If you have questions or concerns about being arrested for buying seeds online, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Ordering seeds can be scary, especially if you live in a state where recreational and cannabis are still illegal.
To help quell some of those fears, we’ll discuss the legality of cannabis seeds, provide some examples of growers who have been busted for ordering seeds online, and teach you how to avoid the same mistakes.
The Paradox of Ordering Seeds Online
Technically, federal law dictates that it is illegal to transport cannabis or any of its derivatives, such as leaves or seeds, over state lines. Despite the legalization of and recreational cannabis in many states, cannabis remains a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substance Act. So, how are growers in legal states supposed to obtain seeds?
Fortunately, the federal government’s stance on cannabis is slowly changing as more and more states legalize the plant. In fact, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has recently announced that it is changing its stance on seeds, clones, and tissue cultures.
DEA Eases Restrictions on Cannabis Seeds
With the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018, hemp products containing less than 0.3 percent were deemed federally legal. This served to legalize the production and distribution of hemp within the United States but left growers uncertain about the legality of cannabis seeds.
In a January 2022 letter from the DEA, concerns about the legality of cannabis seeds were finally addressed. The organization stated that seeds, clones, and other cannabis products containing less than 0.3 percent are no longer restricted by the Controlled Substance Act.
Risks of Ordering Cannabis Seeds
Even before the DEA changed its policy, the chances of getting busted for ordering seeds online were slim. According to accounts from growers on several online forums, the worst that has happened was, instead of receiving their seeds, they got a letter from customs informing them their package had been confiscated.
Now that the DEA is easing its restrictions on cannabis seeds, growers have even less to worry about. This means you can use your name, address, and credit or debit card without fear of being busted for buying seeds online. There’s no need to pay with money orders or pre-paid cards unless you want to.
How to Avoid Getting Busted for Buying Seeds Online
While you might be able to purchase cannabis seeds now, that doesn’t mean it’s lawful to germinate them. If you live in a state that doesn’t permit the cultivation of cannabis, you still run the risk of being busted.
If you want to avoid being arrested or fined, your first step should be to research the cannabis cultivation laws in your state. Many states allow residents to grow a specific number of cannabis plants in their homes. For example, in Alaska, Colorado, and Washington D.C., those over the age of 21 may cultivate up to six plants, with no more than three in the flowering phase.
Even if your state permits the cultivation of cannabis, you’ll also need to check the local and municipal laws in your area. Some cities and counties may have stricter regulations on plant counts or have banned home grows altogether.
How to Buy Seeds Online
Although the DEA is no longer restricting the distribution of cannabis seeds, that doesn’t necessarily mean customs won’t seize your package. To avoid having your seeds confiscated in transit, you’ll need to order from a reputable seed bank that provides stealthy shipping. It’s also a good idea to purchase seeds domestically, as customs only checks packages that are shipped internationally.
At Greenpoint Seeds, we offer fast and discreet shipping worldwide. We shuck and clean each seed to ensure it contains less than 0.3 percent and avoid using any cannabis-related terminology on the packaging. And if something should happen to your package in transit, we offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
So, now that you don’t have to worry about being busted for ordering seeds online, what are you waiting for? If you still have doubts, please feel free to contact us. We’re happy to address your questions or concerns about buying cannabis seeds online.
Have you had any difficulties ordering seeds online? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comment section below.