Weed Seeds Canada Guide: Are Cannabis Seeds Legal to Buy in 2023?

Weed Seeds Canada Guide: Are Cannabis Seeds Legal to Buy in 2023?

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.

Weedseedsexpress ships to Canada! Check out our full range of feminized seeds and autoflower seeds.

> Quick jump to: Best to buy Weed seeds in Canada

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.

Seed prices are determined by the government in Canada

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.

You can also check this top list of the best Canadian outdoor strains.

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
  2. Granddaddy Purple feminized
  3. Bubba Kush feminized
  4. Wedding Cake autoflower
  5. Sour Diesel feminized
  6. Somango XXL feminized
  7. Sunset Sherbet feminized
  8. Blue Cookies feminized
  9. CBD Critical Mass feminized
  10. Master Kush feminized

1. Tangerine Dream autoflower

Tangerine Dream is a balanced 30% Indica and 50% Sativa strain with a touch of Ruderalis that originated in Amsterdam and now has loyal fans all over the world.

Growing

This strain is suitable for indoor, outdoor, and hydroponic growing. If grown outdoors, ensure you plan the planting and growing dates during the sunniest and hottest time of the year, since this strain prefers arid or Mediterranean weather. Also, remember to keep an eye on the plant as the first frosts arrive. Tangerine Dream usually takes an average of 10 weeks to flower and has great resistance to disease, which makes it suitable for beginners.

Smell, taste and effect

As you can imagine from its name, this strain has a citrus like, refreshing taste. You’ll notice some zesty notes in its aroma too, although the scent is rather on the pungent side. Tangerine Dream is known for its uplifting effect, so it’s the ideal choice when you need to boost your energy and clear up your mind. You can also enjoy a mildly relaxed mood thanks to its 17% to 20% THC content. Tangerine Dream can be used to treat chronic pain and depression, as it stimulates a positive and joyful mood.

 

2. Granddaddy Purple feminized

This is a hybrid strain that originated in California in the early 2000s as a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud X varieties. Granddaddy Purple is very popular among growers who use it for both recreational and therapeutic purposes.

Growing

In addition to an attractive purple hue, Granddaddy Purple can give you an abundant harvest, even if this is your first time growing weed from seed. Granddaddy Purple is easy to manage and to maintain indoors, outdoors, and in greenhouses, as it doesn’t grow too tall and is manageable in small spaces. As long as you keep the area ventilated and humidity levels at around 50%, this variety will quickly grow into thick and compact bushes in approximately 60 days.

Smell, taste and effect

This strain has a mellow fruity taste reminiscent of berries and pine. This flavor profile, combined with a sweet grape-like scent, make for a pleasant smoking experience. Granddaddy Purple is the strain of choice for evening use or whenever you need to step away from the stress of everyday life and enjoy a deeply calming experience.

Like other high Indica varieties, Granddaddy Purple is sought after for its medicinal effect. Common uses include pain relief, anxiety, and stress. This strain is not only high in Indica, but also high in THC, with levels of approximately 23%. Due to this, its effects are noticeable pretty quickly.

 

3. Bubba Kush feminized

An iconic Indica-dominant variety, that boasts a potent genetic combination consisting of Afghan and OG Kush strains. Great for first-time growers.

Growing

Bubba Kush has a rather short flowering time, which makes it great for first-time growers who just can’t wait to harvest their first cannabis crop. Canadian growers can look forward to an October harvest if they plant their seeds 9 to 10 weeks in advance.

Beginners will have no trouble growing Bubba Kush, and more experienced growers can also use this variety to create mother plants. The plant stays small, so you can grow in indoors, but it also does well in greenhouses and outdoors provided it gets a good amount of sunlight, and it’s pruned when needed.

