Perth Prodigy to Dutch Detour

Born in Perth, Australia in 1956 to Dutch parents, Nevil Schoenmakers developed an early fascination with breeding—so deep that even his pet parrots were selectively paired. In 1976, he relocated to the Netherlands, a move that positioned him at the future center of global cannabis genetics.

The Seed Bank Rise

In 1983–84, Nevil founded The Seed Bank of Holland—the world’s first dedicated cannabis seed company. Operating from a Dutch estate nicknamed “The Cannabis Castle,” he began cataloging, crossing, and distributing hybrid seeds to growers around the world.

Mail-Order Revolution

Through full-page High Times advertisements, Nevil turned underground clone trades into an international mail-order business. For the first time, growers from the U.S. to Europe could legally order stabilized genetics like Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze—transforming the accessibility of elite cannabis strains.

The Genetics Vault

Nevil’s passion for preservation drove him to acquire foundational California stock, including Skunk #1, Northern Lights, and multiple Haze lines. By refining and stabilizing these genetics for high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting, he effectively launched the indoor cultivation revolution. His NL#5/Haze hybrid became a global benchmark.

King of Cannabis

In 1987, High Times magazine officially crowned Nevil the “King of Cannabis.” Between 1988 and 1990, his hybrids dominated Cannabis Cup competitions, establishing his legacy across Amsterdam coffeeshops and home grows worldwide.

Green Merchant Storm

In 1990, the U.S. government initiated Operation Green Merchant, targeting hydroponic retailers and seed distributors. Nevil was arrested in Australia on a U.S. extradition warrant, partly based on testimony from distributor Ray Cogo. However, the extradition failed, and Nevil never stood trial in the U.S.

The Sensi Merger

Under mounting legal pressure, Nevil sold The Seed Bank and its genetic archive to Ben Dronkers, merging it with Sensi Seeds. This move preserved his genetic library and ensured that his hybrid lines continued circulating through reputable Dutch catalogs.

Mr. Nice Era

In the late 1990s, Nevil joined forces with breeder Shantibaba and author Howard Marks to form the Mr. Nice Seedbank. Together, they created modern classics such as Super Silver Haze, Black Widow (the original White Widow), and Nevil’s Haze—cementing his role as a co-architect of contemporary cannabis genetics.

Why He Matters

1️⃣ He transformed clone-only elites into accessible, stable seed lines.

2️⃣ He empowered indoor growers with HID-optimized hybrids.

3️⃣ His preserved archive—through Sensi Seeds and Mr. Nice—continues to influence modern breeding programs worldwide.

Last Chapter

Nevil Schoenmakers passed away in Western Australia on March 30, 2019, at age 62. From “The Cannabis Castle” to countless cultivation rooms across the globe, his work seeded generations of growers. His catalogs were more than commerce—they were the foundation of cannabis culture.

YOUTUBE VIDEO

Presented by Nugg Notes

sources:

Hager, Steven. “Inside Cannabis Castle: The Incredible Story of the Man Who Would Be King of Cannabis.” High Times, Mar. 1987.
• Hennings, Trevor. “Remembering Nevil Schoenmakers, Founder of the First Cannabis Seed Bank.” Leafly, 28 July 2020.
• “30 Years of Sensi Seeds – An Interview with Ben Dronkers.” Sensi Seeds, 28 Nov. 2020 (updated).
• “DEA Holds 119 in Crackdown on Indoor Pot Growing.” Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 1989.
• “Black Widow.” Mr. Nice Seedbank, strain profile (on the original White Widow lineage).
• Black, Bobby. “Cannthropology: The Original King of Cannabis.” Leaf Nation, 1 Mar. 2022.