Mr Nice Seedbank
Anyone familiar with the history of cannabis has likely come across the name "Shantibaba." Behind this pseudonym is Scott Blakey, an Australian breeder whose groundbreaking strains like White Widow and Super Silver Haze played a pivotal role in shaping modern cannabis culture.
A Traveler with a Passion for Seeds
During the 1980s, Scott Blakey toured India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and South America on an old Royal Enfield Bullet. His primary goal? To hunt for rare landraces and unique seed lines. This thirst for adventure and the pursuit of genetic treasures would later define his reputation: he was always searching for cannabis plants with a “distinct character”—landraces with exceptional aromas and effects.
Sadhus & the Origin of His Name
During his years of traveling, he spent time in Pune, India, living among a group of Sadhus (holy men). It was there that he was given the name "Shantibaba," which roughly translates to "peaceful man." According to him, the name perfectly reflected his nature and his philosophy of balance. His time with these spiritual companions also reinforced his belief in cannabis as both a source of inspiration and a form of medicine.
Amsterdam and the Legendary Strains
In the late 1980s, Scott Blakey found his way to Amsterdam, where he crossed paths with two iconic figures: Neville Schoenmakers and Howard Marks, better known as Mr. Nice. Together with Neville, Scott developed numerous strains throughout the 1990s—many of which remain staples on Coffeeshop menus to this day:
- White Widow - A cornerstone strain of the '90s
- Super Silver Haze - The pinnacle of Haze genetics
- White Rhino (later renamed Medicine Man) - A resilient Afghan/White Widow hybrid
- El Niño - A blend of Haze, White Widow, and additional genetic influences
Greenhouse Seeds, Mr. Nice and beyond
For a time, Scott partnered with Arjan Roskam at Greenhouse Seed Co. However, after some differences, they parted ways. Shantibaba took his mother plants and, alongside Howard Marks, founded the Mr. Nice Seedbank. From 1998 onward, he reintroduced many of his classic strains under new names—such as Medicine Man (formerly White Rhino), Shark Shock (formerly Great White Shark), and Black Widow (formerly White Widow). This move was intended to clearly distinguish his original lines from newer crosses developed by other breeders.
With this decision, Scott cemented his philosophy: breeding requires patience and refinement, not excessive rebranding. He deliberately chose to prioritize rigorous stability testing over rapid market releases. His message was clear: breeding is a lifelong, passionate pursuit of a plant’s finest traits—not just a marketing stunt.
The Medical Mission: CBD Crew
Since the early 2000s, Shanti has been deeply focused on the medical potential of cannabis. In Switzerland, he led large-scale projects centered on high-CBD genetics. In 2009, he co-founded the “CBD Crew” alongside Jaime from Resin Seeds, with the goal of developing cannabis strains with significant cannabidiol (CBD) content. Strains like CBD Therapy, CBD Shark Shock, and CBD Skunk Haze quickly became flagship examples of serious medical cannabis breeding within the community.
The mission was clear: many patients require strains that are less psychoactive but provide effective relief for conditions like pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation. Shantibaba was among the first to work on reducing THC levels while enhancing CBD content—long before the “CBD boom” became a mainstream trend.
Anecdotes and Spirit
Scott Blakey has experienced his share of ups and downs over the years. In 2003, he was briefly detained in Switzerland after being linked to large sums of money and cannabis at the Italian border. However, the charges were eventually dropped, and Shanti returned to his breeding work.
Even in the “forum era,” he remained approachable and eager to help. On the Mr. Nice Forum, he wrote columns, guided beginners on the differences between landraces and hybrids, and shared insights into eco-friendly cultivation methods. Sustainability and natural breeding techniques are particularly close to his heart—a reason why he often speaks passionately about the importance of “naturally selected plants.”
Why We Love Shantibaba
In an era where many seed banks churn out dozens of new strains every year without properly testing them, his approach stands out for its precision, authenticity, and true passion. Strains developed under his guidance have (and continue to have) character, distinctiveness, and often spectacular effects. Whether you prefer time-tested Indicas like Medicine Man or are looking for high-CBD hybrids, Shantibaba undoubtedly has something rooted in "authentic genetics."
And that’s what makes him special: he stays true to his path, always seeking real advancements in quality. Even in his 60s, he remains as curious as ever—collaborating with newcomers and tirelessly researching medical applications. His strains reflect a blend of decades of expertise, pioneering spirit, and a commitment to establishing cannabis as a socially accepted, scientifically validated medicinal plant.
Secret of Eden – because we love stories, passion, and authentic quality products.
Honor the roots
If you want to bring a piece of cannabis history into your grow space, the classics from Shantibaba and Mr. Nice are an obvious choice. Whether it’s White Widow (Black Widow), Super Silver Haze, or the CBD lines, these genetics stand as living proof of what is possible when decades of dedication go into selection and breeding. That’s why Shantibaba is more than just "a name" - he’s a true pioneer that demonstrates how passion and craftsmanship can shape an entire industry.
