Romulan: A Personal and Historical Journey Through Cannabis

When I first moved to San Francisco in 2002, I was immediately drawn to the rich tapestry of cannabis culture in the Bay Area. My favorite cultivar back then was Romulan—a strain that held a special place in my heart and my family’s. Pat White, co-owner of the legendary Hopenet dispensary, was cultivating Romulan at the time, and I had the incredible opportunity to assist him. One day, he placed one of the Romulan plants on the roof, and the cooler temperatures turned its buds a deep, mesmerizing purple. The experience of working so closely with this strain left an indelible mark on me.

Both my mom and I swear by Romulan for its powerful medicinal effects, and it became a staple in our lives—until it mysteriously disappeared from dispensary shelves. These days, whenever I find Romulan, it’s like reconnecting with an old friend. To my delight, Skunk Magazine, one of my exclusive partners, works directly with Romulan Genetics to celebrate and preserve this iconic strain.

The Revival of Romulan: Romulan Genetics

Romulan Genetics started in 2017 with a singular mission: to bring the beloved family-grown strain Romulan back to growers and cultivators who sought her. This mission arose from conversations with well-respected cannabis farmers who longed for the return of Romulan, fearing it had been lost to time. The catalyst for Romulan Genetics’ journey was their founder, Jake, who was growing a cut of the original Romulan.

Initially, Romulan Genetics focused on distributing clones to spread the strain. However, they soon realized that more needed to be done. Their mission evolved to include hunting for a Romulan male from old seed stock worthy of breeding and creating regular seeds. This dedication aimed to ensure Romulan’s preservation and availability for future generations.

A Rich Heritage Rooted in Cannabis Culture

Romulan’s origins trace back to California in the late 60s and 70s, where a unique collective of US military veterans and motorcycle club members collaborated to develop high-quality cannabis. After extensive breeding, the veterans found the perfect balance they sought.

Federal crackdowns forced the group into more remote areas, yet their work endured. Eventually, the strain became widely known thanks to “Romulan Joe,” who popularized it. Today, Romulan Genetics’ version remains a pure, sativa-leaning Romulan cut, closer to Vic High’s legendary Romulan lineage.

Preserving a Legacy for Future Generations

In 2015, following his father’s passing, Jake took on the responsibility of safeguarding Romulan. A USMC veteran himself, he deeply understood the plant’s medicinal value for PTSD and other conditions. He embarked on a mission to distribute clones to growers and breeders, ensuring Romulan’s resurgence.

Despite initial skepticism from the cannabis community, Jake’s deep knowledge and passion won over industry veterans, leading to the establishment of Romulan Genetics as a dedicated breeding company. Their ongoing goal is to honor Romulan’s history while creating new strains tailored for medical patients.

A Personal Connection to Cannabis History

I recently had a chance to speak with Jake at Romulan Genetics and hear about his impressive legacy. I was very moved and touched by his story, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to share it. His strength of character and compassion, along with his belief that cannabis is a medicine, really made an impression on me.

Romulan is more than just a strain to me; it represents a chapter of my life and the broader cannabis community’s legacy. It’s a reminder of the days when I worked alongside pioneers like Pat White and shared the magic of this plant with my family. Today, through my work with Skunk Magazine and Romulan Genetics, I’m proud to help preserve and celebrate the heritage of this extraordinary cultivar.

If you haven’t tried Romulan yet, seek it out. Its rich history, exceptional flavor, and powerful effects are truly out of this world. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Romulan is a strain that deserves a place in your journey.

Romulan Genetics: A Legacy in Cultivation

Romulan Genetics was founded in 2017 with the mission of reviving and preserving the legendary Romulan strain. The journey began with Jake, who was growing a rare cut of the original Romulan and realized that the cannabis community was yearning for its return.

The Origins of Romulan

Jake’s father, a US Navy veteran and well-connected cannabis grower, played a small role/part in Romulan’s history. In the late 1960s, he developed a relationship with that collective of Canadian veterans, as well as a large motorcycle club, who helped facilitate the cross-border exchange of cannabis genetics. This network of growers, breeders, and veterans collaborated at camping trips across the Pacific Northwest, sharing seeds and cultivating some of the most potent strains of their time.

Romulan’s lineage is a unique blend of Korean Thai, Mexican sativa, Colombian Red, and Afghani indica. It was initially known as Port Alberni Pinebud in British Columbia and Pine Mtn. bud in California. Over time, meticulous breeding led to the development of the Romulan we know today—a strain renowned for its potency, resilience, and unmistakable pine-scented aroma.

A Commitment to Preservation

Understanding the importance of genetic preservation, Jake set out to stabilize Romulan by hunting for a male from old seed stock that could be used for breeding. His efforts resulted in a revival of the strain through regular seed production, ensuring that Romulan would not be lost to time.

Through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Skunk Magazine, Romulan Genetics has worked to educate the community about this historic strain while making it accessible to cultivators worldwide. Their work serves as a bridge between past generations of growers and the future of cannabis breeding.

The Future of Romulan Genetics

Today, Romulan Genetics continues to honor its legacy by breeding new cultivars that retain the medicinal benefits of the original strain. Their dedication to authenticity, genetic preservation, and medical applications makes them a cornerstone in the cannabis industry.

As someone who has witnessed firsthand the profound impact of Romulan, I feel honored to share its story and contribute to its legacy through my work with Skunk Magazine. Cannabis is more than just a plant—it’s a culture, a history, and a movement that continues to evolve. Romulan remains a shining example of that enduring spirit.

 

Photos Credit: Romulan Genetics