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.

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. 

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