Yo, man! Today’s topic is pretty exciting, because we’re diving into DNA Genetics’ amazing journey. These guys weren’t kidding when they decided to enter the cannabis game. From the start, they set themselves the task of both growing cannabis and contributing to research and the industry’s development. Their enthusiasm and drive to innovate deserve admiration, and their story shows how passion and fascination can start something great. Today, we’ll dive into this exciting story and learn how two guys from Cali became one of the leading companies in the cannabis world.
The DNA chain
DNA Genetics began with Don Morris and Aaron Yarkoni. Born and raised in California, the guys understood that to establish an official business, they should go somewhere cannabis was welcomed with open arms: the Netherlands. In 2003, with just 200 bucks in their pockets, they made the bold decision to say goodbye to friends and family and move to the cannabis mecca, Amsterdam!
For many years, they had been judges at the annual High Times Cannabis Cup. But now it was time to enter the arena as competitors and show the world the wonders they’d been creating in California. They often felt their personal favorite strains were much cooler than what the local coffeeshops offered. So they decided to change that picture. First in Europe, then across the entire globe.
But first, they needed a base. They needed their own shop. They had always wanted to create a cozy place where friends, relatives, and customers could comfortably buy seeds.
In those days, even mentioning cannabis was taboo, let alone finding decent sources of information about it. So when it was time to register their company name, they decided it made sense to use the nickname they often heard from others: “DNA” or “D and A,” from their initials, Don and Aaron. They ultimately chose “DNA Genetics.”
And yes, bro, let’s refresh our memories: DNA is short for deoxyribonucleic acid, the macromolecule responsible for storing, transmitting from generation to generation, and implementing the genetic program of development. The name hits the target perfectly!
Their shop, just a few steps from Amsterdam’s central square, remains a valuable information resource for growers and cannabis enthusiasts to this day. And the guys continue pushing boundaries, combining different cannabis strains and creating some of the world’s most sought-after varieties.
Their contribution to the industry has earned more than 200 awards worldwide at the most prestigious events and exhibitions. Through collaborations with farms and other cannabis companies, their influence has spread across different continents. Let’s run through the most significant milestones.
Gaining altitude
Every year, the cannabis calendar includes one important event that falls on Thanksgiving in the US: the legendary High Times Cannabis Cup.
2004
Competing under the DNA Genetics brand for the first time in 2004, Don and Aaron were lucky enough to take third place in the Indica category with one of their flagship strains, L. A. Confidential. It was validation and approval for them, because winning a cannabis cup, one of their main life goals, had been a childhood dream they’d read about in magazines for years. From that moment, they became even hungrier for success and more motivated to keep working. Nothing could stop them now. Time to make seeds from their winning strain!
2005
Fortunately, at the very next High Times Cup in 2005, they managed to take first place in the Sativa category with Martian Mean Green. It was a huge success that helped establish DNA in the industry as a reliable producer. They also took second place with L. A. Confidential in the Indica category. The sacrifices they’d made from the start of this journey began paying off.
2006
Oh yes, bro, these guys just won’t stop striving for the top! High Times magazine gave DNA Genetics’ L. A. Confidential and Martian Mean Green top marks in its annual “High Times: Top Strain of the Year” article for the special 2006 issue. Another year brought another High Times Cannabis Cup in November. And their Martian Mean Green made a name for itself again, taking third place this time. These guys are clearly on top. What do you think?
2007
At the 2007 High Times Cup, the guys and The Grey Area coffeeshop presented one of their personal favorites, the legendary Chocolope, ultimately taking second place overall. The celebrations continued: they took third place for The OG #18 and second for “Best Booth.” DNA’s roller coaster was rapidly gaining speed, and there was no stopping this incredible ride.
