not require manipulation of the external environment to reap success presents an opportunity to cultivate using traditional techniques while meeting the aesthetics and organoleptic qualities of cannabis in the modern marketplace.
Germany
After the legalization of cannabis in Germany, HSC established a collaborative partnership with Humboldt University of Berlin to delve into the study of cannabis genetics and morphology. The research extends to various Humboldt strains and involves in-depth work with tissue culture techniques. This partnership aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of cannabis genetics and to explore the potential for larger phenohunts throughout Europe.
Leon König, a renowned cannabis cultivation expert, passionately discusses an innovative genetics program. He emphasizes the need for adaptability throughout the seasons, noting, “Berlin’s summer is ideal for vegetative growth, but autumn can be harsh. Autoflowering plants are safer, yet the cold-resistant, short-flowering photoperiodic strains from HSC surprised me.” He highlights Blueberry Muffin as the first officially registered THC strain at the university, calling it the program’s standout.
“It’s highly versatile, suitable for indoor and outdoor cultivation, and known for its ease of care, disease resistance, and quick flowering time. It’s a strain that symbolizes the program’s dedication to advancing cannabis research and cultivation, making it a reliable choice for researchers at Humboldt University.”
The research program at Humboldt University focuses on medical and nutritional applications. The initiative also explores various cannabis production processes, both post- and pre-harvest, along with the burgeoning legal industry. This partnership holds promising prospects for the emergence of the legal sector in the coming years, with both parties aiming to contribute to genetic advancements throughout Europe.
Signature Strains and Cult Classics
HSC has made a name in the cannabis industry through its pioneering breeding programs. Large-scale phenohunts have yielded popular varieties such as Blueberry Muffin, their signature strain and cult classic, Vanilla Frosting, and Humboldt Dream, renowned in the community for their unique flavor profiles and growth characteristics. These varieties cater to medical and recreational users and are ideal for indoor and outdoor environments.
Blueberry Muffin
Blueberry Muffin was created over a decade ago in Humboldt County and began with the crossing of Purple Panty Dropper and Razzleberry. This resulted in an unstable F1 hybrid with multiple phenotypes. After a thorough search, a standout individual embodying the desired traits was discovered. This exceptional specimen became the cornerstone of the Blueberry Muffin lineage, laying the foundation for its esteemed reputation in the cannabis community worldwide.
Celebrated for its captivating aroma and delectable flavor profile, Blueberry Muffins is reminiscent of your grandma’s freshly baked muffins and delivers soothing, euphoric effects. This cultivar thrives outdoors with a photoperiodic flowering time of 45 days indoors and a harvest window between Sept 15th and Oct 10th. Extra care throughout the grow cycle will allow growers to maximize the strain’s potential, resulting in extraordinary yields and a feisty terpene profile.
Blueberry Pancakes
Blueberry Pancakes is a cannabis hybrid with a twist on the classic blueberry aroma. It was phenohunted at Wave Rider Nursery in Salinas, California. It combines floral characteristics with a strong punch, resulting in a sweet syrup flavor with a comforting raspberry undertone. The genetic combination of Purple Panty Dropper and Slurricane makes Blueberry Pancakes mold-resistant and suitable for both home and commercial growers in coastal environments.
Blueberry Pancakes is a highly sought-after strain known for its potent effects, relatively fast flowering time, and THC content of up to 31%. This hybrid strain delivers an intense cerebral high accompanied by a slightly soothing body stone, making it popular among cannabis enthusiasts. Characterized by its stalky growth, large buds, and vigorous flowering, Blueberry Pancakes is a low-maintenance and highly resilient strain that is a favorite among growers in colder, humid climates.
Guzzlerz
Through extensive pheno-hunting, HSC cultivated thousands of plants from Gusherz, Skittlez, and Triangle Kush, leading to the creation of Guzzlerz. This approach allowed the company to explore cannabis genetic diversity and produce standout strains with distinctive gassy flavors, potent effects, and consistent growth patterns. Guzzlerz boasts not only a profound high but also an intriguing flavor profile, making it a favorite in the cannabis community.
Guzzlerz epitomizes successful pheno-hunting with impressive yields, easy upkeep, and remarkable bag appeal. Its chunky, light green and purple buds stand against deep green foliage. This balanced hybrid features a 55 to 60-day flowering period, ready in early October, with a high THC content of up to 30%. It delivers a relaxing body high with a mentally soothing and uplifting cerebral high, which some may describe as psychedelic. With large, frosty buds and XL yields, it’s suitable for greenhouse, indoor, and outdoor cultivation.
Moonfog
The 2024 phenohunt at Wild Leaf Farms in Nevada County, California, produced a remarkable new strain. Bred from High Octane, Don Carlos Kashmir, and Pie Face, it has an 8 to 9-week flowering time and offers an XL yield with dense anthocyanin content, causing the buds to turn purple in colder climates. The aroma combines the sharp, pungent scent of gas and the sweet and tangy aroma of ripe berries, accompanied by rich, earthy undertones.
Moonfog offers a deeply soothing body stone that is ideal for use at night. Its calming properties help relax muscles and reduce tension, allowing you to unwind after a long day, making it the perfect addition to your nighttime routine. Inspired by the 2019 film Beach Bum, the Humboldt crew took the film premiere to a new level by incorporating an innovative feature: real cannabis smell-o-vision. Attendees were immersed in the intoxicating aromas of Northern California during its peak harvest season, giving them an unforgettable sensory experience.
Limez
Limez is a unique cannabis strain developed in-house at the HSC facility in Grass Valley, resulting from a careful and thoughtful breeding process. This exceptional hybrid is the offspring of the delightful Key Lime Pie and the robust Lemon Kush, combining the best characteristics of its parent strains. The strain was selected as the unicorn during the 2023 phenohunt, a rigorous process in which numerous genetic variations were examined to identify the most promising variety.
This cultivar is known for its XL yield and impressive characteristics, and it boasts big, chunky, dense buds reminiscent of classic Kush. With a super gassy aroma complemented by subtle notes of freshly squeezed limes, Limez leans into its unique Key Lime cross. Not only is it mold-resistant, but Limez also delivers a late-afternoon cerebral high that’s perfectly balanced with a smooth gas finish inherited from Lemon Kush. Experience the essence of sunshine in a bag with every puff!
The Final Puff: The Real Magic of Cannabis Phenotypes
In conclusion, the cannabis industry is deeply rooted in the practice of pheno-hunting, which is essential for identifying and cultivating top-quality genetics. Humboldt Seed Company exemplifies this commitment by collaborating with local growers to share expertise, empowering cultivators, and significantly advancing the industry. Their efforts to preserve genetic diversity through meticulous pheno-hunting have strengthened their position as leaders in the field.
With the increasing demand for high-CBD and high-THC strains and unique terpene profiles, HSC excels at adapting to shifting market trends. Their dedication to preserving and enhancing genetic diversity through meticulous pheno-hunting methods contributes to the continued evolution and improvement of cannabis hybrids. This dynamic approach keeps their catalog fresh, ensuring they remain at the forefront of cannabis breeding, delivering stable, high-quality genetics with novel terpene profiles.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, the importance of pheno-hunting as a vital tool for growers and breeders cannot be overstated; it ensures the development of diverse and resilient cannabis varieties. Moving forward, pheno-hunting is indispensable for the ongoing enhancement of cannabis strains, and it’s great to see that the community eagerly supports the genetic advancements made by HSC’s R & D team. Stay tuned for their new 2025 releases.
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