Sensi Seeds | Cannabis seed banks
In the face of the growth of hundreds of new cannabis seed banks that we are seeing in recent years, Sensi Seeds stands out as the first of them all, and that makes it the holder of a tremendous reputation and a fantastic history. This seed bank, born in 1985, was the first in the world to be created, and has been operating at the highest level for nearly decades, growing and offering high quality seeds. Enter our online shop to buy Sensi Seeds seeds or read on to find out all about this institution.
Sensi Seeds, the first seed bank
We are talking about the pioneering bank, the first to see and take advantage of the possibility of preserving, improving and creating cannabis seeds and offering them to the public, that’s nothing. Since its beginnings, Sensi Seeds has marked a before and after in the cannabis industry, being not only a reference, but also a legend in constant evolution. With each new strain launched, Sensi Seeds reaffirms its commitment to genetic excellence and innovation. Let’s start, Sensi Seeds, living history of marijuana, a seed bank that continues to leave an indelible mark on cannabis culture.
Sensi Seeds History
The history of the Sensi Seeds seed bank spans several decades, from the founding of this institution until now, so we are going to divide its history by the different eras that have been happening over time. Each stage of Sensi Seeds reflects an evolution in the world of cannabis, marked by changes in genetics, innovations in cultivation, and a constant expansion of knowledge and techniques.
The story of Sensi Seeds is also the story of Ben Dronkers, a cannabis enthusiast who, as early as the mid-1970s, cultivated his marijuana plants with unparalleled dedication. But not only did he grow them, he also meticulously saved and classified the seeds obtained from the best specimens, a work that became the basis of the extensive bank of genetics that we know today. His vision of conserving and improving the best strains laid the foundations of what would become a leading institution in the world of cannabis, guided by experience and passion from its early days to the present day.
Time of harvesting and first experimentation
This interest quickly grew, so he began to meet with professionals in agriculture and botany to learn more about the subject that most captivated his interest: genetics.
As a result, he spent the next few years travelling around those areas with the best reputation for cannabis, mainly in Asia. From the tropics to the Himalayas (near the famous Hindu Kush region), there was no place with native marijuana that could resist him, and in all these places he collected the best genetics, both indica and sativa.
In the mid-1980s, back home, Ben began experimenting with these seeds, not only growing them, but also making various crosses to create new hybrids. At that time, this was a completely new practice in Europe, where the first hybrid varieties had only recently started to arrive from the USA.
The revolution and the birth of Sensi Seeds
These genetics from the USA were a real revolution in the European Cannabis world. Sam de Skunkman was the legendary grower who brought them to Europe and at that time only 3 Dutch growers were lucky enough to get the original Skunk and Haze seeds he brought back: Ben Dronkers, Neville Schoenmakers and Eddie The Dutch.
With these new additions, Ben Dronkers expanded his genetic experiments and made a remarkable effort to create a scientific methodology for cannabis hybridisation. He began to document everything, as thoroughly as possible, and unknowingly originated the fundamental lines of work for the seed banks.
With the help of these collaborators and this newly developed new way of doing things, the Sensi Seeds Club was founded in 1985. When it opened, the Sensi Seed Club shop not only offered seeds, but they were innovative and also had books, equipment and Cannabis growing supplies.
These growers, great references in the history of modern marijuana, would work together for 5 years, until 1991 when Neville, with the DEA looking for him and charging him with 44 counts, sold his part of the business to Ben Dronkers. This, coupled with the need for a proper infrastructure in which to grow and study hybrids, he moved on and became what we know today as the Sensi Seeds seed bank. This is how the first marijuana seed bank was born, which would not stop growing over the following years, multiplying its hybrid strains and reaping awards.
Consolidation of the bank and first recognitions
During the next 5 years almost all efforts were dedicated to breeding and hybridisation programmes, first with Afghan strains and then with sativas from Asia, Africa and the USA.
The aim of creating these new crosses was to get the best out of each of the original strains, to make them more stable, reliable and suitable for indoor cultivation, as outdoor cultivation in Holland is quite limited.