2008
In 2008, entering the Slovakia Cup for the first time with Connie Chong, they took first place. As the cherry on top, they also took first place with Lemon Skunk at Spannabis in Barcelona, one of Europe’s largest exhibitions. High Times magazine continued giving them “Strain of the Year” awards, this time for their Hashplant Haze. Continuing to build momentum, they took first place with L. A. Confidential at the High Times Cannabis Cup in November! The guys were on cloud nine and eagerly awaited the next year. It was time to create new award-worthy strains.
2009
In 2009, they took first place at the “Battle of the Bridge” with L. A. Confidential. High Times magazine also recognized their multi-award-winning Lemon Skunk as “Strain of the Year.” As the year continued, they repeatedly won at the Spannabis and Highlife Cannabis Cup competitions, taking second place for OG #18, Shark’s Breath, Sour Kush, and Chocolope. The trophy cabinet was filling quickly.
2010
Every passing year and every award helped strengthen DNA Genetics’ position in the industry as a force to be reckoned with. In 2010, they once again earned High Times magazine’s “Strain of the Year” title with Lemon Skunk and took second place at Spannabis in Barcelona. The icing on the cake was first place for Cannalope Haze at the Caba Cup in Buenos Aires.
2011
At the start of 2011, Don and Aaron’s company opened the trade show season and immediately made its mark, winning first place for The OG #18 at Spannabis. The end of the year was successful too: they won at Legends of Hash and took first place in the Indica category with Kosher Kush at the High Times Cannabis Cup. It was a major achievement! As the cherry on top, their Kosher Kush was featured in High Times Magazine’s “Strain of the Year” competition. Astronomical success!
2012
Kosher Kush kept surprising people, taking first place at the Hightimes Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam and third place at Spannabis for “Best Hydroponics.” Following Kosher, their Sleestack grabbed another win at Legends of Hash in Amsterdam. For Don and Aaron, this was more than a victory; it was another recognition of their work.
2013
This year brought a new hit: Tangie. It immediately took first place at many cannabis cups in the US, including Hightimes. But that wasn’t enough! Lemon Skunk and Holy Grail Kush also showed their best side, winning various awards.
2014
DNA Genetics’ success continued. They took 20 podium places in one year! Super Lemon OG, Tangie, Sour Tangie, Kosher Kush, and Chocolope were recognized as the best at many events, including High Times, Spannabis, and many others.
Imagine, bro, their trophy cabinet was overflowing! They continue winning cups to this day. Thanks to Don and Aaron’s efforts, DNA Genetics quickly became a leader and trendsetter in the cannabis world.
The passion of partnership
Collecting awards at international events every year and becoming stars in the cannabis world, the guys at DNA Genetics reached an important conclusion. With this level of success, they could, and even should, enter different global markets! That’s where partnerships with other companies came to their aid.
2015
In 2015, DNA Genetics began international collaborations. They signed an exclusive agreement with Canada’s Canopy Growth, taking on consulting roles for its subsidiary, TWEED. This collaboration allowed DNA-branded products to be sold to Canadian medical patients. Their efforts were noticed and rewarded. By year’s end, DNA Genetics had received the prestigious “Hightimes Trailblazers of the Year” award. And one of their signature strains, Strawberry Banana, took first place at the High Times World Championship in Jamaica that same year.
2016
In 2016, Don and Aaron extended their successful collaboration with CG until 2024, strengthening their position in the Jamaican market. DNA Genetics was named “Best Seed Bank” on various platforms. Strawberry Banana, 24k Gold, Kosher Kush, and Tangie continued to dominate the American market. Although DNA Genetics decided to stop entering competitions, its strains kept winning through partner brands.
2018
2018 was another significant milestone in their careers. After cannabis legalization in Canada, the first official legal purchase was a DNA Genetics product. Don and Aaron personally attended this historic event, becoming the first Americans to legally buy cannabis in Canada. That year also brought recognition from High Times magazine, which included them in its list of the “Most Influential Cannabis Brands and Leaders.”
2019
Not resting on its achievements, in 2019 DNA partnered with 1933 Industries, Good Meds, Copperstate Farms, Revolutionary Clinics, Halo Labs, Green Peaks, and Bophelo Partners, allowing the company to grow, produce, and sell its products in the States.
