Weed Seeds Canada Guide: Are Cannabis Seeds Legal to Buy in 2024?
Canada is home to a loyal base of cannabis seed growers, who are legally entitled to cultivate weed for personal consumption purposes. If you’re based in Canada and want to start growing your own cannabis plants, this guide will help you find a reliable seed bank and choose the best strains.
Law - Are cannabis seeds legal in Canada?
Canada is one of the few countries that has legalized recreational marijuana. Although cannabis has been prohibited in Canada since 1923, the general population has been mostly in favor of legalization for several years. It’s believed that in 2016, 7 out of 10 Canadians supported changes to cannabis laws.
The nonmedical use and sale of cannabis was legalized in October 2018 with the Cannabis Act, which sets out guidelines for the sale, production, distribution, and possession of marijuana. Regulations around cannabis in Canada vary slightly from province to province, but generally speaking, it is legal for anyone aged 19 and above to have and share up to 30 grams of dried cannabis products. Legal age is 18 in the province of Alberta and 21 in Quebec.
The Cannabis Act also makes it legal to buy weed products (but only for authorized vendors) and to grow a maximum of 4 plants per household. Home growing is accepted as long as seeds have been purchased from legal sources. Growers are expected to comply with the additional requirement of not selling any home-grown cannabis. Only vendors with a license from Health Canada may sell seeds domestically.
Is buying weed seeds online in Canada legal?
It’s perfectly legal to buy seeds from government-operated stores, some of which offer online sales. The general rules are outlined in the Cannabis Act, but provinces, Indigenous communities, and municipalities can also set their own regulations. In short, check the local rules in your area, so you know what’s allowed and what isn’t.
Buying cannabis seeds online
Canadian law allows you to buy seeds online from government-operated stores. However, you may want to buy seeds online from a shop outside Canada, since they will have a wider variety available – please see section below to learn about the main issues involved in buying from a physical store in Canada.
Buying cannabis seeds domestically
When buying from an authorized vendor in Canada, you may be asked for proof of age. Cash payments are preferred, since many of these stores can only accept credit cards issued by a Canadian bank.
It’s also possible to buy weed products online from authorized domestic stores, but again you’ll need to pay with a Canadian-issued credit card. Purchases can be shipped to a Canadian address, but bear in mind that the person signing for the package will need to be of legal age to accept it.
The main issue for Canadian growers is that local stores have a very limited selection of weed seeds to choose from. So if you’re based in Canada and are after a specific variety, you may not be able to find it within the country. The majority of government-operated shops only handle one or two seed varieties, which are typically Indica strains.
You should also be aware of the costs of buying seeds from domestic vendors in Canada. Seed prices are determined by the government, and they can reach $15 per seed.
Buy marijuana seeds in Canada - Checklist
If you’ve decided to purchase your seeds online from a seed bank outside Canada, here are some tips that will help you have a smooth experience.
Find a seed company
Doing an online search will probably return hundreds of results. To find a reliable seed company, the first step is looking for companies that can ship to Canada and that have experience doing so.
Do a background check
We strongly recommend that you do a background check on the company before buying from them. This means doing online research to make sure they’re a reputable seed bank. Here are some suggestions on how to do this:
- Do a Google search using the company’s name.
- Go to reputable review websites, such as Trustpilot, to see what other customers are saying.
- Do a search in online forums, for example on Reddit or cannabis related forums, where there’s a lot of talk about seed banks in different countries.
- Have a look in cannabis-related websites, such as High Times magazine or Leafly, and check the store or brand reviews there.
- You can also check social media to see if the shop has an account there and what the user reviews are like.
Choose your seeds
Cannabis seeds are a crop, and like all other crops, they need certain conditions to grow. So when selecting seeds, you should do some research to make sure they’re suitable for the soil and weather conditions in your area.
Canadian weather can be very extreme with very cold winters and very hot summers, and in some areas rain and low light conditions are present for most of the year. All these factors will affect your weed seed yields, but it’s still possible to grow cannabis outdoors if you’re ok with one harvest per year. And of course, you can always grow your seeds indoors or in a greenhouse.
Below you’ll find 3 recommendations for seeds that are popular among Canadian home growers.
- Northern Lights auto: This is one of the oldest Indica strains out there, and if it has been around for so long, it’s because it’s a very hardy variety that can grow in pretty much all conditions. Northern Lights is an autoflower 70% Indica variety, which makes it suitable for beginners who want to grow it outdoors. It’s best suited for southern Canada, and buds are ready to harvest after a couple of months.
- Gorilla Glue auto: This is an autoflower variety that gets great reviews from beginner growers, as it requires almost no maintenance and produces excellent yields in little under 2 months. This strain gets its name from the sticky resin of its buds, which carry 26% THC and a balanced 50% Indica - 40% Sativa mix.
- Blue Dream feminized: This Sativa-dominant variety does well in Canadian latitudes, both indoors and outdoors. As long as the plant is not exposed to sudden temperature changes, it will produce a potent and sweet flavored weed that has excellent therapeutic potential.
Buy and wait
After you purchase your seeds, you should receive a confirmation email with your order and shipment details. If you chose a tracked shipment, you’ll be able to see where your package is at all times and when it’s out for delivery.
Top 10 Weed Seeds Canada - Best to buy
Are you excited about growing your own weed seeds at home? We know the feeling! Below you’ll find a selection of the top 10 cannabis seeds for Canadian growers.
1. Tangerine Dream autoflower
Tangerine Dream autoflower is the perfect pick for Canadian growers looking for a strain that thrives in almost any setup. This balanced blend of 30% Indica and 50% Sativa has a zesty, citrus aroma and can flower in around 10 weeks.
