How & Where to Buy Cannabis Seeds in New York 🇺🇸
While New York state lagged behind other states in legalizing recreational marijuana, it finally made the step toward full legalization a few short years ago.
On 31 March 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law that legalized recreational cannabis use for adults over the age of 21. This was followed by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announcing that citizens could legally possess up to three ounces of cannabis flower or 24 grams of concentrate.
This new legislation means that very soon, all New Yorkers aged 21 and over will be able to save money by growing their own weed.
But where is the best place to buy cannabis seeds in the Empire State?
In this article, we look at the laws surrounding cannabis seeds in New York, as well as the best places (both local and online) to buy them.
Key Takeaways
- The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) states that buying cannabis seeds is legal, as they contain less than 0.3% THC.
- This finding was confirmed by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on 20 December 2022.
- Medical marijuana has been legal in New York since 2014.
- New York legalized recreational cannabis in 2021 but with some caveats concerning home cultivation.
- Home growing will be legal once the Office of Cannabis Management issues regulations for private cultivation within 18 months of the first adult-use retail sale, which is expected to occur in mid-2024.
- When home growing becomes legal, New Yorkers will be allowed to grow up to 6 plants for personal use (3 mature and 3 immature plants), with a maximum of 12 plants per household (6 mature and 6 immature plants).
- New Yorkers aged 21 years and over can legally carry up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis and 3 ounces (113.4 g) of weed.
You can buy seeds in local NY dispensaries, but you will get a more comprehensive selection from online seed banks like WeedSeedsExpress.
Is it legal to buy cannabis seeds in New York?
Every state that has legalized the recreational use and sale of cannabis has its unique laws concerning how much you are legally allowed to not only buy at one time but also carry on your person, store in your private residence, and grow. It's essential to understand the laws in your state and any restrictions and limitations that may be in place.
In March 2021, New York finally voted to allow for the recreational use and sale of cannabis, but with some restrictions. While you can legally possess up to three ounces of cannabis flower or 24 grams of concentrate, home cultivation is still not allowed until the Office of Cannabis Management issues regulations.
At home, New Yorkers are allowed to possess up to 5 pounds (2.27 kg) of weed, but anything over 3 ounces (113.4 g) must be locked and out of sight. Additionally, smoking in public is heavily restricted, although it can be smoked or vaped "in most places where tobacco smoking is permitted."
To provide an opportunity for the regulated recreational cannabis market to thrive, home cultivation is prohibited until 18 months after the initial opening of recreational dispensaries. However, certified medical cannabis patients aged 21 and above, along with their authorized caregivers, are permitted to cultivate cannabis for personal use.
There is no limit to the number of seeds New Yorkers can legally purchase, as seeds contain less than 0.3% THC, meaning they are classified as hemp products. Hemp and its derivatives are legal under federal law and have been since 2022.
For a more detailed guide on the federal regulations governing weed seeds in the USA, head right here.
Where to buy cannabis seeds in New York?
At the time of writing, dispensaries (and legal recreational cannabis) are still a pretty new addition to New York State. As such, there isn’t a huge amount of info available regarding the ‘over-the-counter’ sale of cannabis seeds in New York.
From New York friendly seed banks like WeedSeedsExpress
Most experienced growers order their seeds online, even if they are available at local head shops. Here's why:
- Local dispensaries usually offer a vastly limited range of genetics compared to reputable online seed banks.
- Most online seed banks (including us) give customers free seeds with every purchase.
- Dispensary-bought seeds often lack the same quality assurance and money-back guarantee in case the seeds fail to germinate.
- Ordering online is more convenient, discreet, and cost-effective.
- Online-bought seeds are cheaper than what you'll find in physical stores.
- Online stores have real customer reviews that you can easily browse before deciding which seeds will be best for your set-up.
If you decide to purchase from an online seed bank, it's crucial to choose one that ships from within the USA.
Ordering from a seed bank outside the States can lead to extended wait times and even the risk of your package being intercepted by customs, despite it being legal to buy cannabis seeds.