Here’s another interesting detail: in August 2019, the guys acquired Crockett Family Farms, a family cannabis-growing operation. After Aaron and Don bought the farms, CFF owner David Suderman took on the role of vice president of cannabis operations for the entire DNA holding company. Tangie, the cannabis strain grown at the farm, became the winner of more than 20 prestigious awards, including the High Times Cup. Crockett and DNA Genetics are now also linked by a consulting company, which promises many interesting opportunities ahead.
The guys aren’t standing still. They’re actively moving, signing agreements with loads of companies worldwide. Don and Aaron are reaching their tentacles toward Canada, Jamaica, Europe, and different US states so their genetics can reach as many fans of good buds as possible. With new business friends, they’re achieving cool results, expanding horizons, and giving the world more excellent cannabis. Each collaboration is a chance to go further and conquer new heights.
DNA’s three paths
As you’ve gathered, DNA has long been more than just Don and Aaron. The guys work with different organizations and even different breeders. Today, the company has 3 leading brands. Please welcome them.
DNA
DNA Genetics Cannabis Seeds has been the main brand since 2004. It’s the brand behind this entire story.
Strains: LA Confidential, Chocolope, Kosher Kush, and many, many others.
Reserva Privada
Reserva Privada, a division of DNA Genetics, was created together with top breeders based on America’s West Coast to offer the thriving cannabis industry quality genetics with sought-after strains.
Reserva Privada strains are produced from premium genetics. Each seed batch is tested to ensure the best quality and performance. Recognized with various awards, this lineup offers the best range of flavors, effects, and potency.
Strains: Tangie, The OG #18, X18 Pure Pakistani, Strawberry Banana, Sour Tangie, Sour Diesel.
Crockett Family Farms
Crockett Family Farms is a third-generation family operation that puts every effort into creating quality, reliable genetics and excellent preparations for patients and connoisseurs.
Strains: Banana Split, Lemon 18, Strawberry Fields, Sour Strawberries, Sour Banana Sherbet, Sour Juice, SSOG, Tangieland, Crockett’s Tangie, Crockett’s Sour Tangie, Crockett’s Confidential, Crockett’s Dawg.
Flagship strains
Each brand has its own best strain that you, bro, simply have to try at least once. Or at least get to know better.
L.A. Confidential from DNA
There are two Confidential The observable traits of a plant, such as its height, leaf shape or colour. phenotypes ↗, and both mature in 45–56 days. One seems denser. With an incredible smell and unique flavor, L.A. Confidential is one of the main legends in DNA’s lineup.
The OG #18 from Reserva Privada
The guys selected The OG #18 from Feminized seeds are produced to give female plants. feminized seeds ↗ of their first OG Kush. Phenotype #18 was so good in so many ways that they had to feminize it again! This lady has a more sour flavor than the original OG and at least 1/3 better yield. In 9 weeks, you’ll have finished, firm buds shining with crystals.
Crockett’s Tangie from Reserva Privada
Tangie has been grown at Crockett’s farm for over a decade. Its pedigree begins in the mid-’90s. It’s one of the most aromatic flowers I’ve ever encountered. The flavor and smell are exactly like fruit! Since its arrival, Tangie has won more than twenty awards, and many have tried to reproduce its aroma.
A very reliable, stable strain.
Onward to a DNA test!
Over the years, DNA Genetics founders Don and Aaron have created a true empire. Starting with a small shop in Amsterdam, they turned their passion for cannabis into a business now recognized worldwide. Their efforts did not go unnoticed: their strains won numerous awards at prestigious events.
This path isn’t easy, but through talent, persistence, and dedication to their craft, the guys became industry leaders, setting new standards for quality and innovation. Bro, their story inspires and shows that with the right approach and belief in your work, you can reach incredible heights even in a field as specialized as cannabis breeding.
Sources: publicly available publications about the company and the strain.