With a respectable 17-20% THC, it delivers an energizing, uplifting vibe—ideal for brightening up your day.
Its sturdy disease resistance makes it a great choice for beginners, especially if you’re aiming to squeeze out every last bit of sunshine in Canada’s short growing season.
2. Granddaddy Purple feminized
Granddaddy Purple is a top choice for Canadian growers craving a hardy, colorful strain that’s low-maintenance yet generous. Known for its lush purple hues and fruity, berry-like aroma, this iconic California hybrid can pack a punch with around 23% THC.
Perfect for tight spaces, Granddaddy Purple stays compact but fills out fast, delivering dense yields in about 60 days. Just keep it cool and ventilated, and you’ll be rewarded with a stash that’s as visually impressive as it is enjoyable.
3. Bubba Kush feminized
Bubba Kush is a must-try for Canadian growers, especially if you’re looking for a chill, beginner-friendly strain with quick results. With its manageable size, Bubba Kush can thrive indoors or out and is ready to harvest in just 9 to 10 weeks.
Boasting a solid 20% THC, it brings earthy aromas with a unique coffee and spice twist that make it a treat for the senses. Plan your planting right, and you’ll be all set for a rewarding October harvest that’s as tasty as it is potent.
4. Wedding Cake autoflower
Wedding Cake is the perfect choice for Canadian growers who want a strain that's as sweet as it is strong. With a delicious vanilla aftertaste and a punchy THC level around 25%, this 55% Indica hybrid delivers flavor and power in equal measure.
Wedding Cake is resilient against mold and pests, so it’s low-maintenance, but keep it cozy as it nears its 70-80 day flowering time.
Whether you’re growing outdoors for that medium height or keeping it compact indoors, Wedding Cake is a treat worth the effort.
5. Sour Diesel feminized
Sour Diesel is a must-have for Canadian growers who crave a high-energy, classic Sativa experience. With towering heights up to 300 cm, this strain is ideal for outdoor cultivation or a spacious indoor setup.
Known for its iconic, bold gasoline aroma with a hint of citrus, Sour Diesel brings a potent punch at 19% THC, making it a go-to for day-time vibes.
If you’re ready to keep up with its growth, this legendary strain will reward you with a long-lasting, stimulating effect that’s as uplifting as it is memorable.
6. Somango XXL feminized
Somango XXL is a dream for Canadian growers looking for a low-maintenance, high-yield Indica. With 18% THC, this 75% Indica strain brings a sweet tropical vibe with mango and papaya aromas that make it stand out.
Staying compact and manageable, Somango XXL is perfect for indoor grows, while southern outdoor setups can thrive with just a little care and a consistent feed.
It’s a fruity, mellow strain that keeps things creative and calm, whether you're tackling daytime tasks or winding down in the evening.
7. Sunset Sherbet feminized
Sunset Sherbet is a stunner with its red and purple hues, bringing a taste of tropical sunsets to your grow setup. This 85% Indica hybrid is beginner-friendly with great disease resistance and minimal upkeep needs.
Indoors, it stays compact, but give it a bit of space outdoors, and it can reach up to 200 cm! Ready in under 50 days, Sunset Sherbet boasts a refreshing lemon-pine aroma, backed by 21% THC that lifts any mood.
It’s the perfect choice for Canadian growers who want both beauty and potency in a low-maintenance package.
8. Blue Cookies feminized
Blue Cookies is a top-tier pick for Canadian growers looking to add some serious color and flavor to their lineup. This Indica powerhouse flaunts deep blue and purple buds that bring a grape-like, slightly tart taste with a skunky earthiness that’s unforgettable.
With a potent 25% THC and 2% CBD, Blue Cookies delivers a well-rounded experience for those who appreciate a strong effect. This isn’t a beginner strain—it thrives with a bit of expertise in trimming and care, but it’s worth every bit of TLC for those vibrant, resilient buds.
9. CBD Critical Mass feminized
CBD Critical Mass is an ideal pick for Canadian growers, especially in areas with a shorter warm season. With a quick flowering time of just over 55 days, this strain doesn’t keep you waiting.
Its balanced 7% THC and 7% CBD ratio make it a unique choice, offering a mild yet satisfying experience.
Known for its sweet, citrus flavor with a hint of floral notes, CBD Critical Mass is low-maintenance and perfect for both indoor and greenhouse setups, especially if you’re into Scrog.
This one’s as easygoing as it gets, making it great for beginners and seasoned growers alike.
10. Master Kush feminized
Master Kush is a legend among Indicas, and Canadian growers who can keep humidity under control will be rewarded with dense, aromatic buds in about 50 days.
This compact, Skunk #1 and Hindu Kush hybrid may need a bit of TLC, especially with pruning and pest vigilance, but it’s worth every effort. With a solid 18% THC, Master Kush offers a grounding experience with earthy, spicy flavors reminiscent of fresh wood.
If you’re up for a little hands-on care, this award-winning strain is a pure delight to grow and enjoy.
Final thoughts on buying marijuana seeds in Canada
Finding a reliable seed bank makes a world of a difference when buying cannabis seeds in Canada. Not only, you’ll get access to a huge variety of strains, but choosing the right supplier will ensure your seeds reach you safely.
For best results, do your research beforehand and order your seeds well in advance of the growing season, so you can plant them and harvest them on time. And to avoid problems with Canadian authorities, don’t sell your seeds (not even to a friend).
At Weedseedsexpress we’re confident you’ll love our high-quality weed seeds. Getting started is easy, just visit our online seed catalog and choose your favorites.