« He would be a millionaire if he had received $1 for each time we used his genetics... He received much more … »
« The #1 stabilizing Skunk of an entire generation…Thank you Monsanto… »
« Skunkman and his team are real thief from DEA and M16 »
David Paul Watson, better known as Sam the Skunkman or Sam Selezny, is an American breeder who is credited with developing some of the most popular modern cannabis strains such as Skunk#1, Haze and Amnesia, as well as that the appearance of varieties with a high cannabis content. cannabidiol varieties.
Watson moved to the Netherlands in 1976 where he also worked with Ed Rosenthal of High Times and Wernard Bruinin, owner of the Mellow Yellow cafe. He is credited with introducing the "Haze" strain there. His nickname "Sam the Skunkman" was coined in Amsterdam from the word "skunk". " strain he supposedly created with the Haze Brothers, described as "a blend of Mexican sativa, Columbia Gold sativa and Afghan indica, distinguished by its high THC content - and, of course, its powerful smell ". The strain became synonymous with "high-potency cannabis" in the media in the 1990s and 2000s.
According to the New York Times :
During this era, emissaries of the California counterculture often traveled the world in search of unique cannabis strains. The most influential of these collectors was a man named David Watson. In the early 1970s, Mr. Watson sold his belongings and began hitchhiking from Morocco to India, befriending local pot growers along the way.
Watson has also contributed to horticultural research into pests and diseases of industrial cannabis (hemp) crops..
Contacting VPRO Argos regarding the broadcast of the Dutch radio station, here is a very basic summary of the facts surrounding the broadcast of VPRO Argos, mentioned in the Dutch parliamentary records, which also caused great interest in the Dutch media.
I see that VPRO acknowledges the possibility that case information may be inaccurate if Sam's legal name is different. On the other hand, if the sheriff provided them with such information, it is probably valid and true...and probably is, given all the facts.
Thanks to Uncle Sam,
After 1985, the quality of Nederwiet improved significantly. Currently, "our" weed is considered the best. Is it thanks to Sam Selezny, aka David Watson, the super coach of the United States? Or is he under orders?
Bas Barkman & Gert Hage: Bas Barkman and Gert Hage are two lesser known but respected figures in the cannabis seed market, notably for their links to Sam the Skunkman (David Watson). Bas Barkman is associated with Sensi Seeds, one of the oldest cannabis seed banks, and Gert Hage has been involved in several cannabis cultivation and breeding initiatives in the Netherlands. They contributed to the development and promotion of high quality cannabis genetics and maintained professional and friendly relationships with influential figures like Sam the Skunkman.
Their contributions have helped solidify the Netherlands' reputation as a center of cannabis innovation and culture. If you are looking for more specific details on their achievements and their impact on the market, I can delve further into the information available about them.
The Arrival of Sam Selezny in the Netherlands
It was a beautiful day in the spring of 1985 when a burly American landed at Schiphol Airport. He wore glasses, his long blond hair held in place by an elastic band. Without problem, he passed through customs and shortly after was warmly greeted by another equally burly American.
Apparently nothing special, especially not in the crowded arrival area of an airport. No one could have known that the ponytailed man's luggage contained a box full of seeds - cannabis seeds.
Pioneers of the Cannabis Cultivation Industry
The box was the reason for Sam Selezny's trip to the Netherlands. He was here at the invitation of two pioneers of the cannabis cultivation industry. Two companions: Michael Taylor and Wernard Bruining***, owner of the first coffee shop in Amsterdam. Although they were already growing Nederwiet, its quality was not particularly special, as their knowledge of the cultivation was not deep enough.
*** Wernard Bruining is a legend in the Dutch cannabis world. He founded Amsterdam's first coffee shop, Mellow Yellow, in 1972. He later established the Positronics seed bank, which played a crucial role in the distribution of high-quality cannabis genetics in Europe. Bruining is also known for his contributions to promoting the medical use of cannabis and for introducing modern cultivation and breeding methods.
Michael Taylor is less well known, but he has been involved in the cannabis scene in the Netherlands, particularly in connection with early cultivation and distribution initiatives. His interactions with figures like David Watson, Bas Barkman and Gert Hage helped solidify the networks and collaborations necessary to establish a robust cannabis market.
Impact and contributions of pioneers :
These individuals, with the help of figures like Bas Barkman and Gert Hage, helped create a vibrant and innovative cannabis scene in the Netherlands, attracting pioneers like David Watson and enabling the development of many iconic strains.
The Introduction by Sam Selezny
At that time in the Netherlands there were probably no more than three large cultivation sites, covering in total a maximum of two thousand square meters. In coffee shops, Moroccan hashish was still the most popular product at that time.
