Legendary Horticulturist | Jorge Cervantes (Documentary Interview)

Jorge Cervantes, a pen name for George Van Patten, is a renowned horticulturist and author. Born in 1953 in Ontario, Oregon, he's recognized for his contributions to horticulture through his books, articles, and instructional materials.
Filmed in 2015

[@jorgecervantesmj]

Thanks for all the great comments! I am very proud to have inspired so many cannabis cultivators around the world. My goal has always been to teach you about cannabis cultivation by giving you the tools to grow and learn how to make your own decisions. Now countless people are much better educated and knowledgable than me. This is the best feeling in the world! This interview was completed some eight years ago in Portland, Oregon when I was visiting there. I believe Mike McDermott was responsible for the professional work. I remember him well, no pressure and honest emotions is what he asked for. I did my best to deliver. Thanks Mike and family!

[@veela420]

I never ever dreamt about being able to communicate with the mysterious black bearded black dreadlocked guy who has done so much for the worldwide community ❤ Hi Jorge! Thanks for everything!

[@pegasusdroneserviceaustral758]

Thanks for your years of selfless dedication Mr Cervantes. A gentleman and a scholar. I was wondering if you could maybe do a video talking more about Neville Schoenmakers. I live in Mullumbimby Australia {near Nimbin} and one of his most fabled strains was Mullum madness as im sure you know. Most people don't know he was Australian and like yourself had to leave his home to pursue his passion which ended up benefiting all of us I guess. funny old world aint it? Think I need to hit the bong after typing all this. Peace out brother.

[@jorgecervantesmj]

Thanks so much mate. May Neville RIP.

[@TheAceofhearts84]

💚

[@cagmz]

I remember your old outdoor grow videos. Dreadlocks and big sunglasses 💚

[@DancingSweater]

🏆Jorge Cervantes is the guy i learned 90% of my growing techniques from back in 2010, SOO MUCH Wisdom! He's the real deal!🏆

[@AOLMEANWOODLS7]

😂😂😂😂 bros books was seriously contradictive

[@Sh0-tyme]

😂

[@str8gutta]

Same for me, I read his book when I started. Jorge is a legend.

[@stringbender3]

Love this guy and Kyle Kushman

[@FloridaMan-xu1iw]

Jorge is a guy. Half the crap in his books is old and dosent really make too much sense. BOTANY is the study of plants.

[@aliveandfilming2]

There's no way it burns memory cells , cuz I remember driving downtown Toronto to get this book like it was yesterday 23 yrs ago. One of the best book I own.

[@cropduster2740]

I still remember the first time i smoked at age 12. Am 67 now and still smoking and as sharp as ever.Weed saved me.

[@christianfoged4480]

There’s nothing called a memory cell

[@alfrede.newmen3024]

# 1 in the world. Jorge Cervantes. THEE Cannabis expert. Thank You Jorge !

[@jonkillian9434]

The first and only cannabis book I bought. My parents took it. Been missing for 15yrs

[@nowaistedspace4946]

LMAO!

[@luisscrivs3695]

I literally cracked up when I read that comment. Had a flashback to my dad swinging a huge coconut bong he found against the wall and it smashing and spilling resin soaked bong water all over him. Just like right now I was high and couldn't contain cracking up laughing out loud. The remnants of the broken bong that remained in my old man's hand got thrown grenade stylee into my face immediately in retaliation for that particular uncontrolled outburst of laughter fit. Ol' man lit me up. I was approx 15yo in 1995 when this happened. Also my dad would have burned this book for sure. I didn't read Jorge's book until 1997 anyways.

