Buying Marijuana Seeds in India

Cannabis seeds continue to be readily available in India, regardless of their lack of medical or recreational legality.

Cannabis seeds and marijuana products have been a large part of Indian heritage and culture for thousands of years, often used by Hindus in religious practices and rituals, such as Holi, while Indian puritans, having shunned material objects and modern living, smoke cannabis to seek divinity and spiritual freedom.

With India’s past in marijuana cultivation and consumption, it is rather shocking to learn that India has a strict law regarding the use and distribution of marijuana resin or flower, resulting in possible legal repercussions, such as hefty fines and prison sentences.

With that being said, the cannabis culture in India is very much alive and well among the citizens and, although there doesn’t seem to be any movements in its legality or decriminalization in the foreseeable future, marijuana continues to be very much present.

Besides relaying India’s lush heritage, this article will educate you on the rules and regulations in regards to buying marijuana seeds from online or local seed banks in India. Furthermore, you’ll discover the best cannabis seed strains to buy from seed banks to grow in India, along with our top recommended tips and tricks for growing weed.

This information is relevant and accurate as of 2024. Still, since rules and regulations are constantly changing, it would be wise to check back for updated information on buying cannabis seeds from seed banks in India.

In a Nutshell — The Legality of Buying Marijuana Seeds in India

As you’ve read above — India’s history is deeply entwined with cannabis seeds and derivative products.

However, the cannabis laws in India do not reflect the long-standing acceptance of cannabis. Here’s a summary of the legality of cannabis in India regarding buying marijuana seeds from local or online seed banks.

• Cannabis is legal in specific jurisdictions in India
• Cannabis is illegal in most jurisdictions in India
• Derivatives, such as bhang, is legal in various jurisdictions in India
• Cannabis seeds are legal in India

Continue reading below to learn about growing cannabis seeds in India, along with information on the best seed banks that ship in India, grow tips, and cultural and legal information.

Growing Cannabis Seeds in India

Growing cannabis seeds in India is incredibly rewarding because it allows cultivators to experience new flavors and effects for medical or recreational purposes.

Let’s take a look at a few different aspects when growing marijuana seeds in India.

When to Sprout Cannabis Seeds in India

India lies in the Northern Hemisphere, which means the ideal time to plant cannabis seeds is between March and May.

If you live in the colder Northern regions, it’s best to sprout cannabis seeds in early May. However, March is an ideal time to start your weed seeds if you live in the tropical Southern region.

Issues to Consider When Growing Marijuana Seeds in India

When growing marijuana seeds in India, you must be careful of:

• Thieves
• Law enforcement
• Pests and diseases

Tips for Growing Cannabis Seeds in India

Here’s a list of our top-rated tips to ensure the best weed possible at the end of the upcomin growing season.

Buy Cannabis Seeds From a Reputable Online or Local Seed Bank in India

First, you must buy cannabis seeds from a reputable online or local seed bank in India.

By doing so, you’ll find verified cannabis seed strains that produce top-shelf buds.

Buy Cannabis Seeds for Your Regional Climate in India

Buying cannabis seeds from a trustworthy seed store in India means you can find seed strains that flower within a specific window or exhibit the desired characteristic in relation to your regional climate.

In other words, you can find a seed strain that’s resistant to mold if you live in the tropical Southern region. If you need a fast flowering strain that’s resistant to cold, you can easily find these traits at a reputable seed bank that ships to India.

Plan Your Cannabis Garden in Advance

Lastly, you must prepare your cannabis garden before you plant your marijuana seeds.

Once your cannabis seeds arrive from an online seed bank — wait until your garden is fully operational to sprout the seeds.

Which Marijuana Seed Store Is the Best Option For Indian Residents?

If you’re ready to buy marijuana seeds in India — you have two options.

Local Cannabis Seed Stores in India

Marijuana laws in India state that cannabis seeds and the plant’s foliage are not technically considered to be illegal, due to the historical use of those ingredients in bhang and the fact that those parts of the cannabis plant are not what causes psychedelic effects to the smoker.

However, due to marijuana laws in India which state that weed in India, medicinal or otherwise, is prohibited, local industries such as dispensaries and seed banks are not readily available or legally allowed to exist. That also means there are no opportunities to buy marijuana seeds from a local seed bank in India.

Online Cannabis Seed Banks That Ship to India

The best and safest way to buy marijuana seeds in India is from an online seed bank that ships to India.

Here’s our recommendation of the two best cannabis seed banks that ship to India:

Herbies Seeds – Herbies Seeds offers a large variety of cannabis seeds and provides worldwide shipping. This Spanish marijuana seed bank is an exceptional alternative to seed banks in India. Their powerful and effective weed strains and quality cannabis seeds make them a fan favorite. You can easily and conveniently buy cannabis seeds and ship them to your home in India. Herbies Seeds offers attractive shipping rates to India, lower than $20. All orders are shipped in discreet packaging that is optimally packed to ensure freshness upon arrival.

MSNL Seedbank – MSNL seed bank is an exceptional online business that produces high-quality cannabis seeds and ships them worldwide, India included. MSNL offers their clientele savings in the form of a points system, with each purchase earning you points towards future discounts and promotions. They also put their strains on sale, saving you additional cash. With their worldwide shipping, MSNL is a great alternative to Indian seedbanks and provides safe access to cannabis seeds that ship to India.

