7 SEAZ products are packaged with reclaimed ocean plastics. Photos courtesy of 7 SEAZ.
Founded by Colin Decker, a seasoned cannabis veteran with deep roots in the industry, 7 SEAZ transcends the typical brand standard. As New York’s first legacy to legal brand, their story is one of passion and perseverance that melds the rich roots of the past with the opportunities of the modern cannabis scene.
From Legacy Roots to Legal Triumph
7 SEAZ is deeply intertwined with Decker’s personal history. Inspired by his mother, who introduced him to cannabis cultivation at the age of 13, Decker’s journey in the cannabis world has been both a familial legacy and a personal quest.
“[My mother] always instilled in me that anything in this world is possible if you believe in it and pursue your passions,” he told The Emerald. “The seven oceans of the world symbolize just that, endless possibility and exploration in this lifetime.”
This foundational belief, coupled with his extensive experience as a legacy operator and founder of New York’s oldest cannabis consulting agency, Sensi Growth Consulting, paved the way for Decker to establish 7 SEAZ.
Located in the Hudson Valley, often referred to as “the new Emerald Triangle,” 7 SEAZ benefits from the region’s rich cannabis cultivation history and diverse microclimates. Decker leverages this unique environment to produce top-tier cannabis despite the challenges of growing amid the area’s humid conditions. The local terroir—environmental factors including the microclimates throughout the valley that affect plants—and the expertise of the Hudson Valley farmers contribute to the brand’s distinctiveness as well. Factors like soil compositions, gulf stream air current, light exposure, hot days, and cool nights all play a role in the crops cultivated in the area.
“Farming here has always had very interesting terroir to it along with so many different micro-climates that exist all throughout the valley,” says Decker. “Outdoor cultivation in the valley has always been an exhaustive challenge, even growing in greenhouses with light-dep or mixed-light can prove to be a nightmare, especially in the humid summers [and] early fall seasons.”
Working closely with experienced farmers from the area, 7 SEAZ products combine the genetics library from their legacy past and their exclusive partnership with Ziplock Seeds, a multi-time award-winning breeder. Decker personally oversees the production of all 7 SEAZ products for quality assurance and control purposes—because when it comes to quality, he’s not taking any chances.
“I personally spent a lot of time researching and developing unique product formulations and manufacturing processes to create the perfect pre-rolls,” he said. “Many checks and balances have been put in place to ensure that consumers get what they deserve every time—top-quality premium product.”
This quality is evident in the brand’s unique offerings, such as the TSUNAMI Triple Infused Pre-Rolls and Triple Infused Tidal Waves Pre-Roll multi-packs, which have set a new standard in the market.
“Consistency is the key to success in this great game,” Decker added. “We only use mixed light greenhouse flower in our products, and I work with the growers on the cultivation side to ensure that the flower going into our products is only fire flower every time.”
Staying True to Roots in a Changing Market
Transitioning from a legacy operator to a legal cannabis entrepreneur was not free of challenges, though. Navigating the regulatory landscape of New York’s recreational market required Decker to adapt quickly. “I had to figure out how to operate within the compliant and regulatory structures put in place by the [Office of Cannabis Management]. The rules are the rules, and compliance is everything when operating in the legal market,” he says.
Having pursued this dream since he was 13 years old, Decker’s commitment remained steadfast despite skepticism and hurdles.
“Navigating the legal constructs of the recreational cannabis market here in New York can be daunting for some, especially those transitioning from legacy to legal,” Decker expressed. “It is an extreme amount of work but worth every bit of effort put into it.”
One of the hallmarks of 7 SEAZ is staying connected to its roots while adapting to the evolving legal market. Drawing on wisdom from veteran growers who taught him not only about the plant but also about the community and culture, Decker knows that “you can’t fake the funk.”
“If you have lived with the plant for all these years and it has been your life, then it just becomes an extension of who you are, and it translates universally,” he says.
This deep, genuine connection to the plant and its culture is also reflected in the brand’s community support through their NY Small Farmer Fund. A portion of 7 SEAZ sales go to this non-profit, which aids struggling small farmers by providing direct financial assistance.
“I come from a small farming background and know what it is like to chase a dream and need a helping hand sometimes to make it over the hill,” he added.
Decker’s experience from the legacy industry informs his approach to business and innovation. “The dedication you put into the plant, your brand, and your products day in and day out will show in every aspect,” he noted. “No matter how much money you may have, you can’t buy authenticity.”
Other core principles of 7 SEAZ include scaling slowly. Decker emphasizes that taking a measured approach to growth is crucial. “I have seen so many companies go into extreme debt because they have FOMO and believe they must be the largest operators and control the market share, when in fact those who scaled too quickly will probably be the first to go under because those who live off of debt have no real foundation to fall back on,” he adds. “The bigger you are, the harder you fall.”
Naturally, the legalization of cannabis in New York impacted the company and the broader market dynamics. Decker says the market was turbulent initially, with many players prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability. For 7 SEAZ, however, the focus is maintaining high standards and ethical practices.
“We never cut corners,” he noted. “We kept our values and morals intact and stood firm with a strong constitution that our products and our consumers are what we care about.”
Looking to the Future
7 SEAZ is stocked in over 100+ stores throughout New York and regularly sells out within a month of new product drops. “One day here, we will have 1,000 stores open, and they will be carrying 7 SEAZ products,” Decker added.
He is excited about the future, anticipating growth both locally and internationally. He aims to expand the brand’s presence beyond New York, with plans to enter new markets like New Jersey and eventually go global.
As 7 SEAZ continues to ride the waves of change, Decker’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, authenticity, and passion. With a firm foundation in legacy and a forward-looking approach to innovation, 7 SEAZ is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry.
And for Decker, who’s focused on honoring his roots, supporting the community, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, the possibilities for the future are endless. “Stay tuned for what we have coming up next, and ride the wave,” he says.
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