Sergio Martinez, CEO & Founder of Blimburn Seeds- Interview Series

Regardless of where cannabis plants are grown or how much experience the cultivators possess, nearly everyone agrees that plant genetics are absolutely crucial. However, finding healthy seeds and consistently reputable providers can be a challenge. Fortunately for growers, reliable and high-quality seed banks do exist.

To learn more about what defines quality seeds and how to run an effective, transparent seed bank, MyCannabis.com spoke with Sergio Martinez, the CEO and Founder of Blimburn Seeds.

 Prior to working in cannabis seeds and genetics, what subjects did you study in school? How did those lessons become useful?

Honestly, my path was not what you’d expect. I came from fashion. I was a sales director and chief of production for a well-known European company. Nothing to do with plants. But what that world taught me was how to build a brand, how to manage supply chains, and how to sell to people who care about quality. Those lessons translate perfectly into cannabis. Seeds are not just an agricultural product, in a way they are a lifestyle, a culture. You have to understand both the plant and the person growing it.

Where did your interest in cannabis biology and cultivation come from?

It started through proximity. In the early 2000s in Spain, cannabis culture was really coming alive. I was already working in wholesale, supplying grow shops with equipment and accessories, and I became very close to the growers. I was able to see what they were doing, what they needed, what was missing. The more time I spent around cultivation, the more fascinated I became. Cannabis is a plant that rewards attention. Small differences in genetics or environment produce dramatically different results. 

What jobs did you have prior to founding Blimburn? What lessons did you learn?

After fashion, I came into cannabis through a wholesale company. Then eventually I started Green Guide Europe, which I co-founded in 2001. We were distributing equipment, seeds, rolling papers, everything a grower could need. Then in 2003, I co-founded Soft Secrets Spain, which became the top cannabis magazine in the country. We also ran major trade shows. So by the time Blimburn brand launched in 2009, I had already spent years inside this industry from every angle with Green Guide that later become BBG Projects until today. BBG Projects is the mother company of Blimburn and it is all ready 25 years old. 

My biggest lesson early on was to stay close to the grower. Not just as a customer, but as someone you are trying to serve at the highest level. When you understand their problems, you can build better products.

What inspired you to found Blimburn?

By 2001 – 2009, I had seen enough of the market to know what was missing: consistency and trust. Seed banks were often anonymous, and there was no real accountability for what growers received. We wanted to change that and put our name on genetics we could stand behind, every single time. Spain had become the center of gravity for cannabis seed production, and we were perfectly positioned. Blimburn was built to be a brand you could trust, not just a catalog of strains.

What goes into the selection process for seeds?

Everything starts with quality genetics that have already proven themselves, often at competitions like the High Times Cannabis Cup, High Life Cannabis Cup and many others. We work with breeders who specialize in specific strains, and then we cross those proven genetics with complementary varieties to produce seeds that carry the best qualities of the original. It is not about reinventing something every season. It is about preserving greatness while pushing it forward. Every release goes through rigorous testing across different environments before it ever reaches a grower’s hands.

What are the most popular strains in the American market?

The U.S. market right now is a mix. Looking at our top performers from our website data in 2026 so far, Hippo High is leading the pack, followed closely by Fat Bastard, Future #1, and Scrambler Haze. Stoned Panda, Blackberry (BB ) Moonrocks, and Cafe Racer are right behind them, and classics like Sour Diesel continue to hold their ground. We are also seeing strong demand for more complex crosses like Lemon Tree x Z OG and Do Si Dos x Zkittlez. American growers are becoming a lot more sophisticated. THC percentage alone does not drive the decision anymore, it is the full experience: aroma, effect, and bag appeal.

What about Spain and Europe?

Europe is more regional than people realize. In Spain and the Mediterranean, you can work with strains that thrive outdoors in heat. In northern climates, mold resistance and finishing time become critical factors. What we see across the board, though, is a growing appreciation for terpenes and balanced effects. The craft mentality is taking hold. The European growers want something interesting, not just something strong.

How is Spain becoming a pioneer in cannabis cultivation?

Spain has had a head start because of its climate, its cannabis social club culture, and the fact that breeders were operating here long before most of Europe. That created an ecosystem of knowledge and experimentation that is hard to replicate overnight. Now with countries like Germany moving fast on legalization, some people ask if Spain will be overshadowed. I do not see it that way. Europe is becoming a network of specialized markets. It’s starting to look like Germany on regulation, Spain and the Netherlands on genetics and breeding. Each plays a different role.

How will U.S. federal reform impact cultivation and seeds?

Reform will bring professionalism and accountability to parts of the market that have been running without much structure. That is good for everyone. When operators have to comply with standards and compete openly, they prioritize consistency and proven genetics over cheap or unknown sources. It will drive demand for seed banks with a real track record. It will also open the door to proper research and development with larger operators, verifiable genetics, and that is exactly what we offer.

What are some exciting future plans for Blimburn?

We are building Blimburn into something bigger than a seed bank. We are building a true lifestyle brand. That means expanding into new product categories like clothing, pre-rolls, and vape pens, while continuing to develop elite genetics that set the standard globally. We also just launched our podcast. The U.S. is a major focus for us. Our NYC and California operations are just the beginning. And as cannabis reform continues opening markets around the world, we want to be the bridge between the best genetics and the growers who need them, wherever they are. 

Thank you for joining us, Sergio! For more information on Blimburn’s seeds, please visit its website.