Among the seeds sold there were some of Ben’s own seeds and others from Neville Schoenmakers and other collaborating breeders. At the same time the first Cannabis strain competitions started to take place and obviously the result of these seeds had to be presented there. The results were excellent, as Ben himself said:
Hybrids are even greater than the sum of their parts. Ben Dronkers
The year 1998 saw the first High Times Cannabis Cup, a cannabis strain festival usually held every November in the Dutch capital Amsterdam. This gathering of growers was founded in 1988 by Steven Hager and brings together judges from all over the world to test and vote for their favourite cannabis strains. These judges decide the Cannabis Cup, which is awarded to the overall winning strain, and other awards in different categories, such as Best Resin or Best Sativa. The High Times Cannabis Cup also includes live music events, educational seminars and an exhibition of marijuana-related products.
In this first edition in 1998 Ben Dronkers got the recognition he was looking for and his Skunk #1 took the top prize. Awards that he would continue to collect in the years to come with other incredible creations, something he has not stopped doing until now.
The cannabis empire
Back in 2002, Eddie The Dutchman, who had founded The Flying Dutchman, another of the famous Dutch seed banks, also sold his company to Ben Dronkers. Since Eddie was the third grower to have received those seeds that Sam The Skunkman brought from the USA, and had created his own crosses from them, this acquisition meant that the three initial branches created in the mid 80’s were reunited in the same house almost 2 decades later.
For years now the almost entire Dronkers family has been part of Sensi Seeds. Originally, his wife, Linda, was in charge of various aspects of the company, such as advertising. Alan, his eldest son, was in the cultivation area, Gio ran the company’s information systems, Ravi was manager of several of the shops and today runs the Sensi Borneo Diving Resort, Shanti worked in promotion and public relations alongside her twin sister Shiva, who worked in the management of The Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum. Today, as of the date of the last revision of this article, the CEO of the company is Ravi.
Sensi Seeds’ philosophy
Ben Dronkers and Sensi Seeds’ commitment to cannabis, as you will have seen, goes back a long way. This commitment is reflected in their track record, as well as their ongoing dedication over the years to preserve and enhance every aspect of this sacred plant. Key to their mission is to “foster, promote, protect and nurture the Cannabis plant in all its forms, as well as preserve unique genotypes,” as they state in their credo .
Following this concept, Sensi Seeds seeks to explore the complexity of the cannabis universe with its infinite potential, encompassing the fibres of the stem, the nutrients of the seeds, the medicinal potential of the flowers, the roots’ ability to regenerate the soil and the plant’s ability to reduce CO2 emissions, among many others.
Types of Sensi Seeds seeds
The Sensi Seeds seedbank is probably one of the most complete seedbanks around, having incorporated the genetic legacy of The Seed Bank and Flying Dutchman, and continuing to do an impeccable job over the past decades.
Sensi Seeds’ range of products and genetics is extensive and includes Sensi Seeds autoflowering seeds, Sensi Seeds feminized seeds and Sensi Seeds regular seeds. They also have CBD products, clothing, have published books and are constantly inventing new ways to reach out to Cannabis enthusiasts.
Legendary strains
Sensi Seeds is synonymous with excellence and tradition in the cannabis world, and its catalogue is packed with strains that have left an indelible mark on cannabis culture. Sensi Seeds’ most legendary strains have become true icons that have defined and transformed the landscape of cannabis cultivation and consumption over the decades. These genetics have been carefully selected and perfected, offering unique flavour profiles, potent effects and exceptional stability that have made them favourites with growers and enthusiasts around the world. From the classics that laid the foundations of modern breeding to the most recent innovations, these strains represent the best of the experience and expertise Sensi Seeds has cultivated over the years. It’s time to discover the strains that have made history and remain the most sought after by those who appreciate quality and authenticity in every seed.
Skunk #1
Undoubtedly one of the varieties of this bank that stands out most is the Skunk #1, a milestone in the history of marijuana and indoor growing, which is served on a silver platter preceded by its worldwide fame. Winner of multiple growers’ cups, Skunk #1 has become the most widely used standard among marijuana strains, its reliability and homogeneity making this strain the base most used by breeders to stabilise their creations.
Jack Herer
Of the many legendary strains from the Sensi Seeds seedbank we are left with another one like Jack Herer, the flagship of what they are capable of creating at this institution. This strain, which can also be considered a classic at this point in time, is, for many, the highest quality commercial strain available.