Sam Selezny, America's "super grower," as Taylor announced to Bruining, would change that.
And it turned out to be true. Just three months after his arrival, the first harvest of Sam's seeds could be smoked. The connoisseurs were enthusiastic, the Nederwiet*** tasted good, with a strong "high".
The Transformation of the Nederwiet
"Nederwiet" is an iconic cannabis strain that has a special meaning in the history of cannabis in the Netherlands. The term "Nederwiet" is a combination of "Neder" (Dutch) and "wiet" (slang for cannabis). It generally refers to cannabis grown in the Netherlands, known for its high quality and distinct characteristics.
Origins and development:
Introduction of American Strains: In the 1970s and 1980s, Dutch growers began importing cannabis seeds from the United States, including strains like Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze.
Selection and hybridization:
Thanks to experienced growers like Wernard Bruining, David Watson (Sam the Skunkman), and others, these strains were crossed and improved to adapt to Dutch growing conditions. This gave rise to robust and powerful strains.
Technologies de culture :
Dutch growers have also adopted and perfected advanced growing techniques, including indoor growing under artificial lighting, hydroponics, and the use of specific nutrients. This has resulted in high quality cannabis being produced consistently.
Characteristics of the Nederwiet
Power : Nederwiet is renowned for its high THC content, often higher than imported varieties.
Quality : Thanks to sophisticated growing techniques, Nederwiet is often considered to have a better flavor, better appearance and more pleasant effect than many other varieties.
Innovation : Dutch growers continue to cross and develop new strains, keeping Nederwiet at the forefront of innovation in the cannabis world.
The Nederwiet played a crucial role in popularizing and normalizing cannabis culture in the Netherlands, helping to make the country a global center for cannabis innovation and culture.
Sam Selezny et Son Influence
At that time, especially in the Netherlands, almost no one knew who Sam Selezny was, who mainly presented himself under the name David Watson in the Netherlands, he was arrested on March 20 of the same year in Santa Cruz , in California.
Mario Lap and the Watson License Investigation
It was only nine years later, in the summer of 1994, that Mario Lap***, then working at the Netherlands Institute for Alcohol and Drugs, tapped Hedy D'Ancona on the shoulder in Brussels.
Mario Lap is a relatively low-key but influential figure in the cannabis space, primarily in the Netherlands. Although specific details about his life and contributions are not widely documented, here is what is generally known about him
Activities and Contributions:
For more detailed information, it might be helpful to consult specialized resources on the history of cannabis in the Netherlands or search for specific publications that might mention its specific contributions to the cannabis industry.
"Hedy, can you tell me why you licensed David Watson?" Lap asked the new MEP and former health minister. Lap had just discovered, to her amazement, that Watson, whom he knew only as Selezny, had been granted a license to cultivate cannabis for scientific purposes..
The Mysteries Surrounding Watson's License
Why on earth was Watson, a man with a questionable past in the United States as an illegal grower, a man who had also been detained and who certainly was not a scientist?
And why not the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, which had been asking for a license to study the medical effects of the plant for years?
The Euro MP from Ancona did not know that.
The ministry itself could not provide Lap with any justification on the license granted on September 16, 1994, signed by the Deputy Director General of Health, Mr. RJ Samsom.
Lap: "I couldn't find out how it happened. Very strange. A bit scary too."
In two large greenhouses in Rijsenhout, a village near Schiphol Airport, the process was already underway to develop a cannabis plant with a high THC content, which could ultimately serve as the basis for medicines. Or rather, it was in these terms that, after years of negotiations, the license was granted.
Three years, with restrictive conditions: only for chemical analytical research, no more than 10 grams of THC and impeccable administration.
Hortapharm's office and laboratory are based in Schinkelhavenkade in Amsterdam. A small green building, a large window which is covered in the evening by a sliding steel door. Inside, it smells like fresh Nederwiet. David Watson is on guard. He wants to speak, but demands the last word on every sentence written about his company. It is at the end of September that Watson awaits the decision on the renewal of his license. “I want to continue my research,” he says, “I can’t use advertising that could possibly harm my business”.
He is surprised when he hears that we know the location of his greenhouse. “There are millions of plants and devices, no one is allowed to know.”
Hanging on the wall behind him are 5 licenses, issued by the DEA, an organization operating worldwide, whose task is to combat drugs.
Watson does not receive the much-hoped-for renewal of his license.
At the end of September, the ministry announced that because the minister prohibited the medical supply of cannabis, a license to cultivate cannabis no longer complied with Ministry of Health policies. Additionally, during repeated inspections of Hortapharm, it was found that the administration did not meet the requirements. The decision is final, the two sites where Hortapharm is based must close their doors. On October 29, the ministry confirmed in writing to Hortapharm: senior justice officials in Haarlem and Amsterdam have been informed that the license has now expired.
