Who Was Franco Loya?
Franco Loja was more than just a cannabis breeder and activist. He was a strain hunter, a passionate explorer who traveled the world in search of rare and endangered landrace cannabis varieties. Along with his friend and mentor Arjan Roskam, founder of Green House Seed Company, Franco documented his adventures in the acclaimed series Strain Hunters, which showcased the diversity and beauty of cannabis cultures across the globe.
Franco was born in Torino, Italy, on May 20th, 1974. He developed a love for nature and plants at an early age and became fascinated by cannabis when he discovered its medicinal and recreational benefits. He moved to Amsterdam in 1998 to pursue his dream of working with cannabis and joined Green House Seed Company as a breeder and researcher. He soon became Arjan’s right-hand man and co-star of Strain Hunters.
StrainHunters were more than just a show about cannabis. It was a mission to preserve the genetic heritage of cannabis landraces, which are ancient varieties that have adapted to their natural environments over thousands of years. Franco believed that landraces were essential for the future of medical marijuana breeding, as they could contain unique cannabinoid profiles and terpene combinations that could be used to create new strains and treatments.
Franco also had a deep respect for the people who cultivated and consumed cannabis in different parts of the world. He witnessed how cannabis played an important role in many cultures, religions, traditions, and economies. He also saw how cannabis could provide food, fuel, fiber, medicine, and income for many communities that faced poverty, oppression, violence, disease, and starvation. He advocated for the legalization and regulation of cannabis as a way to improve human rights and social justice.
Franco Loja Cause Of Death
Franco died on January 2nd, 2017 at age 42 while filming Strain Hunters in Congo. He contracted cerebral malaria while researching a rare landrace strain that could potentially help treat malaria itself. His death was a tragic loss for his family (he left behind two children), his friends (he was loved by many), his colleagues (he inspired countless breeders), his fans (he educated millions), and his plant (he dedicated his life to it).
Franco left behind a legacy of amazing strains that he created or collected over the years. Some of his most famous creations include Franco’s Lemon Cheese, a sativa dominant hybrid of Super Lemon Haze and Exodus Cheese that has a delicious citrus and cheese flavor and an uplifting and energetic effect; Super Silver Haze, a classic Sativa strain that won multiple Cannabis Cups and has a spicy and skunky aroma and a long-lasting cerebral high; and Himalayan Gold, an Indica-dominant strain that originates from Nepal and India and has a sweet and fruity taste and a relaxing and euphoric effect.
What Does It Leave In His Memory?
The Franco Loja Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in memory of Franco Loja. The foundation’s main goal is to support the education and well-being of Franco’s two sons, Dion and Devin Loja, until they graduate from university. The foundation also aims to honour Franco’s legacy by promoting his passion for cannabis research, cultivation, and activism.
This Is Our Tribute Of A Cannabis Legend
Franco was not only a strain hunter; he was also a dream hunter. He followed his passion with courage and determination until the end. He taught us that life is an adventure worth living fully. He showed us that cannabis is more than just a plant; it is also a culture worth celebrating respectfully. He reminded us that we are all connected by nature; we are all strain hunters.
His legacy lives on through his strains, his videos, his writings (such as The Cannabis Plant: Botany & Genetics), his awards (such as Cannabis Cup, High Times Hall Of Fame, etc.), and most importantly through his spirit: adventurous, curious, generous, humble, loyal, optimistic, respectful, visionary.
Franco will always be remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of cannabis.
