Ireland is one of the European countries where medicinal weed use has been approved for several years. There are no restrictions on buying seeds in Ireland, so if you live there and want to take your first steps as a cannabis home grower, keep reading to find all the information you need.
Law: Are weed seeds legal in Ireland?
Cannabis has been approved for medicinal uses in Ireland since 2014. Despite the plant’s great potential for treating serious medical conditions like fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease, there are very few licensed suppliers at national level. A few years after legalization, the Irish government made an attempt to partner with Denmark to see how local production could be improved, but it all came to nothing.
The debate on the legalization of weed for recreational purposes is still ongoing, and some political parties have called for updated laws that would allow home growers in Ireland to cultivate up to 2 plants per household. However, at the time of writing, nothing had been decided in firm.
Current laws are a bit paradoxical, since buying and possessing seeds is legal, but growing them is not. If found growing weed seeds in Ireland, you could be subject to fines going from 1,000 Euros up to 2,500 Euros. Obviously, Irish growers will want to be discreet with their home crops.
> Quick jump to: Top 10 best strains to grow in Ireland
Is buying weed seeds in Ireland legal?
The short answer is yes. According to Irish law, residents are legally allowed to purchase marijuana seeds, whether they’re sourced from local or foreign seed banks. However, there’s a caveat that Irish growers should be aware of. While buying seeds is legal, current regulations don’t allow growing weed seeds at home. Only industrial hemp cultivation is legal with the right licenses.
Buying cannabis seeds online
Irish law allows you to purchase cannabis seeds online, irrespective of where the seed bank is located. This means that you don’t have to worry about having your seeds package seized by customs. Feel free to order from a reputable online seed bank overseas!
If you order them from another country, make sure you think about what to order in advance and check the processing and shipping times. Due to the particularities of Irish weather, you will have better chances of success if you stick to strains with a short flowering period that coincides with the length of the Irish summer.
Buying cannabis seeds locally
At the time of writing, there were only a handful of physical seed shops in Ireland. These are mainly shops selling CBD oil and related products that carry a very limited selection of seed strains.
There are also a few online stores that serve Irish customers and can ship seeds domestically. You need to confirm that you’re aged 18 or above to use and buy from these websites. But again, you will be faced with the same issue of only having 3 or 4 varieties available.
Checklist: How to Buy Marijuana Seeds in Ireland
Buying marijuana seeds in Ireland is legal, so use the following checklist to ensure your seeds reach you without any issues.
- Find a seed bank that ships to Ireland
- Check seed bank's reputation
- Select seeds
- Purchase your seeds
1. Find a seed bank that ships to Ireland
Some seed banks ship internationally, but that doesn’t mean to every single country in the world. If you can’t find confirmation on their website, contact customer support to ask if they send seeds to Ireland.
2. Check the seed bank reputation
Spending some time researching the company’s reputation can save you some headaches in the long run. A decent website and good testimonials are a good start, but you’ll want third-party confirmation of their reputation.
- Use Google to search for the seed bank’s name and see if their Google listing has good reviews.
- Look for the company’s name on review websites, like Trustpilot.
- Check comments in online forums like Reddit, where there’s a large amount of cannabis users, and some may be able to tell you their experience with the seed bank.
- Check review in cannabis websites, like High Times or Leafly.
- Have a look on social media to see what people are saying about the seed bank.
3. Select seeds
We understand that with so many options available, it can be hard to decide which seeds to buy. If you’re a first-time grower, we suggest that you make your selection based on growing conditions. If you can and plan to grow your weed outdoors, you will need to consider the climate in your local area, since some strains don’t do well under constant rain, high humidity, or frosts. Generally speaking, Indica-dominant strains are better suited to Irish weather conditions.
Here are 3 recommendations for seeds that do well in Ireland.
- Black Domina: This is a 95% Indica strain with excellent fungal resistance and a short flowering period of approximately 50 days. Because of its small size, this variety can be easily grown in small indoor spaces without attracting undue attention. With THC levels of 20%, Black Domina has a potent sleep-inducing effect.