Smell, taste and effect

Bubba Kush contains 20% THC, so you can expect this strain to deliver lasting relaxation. Its calm-inducing effect can help you cope with physical pain, headaches, or simply as a way to unwind after a busy day. The scent is mostly earthy and chemical, and it’s balanced with an exotic coffee and spices taste. You’ll appreciate its complex flavor, without a doubt.

 

4. Wedding Cake autoflower

Wedding Cake can be considered a sister to Girl Scout Cookies in terms of scent, flavor profile and effect. In fact, this is a hybrid variety that has the sweet genetics of the Californian strain, combined with the tartness of Cherry Pie. Some also believe that Wedding Cake is the result of crossing Triangle Kush with Animal Mints.

Growing

This is a 55% Indica and 25% Sativa strain that has shown to be resistant to disease, mold, and pests, so you don’t have to do much to ensure it grows healthy. Just make sure that the plant isn’t exposed to big temperature changes as it gets close to the flowering period, which is usually 70 to 80 days after planting. Wedding Cake reaches a medium height, so it’s best grown outdoors, but you can trim it to keep its size fairly compact if you only have indoor space.

Smell, taste and effect

This variety’s name gives you a very good hint about its predominant scent and taste. Wedding Cake is known for its sweet vanilla aftertaste, which will remind you of Girl Scout Cookies, although the first flavors you’ll notice are mainly earthy and tart – think about sour cream fruitcake.

Because of its high THC content of 25%, the effects of this strain don’t take long to be noticed. Wedding Cake induces a mood and appetite boost and powerful relaxation. Our suggestion is to ease yourself into it little by little, so you can experience all the benefits of its calming effect without being overwhelmed.

 

5. Sour Diesel feminized

This is one of the most well-known high Sativa strains out there, and is loved by cannabis growers from all over the world thanks to its amazingly potent effect and ease of cultivation.

Growing

Sour Diesel is suitable for indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse growing conditions. However, given how tall it grows (up to 300 cm), you may want to consider an outdoor crop or ensure you can give it plenty of vertical and horizontal space indoors or in greenhouses. Motivated beginners can give a go at this variety, just make sure to keep the growing area clean to prevent mildew problems.

Smell, taste and effect

The name says it all: Sour Diesel has a characteristic pungent gasoline smell with some citrus notes that you won’t fail to recognize after you’ve tried it. As for the effect, its 19% THC content and 70% Sativa genetics helps release tension and get into a sociable mood that hits fast and can last for hours. This stimulating effect means you can use Sour Diesel during the day whenever you need to be alert and confident.

 

6. Somango XXL feminized

Somango XXL is a 75% Indica strain with good fungal resistance and attractive purple colored buds that produces incredibly generous harvests with very little effort.

Growing

A great choice for all growers, from complete beginners to advanced cultivators, since it doesn’t have any special maintenance requirements. Because of its Indica genetics, Somango XXL remains small, which makes it a good option for indoor growing. If grown outdoors, keep in mind that Somango likes plentiful and consistent nutrition and temperate weather conditions, so it can do well in the southern half of Canada.

Smell, taste and effect

Somango XXL has a strong sweet and fruity aroma and flavor profile that some growers compare to tropical fruits like mango or papaya. The main effect is a surge in clarity and creativity, so this strain is suitable for daytime use or when faced with intellectually demanding tasks where you need to give your 100%. Having said that, 18% THC levels mean that the cerebral high is mild and paired with a calming feeling, so you can safely use this strain in the evening without fearing that it will interfere with your sleep. Somango also has medicinal pain soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

7. Sunset Sherbet feminized

This variety boasts a beautiful color palette of red and purple tones that could well belong into the most memorable sunset – hence its name. An easy-to-grow high Indica variety with an Indica content of 85%.

Growing

Sunset Sherbet has some VIP relatives, as the strain’s genetics come from Girl Scout Cookies, Blackberry Kush, and Pink Panties. It can be grown by complete beginners thanks to its excellent disease resistance and very low maintenance requirements. Since it’s an Indica breed, Sunset Sherbet stays relatively small when grown indoors, but if you can offer the temperate conditions it needs to thrive outdoors, it can reach heights of 200 cm. This strain grows very fast, and it’s ready to harvest in under 50 days, given it has the right light and temperature conditions.