[@Hellgrinde]

I deeply understand and adore this man. He tough to me how to grow and helped me realize my passion. Forever grateful my friend 💚🌱✊

[@nellyschulz7509]

Def his a lengend😊🎉

[@williambarringer6513]

I’ve done it long enough now that I wouldn’t say its my “passion”, I like making bubble if any part of the process I enjoy and could describe as a “passion” it’s that part of it, the cultivation is just a long necessity step to get to that point, I’ve never had any aspirations beyond supplying myself I’m so sick of buying it, i wasted as much time waiting for people as I do in my garden, not to mention the money, it just doesn’t make sense for anyone to buy it anymore leds were the breakthrough we needed there’s no excuse now

[@Stay_Medicated_Pa]

I feel bad for you. He's a fraud. Read a REAL horticulture book for yourself and stop listening to these imposter here to RAPE your pockets

[@DancingSweater]

Same here haha

[@daru6088]

Love his stuff❤😊

[@toddstropicals]

Talk about a cannabis super hero right here! Thanks George for all the knowledge you've shared.

[@BASE5NYC]

Long before youtube I learned how to grow by reading a book by Jorge. Within 2 years we had a huge hidden facility in Brooklyn with over 300 plants supplying delivery services in NYC in the late 90s. All from one book, a bunch of High Times mags....and some trial and error. - Thanks Jorge.

[@indoor420]

Great job back in the good ol days

[@donmccracken9561]

👑 Jose Cervantes is one of the OG's of growing his and Ed rosenthal's books are what got me started back in 2002! 🎩 📴

[@Crobar808]

The indoor bible!!!

[@FloridaMan-xu1iw]

I read all his books then just compared them to the BOTANY books at the library and yeah. I was better with the free botany books. Jorges books have cool pictures though. Ready a book on botany and maybe chemistry.

[@MRFUCR]

Overgrow the dam planet, cheerz from ny , stay frosty

[@WildEGHatch]

❤ George, your book has helped me immensely to learn how to grow and how to problem solve and it was paramount for me getting into the hobby as my mentor also learned from your book and we just affectionately call it the Bible! You’ve encouraged multiple generations of growers and it’s absolutely inspiring to a young grower like myself! Thanks for Sharing your story and contributing to the knowledge pool. Hell I’d be really interested to see you intrviewed on breeders syndicate 2.0 as they’re working on building out a genome codex on cannabis and preserving the history that was so tightly held during the heart of the war on drugs

[@cocoteros2757]

i learn grow cannabis whit your book, now i have a grow shop you are the best, 💚💚💚

[@tomcassidy2525]

captain jack - dj short - jorge cervantes - well done oregon cannabis stories - thank you

[@bradpnw1897]

Jorge Cervantes has been a huge influence in my life for many years I am so grateful to him at for him for what he has done a true compassionate amazing human being thank God he was born and it still here thank you Jorge. I hope you understand even a tenth of the amount of people you have impacted and helped influence their lives and been such a good positive influence. I still have my first edition book of indoor marijuana horticulture he is a true living legend. Hopefully he can keep making money by publishing books or whatever he can do as many of these people have been pushed to the wayside by the big corporations taking over and the few that have the licenses that control all the power now. It's interesting there is an old proverb talking about how marijuana is for the poor people but now it seems it is only for the greedy in the rich and only controlled by the greedy and the rich whereas before there was so many more people making money off it and able to make money off it now very few people can. Either way thank you for your contributions to this amazing plan and all that you have done and the many people you have influenced in the many people you will continue to influence may peace be with you and your family for the rest of your life.

[@codymanson8691]

This is a down to earth take on cannabis. Nice coming from the man himself. This was great. Growing cannabis changed my life for the better.

[@jessepinkman3844]

What a nice human! We need more of people like Jorge.....☺

[@user-kr9dm6jv7m]

I can see and feel his passion for this plant 🌱 thank you sir for all that you have done to educate and support the growing community ❤

[@FloridaMan-xu1iw]

I can see that he made millions off shitty books that didnt have half the information as a botany texbook. If he had a real passion PHD of BoTANy would be next to his name. Cant grow a tomato you cant gtow weed

[@hallcody3]

This man changed the world, everyone in this lifestyle hopes to have such a fulfilling life. I Love cannabis and appreciate this man’s contribution to me and the generation who have come since. Cheers Jorge !

