Breeders are the backbone of Cannabis culture and cultivation, shaping the trends and pushing the plant to endlessly evolve around our needs and desires. But this community has come a long way from the days of the slanging bag-seed on the backstreets, and we’re here to give them flowers.
Flourishing in the fertile grounds of Southern Oregon, Shanoah, sole owner and operator of Ziplock Seeds, has cultivated a path of plant passion since his youth. His journey is as captivating as the cultivars he breeds, from childhood chores in the family garden to international acclaim.
Shanoah’s love for Cannabis sprouted early. “I started helping my dad when I was seven,” he recalls, describing childhood memories of carrying water and hiding pots from aerial detection. His young years in Hawaii hosted hands-on experiences, shaping a deep connection with the plant.
Despite early obstacles like raids, Shanoah’s resolve only grew, and so did his genetic library. A pivotal moment manifested at the 2017 Emerald Cup, where the seed market’s potential became apparent. “I was blown away by how much money people were making with seeds,” he explains. He had been distributing seeds in Ziploc bags — an organic gesture that inspired his brand’s name and ethos, but up until this moment, had been purely out of passion. With a new path toward some profit, he saw the limitless potential in continuing to share the plant.
Acknowledging the importance of heritage and innovation, Shanoah hails his Hawaiian roots by weaving tropical influences into his breeding. “A little uniqueness goes a long way,” he notes. This personal touch extends to his catalog, which boasts award-winning strains like Frosted Flakes and its many candy-gas crosses.
In today’s saturated Cannabis market, standing out requires more than just potency. “Flavor is becoming number one,” Shanoah observes, noting the rising demand for highly aromatic cultivars. While THC percentages remain a key driver of the rec market, he laments the industry’s narrow focus. “Imagine if the alcohol industry was like us — there would be no wine or beer, just hard liquor.”
Shanoah’s breeding priorities focus on producing high-yield, flavorful plants with desirable leaf structures and easy trimability. He also acknowledges the growing demand for genetics that perform well in concentrates, a trend he plans to explore more deeply.
Breeding Cannabis comes with its hurdles. Extensive pheno hunts and backup plant management are just part of the job. “We usually do 1,400-seed hunts and keep 1,400 plants backed up,” Shanoah explains. The space and labor demands are notable but necessary for digging to discover exceptional genetic traits.
Shanoah’s seeds have been exceptional enough to extend beyond Oregon, earning accolades in countries like Colombia and Argentina. There are plans to attend Spannibis in Spain and an expo in Rio de Janeiro. “I never imagined seeds would take me around the world,” Shanoah shares. While making a profit is necessary, it’s not his main motivation and he maintains that with a pricing strategy that caters to all growers, from novices to professionals. “I don’t want anyone to be unable to afford good seed,” he asserts.
Ziplock Seeds is seeking to seal in solid relationships. “Your success is my success,” Shanoah emphasizes. Cultivating long-term relationships with farmers and breeders (like the Cipher Genetics projects pictured) ensures that his genetics continue to thrive on shelves and in gardens across the globe.
To learn more and find the full list of available genetics, head to ziplockseeds.com.