- CBD Auto Purple Kush auto: A beginner-friendly strain with 70% Indica genes and excellent yield potential, even when cultivated indoors. This autoflowering strain requires almost no maintenance and matures into a beautiful high-resin plant in 90 days. High CBD content of 17% make it ideal for those who prefer a soothing experience with no psychoactive effects.
- Green Crack auto: Another compact autoflowering variety that performs well indoors in the hands of inexperienced growers. Despite its 50% Sativa genetics, Green Crack stands up to fungus and mold and flowers automatically in just 40 days. This is a strong high-THC weed recommended for daytime use.
4. Purchase your seeds
Make sure the seed bank offers secure online payments. Even better if you can choose a tracked shipment! Now all you have to do is wait for the package to arrive.
Top 10 best strains to grow in Ireland
- Blue Cheese autoflower
- AK-47 autoflower
- White Widow feminized
- White Widow autoflower
- Northern Lights feminized
- Northern Lights autoflower
- Gorilla Glue autoflower
- Big Bud feminized
- Gelato autoflower
- Somango XXL feminized
1. Blue Cheese autoflower
Delightful taste and hassle-free growing are the main characteristics of this Indica-dominant variety, which is prized by weed enthusiasts from all over the world. Blue Cheese is an interesting mix of Ruderalis and Blueberry Kush.
Growing
Her autoflowering genetics mean that this plant will do well even if you’re a beginner grower and don’t know much about weed seed nutrition and optimal growth environments. Having said that, if you’re willing to put some work into growing this plant, you can improve the harvest potential by adding coconut chips to the soil and fertilizing it as you’d normally do with other weed seeds. This strain is suitable for indoor, greenhouse, and outdoor growing. Exposure to cold weather just before flowering will give the buds a purple-blueish tone, which is where it gets its name from.
Smell, taste and effect
When it comes to the flavor, delicious is the word you want to remember. Don’t let the word “cheese” put you off! This strain doesn’t taste anything like it. Its aromatic profile is packed with berry notes, and its taste is predominantly fruity and rich.
Average THC content is 16% plus 0.3% CBD, so the strain’s effect is mostly relaxing. Blue Cheese is perfect for evening use if you need to unwind after a long or stressful day. Reach out for it when you’re ready for serious “me time”.
2. AK-47 autoflower
Although the award-winning AK-47 strain is also available in a feminized variety, we recommend the autoflowering seeds as the best choice for first-time growers.
Growing
This autoflower version of AK-47 seeds can be ready to harvest in a little over 2 months. Once planted, these seeds require very little maintenance, so they are ideal for beginner growers. Because this strain is very resistant to fungus, temperature changes, and disease, you can easily grow it in all conditions.
The Ruderalis genetics of this plant make this variety perfect for first timers, since it’s very forgiving of cultivator mistakes. This strain is perfect for fuss-free indoor growing. So fuss free, that you can even grow it on a balcony.
Smell, taste and effect
The strain’s composition is 40% Sativa, 35% Indica and 20% Ruderalis with 15% THC and 1.5% CBD. All these percentages translate into two words: strong and powerful, and that applies to the plant’s smell, the taste, and the effect. Flavor notes are slightly sweet, too, so they will appeal to weed users who don’t like a strong musk or skunk taste. This strain sets your body into an energetic mode and gives you a lasting buzz.
3. White Widow feminized
Originally developed in The Netherlands in the 1990s, White Widow is often included in lists of the best cannabis strains in the world and has won many awards over the years.
Growing
The feminized version of White Widow is best suited to cultivators with previous experience, but beginners can also give it a try with good results thanks to its high fungal resistance. This plant can develop large and beautiful buds in approximately 9 weeks when grown indoors, where it tends to stay small. If you’re familiar with SOG or SCROG techniques, or if you can grow it outdoors, you can expect taller plants with yields of up to 600 g / square meter.
Smell, taste and effect
A balanced 50-50 ratio of Indica and Sativa genetics and 19% THC make the feminized version of White Widow a fantastic option for those times when you just need a mildly relaxing effect. Ideal for recreational use in social situations, since it stimulates the creative and outgoing side of your personality. Expect an earthy flavor and a sweet and sour scent.
