Each passing month, the state of New York does its best to make strides in regulations and provide an industry to its natives that it rightly deserves and within that great state resides a community truly dedicated to catering to the essence of the plant we love. Having a dedication to making sure the people are getting the most quality strains and flower one should only be consuming, led us to the team behind Ravens View Genetics. We came across their bud during the summer and ever since, they became a brand we had to know more about and learn what’s to come. Recently, we spoke with co-founders Joann Kudrewicz and Michael Kudrewicz to understand who Ravens View Genetics is and will become to New York.
How did your relationship with the plant begin?
For Michael Kudrewicz, RVG co-founder and lead cultivator, the relationship with the plant began 40+ years ago when he discovered the healing power of Cannabis to combat his anxiety and migraine headaches related to starting in a new school. It didn’t take Michael long to employ his teenage entrepreneurial skills to share this product with his classmates, thereby sparking a passion. Over the years, Michael complemented his love for the plant with his innate love for nature and began a lifelong journey of study which he applied to growing and sharing high quality Cannabis. Michael applies his belief in the importance of preserving landrace and heirloom genetics to his selection of optimal cultivars to provide the consumer with a balanced and wholistic experience. His profound connection with the plant’s wisdom coupled with his optimized growing methods, enable him to detect and address a plant’s health issues even before they become apparent. He is attuned to his ‘girls’ in a way that transcends science and reason, and this relationship is inherent in the end product and overall consumer experience.
What led to the creation of Ravens View Genetics?
Having spent many years perfecting the cultivation of pure landrace and heirloom genetics, Michael, and his co-founder Joann, decided in 2020, to prepare for the eventual legalization of Cannabis in NYS. This plan was developed to capitalize on Michael’s expertise with the grow in combination with Joann’s experience and passion for building large companies in the highly regulated Healthcare Industry. As soon as NYS legalized Cannabis, the RVG team was ready to launch.
When it came time to develop a name and a brand, Ravens View Genetics was established from a very personal place. In 2015, Michael and Joann experienced the heartbreaking loss of their vibrant and spiritually connected daughter, Nina Keona. Seeking solace and purpose, Michael received a profound message through a medium: “when you see the black bird, it is me, coming to you.” Inspired by this spiritual connection, the couple embarked on a mission to create and cultivate cannabis that would honor Nina’s passion for wholistic well-being and her profound love for the plant. From there, Ravens View Genetics was born, guided by the wisdom of nature’s pure heirloom genetics, and fueled by the ever-watchful presence of Nina’s spirit, symbolized by the Raven.
What have been your best-selling or biggest strains to date?
Currently, we have four captivating strains available to the market. “The Gator” demands attention with its formidable presence, combining cerebral invigoration and soothing relaxation to create a robust and unforgettable experience. “Tangerine Cream” delights the senses with its symphony of citrusy zest and creamy undertones, providing an uplifting and euphoric journey perfect for creativity and motivation. “Petrone” appeals to the adventurous souls, unraveling mysteries and offering an introspective voyage with a harmonious blend of mental clarity and physical tranquility. Finally, “Lemon Daddy” exudes positivity and joy, infusing enthusiasts with a burst of bright lemony goodness, resulting in blissful euphoria and a relaxing back end experience.
RVG also has a number of small batch top shelf strains that will be periodically released at select dispensary locations and offered first to RVG members.
Currently, your focus is on growing flower. Are there plans to expand into other forms of consumption?
Exciting news! We are close to completing the production on a range of vegan gummies crafted from fresh fruit puree, infused with our renowned “Bad Dog” indica strain. Additionally, we have plans to expand our offerings to include top-notch products such as concentrates, infused pre-rolls, and a specialty beverage, ensuring a diverse selection of wholistic options for purveyors of high-quality products made with carefully curated genetics.
As a legacy cultivator, what are the highs and lows of the business?
Our pride stems from cultivating our products sustainably in the beautiful NY Catskill mountains. We hold a strong belief in our genetics and approach, and despite facing some initial challenges in navigating the slower start of the NYS industry, we remain hopeful. Our ultimate goal is to share our exceptional product with those who will benefit from it the most, overcoming any setbacks along the way.
Ravens View Genetics is located in Catskills Mountains, NY. What about this region makes outdoor cultivation special to your team?
For the past 18 years, Michael and Joann have embraced the Catskills as their home. As stewards of 32 acres of property that includes mountain, stream, and riverfront acreage, they often describe the region as one of the most beautiful and spiritual parts of the world. Throughout their tenure, the couple has wholeheartedly embraced a sustainable lifestyle, by prioritizing the needs of nature, and constantly striving to improve and preserve their natural environment. While the NYS outdoor grow season is short and unpredictable, Michael’s ability to play to nature’s strengths while ensuring positive outcomes through the intentional selection of ideal genetics, makes the RVG product formidable.
As a Native New Yorker, what would you want consumers to take away from their experience with your product?
Our aim is to empower and educate consumers, enabling them to make informed decisions about the products they choose. We encourage exploration of the diverse experiences that come from selecting products with comprehensive cannabinoid and terpene profiles, rather than solely focusing on THC. By embracing the whole plant profile, individuals can unlock the full benefits and potential offered by RVG’s products.
What’s next for Ravens View Genetics?
As we prepare to launch our flower on store shelves and introduce our new offerings, we are also about to launch a series of ‘Cannabis Connoisseur’ classes designed to educate the consumer on how to drive quality at the dispensary level while also learning about all of the elements that influence the full, whole plant profile experience, born of pure genetics.
To stay in the loop with our latest updates and to join us on this exciting journey, we encourage you to follow us on Instagram at @ravensviewgenetics. There, you’ll find all the latest developments, behind-the-scenes insights, and more.