But on Schinkelhavenkade, it is “business as usual”, declared the director and sole shareholder last Monday. He saw the minister's decision in a different light. “There are people who want that,” he said, explaining cryptically, “but there are also people who want it differently.”.
From his point of view, nothing has changed, an “ongoing situation”. "There is information, but only some information is correct. Most of these are false statements from the ministry and this is not the first time."
He did not want to comment further on the matter..
It's no surprise that Watson, aka Sam Selezny, isn't very willing to talk. He and his company were recently criticized on a VPRO show. This broadcast even led to questions in Parliament (on the license).
Watson's arrest confirmed by Santa Cruz sheriff
The radio producers had contacted the Santa Cruz sheriff, who confirmed Watson's arrest on March 20, 1985, in connection with illegal cannabis cultivation.
How Watson was able to set foot in the Netherlands a month later, no one understands. Why wasn't he in prison, caught red-handed? The American justice system generally does not show leniency toward drug criminals.
There are presumptions, also mentioned in the radio program. Is it possible that Watson reached an agreement with the American justice system, mainly the DEA? In other words, did he, in exchange for his freedom, agree to cooperate from time to time with the judicial system?
Questions that remain unanswered... But that says a lot
The DEA never talks, something the investigative committee also discovered.
On November 5, Minister Borst answered questions in Parliament.
No, there was no prior investigation into the person applying for the license.
There were, however, doubts about the reliability of the application, particularly regarding the exclusive use of cannabis for scientific purposes. But there was no evidence to turn these doubts into concrete facts. On the basis of doubt, a license could not be refused in court.
Actively requesting personal information from the police register had never been done, but she planned to do so in due course.
But the first task for the Dutch administration is to hand over the license on June 19, 1994, and September 16, 1994.
The Netherlands refuses to respond, so no action in response is taken.
***1 Irv Rosenfeld is a notable figure in the cannabis field, best known for being one of the few patients in the United States to legally receive medical cannabis from the federal government. Here are some key facts about him
the Missoula study, an initiative involving the medical use of cannabis, and to Irv Rosenfeld, who is known to be one of the patients benefiting from the federal medical cannabis program in the United States. Here is a complete presentation on these topics:
The Missoula Study:
The Missoula Study is a reference to a clinical study conducted in Missoula, Montana, which examined the effects of medical cannabis on a group of patients. This study was significant because it was one of the first to document the therapeutic effects of cannabis in a controlled medical setting.
Context and Objectives :
Results and Impact :
Irv Rosenfeld
Irv Rosenfeld is one of the few patients in the United States receiving cannabis through the federal medical cannabis program. Here's a look at his life and his role in the medical cannabis movement
Biography :
Contributions to the Medical Cannabis Movement :
Impact and Recognition :
In summary, the Missoula Study played a crucial role in recognizing the potential benefits of medical cannabis, while Irv Rosenfeld was a living example of the benefits of this treatment for patients with serious medical conditions in the United States. .
His case is often cited as an example of the positive impact of medical cannabis on the quality of life of patients with serious and chronic illnesses, and he continues to be a respected voice in the movement for the legalization and normalization of cannabis in the USA.
Sam the Skunkman and the DEA
There is no prison sentence in 1985 for Mr. Sam. and if he was served, it was very short and undocumented. Then he showed up in EUROPE with Ed Rosenthal? strange connection to be made along the way. The “third party DEA” permit to import/export cannabis into the United States. There are doctors and universities who apply for studies and are repeatedly denied... In fact, there are now reports in one state that a lab has filed for Sched. I have a drug handling permit...they were raided the following week (IT HAPPENS TWICE) - The DEA permit allows the handling and possession of cannabis for research and scientific purposes only. - (you know what GW does) but for them to deny any other university or doctor access to this plant and pursue recognized studies... they control everything. The DEA collaborated with GW and SAM, sort of.
Marco Renda & Joe Petri
Marco Renda***, after consulting with lawyers, publicly apologized to Sam for a previous article written in TY in which Joe Petri***2, another DEA informant, was quoted releasing "Skunk Sam" as as a keen colleague of the DEA.
***Marco Renda: is an important figure in cannabis culture, particularly in Canada. Here are some key points about him:
Marco Renda has played a significant role in the evolution of the perception and regulation of cannabis in Canada and has been an influential voice in the medical cannabis community.
***2 Joe Petri is a lesser-known figure but apparently involved in efforts to help David Watson, also known as Sam the Skunkman, navigate legal or regulatory situations with the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) in the United States. This type of information is often less publicly documented, but it indicates possible involvement in strategic or legal support efforts for influential cannabis figures like David Watson.