I am an independent researcher working in plant production, medical cannabis regulation, endocannabinoid biology, and mycorrhizal soil symbiosis.
“The best way to preserve a seed is to grow it.”
Heirloom Seed Breeding and the Principle of Ecological Continuity | Berk Sohtorik
Approach and Working Discipline
The greatest weakness in modern plant science is the disconnect between laboratory researchers and agricultural practitioners. Theoretical literature that never reaches the field drifts into speculation, and field production that is never checked against scientific method drifts into inefficiency.
I bring these two domains together in a single crucible. Empirical data from the practice of cultivation is cross-checked against peer-reviewed phytopharmacology literature, and the resulting scientific findings are turned into production processes at GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices) and GMP standards.
University of Guelph Morphology Engine
A six-stage, 60 FPS live botanical simulation modeled on the phenological development of Cannabis sativa L. (Hesami et al., Plants 2023).
GUELPH PHENOLOGICAL MORPHOLOGY SIMULATION
00:00 / 00:36 | PHASE 01: Germination and Cotyledon
01 | GERMINATION AND COTYLEDON
Radicle emergence, hypocotyl hook, first lobed leaf primordium.
01
02
03
04
05
06
01 | 00-06s
Germination and Cotyledon
02 | 06-12s
Vegetative Phase and Phyllotaxis
03 | 12-18s
Photoperiod and Stipules
04 | 18-24s
Apical Flower and Stigma
05 | 24-30s
Trichome Maturity
06 | 30-36s
Seed and Harvest Window
Institutional Roles and Initiatives
2025 | Present
ANATABDER (Anatolian Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Association)
Founding Board Member | Grower and Researcher
Chair of the medical cannabis regulation commission; preparation of academic monographs and sector regulatory reports. Medical production standards and phytopharmacology compliance.
2025 | Present
Hasat Cooperative
Chairman of the Board
Consulting on agricultural development and regenerative plant breeding. Contract production protocols and registration work on local seed genetics.
2022 | Present
Kendir Agricultural Research
Founding Partner (since 2022)
Agroecological cannabis breeding, Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP), conservation of heirloom seed lines, and agricultural R&D initiatives.
2025 | Present
KenevirMED
Medical Cannabis Director (since 2025)
Leading Turkey's first and highest-standard medical cannabis cultivation for domestic and global markets. Controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), HVAC-D climate engineering, GACP and EU-GMP compliant phytopharmaceutical production, extraction validation, and regulatory governance.
2023 | Present
KEYAR (Institute of Cannabis Research)
Advisory Board Member
Scientific and sector strategy development, integration of academic research into field practice, and consulting on medical cannabis regulatory standards.
2024 | Present
EarthistDAO
ReFi and Nature-Based Solutions Advisor
Regenerative Finance (ReFi), ecological restoration, agroecological farming initiatives, and community funding mechanisms focused on soil health.