When you think of cannabis brands that have broken through to the mainstream, Doja stands out as one of the top names. Behind the brand is a journey shaped by decades of cultivation, breeding, and evolution. We sat down with Ryan Bartholomew—known as Doja—to discuss his personal journey, the art of breeding, and the future of his brand.

From Camden to California: A Journey Fueled by Passion

Ryan's story began in Camden, New Jersey, with a childhood marked by constant moves. Despite this, cannabis was always a constant. His first encounter with the plant came in 1998 in Fort Worth, Texas, where cannabis became a rite of passage for him and his friends. It was this early experience that set him on a path to becoming a key figure in the cannabis industry. After bouncing between Texas and California, Ryan eventually settled in Los Angeles, where he found the ideal combination of culture, networking, and perfect weather. “LA is home,” he says, crediting the city’s international networking opportunities and infrastructure for his success.

Crafting Genetics: The Heart of Doja’s Success

Today, Ryan is recognized as a pioneer in cannabis genetics. Doja is known for their cultivation and mainstreaming of RS 11, Giraffe Pussy, and Permanent Marker, all strains that came from other colleagues. Today Doja is only working with proprietary genetics and creating iconic strains all their own like Peach Tree. The key to their success was a collaborative partnership with Rusty, a breeder he’s worked with since 2012. In 2020, they began their venture into seed production and genetic development.

Ryan’s breeding philosophy is simple: he’s focused on crafting unique, innovative strains that stand out in a crowded market. “I’m looking for things we haven’t seen before,” he says. Doja's breeding program seeks to create strains that break away from the norm and surprise even the most seasoned cannabis connoisseurs. The focus is on high-flavor, mouth-coating strains like Papaya Mosa and Peach Tree, all while ensuring the overall smoking experience is smooth, not harsh.

The Doja Brand: Navigating the New Cannabis Landscape

As the cannabis industry evolved, so did Doja. Ryan attributes much of its success to being part of the first wave of brands that embraced social media and digital marketing. “We’ve been working for close to 10 years. It’s a combination of a strong internet presence and innovative thinking that got us where we are,” he explains. But marketing alone isn’t what propelled Doja to the top; it’s their commitment to producing some of the best cannabis genetics available. “What we’re doing with Rusty now is next to none. No one else is doing what we’re doing. We’re pushing the envelope in a way that hasn’t been seen before.”TransitionFor Doja, the cannabis industry’s transition from illicit to legal markets mirrors the historical shift of alcohol post-prohibition. "It’s not going to be right now, but I think all the markets are going to succeed in the end," he says, drawing parallels to the challenges faced by alcohol during its own legal transition. He’s keenly aware of the hurdles legal cannabis faces, from over-taxation to high barriers of entry. "The black market thrives in certain aspects because they set up these really high barriers of entry,” he explains. But he believes the tide will eventually turn as younger generations, who’ve never known cannabis as illegal, come of age. "Eventually, it's going to be the norm to get your weed through legal channels," he predicts, with the market settling into a regulated, sustainable model.

Despite the inevitability of larger corporations dominating the space, Doja remains confident in his ability to compete. "The MSOs have to play on our field," he asserts, emphasizing that his expertise in cannabis will always give him an edge over businesses with deep pockets. While big brands might try to undercut him with lower prices, Doja knows that quality will always win. "Can they throw hits with me in the ring? I’ve been doing this my whole life," he says, confident in his ability to deliver top-tier product. As the industry grows, he faces the challenge of maintaining that quality while scaling up his operations. "The challenge I’m up against right now is to really compete on this level," he admits, underscoring his dedication to not just riding the wave of brand hype but to mastering the craft of cannabis at every level.

The Future: Vertical Integration and International Expansion

Ryan’s plans for Doja’s future are ambitious. He envisions a single-source cultivation facility for quality control, ensuring the same premium product while scaling operations. But it’s not just about California—Doja is expanding internationally. The brand has already made its mark in Australia, and Ryan is focused on growing in markets like Germany, Portugal, and the UK. “We’ve taken control of a facility in Portugal to help facilitate UK medical markets,” he shares. Domestically, Doja is also expanding in states like Florida, New York, and Michigan.

Partnerships: Trust and Integrity

In an industry where shady business deals are common, Ryan’s approach to partnerships is rooted in trust. “You’ve got to select your partners carefully,” he says, emphasizing the importance of working with people you know and trust. His philosophy centers on integrity and transparency, staying close-knit with his team and partners to maintain control and authenticity.

A Legacy in the Making

Ryan's vision for Doja goes beyond selling cannabis; it’s about redefining what cannabis can be. He’s not interested in following trends; he wants to create something new and groundbreaking. “I’m here to shape the future,” he says. This drive is reflected in the unique genetic projects he’s working on, which are pushing the boundaries of what cannabis can offer. From perfecting the Peach Tree Reversal project to enhancing gas-heavy varieties, Ryan’s goal is to craft a sensory experience that transforms the way people view cannabis.

New Strains, No Limits

For Doja, the hunt for cannabis genetics is all about finding the unexpected. "I’m looking for outliers," he says, emphasizing his love for the unique and unexplored. "I like to gravitate toward the one in the pack that's way different from everything else." He thrives on discovering traits that defy expectations, often finding himself fascinated by those plants that don’t quite fit in. "There’s been times where I’m like, 'Yo, are you sure you didn’t mix this one up? This isn’t something else,'" he laughs, adding that the mystery of these genetic anomalies keeps him coming back. His drive for innovation leads him to select rare, high-terpene varieties that stand out in both flavor and potency.

Doja’s focusing on "mouth coating, unique flavors, exotic fruits, new forms of gas"—elements that will set his genetics apart. With strains like the papaya mosa and peach tree, which he calls some of the "highest flavor intensity" in the market, Doja is carving out a new frontier in cannabis. By crossing familiar varieties with "more interesting things," he’s paving the way for the next generation of approachable yet groundbreaking strains.

A Global Vision: Portugal, Thailand, and Beyond

Ryan’s sights are set on the global stage, particularly in markets like Portugal and Thailand. He envisions Doja becoming as synonymous with quality as California wines are with Bordeaux. “California’s cannabis will be like Bordeaux wine,” he notes, seeing the potential for Doja to become a household name worldwide. With ongoing global expansion plans and a deep focus on genetic innovation, Doja’s future is looking brighter than ever.

Spreading Seeds, Sharing the Love

For Doja, nothing beats the thrill of seeing his California cannabis genetics grow in the hands of people across the globe. "The coolest thing you can do is to take part in some creation of some genetics," he says, his passion clear. "I’m trying to spread ‘em all over the world and let people pop 'em in every different region and find their own phenotypes." His international trips aren’t just for expanding his brand—they’re about nurturing a global network of growers, especially in Europe, where his strains are becoming increasingly popular.

“The real reward comes when they bring ‘em to me and show ‘em to me, and it’s lit,” Doja says, a grin in his voice. For him, it’s not about the sales or the recognition—it’s the excitement of seeing how his seeds evolve in different environments. “It’s like handing someone a gift, and then they bring it back a year later with their own twist. That’s the dopest thing.” It's a personal and fulfilling connection to his work, one where the legacy of his cannabis empire is built not just on business, but on a shared love of creation and discovery.

Always Evolving, Always Innovating

Doja isn’t just about following trends—it’s about shaping them. With Ryan at the helm, the brand is focused on creating new experiences and pushing the limits of what cannabis can offer. As Ryan’s journey continues, it’s clear that Doja’s evolution is far from over. With a commitment to authenticity, genetic innovation, and global expansion, Ryan’s legacy is being built, one strain at a time.

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