Men and women who consume marijuana often choose to grow their own products. They do so to have their preferred strains at their fingertips. However, individuals who have never grown cannabis before often wonder how they should purchase seeds.
These individuals want more information on how to
get marijuana seeds online, what to look for in a seed bank, and more. They need to know the risks associated with buying cannabis seeds online and when to plant the seeds. It all begins with the seeds they buy.
The Legality of Buying Marijuana Seeds
Legal entities consider marijuana seeds to be a cannabis product. They don't distinguish the seeds from flowers, edibles, and other products from the plant. As each state determines its laws on these products, it falls on the consumer to know the laws of their state. A person may buy, produce, and sell seeds in some states. However, federal law continues to prohibit the use of marijuana, which means the seeds cannot legally cross state lines.
Individuals who live in a state where medical marijuana is legal may purchase seeds with a medical card. Furthermore, anyone may purchase cannabis seeds for souvenirs. Again, these seeds cannot cross state lines. For example, a person who brings cannabis seeds into the country may have them confiscated by
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. A person stopped by law enforcement in a state that doesn't allow for the possession of marijuana seeds may have the seeds confiscated and authorities may charge them with a crime.
Before buying seeds, learn whether the state allows growers to cultivate cannabis for medicinal or recreational use and if a license is required to grow these plants. Research restrictions on the number of plants a person may grow and how many can be in flower simultaneously. Growers must know laws regarding where they can grow the plants and if they must remain hidden from public view. Finally, growers must know the laws on sharing their crops with other people.
Buying Marijuana Seeds
Many countries today maintain seed banks thanks to lax cannabis laws. These seed banks sell seeds from different breeders. In the United States, people may visit seed banks, a dispensary, or a seed website to purchase seeds. The choice of seed provider often comes down to the strains offered by that provider. However, look for a provider with an established history and excellent reputation.
Buying from a Dispensary
Before heading to a dispensary to purchase seeds, learn whether they offer these products. Certain dispensaries in states that allow for the use of marijuana do offer seeds, but some don't sell these products. Call the dispensary or visit the website to see what items they keep in stock. Many people choose this option as they can see and touch the seeds first. Other men and women, however, choose to buy seeds online to benefit from a larger selection.
Consider Strain Genetics
When purchasing seeds, learn about their genetics. Learn where the seeds originate and how the breeder crossed or backcrossed them. If the seller cannot provide this information, avoid purchasing the seeds. The grower cannot know where it came from or what practices the breeder used in its creation. For example, breeders typically put a new strain through several rounds of
backcrossing before offering the strain to the public. This process helps stabilize the genetics of the plant, so growers get consistent plants with the desired genetics and traits.
Choosing Cannabis Strains
Cannabis plants often produce an abundance of buds, so growers must know which strains they prefer. Consider the skill level needed to grow the strain, as certain strains resist mold and pests better than others. Start with an easy strain and choose more challenging ones as your skill level grows.
In addition, know the time needed to grow the cannabis strain, as quicker strains work best in climates with short growing seasons. Indicas, in general, have a short flowering time when compared to sativas.
Seed Options
Regular seeds include both male and female seeds. The grower must weed out the male plants during the flowering stage to prevent seeded flowers. However, these seeds undergo less backcrossing, which some growers prefer.
Feminized seeds only produce female plants, which means less work for the grower. Furthermore, this is no risk of a male pollinating an entire crop of female plants. This can happen when a grower misses a male plant during the weeding process.
Autoflower plants don't rely on the light cycle to move from one stage to the next. They make this change based on the age of the plant. Many people love these seeds, as their crop is ready to harvest in approximately three months. They are less potent, however.
Cannabis Seeds Cost
Growers want to know how much they should expect to spend on cannabis seed. Starting prices run approximately $40. However, high-end strains can run a grower $500 for 10 to 12 seeds. Expect to pay more for autoflower and feminized seeds, as breeders spent more time breeding these strains.
Seed Quantities
Beginner growers often wonder how many seeds they need for a good crop. As with any seeds, some cannabis seeds won't germinate. The non-germinating seeds may account for 25 percent of those plants. In addition, growers must weed out male plants if they purchase regular seeds.
When purchasing regular seeds, purchase four times the desired number of plants. If you buy feminized seeds, determine the number of plants you wish to grow and purchase twice that many seeds. However, keep in mind the laws of the state and only grow the number of plants permitted under current law.
Growers find many suppliers offering cannabis seeds on the internet today. It falls on the grower to determine which suppliers are reputable and provide genetically true strains. If a deal appears too good to be true, it should be avoided. Spend more on quality seeds and reap an abundant harvest.
Always start with an easy strain and expand your crops as you gain more knowledge. By taking these simple steps, you'll soon find growing cannabis is easier than you imagined and you have an amazing crop that you can benefit from whenever you desire.