A Canadian cannabis nursery has announced a strategic deal with a New Zealand medical cannabis company to import and distribute a unique cannabis strain from the region of Tairawhiti. The strain, which has landrace traits and is different from the typical North American varieties, will be available to commercial cultivators through Apollo Green, a subsidiary of Australian Biortica Agrimed.
Apollo Green: a cannabis nursery with a focus on unique genetics
Apollo Green, located near Ottawa, is licensed as a cultivator and processor but specializes in providing unique genetics and plant breeder’s rights protection to the cannabis industry. The company has imported genetics from various breeders around the world, but this will be the first time it has brought in live clones from outside the country.
Oisín Tierney, Director of Business Development at Apollo Green, says the company is on a mission to offer curated phenotypes from reputable breeders to the commercial market. He says the company is looking for genetic variability and landrace traits that are different from the typical North American varieties, which have become focused on high THC levels and reduced variety.
“We’re very excited to be partnering with Rua,” Tierney tells StratCann. “They are one of many breeders to work with at the moment. Ultimately, at Apollo Green, we’re on a mission to offer cultivators curated phenotypes from reputable breeders from all over the world.”
“We’re always cultivating partnerships with breeders. We never stop pheno-hunting, and our ultimate goal is to be a one-stop shop for unique genetics for the commercial market.”
Rua Bioscience: a New Zealand company with a vision to take its strains to the world
Rua Bioscience, formerly known as Hikurangi Cannabis, is a medical cannabis company based in the region of Tairawhiti, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. The company has a license to cultivate, manufacture, and export cannabis products and has been working with local indigenous communities to develop a sustainable and socially responsible business model.
The company has also been developing its own unique cannabis strains, derived from landrace varieties that have been grown in the region for decades. The company says these strains have distinctive terpene profiles and cannabinoid ratios and are well-suited for the medical market.
Paul Naske, CEO of Rua Bioscience, says the company is excited about the partnership with Apollo Green and Biortica Agrimed, as it aligns with its vision to take its unique strains to the world.
“This is more than just an agreement; it’s a bridge connecting New Zealand’s exceptional cannabis genetics to the world,” Naske says. “We are proud of our heritage and our products, and we look forward to sharing them with patients and consumers who can benefit from them.”
A win-win situation for both parties and the global cannabis market
The strategic partnership between Apollo Green and Rua Bioscience will not only benefit the two companies but also the global cannabis market. The agreement will enable Apollo Green to access and distribute Rua Bioscience’s genetics to existing sales channels in Europe, North America, and Australasia, where there is a growing demand for high-quality and diverse cannabis products.
The agreement will also enable Rua Bioscience to expand its market reach and showcase its unique strains to the world while maintaining its intellectual property rights and quality standards. The company says it has already received interest from several countries, including Germany and Australia, for its products.
Tom Varga, CEO of Biortica Agrimed, says the partnership is a win-win situation for both parties and the industry.
“We welcome Rua to the Apollo Green and the Biortica Agrimed family,” Varga says. “We are impressed by their vision, their values, and their products, and we are confident that they will be well received by the global cannabis market. We are excited to work with them and support them in their journey.”