The Legacy of Garlic Bud: A Legendary Cannabis Strain's Journey Through History
In the rich tapestry of cannabis genetics, certain strains stand out not just for their qualities, but for the fascinating stories behind their creation and distribution. One such legendary strain is Garlic Bud (also known as Garlic OG, Garlic Kush, or simply "The Garlic"). This pure indica strain has left an indelible mark on cannabis culture, serving as a foundational building block for numerous modern varieties we enjoy today.
The Origins: Jim Ortega and Nevil Schoenmakers
The story of Garlic Bud begins in the mid-1980s with two pivotal figures in cannabis breeding history: Jim Ortega and Nevil Schoenmakers.
Jim Ortega, sometimes referred to as "Dogless," was an American cannabis collector and enthusiast who possessed an exceptional eye for quality genetics. While Ortega himself has remained somewhat mysterious, his contributions to cannabis breeding are undeniable. In the mid-1980s, Ortega provided four remarkable cannabis lines to Nevil Schoenmakers: Maple Leaf Indica, Garlic Bud, Kush Four, and Hawaiian Indica. These genetics would go on to revolutionize cannabis breeding worldwide.
Nevil Schoenmakers (1956-2019), often called "The King of Cannabis," was an Australian breeder of Dutch heritage who fundamentally changed how cannabis seeds were distributed globally. In 1984, Schoenmakers founded The Seed Bank in the Netherlands, the first company to openly advertise and ship cannabis seeds internationally, including to the United States. Before discovering Mel Frank's Marijuana Grower's Guide, which ignited his interest in cannabis cultivation, Schoenmakers had experience breeding plants and animals in various clubs, bringing valuable knowledge of pedigree methods and selective breeding to cannabis.
The Birth of Garlic Bud
Garlic Bud was a pure indica strain with roots tracing back to traditional Afghani genetics. When Schoenmakers received the Garlic Bud genetics from Ortega around 1986, he immediately recognized its potential. Schoenmakers described it as a "pre-Sam Skunk" – a reference to Skunk #1 breeder Sam the Skunkman that raised eyebrows in the breeding community.
The strain quickly gained popularity in The Seed Bank's catalog, showcased with photos of plants featuring massive "donkey dick" style colas, impressive side branching, and exceptional resin production. Schoenmakers marketed it as a high-yielding variety with a skunk archetype profile, though with its distinctive garlic aroma.
The Garlic Name and Distinctive Traits
True to its name, Garlic Bud became famous for its distinct earthy herb and kush scent, often compared to freshly unearthed garlic cloves. When consumed, users reported flavors of citrus, pepper, and hops – a complex profile that set it apart from other varieties of its time.
Visually, Garlic Bud could present varied phenotypes. Some plants produced fluffy, elongated buds, while others developed rounded, tightly packed flowers. This diversity in expression made it an interesting strain for both growers and breeders looking to explore its genetic potential.
From The Seed Bank to Sensi Seeds: A Legacy Continues
The story of Garlic Bud took a dramatic turn in 1990 when Nevil Schoenmakers was indicted by federal prosecutors on dozens of charges related to conspiracy to commit drug trafficking. After his American distributor became a cooperating witness, Schoenmakers spent 11 months fighting extradition to the United States, where he faced multiple life sentences.
Under these circumstances, Schoenmakers was forced to sell The Cannabis Castle and The Seed Bank's genetic library to Ben Dronkers of Sensi Seeds. This transfer of ownership marked a significant moment in cannabis history.
When Dronkers acquired The Seed Bank's genetics, he rebranded Garlic Bud as "Shiva Shanti," naming it after his daughter. While the name changed and the advertising copy was slightly modified, the same photographs were used in the catalog – a telling sign that this was indeed the same genetic material.
This rebranding had a profound impact on the strain's legacy. While Garlic Bud had been sold for only a few years under Schoenmakers' Seed Bank, it continued to be widely distributed as Shiva Shanti for many more years under Sensi Seeds, dramatically extending its influence. From approximately 1990 to 1995, customers were likely purchasing the exact same seed stock that Schoenmakers had produced, just under a different name.
