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Exploring California’s Premier Cannabis Seed Banks and Breeders

California is home to some of the world’s most renowned cannabis seed banks and breeders. These institutions play a crucial role in preserving genetic diversity, developing new strains, and providing high-quality seeds to growers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top cannabis seed banks in California, their unique offerings, and why they’re essential for both recreational and medicinal cannabis cultivators.

cannabis seeds from a seed bankWhy Choose California Cannabis Seed Banks?

California’s cannabis seed banks offer several advantages that set them apart:

  1. Expertise in developing strains suited to California’s climate: Local breeders understand the unique growing conditions of the region, creating strains that thrive in California’s diverse microclimates.
  2. Compliance with state regulations: California seed banks adhere to strict state guidelines, ensuring that their products are legal and safe for consumers.
  3. Access to rare and unique genetics: Many California breeders have been in the industry for decades, cultivating and preserving rare cannabis genetics that may not be available elsewhere.
  4. Support for local cannabis industry: By choosing California seed banks, you’re supporting local businesses and contributing to the state’s thriving cannabis economy.

Cannabis Seed Banks

Finding a good marijuana seed bank or breeders can be difficult. There are many, none of them will be wrong! They all have their own strains, standards for quality, and market strategies designed to generate money for their operations.

Many of these individuals have been in the cannabis seed breeding game for a long time and have developed solid techniques in how to create quality seeds. Some even collect specimens of their strains to share their knowledge and best practices with others.

By joining a networking site like LinkedIn, you can easily find people who share your strain preference and connect you with other growers.

Oakland Cannabis Genetics

Oakland Cannabis Genetics is a breed-specific marijuana seed bank located in Oakland, California. They focus on developing and distributing high-quality seeds to users worldwide.

Seeds are one of the most accessible ways to grow with cannabis, as they can be planted at any time and then picked when the plants flowering period ends. With seeds, you can control what plant you receive because all seeds will vary in genetic material such as cannabinoid levels or whether or not they sprout a cannabis flower.

The founders of this bank were looking for new seeds to share with the community and discovered that there were not many publically available genotypes that matched their needs. They decided to start this bank to meet those needs and help other growers access these unique plants.

Los Angeles Cannabis Genetics

Found in February 2015, Los Angeles Cannabis Genetics is an exceptional breed bank and breeding facility. Designed with the industry in mind, their breeders use proven genetics to create high quality cannabis plants.

Their founders have extensive knowledge and experience breeding cannabis, and they devote a lot of time to finding the right plant for each application. By using established plants as seeds and breeding material, the creators are able to offer you a wide range of plants with different properties.

This all-encompassing approach makes Los Angeles Cannabis Genomics one of the best seed banks around—and why you should use their website to find seeds.

Mendocino Marijuana Genetics

Mendocino is a breed of cannabis that was discovered in Mendocino, California. The breed was named for the town in which it was first found.

The Mendocino is a medium to long-sized cannabis plant. It is nicknamed the ‘mendelina’ due to its licorice tasting leaves.

This cannabis plant was first grown in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries as an herb. It was popularized in the US in the 1930s and 40s when it was introduced as a crop.

Since then, it has been popularly used as an ornamental plant and taxonomic category for cacti and plants with little or no structure, like the Mendocino.

Because of its resemblance to a shortbread cookie, people sometimes call this cannabis plant Dutch because of its appearance.

The Emerald Family (ECF)

While there are many strains created by the ECF, not all are considered official members. All members of the family are notable for their high THC content, lanky/chunky genetics, and/or specialized purpose.

The majority of strains within the family are sativa-dominant, with an average cannabinoid profile and short growing season availability. This makes them popular gifts and Treatments as they are only available for a short time during cultivar release and crop cycle.

Some of the more iconic strains within the family include the Emerald Girls (aka The Green Gods), Scrap Metal, Cheesecake Factory, and Dolly Partonflowers.

cannabis clones from a seed bank

cannabis clones from a seed bank

710 Genetics

Found in 2010, 710 Genetics is an award winning agricultural company located in California’s Central Valley. 710 has pioneered new seed and plant breed programs and has become a staple in the cannabis community as a leading breeder of genetically diverse plants.

711 is one of their flagship programs and focuses on developing new plants with unique traits such as large leaves,CDC (Concentrated Cannabis Datura), or unusual flowers.

511 is another program within 710 that focuses on developing new cultivars with low THC levels to aid in medicinal marijuana applications. Development of these cultivars can be challenging as only a small percentage of plants meet these low THC standards.

When it comes to breeding parts of the plant such as leaf shape, texture, or color, there are many experts that join together to contribute to future generations of cannabis.

Pure Land Seed Co.

