As cannabis support grows, the question is no longer if it will be legalized but how and when. If you want to run a dispensary or a grow, make sure you know the basics of the law to avoid being accused of committing an offense. The cannabis seeds that you can buy online are exclusively collector’s items, used for purposes that don’t involve germination. Nevertheless, in other countries, the cultivation of cannabis seeds is legal for personal use. Besides studying your state’s legislation, joining local groups is a good idea. There’s no such thing as going into it too prepared.
Going for cheaper cannabis seeds will cost you as they’re more likely to provide unsatisfactory results regardless of how much time and money you invest. Great cannabis plants start with quality seeds, so select seeds whose price is relatively higher because the genetics have undergone a more advanced development and research process. When you’re left with extra seeds, ensure they’re correctly stored; if you throw them away, you become dependent on buying new seeds each year. Cannabis seeds are very much alive, meaning they can die if they’re not adequately cared for.
Store The Cannabis Seeds in A Cool, Dry Location, Away from Direct Sunlight
If you want to store your cannabis seeds for more extended periods, save them in a cool, dark, and dry location. At low temperatures, seed life is significantly extended, but storing them in your home freezer or refrigerator won’t help preserve them because there’s too much moisture to ensure this method is viable. Additionally, the temperature will change slightly every time you open the door. The ideal temperature is 5-8°C (41-46°F). Keep in mind the tissues within the seeds are very fragile, so the cold causes the cell membrane to become rigid and rupture.
Even if they’re finished, basements don’t have the same ventilation as the upper floors, and the excess humidity can damage the seeds. If you have autoflowering seeds, keep them in a lightweight container at low humidity to prolong their shelf life. Plastic bags leak more air than you can expect, so you’re better off using a glass jar to maintain viability and ensure successful germination when you’re ready to plant. If you have a garage attached to your house, you might think about storing the feminized seeds there. Just so you know, garages tend to warm up quickly and suddenly cool down, which leads to condensation.
It goes without saying that cannabis seeds shouldn’t be stored in direct sunlight because they might break from their outer coat and emerge as seedlings. The sunlight breaks down that coating. If you’re using transparent bottles, boxes, or bags, store them within opaque containers to keep some of the light off. Once the seeds attempt to germinate, they’ll become unviable, as they’ll have no energy left for another attempt. If you don’t have opaque containers, the cannabis seeds can be stored in a dark environment to avoid as much light exposure as you can.
Whatever You Choose for Packaging, Labeling Is Key to Keep Things Tidy
Cannabis seeds can remain viable for years when stored under the perfect conditions, but you’ll find the best success rate if you plant fresher seeds. Whenever achievable, have the original packaging to ensure they’re in mint condition. If you open a pack and have a surplus, transfer the extra seeds to an airtight or vacuum-sealed container; they don’t really go bad, but they lose their viability with time. Labeling is of the essence because it prevents you from opening the wrong containers, not to mention it offers information on strain type and date of purchase. Each label must be easy to read and show precise, key information relevant to the variety.
You can label both the outside and the inside of the container because the piece of paper may rub off or become discolored. Put tape over the outside label to guarantee that doesn’t happen. The labels may provide information about the seeds’ origin and source, which is important in terms of traceability and quality control. Each label can have a different layout but must contain the same basic information. Before purchasing cannabis seeds, know what’s inside – that work has been done for you by others, so get in touch for the phytosanitary certification.
What Are the Best Cannabis Seeds to Preserve? Let’s See, Shall We?
Preserving genetics for long-term storage isn’t as complicated as it might seem, and it’s helpful because you don’t know what the future might bring. But it does require skills and patience. The healthier the strain, the longer the seeds remain viable. If there’s damage to the seed surface and possibly the internal structures, the seed will have reduced longevity and must be planted within a couple of weeks. Remove any hulls or chaff and discard weak or damaged seeds. Keep the bag with the seeds in it somewhere that meets the germination requirements; check back in a week or two to see if they’ve germinated.
Put the cannabis seeds inside the container for a couple of hours to see if little water droplets form on the lid. You can minimize the amount of condensation by reducing the amount of air in the package. If condensation forms, the seeds become too moist and must be dried before being preserved, which can be done by combining them with silica. The silica will remove the excess moisture from the seeds, but remove it to prevent over-drying and keep the seeds sealed. Place a label inside the container so it doesn’t fall or fade off.
Wrapping It Up
All in all, laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation differ from country to country. The seeds themselves are legal, so it’s germination that could land you in some serious trouble. Cannabis seeds are often sold as souvenirs, and using them for purposes other than collector’s items or genetic preservation isn’t seen as legal. The seeds are sold with the explicit understanding they won’t be cultivated where it’s illegal to do so.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” he is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