[@trappenweisseguy27]

Yes Jorge, plants are great. I don’t grow only cannabis but hot peppers, house plants and herbs as well. Learning how to grow more than one type of plant gets you in tune with plant life and helps your results with cannabis and vice versa. Starting the my harvest on Wednesday 😁 and my ghost peppers 🌶 are close as well.

[@greatpar]

Memories. Bags sold by fingers 🙏🇦🇺

[@officialstoneytark]

The way you film and edit these interviews is brilliant. Great job!

[@jancelantzen]

Dude sparked a huge passion when I got his book from Borders books back in 2010. Still growin' today!

[@jean_carlos_shells]

Jorge is one of the gems in our industry deserves an lifetime award bands down

[@justinmcgonigle5587]

Jorge…those buds are huge!

[@alexroca6981]

Fuck me, back in the early 2000's I went to a shop and asked "I need a book about growing weed?" "you need the bible" was the reply, in return I was furnished with Jorge Cervantes guide to indoor marijuana horticulture. That book changed my life!

[@giovanniamore7532]

i like homegrowing better than just buýing 😄 gotta love them little greenies

[@russellzauner]

I bought your book as a teen and I have it to this day (the rainbow colored cover). Thanks!

[@DancingSweater]

another tip i picked up from a grower is when developing a farm, start with the drying process! So you can handle HIGH unexpected yields

[@tradward]

Finally! A face to the name. His book introduced me to the world of Horticulture in 2000 in which I went on to study and graduate. Thank you Jorge!

[@Parialated]

Jorge you are my friend, a teacher and a inspiration I know what it's like to be treated as a criminal and lose your home over the passion and love for this special plant.... Forever a legend! 21:45 almost made me cry

[@houseofstone3560]

Oh man I read this dudes articles in high times back in the late 90’s. That was my start.

[@A.Lister.Crowley]

Jorge’s book taught me how to grow in the early 2000s when I was in high school

[@tractororganics3662]

God bless this man for saying the quote. “You come from a place where your a criminal… than you go someplace else, and everybody likes you…” such a beautiful emotional quote jorge, I know how you feel . I am waiting for my acceptance as well, regarding cannabis medicine

[@StoneyWeedson-xx5ql]

Jorge is such an inspiration to all cannabis cultivators worldwide. His book, "Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor Medical Grower's Bible" has helped me in my journey as a grower and I couldn't thank him enough for all the knowledge he has shared with all of us!

[@devinanderson4256]

Oh man! Hit me right in the feels brother! Amazing to hear about your life my friend!

[@seanod7157]

His books are on my shelf now.

[@Magnum3144]

The way he casually states that they will probably change the def of "strain" to fit marijuana after taking the time to explain the difference and why he uses "variety" shows how intelligent this man truly is. His passion is SO real and palpable. I wish I could have coffee and a joint with this man or better yet, wish he were my friend

[@LarryBBW]

From now on I have traded the word strain for variety

[@birdman1174]

Wow, very kindred here. 1970s dirt weed, who would've known what the flower was like from a "lid" back then. If you weren't there, you have no idea. It was cheap but seeds were aplenty, you could easily roll out three ounces of seed in every brick and you could tell a proficient smoker by the burned seed pop holes in their clothes. Bricks were wrapped in green kraft paper like the old butcher shop and stored in some hot dry barn so by the time you got it there was no sign of bud structure. It's a wonder that it worked good enough for us to risk our freedoms enough to carry it on from that day unto today. We learned eventually and it's still getting better and now I'm learning stuff I never even dreamed about like what's going on in the micro sphere in the dark world under the surface of the mulch. Thanks can't wait for more stories.

[@cellphonestop]

Great interview! He is just like I imagine him being. Much love🫶🏼🇵🇷

[@rhonin420]

boricua!

