Shai Ramsahai: The Cultural and Scientific Drivers of Innovation at Royal Queen Seeds

Shai Ramsahai, president of Royal Queen Seeds, leads one of Europe’s most
recognized cannabis genetics companies at a time of rapid global change.
With roots in a family-run seed business and a background that spans
cannabis, CBD, and hemp ventures, Ramsahai brings both personal history and
business pragmatism to his work. Under his leadership, RQS has expanded
internationally while investing in research and development. He was
recently a featured speaker at the ICBC conference in Berlin, and continues
to play a visible role in shaping the global conversation around cannabis
policy and innovation. In this interview, he reflects on the intersection
of policy, culture, and science shaping cannabis access and innovation
across Europe and beyond.
Read the full interview:

*Ganjapreneur: Do you think growing medicinal herbs like cannabis should be
considered a basic human right? And what, if any, regulations do you think
should apply to someone’s ability to grow for their own consumption?*

*Shai Ramsahai:* We believe that access to growing your own plants —
including cannabis — is a fundamental right. That said, we also acknowledge
the need for reasonable regulation to ensure safety, prevent abuse, and
protect minors. A balanced approach would allow adults to grow a limited
number of plants at home for personal consumption, with clear guidelines
rather than heavy-handed restrictions.

*How would you say allowances for home growing have impacted regulated
cannabis markets? What are the best examples that you would point to as far
as regulations that have attempted to address this issue in a practical
way?*

Allowing home growing tends to strengthen the regulated market rather than
compete with it. It fosters education, reduces black market demand, and
builds trust in the legal framework.

Germany embracing personal cultivation as a way to balance access with
regulation, can be a good example. These models demonstrate that home
growing can coexist with — and even complement — commercial cannabis
systems.

*In countries where medical cannabis is legal but adult use isn’t, what
challenges and opportunities does RQS encounter?*

These situations are often marked by ambiguity and inconsistency. The
biggest challenge is understanding and navigating the legal frameworks —
particularly around logistics, seeds and cultivation rights.

However, they also present opportunities: to educate, advocate, and support
patients who need access while working within the legal limits. We see
interest in genetics and home cultivation as a gateway to more informed,
health-conscious cannabis use — and as public opinion shifts, and the plant
is destigmatized, these markets often lay the groundwork for broader reform.


*What do you think are the most exciting aspects of the progress being made
on cannabis policy in Europe right now?*

Europe is finally embracing a more nuanced, evidence-based approach to
cannabis policy. The fact that Germany, one of Europe’s largest economies,
has legalized personal use and home growing marks a historic shift. What’s
even more exciting is the ripple effect: countries like Switzerland and
others, are engaging in serious policy discussions. The potential for a
harmonized European approach — built on health, safety, and clear
guidelines for industry players — is closer than ever.

*How does RQS balance the art and science of cannabis breeding to meet
evolving consumer demands?*

At RQS, we see cannabis breeding as both a craft and a science. We rely on
a deep genetic knowledge, but our breeders also listen closely to the
community — what consumers are excited about, what growers want to
cultivate, and what effects people are seeking.

We also invest heavily in R+D, to bring innovation from other agriculture
sectors like our F1 Hybrid lines, but never lose sight of the emotional and
cultural connection people have with the plant. It’s this combination of
passion and knowledge that drives our innovation.

*How would you describe the relationship between genetics and
cultivation/processing technique when it comes to producing the
highest-quality cannabis flower?*

Genetics set the foundation, but cultivation is what brings that potential
to life. A top-tier strain in the wrong hands can underperform, while great
growers can unlock surprising excellence from less-hyped varieties.
Post-harvest handling is equally critical — drying, curing, and processing
can make or break the final product. At RQS, we work to educate our
community on both sides of this equation, because the best cannabis comes
from the harmony between great genes and great greenfingers.


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Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Shai! To learn more about
Royal Queen Seeds, visit their website.