Johnson, co-creator of the Original Glue GG4 cannabis variety, passed away May 23.
May 29, 2019
Brian MacIver and Melissa Schiller
News State by State: Nevada
Ross Johnson, the co-founder of Nevada-based GG Strains, passed away May 23 at the age of 61.
Johnson, also known as Lone Watty, co-founded GG Strains with Don Peabody (aka Grizz), and the pair co-created the Original Glue cannabis variety (formally known as GG4), which won first place in the 2015 World Cannabis Cup and was part of a now infamous cannabis legal case.
“The industry lost one of the last straight shooters,” Cat Franklin, director of operations and marketing at GG Strains, told Cannabis Business Times. “He was an honest, honest man and it makes me sad that this is the one that has to go. We’ve got some big shoes to fill.”
Peabody’ and Johnson’s creation was initially named Original Glue 4, which prompted a high-profile trademark infringement lawsuit from Ohio-based adhesives company Original Glue. GG Strains settled with Original Glue and rebranded its cannabis varieties in September 2017, and the case has served as a warning to other cannabis companies to carefully consider the names of their brands and products.
In founding GG Strains, Johnson’s overall goal was to ensure quality and consistency for all cannabis consumers and medical marijuana patients by enabling them to receive the same high-quality genetics each time they purchase products, according to the company’s website.
“Being in the predicament that we are in, we are very fortunate to have two breeders,” Franklin added. “As much as I’m sad, I have to look at the positive and the positive is we still have Don [Peabody].”
A GoFundMe campaign was launched on May 23rd to help the family with funeral costs. Donations can be made here: bit.ly/Ross-Johnson-GoFundMe.
I am driving to Vegas in a few weeks and was trying to contact him when I learned the sad news this morning. Known this kind gentleman since 98 when he was selling those Pass-It kits and stayed in touch off-n-on through the years.
My sunny day has clouded over...he will be missed.
As a tribute to Ross and our community, all you old codgers either need to distribute your good genetics before you pass, OR go get a fucking FLU SHOT.