The Impact on Modern Cannabis
The influence of Garlic Bud extends far beyond its direct lineage. It became a foundational building block for numerous modern cannabis varieties, with its genetics appearing in many popular strains we enjoy today.
According to Neville Schoenmakers' posts on the Mr. Nice forums around 2009-2010, Garlic Bud was incorporated into Black Domina and other notable strains. Industry rumors even suggest that the famed Ohio Dumpster strain may be a Shiva Shanti (Garlic Bud) phenotype.
What made Garlic Bud particularly valuable for breeding was its resilience as a true seed line—rather than a clone-dependent variety. This characteristic meant it could be easily propagated and maintained across multiple generations and breeding projects.
The Garlic Bud Experience
While Garlic Bud had a slightly lower THC content than some other strains of its era, many users reported it as an excellent entry point for those new to cannabis. Users often described an initial uplift in mood and increase in creative thoughts, followed by the pure indica high gradually easing the body into complete relaxation.
A Sensi Seeds forum user named Seth Grey once wrote about Garlic Bud: "A friend and I shared a packet of Shiva Shanti after hearing another friend wax poetic about an 'unforgettable strain,' the Garlic Bud. Would highly recommend to any indica lover, of any skill set. The results were frosty, tasty flowers, and a highly tranquil, relaxed stone, not at all debilitating."
Another user, identified only as "Ed" on Sensi Seeds' website, shared: "Cannabis of excellent quality, its flowering period is bountiful, and short. With proper care, your harvest will be more than surprising."
The Enduring Legacy
The story of Garlic Bud illustrates how a single genetic exchange can reshape an industry. From one American collector to a Dutch pioneer, these genetics spread worldwide, influencing cannabis breeding for generations. The Garlic Bud line in particular, with its distinctive aroma and impressive structure, demonstrates how a quality strain can transcend name changes and corporate transitions.
What began as a simple exchange between enthusiasts in the mid-1980s continues to influence the cannabis we consume today. It's a testament to the power of exceptional genetics and the interconnected nature of cannabis breeding history—where the work of figures like Jim Ortega and Nevil Schoenmakers silently shaped an entire industry for decades.
Pushing the Boundaries of Knowledge
What's truly exciting about strains like Garlic Bud is that there's always more to discover. The further we delve into cannabis history, the more connections we uncover between the strains we enjoy today and their fascinating origins. This curiosity drives us to dig deeper, to research further, and to expand our understanding of cannabis genetics.
Some evidence suggests that Garlic Bud might have actually come from the same original seed stock as Maple Leaf Indica, another of Ortega's contributions. Both were described by Schoenmakers as having skunk archetype characteristics, and both demonstrated similar growth patterns. This potential connection might explain why both lines were so complementary in breeding projects and why they shared certain traits.
The continued intrigue surrounding Garlic Bud and its relatives encourages us to keep exploring, to keep asking questions, and to continue piecing together the complex puzzle of cannabis genetics. As we uncover more of this history, we gain a deeper appreciation for the plants we cultivate and the dedicated individuals who helped shape modern cannabis varieties.
The legacy of Garlic Bud reminds us that behind every strain lies a story worth telling – a narrative of passion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that continues to drive cannabis culture forward.
By Erik
Sources:
https://weedmaps.com/strains/garlic-og
https://og-distribution.com/history-of-og-weed-strains-in-2024/
https://seedfinder.eu/en/strain-info/garlic-bud/the-seed-bank
https://mrnice.nl/forum/threads/garlic-bud.3519/
https://overgrow.com/t/old-school-breeders-association-garlic-bud/32699/109?page=6
https://www.icmag.com/threads/sulphur-smelling-bud.334684/
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- "This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming.";
- "cannabis can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.";
- "There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product."; and
- "For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children."
