Rusty: The Duke of Doja Is Redefining Cultivation with Flavor, Legacy, and Precision
In the world of cannabis, where growth is often measured by profit margins, true mastery goes beyond numbers—it’s about crafting experiences and flavors that resonate deeply within the culture and its consumers. The Duke of Doja, also known as Rusty, alchemizes cannabis cultivation into an art form, blending decades of experience with cutting-edge techniques to create some of the most sought-after strains on the market. As a master grower, breeder, and visionary, The Duke of Erb is about what cannabis can be, from the roots to the smoke. Alongside Ryan Bartholomew - Ryan, who co-founded iconic California-based cannabis brand Doja - they combine their shared passion for breeding and cultivating that elevates the industry to new highs.
A Journey Through the Land of Cannabis
Rusty’s story began before cannabis went mainstream, when cultivation was still largely underground. “I’ve been in the game a long time,” he said. “Started in the mid-90s, and it was a completely different world back then.” After moving to California, The cannabis pioneer experienced the evolving landscape of cannabis cultivation, navigating through the complex web of ever-changing regulations and county laws.
“Each county has its own vibe. El Dorado County was no cakewalk, but we stayed ahead of the curve.” Despite the challenges and constant evolution of cannabis politics, his resilience and drive kept him at the top of his game.
From Martial Arts to Cannabis: Shaping a Master’s Path
Before becoming the Duke of Doja, Rusty was a national martial arts champion and a fourth-degree black belt in karate. Martial arts was his focus and escape, until he was badly injured.
“I got my orbital nerve really messed up when I was helping a friend get ready for a fight, and so then I was like, well, maybe I should just pretty much focus on cannabis for employment and I'll just keep training for fun.”
The injury has caused irreversible damage and pain, which affected Rusty’s physical capabilities, including being unable to continue practicing martial arts at the same level.
“The only thing you can do is keep pushing forward,” he says, a sentiment that drives him throughout his cannabis career. He met Ryan Bartholomew in the early 2010s and created a powerful synergy, both recognized for their excellence and innovation.
Scaling Up: Precision and Passion at Doja
The Duke’s approach to cannabis cultivation is grounded in precision. While many envision cannabis cultivation as a small, quaint operation, he and Ryan are revolutionizing the industry by scaling up without sacrificing quality. A state-of-the-art facility in Sacramento that they utilize, which houses over 3,000 lights, is a testament to their commitment to growth at scale. “It’s about full control,” Rusty notes.
“Environment, genetics, everything dialed in. Bigger doesn’t mean compromising on quality—it means more room to experiment and push boundaries.” For Rusty, scaling up is not just about growing more; it’s about cultivating better, creating an environment where every variable—from temperature to light cycles—is optimized for perfection.
The Art and Science of Pheno Hunting
Rusty is a master of pheno-hunting, a meticulous process of selecting the perfect plant from hundreds or thousands based on potency, flavor, yield, and resistance to pests. “Pheno hunting is an art form,” he explained.
“You’re looking for that one plant that has it all.” The Duke’s attention to detail and commitment to perfecting every aspect of the plant—temperature, humidity, light cycles—are what set him apart as a true craftsman. For him, pheno-hunting is akin to being a winemaker or chef, creating a product that resonates with the senses in ways that few others can replicate. "It’s about creating a masterpiece—something that people will remember,” he says.
Flavor Is King: Crafting Unforgettable Strains
In today’s cannabis world, where potency often takes the spotlight, Rusty's focus is squarely on flavor.
"Potency matters, but it’s the flavor profile that sets a strain apart," he says. For The Duke of Doja, flavor is what makes cannabis an experience—an unforgettable moment that lingers long after the smoke has settled. "While we will always love and appreciate classic flavors like gas, and will continue to put effort into creating seeds that provide access to those, our primary focus is on isolating new profiles. We aim to develop profiles that are even more mouth-coating and flavorful than the titans of the past. This will allow us to expand our menu of top-tier varieties and, eventually, offer them as clones to the public as well."
“Something that leaves an impression.” His passion fort terpenes—the aromatic compounds responsible for a strain’s flavor—helps Doja stand out in a crowded market. Every strain they cultivate is designed to offer complexity, with rich, mouth-coating terpenes that evoke memories and experiences, all while ensuring potent effects.
Preserving Legendary Genetics
His commitment to cannabis genetics goes beyond just creating new strains. Rusty is a guardian of legacy genetics, working to preserve the classics while also pushing the envelope with new projects. “OG Kush and Sour Diesel are classics, but genetics are disappearing every day,” he says. “We have to protect the ones that are worth saving.” The Champion Grower’s latest project, crossing the legendary SFV OG with Peachtree Reversal Pollen, promises to produce a strain that exemplifies everything cannabis enthusiasts love about the “gas” flavor.
But Rusty’s gaze is always on the future. "With genetics like the Haley’s Comet cut—originally a bag seed from Washington Heights, NY, that was popped and mothered by @whateverthatscool 15 years ago—@lexters_daboratory passed it to @breathefree222_ in Boston, who then shared it with me. This lineage ensures that Doja will remain at the forefront of cannabis innovation."
The Global Reach and Future of Doja
The Duke of Doja’s influence has spread far beyond California. Today, Doja’s genetics are shared worldwide, with partnerships in Europe and an ever-growing global fanbase. “We’re just getting started,” Rusty says. “We’ve got new varieties in the works that will push the limits of flavor and potency. We’re always looking ahead.” With plans to expand their operations further, The Cannabis Pioneer and Ryan are determined to continue shaping the future of cannabis with integrity and precision.
“This isn’t just about business for us. It’s about creating experiences that people will remember. It’s about the connections, the community, and the memories people make along the way.”
For The Duke of Doja, cannabis is his life’s work. “We’re building something lasting here. And I’ll keep going as long as I can.”
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, Rusty and Ryan will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, pushing the boundaries of the highest standards of cultivation and commitment to excellence, leaving a lasting legacy.
Rusty was featured in our Doja.Pak print edition. Get yours here!
