French Connection by Aficionado Humboldt is born in 2018 from the award-winning collaborations between Aficionado co-founders Leo Stone and Professor Q.
Founded in 2011 in Northern California's Emerald Triangle region, Aficionado has been custom tailoring highly exclusive designer cannabis for a small group of private clients for over 15 years. By uniting legendary heirloom genetics and visionary artisanship, French Connection exemplifies both the Emerald Triangle tradition of crafting boutique cannabis and the French Riviera’s world-class Horticultural reputation; that must be, at once, exceptionally bold and refined.
Specialized in feminized seeds production French Connection serve as the international extension of Aficionado Humboldt!
Strictly produced in limited numbers and characterized by unparalleled quality.
Our exclusive varieties are reserved only for the most serious connoisseurs, now available in Europe!
Professor Q, is a renowned Master Grower and expert in cannabis genetics. With over 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and recreational cannabis sectors, he has worked extensively across the United States, Canada, Turkey, Colombia, and Portugal. He is the co-founder and CEO of Aficionado French Connection, a partner of Aficionado Humboldt, and a co-founder of several other ventures in the cannabis industry.
Professor Q holds a degree in horticulture, with an expertise in in vitro propagation (tissue culture), large-scale horticultural management, and seed improvement. His work is focused on genetic breeding, organic cultivation, and the development of regulated cannabis production projects.
Driven by a passion for biodiversity and landrace cannabis genetics, Professor Q has spent much of his life traveling to traditional cannabis-producing regions in studying native landrace strains. His expeditions have taken him to remote and biodiversity-rich areas across Africa, Turkey, Asia, the Himalayas, Eastern Europe, South America. These journeys have allowed him to study and preserve rare genetic varieties while promoting an ethical approach to genetic conservation.
By blending traditional practices with scientific innovation, Professor Q has established himself as a respected figure in the global cannabis industry.
Throughout his career, Professor Q has played a key role in the development of the cannabis industry by contributing to major international projects. His main achievements include:
Leo Stone is the founder of Aficionado Estates, the world's first ultra-premium cannabis brand, established in 2012. Under his leadership, Aficionado has earned an impressive 44 Cannabis Cup awards and was inducted into the High Times Seed Bank Hall of Fame in 2017. With 16 years of experience cultivating cannabis 14 of those managing commercial operations in the legendary Mendocino and Humboldt Counties.
Leo is renowned for his expertise in breeding exceptional, award-winning cannabis varieties.
In addition to his work with Aficionado Estates, Leo co-founded Aficionado French Connection and served as the principal designer for Frenchy Cannoli’s celebrated California-legal hashish line. His international impact extends to France, Spain, and Portugal, where his innovative cultivation and breeding programs have set the standard for European cannabis excellence.
Leo Stone is also a U.S. Army combat veteran, having served five years specializing in Intelligence & Targeting Operations
Genetic development through hybridization and establishment of production and marketing strategies to position 2 brands on the international market.
Branding, design, marketing, and business strategies for 3 international cannabis brands.
Design, launch and management of 4 large-scale GACP and GMP international projects.
Design and execution of a governmental cannabis pilot project.
Contribution to drafting pharmaceutical Cannabis regulations for a national regulator.
Consulting on multiple commercial cannabis cultivation operations.
Internationally awarded for his genetics, with numerous prizes and honors in the most prestigious competitions in the industry.
Featured on the Wall of Legendary Breeders at the Cannabis Museum in Barcelona, recognizing his impact and influence in the world of cannabis genetics.
"Mendocino is one of three counties of Emerald Triangle, characterized by its fine, mineral-rich soil, derived from serpentine mother rock, which is rich in essential minerals such as magnesium and iron. These minerals play a vital role in promoting plant growth and enhancing overall plant health. The soil's unique properties allow it to absorb and release water gradually, ensuring an optimal hydration cycle for cannabis plants
This exceptional terroir is further enhanced by its proximity to the ocean and the protection offered by a surrounding mountain range, creating a zone of low atmospheric pressure and high solar irradiance an ideal environment for cultivation
These extraordinary conditions have earned Mendocino an unparalleled global reputation for producing premium cannabis genetics. For over three generations, local expertise has uncovered the remarkable adaptability of plants grown here, showcasing their superior genes expression under the natural sun of Mendocino
French Connection genetics are meticulously hand-pollinated and produced in strictly limited quantities. Renowned for their unmatched quality, these exclusive genetics are designed for both indoor and outdoor growers seeking the pinnacle of excellence", - Professor Q
“Frenchy Dreams of Hashish” a documentary film by Jake Remington