Smell, taste and effect

Expect a mix of lemon and pine, a refreshing scent and flavor with a good deal of sweetness to it, which comes from its direct relative, Girl Scout Cookies. This strain is known and highly valued for its extraordinary mood enhancing properties. There’s no bad day that 21% THC in Sunset Sherbet can’t fix – you’ll know when you try your own home-grown Sunset.

 

8. Blue Cookies feminized

A wonderful, award-winning strain that it’s easily recognizable for its deep blue and purple buds. A high Indica and high THC variety that will grow well in Canada.

Growing

This strain will appeal to Canadian growers who have some previous experience looking after Indica-dominant varieties. Blue Cookies is a sturdy little plant that will hold on strong against pests, mold, and disease, but it does require some regular TLC in the form of expert trimming – that’s why we don’t recommend it for beginner growers.

This variety thrives indoors, in greenhouses, and in hydroponic settings with frequent trimming and pruning. If you want to grow her outdoors, make sure your area has low humidity and average temperatures of at least 20 °C during the growing season.

Smell, taste and effect

Blue Cookies delivers a potent effect due to its 25% THC content, although the potency is somehow moderated by 2% CBD levels. The result is full-body and mind relaxation and potent stress relief. This strain can help with stress, anxiety and insomnia, being ideal for nighttime consumption. Expect a slightly tart taste that some people find similar to grapes or cherries, and a powerful skunk and earthy scent.

 

9. CBD Critical Mass feminized

An acclaimed medicinal and recreational strain that delivers great yields both indoors and outdoors, all with minimal fuss and with no previous growing experience required.

Growing

Because of its short flowering period of little over 55 days, CBD Critical Mass can be grown in Canada, even in areas with a short warm season. The main thing to know as a grower is that this strain likes rather dry conditions, so don’t grow it outdoors if your area experiences frequent or unpredictable rains. Indoor growing is recommended, especially if you’re familiar with the Scrog method. Also suited to greenhouse growing.

Smell, taste and effect

One of the main things you should know about this strain is that it has a remarkable 50-50 THC to CBD ratio, as it contains 7% of each compound. This perfectly balanced ratio results in a powerful medicinal effect that soothes your mind, so it can wander freely and activate its creative side. CBD Critical Mass is often praised for its results when treating insomnia, anxiety, pain, and mood disorders. The strain has a pleasant sweet, citrus flavor and a strong floral scent.

 

10. Master Kush feminized

Master Kush (formerly known as High Rise) is a pure Indica strain developed in The Netherlands as a Skunk #1 and Hindu Kush hybrid. This variety can be grown in parts of Canada that have temperate or Mediterranean climate conditions.

Growing

Although Master Kush is a small and compact plant, it does require some knowledge to grow it to its best potential. First of all, this strain has limited resistance to mold and pests, so it requires a vigilant eye and frequent monitoring. Pruning is strongly recommended to keep the plant in a healthy condition. Moreover, she’s quite sensitive to high humidity, so it does better in the hands of growers who know how to create and maintain a controlled growing environment. If you get all this right, you can look forward to harvesting its buds in just about 50 days.

Smell, taste and effect

18% THC and 95% Indica make this strain very potent on the physical side of things. The effect isn’t so much of a cerebral high, but rather intense muscle relaxation that is conducive to a calm and meditative state. Not surprisingly, Master Kush is popular among those looking to cope with pain and physical ailments. This award-winning strain comes with a pungent scent that reminds of dense earthy elements, like wood and soil. It’s definitely a must-try for those who love fresh and spicy flavored weed. Just go easy when you first smoke it to prevent coughing.

 

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.

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