[@cellphonestop]

@@rhonin420 🫶🏼🇵🇷💨 Saludos!

[@IronRangeGreens]

This guy and that book changed my life- thanks Jorge❤

[@Leftwheels]

Hey Jorge, got your Medical Growers Bible 20 years ago, seen many a harvest since then. Thanks for the awesome reeference manual!

[@gobelinle6301]

Living legend! Gracias Jorge

[@MartinMignogna]

Thank you Jorge! I understand what you went through with being looked upon as a criminal. It was smart to move away from people who don't value you.

[@sup1e]

Jorge's good people in my book. One of the few putting out decent info back in the day when there was so little around for us compared to recent years. A dozen or so of us that have been growing for a long time met&smoked fatties with Jorge at the first or second cow palace expo ~15yrs ago and he was super chill. My first time using the card at a dispo was at the same place/prob around the same time in Sebastopol too--definitely a memorable moment.

[@tons-wb1hl]

I'm going to read this man's books. Brilliant horticulturist.

[@mattski1979]

So fun to watch and listen to someone who knows what they love and loves what they do. I can listen to this man talk for days. Thank you very much.

[@tribalinknews]

A Legend...A Magician.... Green Thumb...Cool brother...met him at Expo in Colombia

[@loopmantra8314]

The very first tutorial, and almost everything I learned, came from this legend right here ❤

[@Krazybaldhead447k]

Jorge Cervantes is a gem that must be treasured. I've been a fan since I was a child. I also share the love for plants, their life, science, geography, their connection to all life in general as well as the desire to discover and enjoy . Thank you Jorge Cervantes

[@BustedNut-]

I have known of Jorge since his high times days back in the 90's and have a few of his books. He definitely was an inspiration to me, he is a knowledgeable grower as well as a pretty good writer.

[@chrisjohnson-kr7oj]

Thanks for what youve done for Mexico Jorge!

[@seanjmajor]

Got my first book in December of 2005. Almost been growing for 20 years now. From a four plant gorilla grow to gorilla closets and hydroponics facilities.

[@toguel]

Grandpa george greetings from mexico much love

[@patswayze7359]

As a fellow grower ,this man and his friends are priceless, things wouldn't be the same without these soliders,cheers!

[@bouncingbetty3636]

God bless you Jorge!

[@drgr33nUK]

It's mad how Jorge's book made its way across the world! Back in the mid-90s, I was sick smoking poor quality hash. There were a few guys growing a few plants in a wardrobe and doing very well growing some dutch skunk. I asked them to help me out so I can grow some for myself, but they said no and said it was to protect their business 😂 So, I bought Jorge's book and the rest is history. My first grow was amazing! So much so, the same guys wanted to know what I was doing to get such great results. I'm pretty sure I still have his book.

[@Goodcornerganja]

Great interview .. Learned a lot from this guy since around 2009…. His grow bible is probably the best cultivation book especially for beginners

[@pipersall6761]

Great story. Thank you and bless you Jorge.

[@anyhuman100]

Great guy, would be good to get more content from him and what he’s developed

[@inthemountainswithken]

I was on the cover of Jorge's "Gardening Indoors" book in 1987. The photo was taken in the basement of a house my parents rented in the North end of Seattle. My father converted the basement into a grow room. For the cover photo they moved the cannabis plants out and brought in a sea of flowering marigolds. At the time I was in kindergarten and can remember being so proud that I was on the cover of a book. I begged my Mom to let me take the book to 'show and tell', at school but she wouldn't let me. I was so disappointed. But it was during the height of the war on drugs, and years later that house was raided during the infamous "Operation Green Merchant".

[@100HzJimmi]

I Feel ya Jorge x Its a Lonely Life....But you Mel and Rob made it a whole lot easier for a whole Lot of People x

[@Phil-ld8uv]

Your Book got me started 1995. I had early version with the spine and had a few more over the years, It was so valuable. Thank You Mr. Van Patten.

