TODAY, WE ARE VERY PROUD TO INTRODUCE YOU TO Sebastian Paschen, Master GROWER AT UNITED GREENERIES.

What inspired you to become a cannabis grower, and how has your approach to growing evolved over the years?

I initially started my growing career in small-scale agriculture and loved learning to grow just about anything people could consume. I became obsessed with a belief that if you cultivated something special, fruits and shoots that create an incredible sensory experience, you could share your passion with others and keep them coming back for more.
This need for a constant overload of experience made it easy for to launch into an obsession with the massively diverse pedigree of cannabis cultivars. Over the years I have been able to grow and consume flowers of such staggering diversity in their characteristics (smell, taste, appearance, as well as their cognitive influence). The journey has been extremely rewarding as a grower.

How has the cannabis industry changed since you first started, and what impact have those changes had on your growing practices?

I think one of the biggest changes in our industry is that producers have finally figured out that consumers are very aware of what constitutes high quality cannabis. The standard for premium cannabis has become very high and that is good for both consumers and craft growers.
Unfortunately, I think that potent and photogenic flowers have been given too much priority in the vast spectrum of cannabis genetics. These specimens are not unimportant, but I would hardly be alone among Canadian growers to have let go of spectacular cultivars because they didn't look good on a label.

Can you share a favorite memory or experience from your time as a cannabis grower, and how it has shaped your perspective on the industry?

For me it always comes down to popping seeds and hunting through genetics. It always renews my vigor and helps me cope with the abundant challenges of this industry. I know this isn't one specific memory, but when you can put the time into searching, it's always so interesting to spot the connections with plants you've grown in the past. It ends up tying together a lot of positive memories from my growing career every time.

How have you seen the public perception of cannabis change over time, and what role do you see legacy growers playing in shaping the future of the industry?

I think most people have known for a long time that using cannabis use can have many benefits and that historically, cannabis has been relatively safe to consume for most individuals. Cannabis use among Canadians was already occurring at a pretty high rate pre-legalization. Because we were all consuming legacy bud before legalization and had connections to legacy growers, it made it very acceptable to bring in legacy experience into legal operations. I would say that even the biggest pub-cos with executives who came from Consumer Packaged Goods or manufacturing backgrounds realized that legacy experience was becoming a requirement to grow competitive product. So to come back to the question, I think legacy growers and pre-legalization consumers have always had a big influence on the legal cannabis industry and will continue to do so.

What advice would you give to the next generation of cannabis growers, and how do you hope to see the industry evolve in the years to come?

My advice to future cannabis growers is to be extremely picky about what you choose to grow. One might believe that good analytics alone can sell product, but in the end, the label only gets you the first purchase. If you haven't selected genetics that hit on every level, you will never get repeat purchases. Always assume your customers are as intelligent as you are and make it your mission to earn and keep their trust.

My second piece of advice would be not to keep your "grower secrets". There is a great community of growers out there willing to help and relationships within the industry are extremely important. Even if your grow is perfectly dialed in, there is always a new challenge ahead. This is still agriculture and biology can be a harsh mistress.

Happy 420!