As more states legalize cannabis, the market for seeds is in full bloom

The messy intersection of botany and the law contributes to the murky legal status of seeds used to grow THC-rich cannabis

On 1 August, Minnesota became the latest state to legalize recreational cannabis use. That very same day, residents began to hit up Jim Cramond’s store, Strains of the Earth, clamoring for weed. But not just any type of weed – they were specifically seeking seeds.

People streamed into his Jordan, Minnesota, shop to buy them in person. They bombarded him on social media about availability. His phone rang off the hook with calls from customers curious about growing their own cannabis.