[@giovanniamore7532]

got his indoor book.. its a treasure 🥰👍

[@jamess.1140]

I never finished reading his first book but, its the reason I started growing✌🙏

[@robertwestern5908]

I am still dealing with the system for last 3 years after having a mother in law narc me off for 5 plants .my wife survived cancer had part of stomach removed the plant helps her eat and better her overall health .It sucks to have someone so set in wrecking people life's for trying to make a better life .Cannabis is a very needed natural medicine. Thank you for your life's work

[@petercox5584]

Thank you Jorge ✌

[@christophe5487]

Big UP Jorge team button like thanks for the force la puissance 🔥

[@Yoyoma27]

Love him 🎉🎉🎉

[@quincyholland1868]

Thanks for all the help brudda

[@chronicwizardmargol7265]

Thank you for sharing your story and information.

[@GanjamanTHC]

cheers thanks for sharing!

[@thedimevision5899]

Excellent work!

[@timw9024]

One of the best there is. ❤️ big thanks

[@CannaTexasChronicles]

Great Interview!!

[@pawlpoche8736]

When he got choked up at the end, about buying legally for the first time, was pretty deep I had a similar feeling the first time I went to Chicago when it first was legalized In Illinois. I walked around my hotel, down the street, morning, day and afternoon lighting up big joints and just walking outside and feeling for the first time “I don’t have to hide!!!!”

[@jamesbrown-wp1pc]

love this guy was doing it before it was cool thanks for all your teachings

[@aliveandfilming2]

!!!! 😮 😳 I still have my " Indoor Marijuana Horticulture " Bible 😊 by Jorge Cervantes... bought in early 2000's ❤ Thank you my good Sir 🤓

[@AOLMEANWOODLS7]

Probs the worste book out ther lol

[@user-zc6hq6xc1i]

Уважуха хорге!!!!!! Здоровья и долгих лет жизни!!!!!! Курите братья!!!!!! Ветеран бд Андрей

[@darindenton7725]

One of the best interviews! (In my opinion) Keep doing what you’re doing! Look forward to the next one!! 💚

[@Ambereyesgardens]

I know your heart George/Jorge. What a struggle growing up with Hoosiers. It has been a constant fight and mind fuck.

[@brittweir8844]

Mind Blowing video ❤

[@stevef.m.2188]

Thank you

[@MrPaytonw34]

I’ve enjoyed every second of every video on this channel. I love cannabis and I love good storytelling so this channel is the spot . Keep em comin

[@atpeace420]

I’ve bought all your books thank you

[@vincentpcappello4512]

I admire your dedication and foresight best wishes Jorge!!!

[@bryannakvinda8411]

I learned everything from George wish he knew the amount of hidden friends he had in America I started growing in 98 in highschool in Oklahoma it was a hard struggle and we would never be where we are with out this amazing man

[@john-roywattie1483]

Fantastic video! I didn't know much about this guy while growing up but I've always known he was legendary in the cannabis world!

[@roysmith5293]

Thank you Jorge, bout your book and saw you on KZbin many years ago. you’ve been probably one of the original biggest positive influences on my growing of organic weed. Glad it’s legal now for many reasons, but the war continues the corporations have the desire to ruin this plant like they have with big tobacco, and big liquor, and every thing else. the war still continues big thanks Jorge 👍

[@kottonmouthdude12]

Thank u For your dedication to this plant if it wasn't for people like you. I wouldn't have the knowledge that I do thank you so much.

[@D.Cooper420]

What a legend. You helped us all so much. You taught me to grow through your books as well and now I grow for medicinal patients and it's the most rewarding job ever

[@chaplainkelly2025]

Waited for over 50 years and it's finally LEGAL in MINNESOTA! And I quit smoking years ago. But I've got like 14 vapes now; and LOVING IT!