Pure Land is a unique cannabis seed bank located in California, founded by Trevor and Sue Miller in 2014. Their mission is to preserve biodiversity by breeders and collecting societies.

By joining a breed society, you can request a particular mother line of seeds to be added to your collection. These societies work together to maintain standards of purity and quality for their seeds.

To join a breed society, you must contact the national organization and arrange for your new seeds to be collected. You will then have the ability to sell or share your samples with other growers, offer them tips on breeding, or even display them in a nursery setting.

Secret Garden Seeds

Secret Garden is one of the fastest growing fields in cannabis seed breeding. In the past year, they have added new seeds to their website every week!

Their new seeds are highlighted by quick, frequent updates and additions. This popularity is a testament to their quality seeds and customer service.

They have been busy adding new varieties to their collection as well as fixing some old ones that were not living up to their standards. By adding feedback and changes in response, they continue to improve their products.

This continues to build confidence in them which is key for success. People are going out of their way to purchase these new seeds as they get added to the collection often.

Dutch Passion Seeds

Dutch Passion is an American-based cannabis seed bank and breed program. The company was founded in 2005 by a group of former drug enforcement officials who saw the need to preserve and distribute seeds for future plant breeders.

Today, Dutch Passion is one of the largest cannabis seed banks in the United States with over 1,000 breeding stock plants and over 200 phenotype lines. They also operate a national breeding program where they partner with universities to develop new phenotypes.

Most recently, Dutch Passion introduced its Digital Breeding Program where they partner with companies to create new phenotypes using their plant technology.

cannabis clones from a California seed bank

Selecting the Right Cannabis Seed Bank

When choosing a cannabis seed bank, consider the following factors:

  1. Reputation and customer reviews: Look for seed banks with a history of satisfied customers and positive online reviews.
  2. Seed quality and germination guarantees: Reputable seed banks often offer guarantees on seed viability and germination rates.
  3. Strain variety and availability: Choose a seed bank with a diverse selection of strains to suit your growing preferences and needs.
  4. Shipping and discreet packaging options: Ensure the seed bank offers secure, discreet shipping to protect your privacy.
  5. Customer service and support: Opt for seed banks that provide responsive customer service and growing advice.

Legal Aspects of Purchasing Cannabis Seeds in California

While cannabis is legal in California, there are still important considerations when purchasing seeds:

  • Current state laws allow adults 21 and over to purchase cannabis seeds for personal use.
  • There are limitations on the number of plants you can grow at home, typically six mature plants per household.
  • It’s illegal to transport cannabis seeds across state lines, even to other states where cannabis is legal.
  • Always purchase from licensed, reputable seed banks to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Conclusion

California’s cannabis seed banks and breeders stand at the forefront of the industry, offering an impressive array of high-quality genetics to both novice and experienced growers. From the innovative strains of Oakland Cannabis Genetics to the preservation efforts of Pure Land Seed Co., these institutions play a vital role in shaping the future of cannabis cultivation.

As the cannabis landscape continues to evolve, these seed banks remain committed to developing new strains, preserving rare genetics, and providing growers with the tools they need to succeed. Whether you’re seeking medicinal strains high in CBD, potent THC-rich varieties, or unique terpene profiles, California’s seed banks have something to offer every cannabis enthusiast.

Remember to always purchase from reputable, licensed seed banks and stay informed about the legal aspects of growing cannabis in your area. With the right seeds and knowledge, you can embark on a rewarding journey of cannabis cultivation, tapping into the rich genetic diversity that California’s seed banks have to offer.

As you explore the world of cannabis genetics, consider the legacy and expertise behind each seed. These tiny powerhouses of potential represent years of careful breeding and selection, carrying within them the promise of bountiful harvests and new discoveries. Whether you’re growing for personal use, medical purposes, or pure passion for the plant, California’s cannabis seed banks are your gateway to the best that cannabis has to offer.

FAQ

  1. Are cannabis seeds legal in California? Yes, cannabis seeds are legal for adults 21 and over in California for personal use.
  2. Can I order seeds online in California? Yes, you can order seeds online from California-based seed banks.
  3. What’s the difference between regular, feminized, and autoflowering seeds? Regular seeds produce both male and female plants. Feminized seeds produce only female plants. Autoflowering seeds flower based on age rather than light cycle.
  4. How many cannabis plants can I legally grow in California? Adults 21 and over can typically grow up to six mature plants per household for personal use.
  5. What should I look for in high-quality cannabis seeds? Look for seeds that are dark in color, feel hard to the touch, and have a waxy coating.

Ready to start your growing journey? Explore our selection of premium cannabis seeds from California’s top breeders at Vibe by California. Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect strains for your needs and growing conditions.

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