4. White Widow autoflower
Hailing from The Netherlands, where it was developed by crossing Indian and Brazilian Indica and Sativa varieties, White Widow is now acclaimed all over the world and considered a great alternative to Northern Lights and other easy-to-grow hybrid varieties.
Growing
Being an autoflower variety, White Widow takes the stress off growing weed seeds at home. There’s no need to worry about adjusting lighting and temperature conditions, as it will begin to flower automatically after a period of 2 to 4 weeks, and it will be ready to harvest in approximately 70 days. The strain has an excellent yield potential, since you can get multiple harvests in one season, even when grown indoors. Output can be maximized with SOG and SCROG methods.
Smell, taste and effect
At 20% THC, you can expect White Widow to have a potent and fast-hitting effect. The drier the buds, the more intense the physical high effect. This strain will lift your mood and energize body and mind, so it’s recommended for daytime use. Her flavor is complex as it contains a mix of earthy, woody, and floral notes. The scent is equally intriguing, featuring crisp and bittersweet scents.
5. Northern Lights feminized
A classic strain that cannot be missing from the most reputable seed banks or Dutch coffee shops, and neither it can from your home-grown plantation. This is a pure Indica variety with a short flowering time and a strong sedating effect.
Growing
Inexperienced growers will benefit from the plant’s excellent fungal resistance and sturdy genetics, which make it suitable for indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse cultivation. Because of its fast growth cycle, indoor growers can look forward to several harvests per year. To ensure good yields in an outdoor environment, check the summer weather forecast ahead of time to make sure the plant will receive sunlight for at least a couple of months.
Smell, taste and effect
18% THC plus 1.5% CBD turn the feminized version of Northern Lights into the real deal. This strain has a potent sedating effect that will relax every muscle in your body. Because of the intense physical high it delivers, it’s best for evening or nighttime use, whenever you need to stay home, get comfortable, and forget about it all.
The scent and taste match each other, with herbal and sweet notes that are never too overpowering.
6. Northern Lights autoflower
A slender Indica-dominant strain, praised for its low maintenance requirements and plentiful yields, has been gaining a loyal fan base since the 1970s, when it was launched from the Netherlands to North America and then on to the rest of the world.
Growing
Northern Lights has moderate fungal resistance, so it’s best suited to indoor growing, as it may struggle outdoors in wet and damp Irish weather. Another plus is the strain’s great size to yield ratio, which means you don’t need a lot of indoor space to enjoy a good harvest. However, more experienced growers can get yields to an impressive 600 g / square meter using the Sea of Green method. The plant reaches maturity in about 11 weeks, but you will spot flowering signs approximately 60 days after planting.
Smell, taste and effect
Northern Lights contains 20% THC and is a highly sought-after strain for the purposes of pain and stress relief. In addition to its medicinal properties, it’s also popular in recreational use, as it has a great mood stabilizing effect that can relax your body and induce happy thoughts. Recommended for evening use or in a chilled meeting with friends.
This variety has a fresh, spicy and citrus-like scent with earthy, skunk, and lemon flavor. Very pleasant and mild.
7. Gorilla Glue autoflower
The autoflower variety of this strain is sometimes called Gorilla Glue #4. No matter what you call it, you’ll most likely be impressed with this study variety that has already won some Cannabis Cup awards.
Growing
Novice growers can get excellent results with Gorilla Glue, which is ready to harvest in as little as 8 weeks. You can grow this hybrid strain indoors, in greenhouses, and outdoors, even in areas with high humidity, since this variety has great resistance to fungus, mold, and other diseases that are common in damp weather conditions.
Smell, taste and effect
Gorilla Glue is a great choice is you’re looking forward to harvesting buds with a high THC content. This strain contains 26% THC and 1% CBD, so you can expect a fast and powerful hit that will keep you cheerful and sociable. Because of the high THC levels, you may want to go easy on Gorilla Glue, which is a good thing because the plentiful harvest will last you a long time. The strain’s flavor is a mix of petrol and sweet, and its smell is mainly woody and earthy.
