ZAZA’s History

Everybody talks about ZAZA, but few know the story behind it. JAMES ZAZA isn’t just a name. He’s a pioneer, a visionary, and the driving force behind an industry that’s changing the world. Before ZAZA was a buzzword, before dispensaries used it to push their product, JAMES ZAZA was building the real thing.

JAMES STEPHEN ZAZA (born February 12, 1942, in Toronto, Canada) is a Canadian investor, entrepreneur, and industry pioneer in the global cannabis sector. Zaza is considered one of the earliest and most influential investors in cannabis and is often referred to within the industry as the "Warren Buffett of Weedstreet." He played a key role in financing the first licensed cannabis producers in Canada and has significantly shaped the development of the legal cannabis market in North and Latin America through his investments and dedication.

The name “ZAZA,” which is internationally recognized within the cannabis community as a synonym for quality and exclusivity and is currently experiencing a notable hype, is directly linked to his work—especially his preservation and advancement of original, genetically pure landrace seeds marketed under his name.

ZAZA is known not only as an investor, mentor, and advisor but also for his efforts to preserve and develop genetically pure landrace seeds (so-called “ZAZA seeds”). His influence extends beyond economics into the cultural and historical dimensions of the cannabis world. He is currently focusing on expanding the cannabis market in Europe, particularly in Germany, which offers new opportunities following recent legalization.

JAMES STEPHEN ZAZA was born in Toronto, Canada, and raised in Timmins, Ontario. His childhood was marked by early loss, as his father died of a heroin overdose when ZAZA was just seven years old. Due to these difficult circumstances, he left school before completing the 9th grade.

He began his professional career at a young age, starting at just 16 as a sports commentator for a radio station in Northern Canada. This early media role gave him valuable experience in communication and public speaking. He later moved into television, working in various regions of Northern Ontario and deepening his knowledge.

Alongside his media career, ZAZA developed a strong entrepreneurial interest. He became a serial entrepreneur, exploring various business ventures and gaining significant management and leadership experience. A key period in his early career was working for Gene Autry in Los Angeles, a well-known entertainer and businessman, which gave ZAZA insight into the entertainment and management industries.

These diverse experiences and his entrepreneurial drive laid the foundation for his later success as an investor and pioneer in the cannabis industry. His skills in networking, strategic thinking, and business development enabled him to invest early in the emerging cannabis market and take a leading role.
 

 JAMES ZAZA is regarded as one of the most influential pioneers and investors in the global cannabis industry. Due to his early, strategically successful investments and broad commitment, he is often dubbed the “Warren Buffett of Weedstreet”—a label highlighting his reputation as a visionary, long-term investor with deep market knowledge. 

ZAZA was among the first to recognize the economic potential of cannabis, even before the wave of legalization began. He funded the first twelve licensed cannabis producers in Canada, which today are among the largest and most renowned companies in the industry, including:

• Canopy Growth: The Canadian giant and first to pursue broad international expansion.
   
• Aurora Cannabis: Another global player focused on medical cannabis.
   
• Tilray: Known for innovation in international cannabis trade.
   

His involvement with Tokyo Smoke, a lifestyle and cannabis brand, led to a sale worth $286 million. This deal propelled ZAZA into the top ranks of cannabis millionaires and showed the world that cannabis is no longer a niche but a multi-billion-dollar industry.

In addition to his financial activities, ZAZA is a sought-after advisor and mentor for startups and established companies. He shares his expertise at international conferences and guides new investors and entrepreneurs entering the market. His experience makes him one of the most respected voices in the industry.

In Latin America, JAMES ZAZA plays a central role in advancing legalization and building the cannabis industry. He supports both companies and governments in Mexico, Colombia, and other countries in the region in establishing responsible and sustainable markets. His efforts have been recognized by outlets such as Playboy and VICE. ZAZA places particular emphasis on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a medical alternative. He is sharply critical of the pharmaceutical industry for its overprescription of opioids and views cannabis as a safer, more sustainable, and promising option for pain treatment and other medical uses.He is currently active in Jamaica and Europe, working with local partners and policymakers and participating in projects to advance both the medical and commercial cannabis sectors. His vision is to help establish the European market—particularly under the new cannabis laws—as one of the most important global hubs for responsible cannabis business.   For years, the world has been smoking his name without knowing the story behind it. Now, it’s time to set the record straight. 

 JAMES ZAZA sees cannabis not just as an investment, but as part of a cultural and historical legacy. He is largely responsible for preserving and further developing the genetically pure landrace seeds, now known as “ZAZA seeds.” These seeds have a history stretching back over 300 years—from India to the Caribbean and into today’s global cannabis community.

The original “ZAZA seeds” were cultivated along the banks of the Ganges in India. In the 17th century, they were brought to the Caribbean via trade and piracy, notably by the infamous pirates of Port Royal, Jamaica. These pirates exchanged the seeds with the indigenous Taíno people, who integrated them into their traditions and preserved them for generations.

During colonization and the dramatic changes in the Caribbean, the seeds were preserved by the Maroons—descendants of escaped slaves who founded independent communities and fought for their freedom. For these communities, the “ZAZA seeds” became a symbol of resilience, freedom, and connection to nature.

JAMES ZAZA invested significant funds to secure, preserve, and develop these original genetic lines. By crossbreeding them with well-known strains such as Chem Dog, OG Kush, and Girl Scout Cookies, the globally popular ZAZA strain was born.