Growing cannabis can be an extremely relaxing and rewarding hobby. To make the most out of your growing experience, you will need patience, a willingness to learn, and of course, seeds.
Figuring out where to buy cannabis seeds can feel overwhelming at first. The sheer amount of Google search results is enough to make your eyes pop. In reality, they’re not that hard to find if you know where to start.
Legality of Cannabis Seeds in the EU
With the strict regulation of cannabis and related products across the European Union, you’d be forgiven for thinking it extends to cannabis seeds as well. Most restrictions placed on cannabis products are due to their THC content, which is something cannabis seeds do not contain.
The good news is that the absence of THC means that virtually all EU countries allow the sale, transport, and possession of cannabis seeds. The bad news is that legality mostly disappears as soon as you start to germinate the seeds.
Some cannabis seeds can be legally germinated and grown, but generally only hemp varieties, and only those preapproved by the government. Laws are constantly changing so make sure to check the laws of your country if you plan to buy or grow cannabis seeds.
Where to Buy Cannabis Seeds
As with almost any physical item, there are two main ways to buy cannabis seeds: online and in-store.
Online
Purchasing online has many advantages, such as convenience, a wider selection, and generally better deals.
Online can be scary because that’s where people with bad intentions prey on innocent people. Google is an excellent tool but it can be manipulated. It’s best to use it in tandem with other resources. Reddit is a great place for people to discuss suppliers and share honest reviews and opinions.
If you want a good place to start check out the r/microgrowery subreddit. The moderators over there have put together a handy list of seedbanks to browse. Please use it at your own risk. It’s a great starting point but always do your own due diligence.
In-Store
Purchasing from a brick-and-mortar store is a much less complicated process, but much less convenient if there isn’t one in your area. On the other hand, the chances of getting scammed are exponentially smaller when purchasing from a physical location.
Reviews on sites like Facebook or Google are a lot more trustworthy for physical stores as well. That doesn’t mean you should believe everything you read, just that they’re more likely to be written by real people. Being able to speak face-to-face with the people, you’re buying from lets you spot red flags more easily.
Legality of Growing Cannabis Seeds
Now that you know where to buy cannabis seeds you’ll need to learn if you’re allowed to grow them. The general rule is that only hemp varieties can be grown, and even then it’s only legal if the plant has a THC percentage of 0.3 or less.
Getting yourself a hemp variety under the THC limit is only one part of the equation. The EU has an approved list of varieties that can be legally grown, so your seeds need to match an entry on the list. No other varieties are allowed, even if they meet all other requirements.
Conclusion
While it can be tricky to find out where to buy cannabis seeds when you’re just starting out, a little bit of research will turn you into an expert in no time. Most people are very relieved to hear that cannabis seeds are 100% legal to buy and possess.
The legality removes a lot of the worrying and anxiety that comes with dealing with cannabis products. There are a lot of great sellers out there, and we’re sure you’ll have lots of fun experimenting and finding your personal favourite.