In 2022, the DEA ruled that all cannabis seeds are "hemp" because the seeds themselves contain no THC. That ruling allowed for the legal interstate sale of cannabis seeds. USPS and other shippers began handling seeds. Banks and credit card processors started providing services to the cannabis seed sector.
A new “hemp ban” passed by congress reverses the DEA ruling by removing cannabis seeds from the definition of "hemp” if the mother plant contained over 0.3% THC.
While most of the hemp industry is focused on delaying or reversing the intoxicating hemp product ban, the seed issue gets little attention.
The cannabis seed sector and its supporters need to push for a narrow law change that either deletes the new seed definition, or that amends the law by requiring that all cannabis and hemp seeds be regulated under the Federal Seed Act, which is a truth-in-labeling law.
If the Section 781(c)(1) of the law goes into effect in November 2026 as written, it will become illegal to ship cannabis seeds internationally and between states; USPS and other shippers will likely stop delivering seeds; banks and credit card processors may pull out of the seed market; and the future of legal cannabis genetics will be damaged.
As another breeder put it, “Lawful access to cannabis and hemp genetics matters for research, agriculture, education, medical study, preservation, and innovation."
Please contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives and ask them to delete or amend 781(c)(1) to keep cannabis seeds legal.
Contact your members of Congress here:
By purchasing one of the following packs, you can help fund the legal future of cannabis seeds! Donation options also available at checkout!