8. Big Bud feminized
Originally developed in the United States, Big Bud became an all-time favorite due to its generous yields. Very popular among home growers in the UK, so you can expect it to do well in Ireland due to the similarity in weather conditions.
Growing
Despite being a feminized strain, Big Bud does well in the hands of beginners, since it’s pretty resistant to mold and fungus, and it matures into a very manageable plant. Suitable for all growing conditions, but you’ll need to give it plenty of vertical space when growing it indoors. The only thing to keep in mind is that some buds may grow so big that they may weigh the plant down, so it’s recommended to watch the plant as it nears harvest time and collect the buds as soon as they’re ready.
Smell, taste and effect
80% Indica 20% Sativa and 22% THC levels guarantee deep relaxation and even temporary numbness, which is why Big Bud is popular among users with medical conditions. Along with its sedating properties, this strain delivers a touch of euphoria that makes you be at ease in social situations. The taste is sweet and spicy, and is complemented by earthy smoke.
9. Gelato autoflower
Gelato is a very rewarding autoflowering weed strain that grows fast and demands little attention. What’s more, this variety is incredibly eye-catching, as it features a mix of copper and gold tones with sparkling crystal-covered leaves.
Growing
High fungal resistance makes Gelato a suitable strain for indoor and greenhouse growing. It also grows outdoors, where it can produce mind-boggling yields of up to 900 grams / square meter. Definitely, this is a next-level variety for outdoor growers who live in temperate parts of Ireland where temperatures don’t drop below 22 degrees. Gelato is not a heavy feeder, so it can be grown by beginners and will be ready for harvest in about 3 months.
This is a resin-heavy variety, so adventurous growers may want to expand their skill set and experiment with creating Gelato oils and extracts.
Smell, taste and effect
The name says it all, and it’s easy to understand the appeal of this strain. Gelato tastes like ice cream and has a pleasant fruity aftertaste. This memorable flavor is the result of crossing sweet high-end strains like Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbet. The scent profile is equally fresh, sweet, and pleasant, so it makes a good contrast if you want to try something other than skunk-scented varieties.
With 21% THC, you can expect Gelato to have a reactivating effect that can keep you going and help you stay productive, eliminating worries both during the day and in the evening. 0.6% CBD means Gelato also has a sedating edge, which hints at its potential for medicinal and pain relief use.
10. Somango XXL feminized
Somango XXL is appreciated by weed lovers who like their plants to look pretty and elegant. This 75% Indica variety flowers into beautiful purple buds and shows great resistance to pests and disease.
Growing
This strain in best suited for indoor growing, since Ireland’s unpredictable weather can have a negative impact on the plant’s growth. Somango is a hungry little plant, but she will reward you with very generous yields. After all, that’s where the XXL part of its name comes from. Like other Indica-predominant varieties, Somango XXL stays small and compact, which again is another reason why it’s good for growers who only have indoor space. Novice cultivators will have a rewarding experience with this variety, and those with SCROG knowledge can get even higher yields.
Smell, taste and effect
If you need a boost of clarity, so you can focus on creative tasks, Somango XXL will deliver it. The effect doesn’t take long to be noticed and stays present for hours, given its 18% THC content. Somango is also known for its medicinal properties, as it’s proven effective in pain management.
The strain’s aroma is sweet and powerful, and it may remind you of tropical fruit. Taste notes are mainly fruity and include mango and skunk.
Final thoughts on buying marijuana seeds in Ireland
You have different options when buying cannabis seeds in Ireland. You can purchase your seeds from local online stores or from seed banks in other countries, as both are perfectly legal. For best chances of success, make sure you choose strains with a high fungal resistance, so they’ll stay healthy even in Irish weather or when grown indoors. Plan your purchase in advance so it coincides with planting dates, and choose a reliable supplier who has experience shipping to Ireland.
To get started as a home grower in Ireland, have a look at the impressive seed catalog from Weedseedsexpress.
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