Where to buy cannabis seeds in the US


Where to buy cannabis seeds in the US
Max Sargent

Cannabis seeds aren't hard to come by these days, but choosing from the plethora available can be tough. Here we outline where you can get weed seeds in the US, and what the pros and cons of each option are.

Thinking of growing some weed? Or maybe you just want to buy some more seeds to add to your “collection”. Once upon a time, sourcing cannabis seeds could be quite difficult. Those days are long gone though, and now it’s quite simple to hop online or head to a seed shop and choose from thousands of different strains of weed.

Here, we look at the different types of cannabis seed vendors, appraising the pros and cons of each.

Buying cannabis seeds in the US: Understanding the basics

Where to buy cannabis seeds in the us

Buying cannabis seeds has never been easier. In fact, when you look at the number of different seeds and sellers around, it can be hard to know where to even begin. But fear not, we’re here with our expertise to point you in the right direction when it comes to buying weed seeds, whether in person or online.

In general, it is legal to purchase cannabis seeds. Whether it’s legal to plant them or not is less clear. With that said, be sure to check your local laws before trying to buy weed seeds, as it is possible that they are illegal in some locations.

How much do cannabis seeds cost?

Cannabis seeds are relatively expensive as seeds go, but they’re well worth the investment if you can grow them through to harvest. Here is a rough indication of the price of a single cannabis seed:

  • Cheap: $5–10
  • Medium: $10–20
  • Expensive: $20+

But price is not necessarily indicative of quality, as some brands are able to offer high-quality seeds at low prices. The best thing you can do for yourself is to research the quality of the seller to understand whether the seeds are likely to be good or not. Don’t assume that the more expensive the seed, the higher-quality the subsequent plant will be.

The best places to buy cannabis seeds

There are several ways to buy cannabis seeds these days—they're about as available as any other product, so your options are varied. With that in mind, let's look at the different options and assess their pros and cons.

Buying cannabis seeds online

Buying cannabis seeds online

Can you order cannabis seeds online? Yes! You can order pretty much anything online, and weed seeds are no exception. You can source them from specialised seed banks or larger vendors.

Seed banks

There are a variety of dedicated cannabis seed banks on the market, offering a vast array of unique strains. These vendors are great for those who know their way around the market, but they don’t always offer the most straightforward shopping experience for people who are just starting out on their growing journey.

Many seed banks will have selections catering to more advanced growers, and prices can differ greatly depending on the strain. Moreover, some seed banks force you to buy in bulk, and many offer very limited information on the characteristics of their strains.

What seed banks are perhaps best for is finding rare genetics and limited runs. They’re also great for wholesalers; but they’re not as suitable for novices who just want a high-quality seed to get started with.

Online headshops

Buying cannabis seeds online

Online headshops are a very good place to buy cannabis seeds if you want a large selection and good prices. An example of a quality headshop with decent prices is Zamnesia, a European establishment that has recently made its way across the Atlantic and is taking the market by storm.

Online headshops typically stock seeds from many different breeders, and sometimes offer search tools to help people navigate through the thousands of seeds on offer. These sites also tend to provide detailed information about the growth characteristics and effects of a given strain, making them less intimidating for some customers.

The main drawback with online headshops is that not all of them offer the same level of quality, consistency, and customer service, so do your due diligence before committing to a purchase.

Buying cannabis seeds on the high street

Buying cannabis seeds on the high street

You can also buy seeds in person, just like the good old days! And you don’t need to meet a dealer down an alleyway in order to do this. Instead, you can head on over to a specialised dispensary and use their professional knowledge to make an informed choice.

Dispensary

Dispensaries should have highly trained budtenders who are able to guide you through your buying process. Tell them what you want, what your experience level is, and how you intend to grow, and they should be able to point you in the direction of some suitable strains.

The good thing about dispensaries is that you can ask questions and receive answers from real people. The downside is that they are likely to have a more limited choice compared to online stores.

What to look out for when buying cannabis seeds in the US

Buying cannabis seeds on the high street

When buying cannabis seeds in the US, whether online or in person, it pays to be informed. As such, here are some tips to consider beforehand, especially if it’s your first time.

Start with a seedfinder tool

Seedfinder tools can help to narrow down the selection from thousands to a much more manageable amount. Say you desire an autoflowering strain with a short life cycle, low THC levels, and a fruity flavour; you can open hundreds of tabs and read through each strain description, or you can use a tool to do it for you! Think of seedfinder tools as your online, algorithmic budtender.

Autoflowering strains are usually easier for beginners

If you’re a beginner, an autoflowering strain can be a great choice to get you started. These cultivars have much shorter lifespans compared to photoperiod strains, and they are generally easier to care for, yielding great results even if you make slip-ups along the way.

As their name indicates, autoflowering strains flower of their own accord, meaning growers needn’t concern themselves with changing the plant’s light cycle mid-grow. Ultimately, if you just want to grow some weed with as little input as possible, then they’re the perfect choice no matter your experience level!

Check for customer testimonials and reviews

Always read reviews! There are plenty of dodgy sites out there, and many will make outrageous claims. If something seems unusually good, then it probably is.

If a site has plenty of positive reviews, then it’s likely it will serve you well too. What’s more, try to choose a seller with good customer service, as when orders do go wrong or seeds don’t germinate, having a respectful seller who’s willing to help you out is suddenly worth a lot!

Read a grow guide while your seeds are on the way

It’s well worth reading up on how to grow weed before your seeds arrive, or at least long before you put them in the ground. Once you start learning, you’ll soon discover it’s a rabbit hole containing an almost infinite amount of information. But don’t be intimidated; when you first get started, you can treat them like finicky house plants and you’ll still get good results. However, it does pay to have an overview of the whole process before you begin. Otherwise, you may well find yourself caught short or lacking vital information when you need it. Besides, learning how to grow weed is fun!

Start buying high-quality cannabis seeds today!

Read a grow guide while your seeds are on the way

As you can see, buying cannabis seeds is not difficult. The main problem you’ll encounter is how to choose from all the strains on offer. It’s not the worst problem in the world!

Many people will find buying online to be the most convenient option, but for some the advice of a professional in a dispensary is indispensable. If you have one nearby, then it can’t hurt! Alternatively, your best bet is to check out a reputable online headshop, use their seedfinder, and brush up on some weed growing knowledge while you wait for your packet to arrive!

Max Sargent
Max Sargent

Max has been writing about cannabis and psychedelics for several years now. With a strong belief that an open, honest attitude toward drugs and drug policy can improve the lives of many, he seeks to offer insightful and developed opinions on the subject.