Weedseed Express offers an ideal solution with distribution centers throughout the USA, ensuring that your seeds are delivered to your doorstep within 2–4 days of ordering. Our extensive selection includes the best in regular cannabis seeds, marijuana seeds feminized, and marijuana autoflower seeds, along with a wide array of cbd seeds for growing.
We carry all the old-school classics like Amnesia Haze, Pineapple Express, or Northern Lights, new-age favorites like Sirius Black, Chiquita Banana, and Bruce Banner, and everything in between!
From local dispensaries
Recreational growing is still illegal, so there are not many good options to buy seeds locally in NY, but that will probably change when the laws change in 2024. With that said, there will be head shops selling seeds, so keep an eye out if you are looking to source your ganga seeds locally.
Which Cannabis Strains Do Well In New York?
That depends on whether you plan to grow indoors or get a little backyard Dr. Green thumb action going.
Outdoors
New York’s weather isn't ideal for outdoor setups for large parts of the year, but with the addition of a decent greenhouse, you can easily extend that summer growing window - possibly to the point where you can sun grow your weed year-round (with maybe just a smidgen of extra light). If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, we recommend checking out:
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel - This quick flowering (less than 10 weeks for most phenos) Sativa dominant strain is a favorite among many New York cannaisseurs, and it grows well in the state's humid and hot summer climate while also battling colder conditions pretty well.
Somango XXL
Somango XXL - If Indica is more your jam, Somango XXL is a super popular option in the Empire State. She thrives in cooler temperatures and is relatively easy to grow.
Sirius Black
Sirius Black - Want jars full of purple-as-hell buds? Stupid question: who doesn't? Sirius Black is the strain for you then, especially if you don't mind a little stank while the plant's in flower.
Indoors
Indoor growers are in a true "the world is your oyster" kind of situation, as the environment is controlled and predictable, meaning you can grow whichever strain tickles your growing itch. Not only that - with growing on the verge of becoming fully legalized, you can easily set up a system where you will never run out of your favorite stick-icky.
Right now, the best indoor seeds are:
Gorilla Glue #4
Gorilla Glue #4- The true epitome of new school brilliance, GG#4 is the one to beat. The ridiculous amount of offshoots this strain has produced in the last 5 or so years should tell you all you need to know. Careful, though - she packs a hell of a punch.
CBD Autoflower Widow
CBD White Widow - This one is a little different, coming in with over 15% CBD with an easy 5.5% THC. A perfect daytime stress reliever that still allows you to get what you need to do, done. Tasty, easy to grow, covered in floss, and all the rest.
Godfather OG
Godfather OG - The OG has been one of our top-selling seeds since the day it hit the menu, and for good reason. It's a super easy plant to grow and offers up great yields of top-shelf dankness.
FAQs for buying weed seeds in New York
Is it legal to buy seeds online in New York?
Yes, it is legal to buy seeds online in New York. It's important to note that buying seeds from outside the country can result in delays or even seizure by customs.
Where can I buy seeds in New York?
Seeds can be purchased at local dispensaries, but for the best selection and quality, it is recommended to buy online from reputable seed banks like WeedSeedsExpress.
How many seeds can I legally purchase in New York?
There is no limit on how many seeds you can legally purchase in New York, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC and are classified as hemp products.
Can you grow cannabis in New York?
Home cultivation of cannabis is currently not allowed in New York, but this is expected to change in mid-2024. Once home growing is legal, adults aged 21+ can grow up to 6 plants simultaneously, split into 3 mature and 3 immature plants. Each residence will be allowed to grow a maximum of 12 plants simultaneously.
Medical cannabis patients (or their registered caregivers) are allowed to grow 6 plants at once right now.
But, keep in mind that these laws only state the amount of plants, not how big they are...
You might want to look into growing one or two big, healthy, robust mother plants that can give you clones year-round, and then flower one or two of them at a time. If you want to have nice, sticky buds all year round, that's the way to go!