When you decide to grow your own cannabis, buying seeds can be the most exciting part. Today’s seed banks offer an incredible array of strains and breeds – it’s easy to get overwhelmed with possibilities! However, seed quality and reliability can vary greatly depending on the supplier. As a grower, you’ll need to weigh several pros and cons when choosing seeds to set your plants up for success.
On the plus side, you can now access an astounding variety and customization when shopping for cannabis seeds. You can hand-pick strains according to their reported effects, aromas, THC/CBD ratios, yields, and growth patterns. This freedom allows you to match seeds to your preferences, climate conditions, space limitations, and more. When you buy from reputable suppliers who provide detailed specs on their offerings, you can make informed selections much like choosing produce at the grocery store.
Another benefit of purchasing cannabis seeds rather than plants is value. Once you recover your initial equipment investment, $10-$20 worth of quality seeds can yield many ounces of bud over multiple grow cycles. Compare this to typical street prices, and you’ll see savings in no time. Seeds let you essentially manufacture your own product at a fraction of the cost.
However, a few words of caution are needed before adding those coveted seeds to your cart. First, while seeds themselves are legal in most states, what you choose to do with them may not be. You’ll need to research regulations thoroughly before sprouting, even if the initial purchase was allowed. Whether intentionally or not, violating growing and cultivation laws can land you in serious trouble.
There’s also the reality that seed quality varies widely between suppliers. Cheaper options often translate to duds and low germination rates. When starting plants from seed, you have no guarantees – environmental factors, damages during transit or storage, and simple bad genetics can all reduce yields come harvest time. Be prepared for some loss and experimentation while honing your setup.
Speaking of expense, while seeds provide long-term savings, you will need some working capital upfront. Between grow lights, tents, soil, nutrients, and all the essential peripherals, expect a minimum startup cost of a few hundred dollars—budget more for advanced hydroponic rigs. Don’t let this discourage you, just be realistic so you don’t end up in over your head financially.
Now let’s talk tips to make the most of seed shopping:
- Seek out breeders and seed banks with stellar reputations in cannabis communities. Check reviews and lab test results. This helps avoid wasting money on bunk seeds.
- Compare payment options if privacy is important to you. Bitcoin and cash provide more anonymity.
- Thoroughly check laws and licensing procedures for your city, county, and state before sprouting seeds or setting up your grow room. Ignorance doesn’t hold up as a legal defense!
- Start new seedlings under ideal “baby” conditions – consistent warmth and humidity levels, symmetrical light exposure, gentle air circulation, etc. This gives delicate roots the best shot at thriving.
- Learn the signs of male plants early on and isolate them immediately to prevent pollinating your future bud-producing ladies.
While at first glance a pack of seeds seems like a small investment, those little embryonic plants hold immense value. With the proper research and preparations, they can gift you season after season of homegrown happiness minus the sticker shock. Just be sure to educate yourself on the cannabis cultivation laws and licensing requirements in your specific area FIRST. The rest you can learn as you grow!
