Decades of Experience. A Long-Term Perspective.
NorCal Seeds & Genetics is guided by a shared commitment to preservation, stewardship, research, and the responsible advancement of cannabis genetics.
Built upon decades of firsthand breeding experience and entrepreneurial leadership, NSG combines traditional knowledge with a forward-looking approach focused on preservation, validation, strategic partnerships, and long-term value creation.
Jennifer Michaels
CEO & Strategic Steward
Jennifer Michaels is an entrepreneur, preservation advocate, and strategic leader dedicated to protecting and advancing cannabis genetic resources for future generations.
As CEO of NorCal Seeds & Genetics, Jennifer oversees strategic partnerships, licensing initiatives, research collaborations, publishing efforts, and the continued development of the repository as a platform for preservation, knowledge, and responsible commercialization.
Drawing from a diverse background in business development, wellness, education, and plant-based industries, she focuses on building bridges between traditional breeding knowledge, modern scientific research, and emerging opportunities within the global cannabis industry.
Jennifer is also a speaker, writer, and advocate for long-term stewardship, helping organizations understand the importance of preservation, documentation, and intellectual property in the evolving cannabis landscape.
Jay Michaels
Legacy Breeder & Genetics Steward
Jay Michaels has worked with cannabis genetics since the early 1970s and brings more than five decades of firsthand breeding and cultivation experience to NorCal Seeds & Genetics.
Throughout his career, Jay has developed, preserved, and evaluated cannabis genetics across multiple generations, environments, and breeding projects. His work has focused on cultivar development, trait selection, genetic preservation, and the long-term stewardship of breeding populations.
As the primary architect of the NSG repository, Jay’s observations and breeding work form the foundation of one of the most extensive privately maintained cannabis genetic collections assembled through decades of continuous preservation and selection.
His experience provides an important bridge between legacy breeding knowledge and the future of cannabis genetics.
Shared Mission
Together, Jennifer and Jay continue to guide NorCal Seeds & Genetics with a long-term perspective rooted in stewardship, curiosity, preservation, and responsible innovation.
Their work reflects a belief that genetic diversity matters, that preservation creates opportunity, and that the future of cannabis depends upon understanding and protecting the genetic resources that make innovation possible.
Speaking & Industry Engagement
Jennifer and Jay are available for select speaking engagements, panel discussions, educational programs, research collaborations, and industry events.
Topics include:
• Cannabis Genetics & Preservation
• Long-Term Genetic Stewardship
• Breeding & Trait Development
• Intellectual Property & Licensing
• Preservation as Enterprise Value
• Building Genetic Repositories
• The Future of Cannabis Research
For speaking inquiries, partnership opportunities, or media requests, please contact:
info@norcalseedsandgenetics.com