Mr. Nice: Cannabis, big money, smuggling and the legend of strain cultivation

His name is still a legend in the scene today: Mr. Nice. But who is really behind this name? And why do some of the world’s most famous cannabis strains bear his signature? Today we delve into the story of a man who went from Oxford student to international hash smuggler – and eventually became an icon of the cannabis movement. More about the cannabis legend? All about the Mr. Nice movie, Mr. Nice biography, the Mr. Nice Q&A and new, Mr. Nice Seeds.

Howard Marks: From elite student to outlaw

Anyone who knows the Mr Nice biography knows it will be exciting, very exciting! But who was Mr. Nice really? Howard Marks was born in Wales in 1945 and later studied at the renowned Oxford College. What hardly anyone suspected at the time was that the clever student would soon develop in a completely different direction.

In the 1970s and 1980s, he was one of the most notorious smugglers of hashish from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nepal.

His network spanned almost 50 countries – and he worked with partners as diverse as the CIA, the IRA and Colombian cartels.

His alias? Mr. Nice.

Inspired by a passport he had taken from a real Mr. Donald Nice. Under this name he became known worldwide – and later famous. Mr. Nice had 43 identities. After he was caught by the DEA in 1988 and sentenced to seven years in prison, he left prison with a plan: he no longer wanted to smuggle, he wanted to educate.

• Howard Marks: From student to smuggler
• Mr. Nice: alias from real passport
• Global operation with political entanglements

Here you can see it:

From the cell to breeding: The Mr. Nice Seedbank

After his release, he wrote his autobiography Mr. Nice, which became a bestseller. And then came the next step: together with the legendary breeders Nevil Schoenmakers (founder of the first seed bank ever) and Scott Blakey aka Shantibaba, Howard Marks founded the Mr. Nice Seedbank.

The idea was simple but revolutionary: original, stable, genuine genetics should be preserved and made legally available. Mr. Nice became the figurehead of a movement – while Shantibaba and Nevil worked in the background on the genes that would change the world.

• Foundation of the Mr. Nice Seedbank
• Collaboration with Nevil and Shantibaba
• Focus on stable original genetics

The classics: these varieties made Mr. Nice immortal

Many of the varieties that everyone knows today actually come from the Mr. Nice Seedbank. They were often later taken over by large seedbanks or renamed – but their roots lie with Shantibaba and Mr. Nice. Here are the best-known genetics:

• Original varieties with global influence
• Basis for modern hybrids

Super Silver Haze

A three-time Cannabis Cup winner, created from Skunk, NL5 and Haze. This sativa-dominant strain delivers creative, long-lasting highs – perfect for experienced users. A masterpiece of genetics to this day. More about the strain at Leafly.

• Sativa high with a clear head sensation
• Winner of the High Times Cannabis Cup

Critical Mass

An improved version of Big Bud, developed with a focus on yield and stability. Ideal for growers who want to achieve large quantities in a short time – with dense buds and a medicinal effect.

• Massive indoor yield with short flowering
• Optimized for medical users
• More about Critical Mass

Black Widow

The original White Widow – before it appeared at other seedbanks under a new name. A potent, resinous strain with a balanced effect. Strong, medicinal, intense.

• White Widow preserved in its original form
• Strong effect on physical tension
• More about Black Widow

Shark Shock (Great White Shark)

Skunk #1 meets White Widow – this strain convinces with a sweet smell, strong effect and fast flowering time. An underrated legend in the Mr. Nice range.

• Fast maturing time with high resin content
• Ideal for beginners & outdoor growers
• More about Shark Shock

NL5 x Haze

A wild sativa hybrid of Northern Lights #5 and Haze. Psychedelic, inspiring, not for the faint-hearted – but a highlight for experienced connoisseurs.

• Sativa classic with a complex high
• Genetic basis for many modern strains
• More about NL5 x Haze

Medicine Man

Formerly known as White Rhino, this is one of the strongest medicinal strains in the world. It is particularly popular for pain, sleep problems and loss of appetite. Information on its medicinal effects can be found at Project CBD, for example.

• Medically proven against chronic pain
• High THC content with calming effect
• Read more about Medicine Man here

Mango Haze

Fruity, lively, creativity-enhancing – Mango Haze is a real lover’s strain. It combines a clear head high with a pleasant body sensation and a tropical aroma.

• Exotic terpene profile with a mango note
• Sativa effect for creative phases of the day
• All about Mango Haze

Shantibaba: The true gardener in the background

Although Howard Marks was the face of the brand, the actual genetics came from Shantibaba – an Australian with decades of experience in cannabis cultivation. Even before founding Mr. Nice Seedbank, he had worked with Nevil, including at Green House Seeds. Many of today’s well-known strains actually originate from their hands – but hardly anyone knows their true origins.

Shantibaba is known for its uncompromising quality, its love of the plant and its respect for stable, genuine genetics. His philosophy: quality before commerce – and transparency instead of marketing gimmicks.

• Shantibaba: Breeder with an uncompromising lineage
• Many modern strains are based on his work

Significance today: medicine, genetics and culture

Mr. Nice Seedbank not only created varieties – he made history. Many of today’s hybrids are directly or indirectly descended from these genetics. At the same time, Mr. Nice became a symbol of change: from criminalization to legalization, from smuggler to enlightener.

Especially in the field of medical cannabis in Germany, the varieties of Mr. Nice are still in use today. Their high active ingredient content, therapeutic range and stable quality make them the first choice for many patients.

• Mr. Nice varieties today as medicinal flowers
• Legally prescribable and pharmacologically effective

Mr. Nice: More than just a name

Howard Marks died of cancer in 2016 – but his legacy lives on. Not just in books, films or interviews, but in every plant that has emerged from his strains. Anyone who smokes Super Silver Haze or Black Widow today is smoking a piece of cannabis history.

“I used to think I was a genius. Now I realize I’m just Mr. Nice.” – Howard Marks

• Mr. Nice: From myth to movement
• Keeping memories alive through genetics

Cannabis genetics with a history: What remains?

When you see strains like Critical Mass, Mango Haze or Medicine Man today, you now know where they come from. They are not just strains – they are the result of decades of work, passion and resistance to prohibition.

The Mr. Nice Seedbank lives on – and with it the legacy of Howard Marks, Shantibaba and Nevil. Genetics with a soul. A story that continues to grow.

• Mr. Nice as the foundation for modern varieties
• History lives on in every flower

Cannabis legends: Mr. Nice, Jack Herer & Co.

Cannabis history is rich in legendary personalities – from early activists to genetics pioneers and international dealers. Find out who shaped this scene here. Names like Jack Herer, Mr. Nice or DJ Short – the cannabis world has been shaped by real legends. Here are my legends!

• Cannabis legends