40 Under 40: Jordan Zager

Zager, who earned his Ph.D. in molecular plant science, co-founded two cannabis companies: Dewey Scientific is the bioscience and research arm, which provides consulting services related to genetics and breeding; Dewey Cannabis Co. is the Washington state-licensed cannabis producer that turns breeding research and development into award-winning consumer products, available at more than 280 retail stores throughout the Evergreen State.

“Our focus has been on combining consumer traits, whether that’s bag appeal, aroma, potency, with what we call the agronomic traits that are yield and disease resistance, just like you do in a breeding program for, say, blueberries, at the university level,” he says.

At a glance, the company’s Eastern Washington headquarters might look like any other cannabis production facility. But inside the commercial cannabis operation is a research-grade breeding program and a molecular biology lab, with equipment more commonly found in testing facilities.

Dewey Scientific’s first major breakthrough was the discovery and mapping of a gene that was responsible for powdery mildew resistance, ultimately reducing crop losses and pesticide use.

“Operating the brand in parallel with the breeding program and the science gives us insight that we would not have otherwise,” Zager says. “We’ve seen lots of biotech-focused or biotech-adjacent cannabis companies come and go over the last six years. I think what’s enabled us to keep doing what we’re doing is we’re getting that insight firsthand.”