Shantibaba: Genetics, medicinal cannabis & legends – The silent grower behind Mr. Nice

Shantibaba – Scott Blakey, better known as Shantibaba, is perhaps the most famous unknown in the modern cannabis world. While names like Jack Herer or Mr. Nice shone in public, Shantibaba pulled the genetic strings in the background. He created strains such as White Widow, Super Silver Haze and Critical Mass – and became an icon for medical users and growers worldwide. Today you can find out how Scott Blakey became a legend, why he hides behind the name Shantibaba and how his work has shaped today’s medical scene. Back to all cannabis legends.

Who is Shantibaba? A breeder in the shadows

Scott Blakey was born in Australia and later lived in Europe. In the 1990s, he began his career at the Dutch Green House Seed Company, where he worked with Arjan Roskam on strains such as White Widow, Great White Shark and Super Silver Haze – multiple award winners at the High Times Cannabis Cup. Shatibaba has even had YouTube for a year now.

After differences, he left Green House and founded Mr. Nice Seedbank with Howard Marks (Mr. Nice) and Nevil Schoenmakers. There he concentrated on medically effective varieties with clearly defined genetics. His goal: consistency, medical benefits and the preservation of original genetics for patients worldwide.

• Born in Australia, later active in NL & CH
• Co-developer of White Widow & Super Silver Haze
• Co-founder of Mr. Nice Seedbank

Shantibaba who? 5 things you should know

1. He is considered the genetic mastermind behind the most famous strains of the 90s
2. He now lives in seclusion in Switzerland and continues to work on medical varieties
3. His focus is on the balanced effect & stability of the plants
4. He is committed to the legalization & safe distribution of genetics
5. He deliberately uses the name “Shantibaba” (translated: peaceful father) anonymously

White Widow, Critical Mass & Co: Shanti’s signature

During his time at Green House Seeds, some of the world’s best-known strains were created under his leadership – each with medicinal relevance:

• White Widow: Energetic, strong, pain-relieving
• Super Silver Haze: Creative, activating, sativa-dominant
• Critical Mass: High yield, CBD-friendly, for muscle tension

How good are his breeds?

My favorite example, Super Silver Haze. It won the Cannabis Cup three times, which is why it was excluded from the competition.

Haha 😂 Super Silver Haze ist so gut, es hat 3x den Cannabis Cup gewonnen und wurde dann vom Wettbewerb ausgeschlossen! #supersilverhaze #goat https://t.co/3OJ9MHzCxj

— CannaZen (@CannaZen_de) June 2, 2025

He later genetically reworked many varieties to optimize them for medical use. Today’s Mr. Nice Seedbank offers almost exclusively varieties that are designed for stability, THC/CBD balance and clarity in cultivation.

• Genetically revised classics with a medical focus
• Varieties with a traceable origin profile
• CBD/THC hybrids for patients worldwide

Collaboration with Mr. Nice & Nevil Schoenmakers

After the break with Green House Seeds, Shantibaba sought new paths – and found them in the partnership with Howard Marks (Mr. Nice) and Nevil Schoenmakers. Together they set up the Mr. Nice Seedbank. The aim was to secure and document genetics and make them available for medical use.

Shanti took care of breeding & production, Nevil of landraces and gene banks, Howard Marks brought reach and media presence.

• Collaboration with two of the scene’s greatest legends
• Stable CBD strains with therapeutic benefits
• Focus: medically effective, legal hybrids

Shanti’s influence on the medical cannabis scene

Today’s medical market benefits directly from Shanti’s work. He is one of the few breeders who consciously breed for patients and not just for consumers. The strains from the Mr. Nice Seedbank can be found in many clinical studies, in patients with ADHD, chronic pain or spasticity. CBD-dominant strains also often originate from his line.

The scientific literature and therapeutic guidelines regularly refer to varieties such as Critical Mass, Shark Shock or La Niña.

• Strains with a clear THC/CBD profile
• High benefit for ADHD, pain & spasticity
• Genetic basis for medical studies & flowers

Live Q&A with Shantibaba

Shanti in Germany?

Some of its strains are available in Germany via the medical market – often in collaboration with manufacturers such as Bedrocan, Spektrum Cannabis or independent producers. Many German patients report particularly reliable effects and consistent quality.

A glance at the flower lists in pharmacies shows: Shanti’s work lives on every day in Germany too.

• Genetics like Critical Mass available in DE
• Particularly stable & uniform in effect
• Suitable for initial medical prescriptions

That was Shantibaba: Any questions?

Scott Blakey aka Shantibaba remains a quiet hero to this day. While others were celebrating, he was breeding – with dedication, knowledge and integrity. His strains are medically relevant, genetically clean and in use by the millions. Without Shanti, cannabis flowers in pharmacies would hardly be conceivable today.

Whether you need medicinal effects, are planning a grow or simply appreciate good genetics – your search begins at Shanti.

1. Genius of cannabis genetics in the background
2. Co-founder of modern varieties of medicine
3. Combining breeding, science & responsibility

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