08/02/2025
Our hearts are so heavy…
I have noticed in the decades of this life, that on very rare occasions unique souls will cross your path to help shape your direction and expand the possibilities ahead you. It happens so rarely, that when it does… it fills you with gratitude.
…
Hardy Nieto, suddenly passed this last week. His partner Barbara reached out to me a couple days ago and I am still coming to terms with the news. Hardy, with three decades of collecting and breeding in the C@nn@bis space was a pillar, a legend. He was also such a kind and generous soul. Over the past years he gifted me with special seeds from his genetic vault, many that we have grown out at the farm for future preservation. Other special ones, like Black African Magic we continue to grow out every season as we refine their chemical profiles. BAM is a mythical cultivar that is as much rooted in lore and legend as it is in it’s unique effects. Whether or not it is the true Black African Magic is almost irrelevant because it is just so special. We continue to work with it every season with selective breeding and improving it.
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I am ever so grateful to have crossed paths with Hardy and will always be thankful for his support, as well as the generosity of his knowledge, experience and point of view. He was pivotal in nurturing my exploration of minor cannabinoids and in preserving heirloom and landrace varieties. When he was not traveling the globe or working on projects abroad, I felt fortunate to spend some time with him. I have lost a mentor and friend, the c@nn@bis community has lost a legend, the plant has lost an ally.
Our hearts go out to his partner, family and friends. Rest in peace Hardy, you have left an impression on many and your memory will continue. We have a special project in the works that will bear your name.
