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Soma (Sanskrit सोम sóma, derives from the ancient Veda, born on 22 August 1949) is an American [[cannabis]] grower and breeder, medicinal cannabis patient, activist, Cannabis seed company owner and the writer of the book "Organic Marijuana Soma style" .

[[File:Soma in one of his favourite organic gardens.jpg|right|300px|right thumb|Soma in one of his favourite organic gardens]]
Soma became internationally known as a 'Ganja Guru' after developing award winning cannabis strains. He is best known for – 'NYC Diesel', 'Amnesia Haze', 'Lavender' and 'SoGouda'.


== Early life and today ==

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on 22 of August, 1949. Soma started experimenting with growing cannabis in 1971.


In 1996 Soma moved to Amsterdam and by 1997 he established a [[medical cannabis]] seed company - Soma Seeds.


Soma follows shamanic tradition in pursuit of a natural way of life using teacher plants and crystals with a strong emphasis on organic and ecological understanding. He serves as an ordained minister of the Church of the Universe since 2004.


Soma lectures on cannabis cultivation and conducts crystals and minerals classes. He writes for cannabis magazines around the world and is the author of the book - “Organic Marijuana Soma style”.


== Heart surgery ==

In 2005 Soma suffered an Aortic calcification and needed a valve replacement. After an open heart surgery he chose medicinal grade cannabis as his only medicine and has been using it successfully ever since. His cardiologist, which he sees once a year, approves that Soma is in good health and has healed well after the surgery. Soma has a daily prescription of 10- 15 grams. He intakes his cannabis by smoking, vaporizing and eating.


== Political views ==

Soma argues that the Dutch government gamma rated medicinal cannabis is less useful for treating patients and has been promoting a natural and organic approach in growing medicinal grade cannabis.


== Strain winnings ==

1999 - 'Reclining Buddha' strain in the Indica category, High Times Cannabis Cup.

2001 - 'NYC Diesel' strain in the Sativa category, High Times Cannabis Cup.

2002 - 'Buddha's Sister' strain in the India category,'NYC Diesel' strain in the Sativa category, High Times Cannabis Cup.

2003 - 'Amnesia Haze', Sativa Breeder category, 420 IC Growers Cup.

2004 - 'Rock Bud', Hash category, 420 IC Growers Cup. 'So Gouda', India Breeder category, 420 IC Growers Cup. 'Amnesia Haze', Sativa Breeder category, 420 IC Growers Cup.

2005 - 'Big's A's Special', Hash category, 420 IC Growers Cup. 'Amnesia Haze', Sativa Grower category, 420 IC Growers Cup. 'Lavender' strain in the Indica category, [[High Times]] [[Cannabis Cup]].

2007 - 'Lavender' strain, Indoor category, Spannabis Champions Cup.