Subcool (Montgomery Ball) | Legendary TGA Genetics Breeder & Cannabis Pioneer

Subcool, born Montgomery Ball and also known as Dave Bowman, was a pioneering cannabis breeder and founder of TGA (Team Green Avenger) Genetics. Rising to prominence in the 2000s, he became internationally respected for creating iconic strains such as Jack the Ripper, Space Queen, Vortex, and Querkle. His breeding philosophy focused on flavor, potency, and unique terpene expression, helping shape modern boutique cannabis genetics.

Subcool’s journey began in the 1970s, when he started growing during a time of strict prohibition. Despite multiple arrests and prison time, he remained committed to cannabis advocacy and reform. Over the decades, he became a respected industry voice, authoring Dank and Dank 2.0, and hosting the popular “Weed Nerd” series, where he shared cultivation knowledge with growers worldwide.

Throughout his career, Subcool received numerous accolades, including induction into the High Times Seed Bank Hall of Fame (2009) and the Dr. Lester Grinspoon Lifetime Achievement Award (2017). Even after devastating personal setbacks—including the 2017 Tubbs Fire that destroyed his home and seed collection—he rebuilt core genetics under the “44 Dank” label and continued breeding until his passing.

Subcool died on February 1, 2020, after battling Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic lung disease. He is remembered not only for his influential strains but also for his generosity toward medical cannabis patients and his lasting impact on modern cannabis breeding culture.