How to Legally Purchase Cannabis Seeds in the United States

Thinking about starting your own cannabis business? You are not alone. From CBD to medical marijuana to recreational THC and cannabis products, legal cannabis has become one of the fastest-growing industries in the USA. There are few signs of the cannabis industry slowing down any time soon.

If your business will include growing or cultivating marijuana plants, you are probably wondering how to get your hands on weed seeds legally. Before taking that step, you should make sure your cannabis business has the necessary license to operate legally in your state.

First and Foremost: Know Your State Laws

State law governs if and how you can operate your cannabis-growing business. Each state takes a slightly different approach. Your state may offer a large number of permits with few prerequisites or a small number of permits with an extensive application process. Here are a couple of other factors to keep in mind about the legality of cannabis seeds:

State law treats growing marijuana for selling purposes differently from growing marijuana for personal use. Your state may allow you to grow a limited number of cannabis plants for personal use without a license. For example, Colorado residents (if they are 21 years old or older) can grow up to six plants, with as many as three plants flowering at one time.

In addition to studying your state's regulations, you should join local cannabusiness groups. It is also a good idea to meet with a local cannabis business attorney for assistance. There is no such thing as going into the marijuana business too prepared. Once you are ready to take the step of legally buying cannabis seeds, you have a few options to choose from.

It's Best to Shop Local, but Buying Online Is an Option

If you live in a state that permits the sale of marijuana seeds, your best bet is to shop locally for high-quality seeds. This means visiting a dispensary, local farmers market, or seed company in your state to make your purchase. There, you can get the in-person help you need to make your purchase legally.

It is also an option to buy cannabis seeds online from an online seed bank. You can then have the seeds shipped to you, so long as you are abiding by state law. The risk of buying marijuana seeds online is the potential confiscation of your package. While it is unlikely that you would face criminal charges, there is no guarantee because of the way federal law treats marijuana products.

Can I Buy Cannabis Seeds in Other States or Countries?

You shouldn't have any trouble buying cannabis seeds in another state or country if it's legal there. It's bringing the seeds back to your home state that can get you into trouble. In the United States, cannabis seeds cannot cross state lines because marijuana products are still illegal under federal law. Though rare, transporting the products across state lines could result in federal criminal charges. This is true even if you are purchasing cannabis seeds in a state that authorizes it, like California, and entering a state that also authorizes it, like Colorado. The same is true for buying cannabis seeds in another country.

It may sound like a great idea to buy cannabis seeds while visiting one of the world-renowned marijuana seed banks that exist in places such as the Netherlands or Spain. In fact, one of the most well-known seed banks, ILGM, which stands for "I Love Growing Marijuana," is in Amsterdam. Another well-known seed bank is Crop King Seeds, which is in Canada. Many of these seed banks offer growers a germination guarantee, which assures that your seeds will sprout. Some seed banks even offer free seeds after you order a certain amount.

But when you re-enter the U.S. with your goods, Customs and Border Protection will seize any seeds they find. This is true even if your plane landed in a state where they are legal. However, many cannabis seed banks offer stealth shipping, which is more discreet and helps avoid this issue.

How Much Do Cannabis Seeds Cost?

How much you will pay for cannabis seeds, such as sativa or indica, depends on the strain. It also depends on whether you are looking to buy auto-flowering seeds, regular seeds, or feminized seeds. Auto-flowering cannabis seeds are easier to grow and have high germination rates. A pack of 10 or 12 seeds typically starts at around $40. You can expect to pay up to $500 for high-end strains with high THC levels. Again, it is important to only buy cannabis seeds from a legal and reputable seed bank or dispensary that abides by state law and sources from breeders that are also legally compliant.

Legal Help for Cannabusiness Entrepreneurs

Cannabis law is an ever-evolving tangle of state and federal regulations that often contradict one another. Additionally, the cannabis industry is very new and still illegal under federal law. For these reasons, it's important to seek the advice of a business attorney well-versed in cannabis law so that your venture starts out on the right track and you avoid legal problems.