As the name makes clear, this creation comes from the famous cannabis rights activist Jack Herer. This character fought throughout his life to defend the use of marijuana, even offering a million-dollar prize to the person who could scientifically prove that marijuana had no social utility. Jack Herer marijuana has won all the major awards in cannabis competitions worldwide, but its exact origin has never been revealed.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights is one of the most iconic and recognisable strains in the cannabis world, and it’s not hard to see why. This strain, developed by Sensi Seeds, is renowned for its almost pure indica genetics, inherited from potent Afghani strains that give it a deeply relaxing, body stone. In addition, Northern Lights is known for its short flowering time and its ability to produce dense, resinous buds.
In terms of flavour and aroma, Northern Lights offers a delicious and complex blend that combines earthy and sweet notes with a hint of spice reminiscent of pine trees. This organoleptic profile is as memorable as its effect, providing a complete sensory experience that has enamoured generations of cannabis enthusiasts. Thanks to its ease of cultivation, high disease resistance and ability to thrive both indoors and outdoors, Northern Lights has remained one of the most popular strains in the Sensi Seeds catalogue. Its ability to deliver bountiful harvests with minimal effort has made this strain an undisputed favourite for those seeking quality and yield, reaffirming its status as a true legend in the cannabis world.
Big Bud
Big Bud is one of Sensi Seeds’ most famous strains, world-renowned for its ability to produce massive, extremely resinous buds. This predominantly indica strain is the result of a careful breeding process that combines some of the most productive and potent genetics. Big Bud has become famous for its impressive yields. Its name is no coincidence, as this plant is capable of developing large, compact flowers that cluster in dense clusters along its sturdy branches.
Beyond its outstanding yields, Big Bud is also known for its relaxing and long-lasting effects. Thanks to its strong indica profile, this strain provides a deeply calming sensation that envelops the body, melting away tension and promoting a state of total tranquillity. Its taste is as impressive as its yield, with sweet and fruity notes complemented by a subtle earthy touch that leaves a smooth and pleasant aftertaste on the palate.
Black Domina
Black Domina is a unique strain in the Sensi Seeds catalogue, noted for its impressive genetics and exotic appearance. Combining some of the world’s best indicas, including Northern Lights, Ortega, Hash Plant and Afghani SA, this strain has earned its place among cannabis enthusiasts’ favourites for its potent sedative effect and ease of cultivation. Black Domina is renowned for its dark, almost black leaves, which contrast beautifully with the shiny resin-covered buds, creating a visual spectacle that already anticipates the potency of its effect.
Black Domina’s flavour profile is as unique as its appearance. Its buds release a heady aroma that combines earthy, spicy and black pepper notes with a hint of dark fruits, such as blackberries or plums. When smoked or vaporised, these flavours intensify, offering a rich and complex experience that satisfies even the most demanding palates. With a short flowering cycle and compact growth structure, Black Domina is an excellent choice for indoor growing, especially for those looking to maximise space and get fast results. Its high pest resistance and low maintenance make it a preferred choice for those looking for a high quality strain that combines potency, flavour and ease of cultivation.
Silver Haze
Silver Haze is one of the brightest sativa gems in the Sensi Seeds catalogue, created to offer sativa lovers a truly uplifting experience. This strain, descended from the legendary Haze, has been refined and improved to combine the cerebral energy characteristic of sativas with a faster, more manageable flowering time. Silver Haze is renowned for its cerebral, energetic and euphoric effect, which awakens creativity and motivates the mind, making it ideal for those looking for inspiration or a mood boost during the day. Despite its sativa-dominant heritage, this strain has been adapted to grow indoors with great success, allowing growers to enjoy the magic of sativa even in more controlled spaces.
Silver Haze’s flavour profile is equally distinctive and appealing. When smoking or vaporising this strain, a delicious blend of citrus, pine and spice flavours can be appreciated, with a sweet and earthy undertone that lingers on the palate. These delicious flavours combine with an equally complex aroma, filling the room with a fresh and uplifting bouquet. With a relatively fast flowering time for a sativa and a heavy yield, Silver Haze is perfect for collectors looking for a high quality sativa strain with an effect and flavour profile that truly continues to make history.
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Founder of Experiencia Natural, creative and entrepreneur, designer, master in grower and marketing. For a normalization of all plants and substances, giving priority to patients and users.
