Buying Cannabis Seeds in Amsterdam – Top 5 Shops

Strong roots, dripping flowers, and intense effects – plants from Amsterdam are considered the best in the world. No wonder: In the Netherlands, there have been decades of breeding and research. We introduce the best seed shops and provide essential tips for finding the perfect strain.

They are home to legendary strains like White Widow and Amnesia Haze: Amsterdam's seed banks stand out as pioneers in cannabis genetics. Visiting these shops offers a unique glimpse into the world of cannabis cultivation.

Amsterdam has been known as a stronghold for cannabis for decades. The city has a long history of growing and using hemp. Since the 1970s, the coffeeshops, where cannabis consumption is allowed, have been an integral part of the city.

• »  Top 5 Cannabis Seed Shops - Where to Find Them
• »  Finding the Perfect Strain - Essential Buying Tips for Cannabis Seeds
• »  Legal Situation - Can I bring hemp seeds from Holland?

Expert advice, high-quality seeds and immediate availability - when you buy from a specialised shop, you support local businesses and remain completely anonymous. In the next part, we present the 5 best shops for marijuana seeds in Amsterdam.

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Top 5 Seed Shops in Amsterdam - Where to Find Them

A small, cosy shop in a side street. The air is filled with a sweet aroma. A friendly face greets us behind the counter. From purchase to the first harvest: join us on our tour of the best seed shops in Amsterdam.

Every souvenir shop in Amsterdam sells cheap seeds to tourists. You will find shop windows labelled "Seeds" on every corner. There are many black sheep among them. Many hobby growers are then surprised that the seeds don't germinate.

If you follow our tips, you can be sure that you will find exactly the right seeds for your taste. You'll see: There is hardly a better place than Amsterdam to buy high-quality cannabis seeds.

These were our top 5 seed shops in Amsterdam. Stay tuned: In the following part, we reveal which seeds you should not buy under any circumstances and whether it is legal to take seeds you have bought in the Netherlands home with you.

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Finding the Perfect Strain - Essential Buying Tips

Fruity, earthy or spicy - just like wine, cannabis can develop complex flavours. It is important to pay attention to which flavour you prefer when selecting the seeds. In the following section, we reveal what else you should look out for when buying marijuana seeds.

Besides the flavour, it's the effect that counts: Do you want to chill like a Buddha on the sofa or laugh with friends? The effects of different strains can vary greatly. Here are our criteria for choosing cannabis seeds:

• Strain and effect: Indica strains such as Northern Lights and Blueberry are known for their relaxing and calming effects. Sativa strains such as Jack Herer and Amnesia Haze have an uplifting and creativity-enhancing effect. Hybrid strains such as Girl Scout Cookies and OG Kush have equally relaxing and uplifting effects.
• Flavour: The aromatic compounds in cannabis are called terpenes. Examples are myrcene (earthy, musky), limonene (citrusy) and linalool (floral flavour, lavender-like). You can find a complete overview in this article by Dutch Passion.
• Genetics: This refers to the specific characteristics of a variety, such as growth behaviour, aroma, potency and resistance to diseases. When buying, make sure that these characteristics are well documented. Below you will find an example of perfectly documented genetics.
• Quality and ripeness: The seeds should have a dark brown colour with lighter shades or stripes and should not break too easily. Ripe seeds have a hard, smooth surface and are firm to the touch. Keep away from seeds that are pale green or white in colour. The older the seeds are, the more likely it is that they will not germinate.
• Germination rate: This is the percentage of seeds that germinate successfully under suitable conditions and grow into plants. For example, if 8 out of 10 seeds from a particular batch germinate successfully, the germination rate is 80%. Reputable seed banks indicate the germination rate on their websites or on the seed packaging.
• Indoor or outdoor: Some strains are better suited for indoor cultivation, while others are optimised for outdoor cultivation. Before buying, check whether the seeds are suitable for the type of cultivation you intend to use.
• Flowering time: This is the phase in which the plants develop their flowers. The length of the flowering period can vary greatly depending on the strain. Indica varieties tend to flower somewhat shorter than sativa varieties.
• Autoflower vs. Photoperiod: Autoflower strains flower automatically, regardless of the amount of light. They start their flowering cycle based on the age of the plant, not the light conditions. This makes them a good choice for beginners. In contrast, photoperiod strains require at least 12 hours of darkness per day to initiate flowering. These varieties require more expertise to grow.
• THC and CBD concentration: Depending on what you expect from your plant, you should consider the active substance content. Some seeds produce plants with high THC content (more psychoactive effects), others are CBD-dominant (often used for medical purposes).
• Price: Reliable and well-documented genetics come at a price: invest a little more in high-quality seeds and you can look forward to healthy plants and a rich harvest afterwards. The prices for a packet of 5 seeds of well-known varieties are somewhere between 20 and 60 euros.

You should really make sure that you buy the right seeds for your needs. For example, if you buy special indoor seeds that require expensive artificial light, you'll be disappointed if they don't survive on your balcony.

That was our guide to buying cannabis seeds. In the next part, you will find out whether it is permitted to bring cannabis seeds from the Netherlands to your home country.

Legality of Bringing Cannabis Seeds From the Netherlands

Navigating the legal landscape for cannabis seeds can be complex due to varying regulations across different countries. Here’s an essential guide based on common legal frameworks within the European Union and several key countries around the world.

In Germany, it is now completely legal to buy cannabis seeds in other EU countries. Germans can therefore buy in Holland and take the seeds back to Germany without having to fear legal consequences.

• United Kingdom: Cannabis seeds can be bought, sold and owned. However, the germination of these seeds is illegal and will be prosecuted. You need various documents, such as phytosanitary certificates, to legally import cannabis seeds intended for medicinal cultivation
• Spain: The purchase and sale of cannabis seeds is permitted as long as it is for personal use in private areas. The germination and cultivation of seeds for personal use is permitted under certain conditions, as long as there is no suspicion of trafficking.
• Italy: Cannabis seeds are legal to buy, sell and own. The cultivation of a single plant for personal use is usually tolerated, although unauthorised cultivation is a punishable offence.
• France: The possession of cannabis seeds is legal, but their germination or cultivation is not. France has strict cannabis laws and the cultivation of cannabis is punishable by law.
• USA: The laws regarding cannabis seeds vary greatly from state to state. In states where cannabis has been legalized, the purchase and possession of cannabis seeds is often legal. However, in states with stricter cannabis laws, possession of seeds may be illegal. More on this below.

For those in the EU, purchasing seeds from countries like the Netherlands or Spain is straightforward as long as the seeds are intended for legal personal or collective cultivation within legally recognized associations.

Traveling with cannabis seeds through airports

Many countries (especially outside the EU) have strict drug laws that might not distinguish between cannabis and more severe narcotics, potentially leading to severe penalties, including heavy fines and imprisonment.

Only travel with seeds if you are sure that they are legal at your destination

Especially for the USA: While TSA agents primarily focus on security, they must report any cannabis seeds found during screenings to local law enforcement. This could result in anything from the seeds being confiscated to fines or arrests, especially under U.S. federal law where cannabis remains illegal. You should therefore consider ordering your seeds online instead of bringing them from abroad.

We hope that our article on the best shops for hemp seeds was informative and helpful for you. If you have any further tips or personal experiences on the subject, we would be delighted to receive a comment from you.

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