[@raten2791]

Long live Jorge Cervantes !!

[@misterhemp]

Esse cara é a lenda em pessoa!

[@IntoTheFire777]

I bought all that BS they told me in school, and then when I was in high school (lol "high" school), my friends were wanting to try it so I did some research to show them how dangerous it was... I just remember the feeling of sitting at my computer amd going "well crap, I was lied to this whole time". That sparked a fire that's still going strong today. I ended up coming across Jorge Cervantes' Grower's Bible, and I must've read that thing cover to cover at least 8 times, I was fascinated and hooked on learning more. I know I'm not alone in being inspired by this man, thank you Jorge.

[@roythornton6459]

His Book is spot on IMO....medical marijuana.. medical growers Bible !! Great interview

[@rodkatz4615]

George Van Patten wow thanks for sharing your life story! I could see the pain in your eyes several times like when you talked about being alienated, having to live 2 lives, especially being labeled a criminal to finding acceptance when you moved to Spain and the feeling of vindication in California when you were able to buy cannabis legally. Before this video I wasn't aware of your contributions to the movement for that also Thank you! Now I need to educate myself with your writings!!! ☮☯💚🔥🌿

[@exhippie503ommp2]

Got the book @ Powles book store early 2000s, had to wait by a chained and locked cabinet then had to show ID to even look at the magical knowledge. Bought the book & filled my garden.

[@herbertwerner2287]

You sound smart and you look healthy. And you got great books I love them. No doubt that cannabis has a positive effect on you Sir. The war of over and they lost. They cant bust us anymore but I will never ever trust them. We sure did turn this around didn't we. Different tears, tears of joy. I never thought I'd see the day weed was accepted for what it really is. A safe healthy alternative, Its a cannabis world now boys ain't nothing you can do so sit down.

[@luisscrivs3695]

The war has ceased destroying lives in your homeland yes. But there are so many of us still living in other countries/states/jurisdictions? I live somewhere that is zero medical access and any successfully prosecuted cases involving cannabis possession, cultivation and distribution - if found guilty are certain to receive insanely long prison sentences. A guy got 3-4 years the other day for being caught with under a kilogram of dried flower. Meanwhile two gronk junkies bashed an old man to death while attempting to rob him while he was walking to a servo (gas station). One of the two received same length sentence and the second scumbag scored 2-3 total. The war is far from over mate. Also, given that the last actual 'hot war' fought in U.S. was the civil war? Is that correct? Anyways since there hasn't been an actual war fought inside the borders of your country since like well over one hundred years ago. Do a lot of other Americans believe (like I suspect you do) that world peace was achieved at the end of your civil war and has been sustained ever since?

[@jorgecervantesmj]

We have achieved partial legalization in the world and we will continue to legalize. The war on cannabis is stopping.

[@waldemarsteiz9277]

[@Edward-ju1vj]

This guy is a god and indoor marijuana horticulture his bible. Almost everyone who grew in the 80s 90s and early 2000s has this man to thank. His book {with 90s update) is still not outdated and Still teach anyone everything they ever wanted to know about growing Cannabis. Almost nothing in the book is wrong, which is crazy with all the goofy methods from the past. Fluorescent lights incandescent, Aquariums, tin foil, keg cups, birth control, urine, and to many other silly legends to list. He fell for none of them There is nothing silly like that In his book. I believe it is the 1st book to cover Hydroponics and some remedial breading.

[@newfreenayshaun6651]

I just named one of my plants skinny Bop, because I can. I would have to say that that's exactly what it tastes like as well.😉 It's amazing and shocking to look back,.... and realize all that we have gone through, gains and losses, just to experience this magical plant. Recreational is medicinal. And a miracle, otherwise I wouldn't be here either. Dive deep and get stoned enough to cry about weed, it's worth it. It's medicine. Thank you. Be nice to your buds, tell Mom I stay high!