Recommended Cannabis Seed Strains to Buy From Online Seed Banks and Grow In India

India is a massive country that’s perfect for cannabis cultivation.

If you’re ready to buy and grow cannabis seeds in India, here are three recommended marijuana seed strains that’ll excel in most regions in India.

Granddaddy Purple Feminized Seed Strain

If you want one of the most potent and easy to grow cannabis seed strains in India — look no further than the Granddaddy Purple feminized seed strain.

The Granddaddy Purple seed strain is 100% indica and flowers within 8-9-weeks. If you live in the Northern regions of India, Granddaddy Purple seeds are a must-have to ensure an early harvest of top-shelf buds loaded with resin.

Hash Plant Feminized Seed Strain

The Hash Plant feminized seed strain is renowned for its immense resin content.

Whether you want to make your own bhang or produce an abundance of top-shelf flowers — Hash Plant seeds are a must-have. Ultimately, the Hash Plant seed strain flowers quickly, produces an ample yield, and is easy to grow.

Sour Diesel Feminized Seed Strain

The Sour Diesel feminized seed strain is ideally suited for the tropical regions of India.

At 9-10 weeks flowering time, the Sour Diesel seed strain produces a massive yield and sky-high potency. Furthermore, Sour Diesel can fend off high humidity and pests, which make it perfect for growing in warmer Indian climates.

India’s Rich History with Cannabis & Cannabis Seeds

Cannabis in India has been a prominent plant and was used as far back as 4,000 years ago.

It is cited in sacred Hindu scrolls as a sacred plant and that a guardian angel lived among its leaves. In Hinduism, Shiva is a God that is often associated with marijuana and the production of the bhang drink.

Shiva is known as the “Lord of Bhang” due to an ancient Hindu legend stating that he once fell asleep under a leafy plant and, upon awakening, curiously tried the plant’s foliage.

Shiva became instantly refreshed and re-energized and claimed that the plant is now his favorite food. Thus, bhang is crafted as early as 1000 BC in his honor. Indica, a subspecies of the cannabis plant, had its historical roots in India, where, in 1000 BC, marijuana’s effects were experimented with medicinally as a pain reliever for prominent ailments at the time.

Cannabis was also known as the foundation of happiness, providing joy and bringing freedom to its consumers. During this time in history, marijuana was used daily at holy rituals and religious services.

Marijuana possession in India is currently illegal, with the exception of some specific traditional preparations.

The Roots of India’s Cannabis Culture

For centuries, the Indian civilization has developed a very strong social and artistic connection to cannabis seeds and plant leaves.

Its been a part of the religion, culture, and festivities for thousands of years. There have been debates and arguments for legalizing marijuana for decades, both for medicinal and recreational use.

New Delhi, India’s capital city, is estimated to have consumed 38.3 tons of cannabis in only 2018, making it the top destination regarding cannabis possession and distribution. New Delhi was also ranked as one of the top smoking destinations in the world, coming in after Karachi and New York.

With Mumbai also making that list, it seems that India is not enforcing the law as it ought to be, but rather capitalizing off of its 1.3 billion population, many of which are cannabis users.

Bhang is used to make a popular milkshake called “Thandai”, which is traditionally brewed and enjoyed during Hindu festivals and only contains marijuana leaves and cannabis seeds. Holi and Shivratri, the Sikh festival of Hola Mohalla, are the most common times to consume this cannabis-laced drink and is a custom that has been observed for a very long time. Since cannabis is considered the flower that grows on the plant, the leaves and seeds are not technically considered cannabis. Therefore, ‘bhang‘ is publicly consumed in India on various religious occasions. Under the NDPS Act, bhang is NOT constituted as part of the cannabis plant.

The Legality of Charas in India

Although illegal, the reality is that you will find cannabis products and marijuana seeds all over the country, as India is renowned for its production of charas. However, there are exceptions even to that rule, as a kilogram of marijuana charas will result in a prison sentence of up to ten years.

The Legality of Bhang in India

Bhang, an edible drink traditionally made with certain parts of a cannabis plant, was not able to be suppressed by the government and it is an ancient ritual that has been performed for centuries.

Using Bhang and Charas for Spiritual, Medicinal, and Recreational Purposes in India

Among Hindus, it is also considered a religious practice and, when used in moderation, is harmless, compared to alcohol or hard drugs.

Workers often drink bhang, which is usually found at government licensed shops, to feel relaxed and rested after their shift and to help fight exhaustion.

India’s regulations highlight that ganja (cannabis flower) and charas (better known as hashish and is made from cannabis resin) are illegal in every form whereas the production of products made with cannabis seeds and leaves are legal, as they are not considered a narcotic.

Laws and Regulations: Are Weed & Weed Seeds Legal in India?

In India, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, regulates and enforces cannabis laws.

However, each state has its own variations and exceptions regarding this general law and relates to the ingestion, ownership, distribution, and acquisition of marijuana in the country.

The Exception to the Rule in Odisha and Uttarakhand

In Odisha, for example, weed is actually legal and its residents ordinarily use ‘chillums’ (glass pipes) to smoke weed inside the state’s territory. Odisha is the only exception to marijuana legality in India.

Hemp was first allowed to be commercially cultivated and sold in the state of Uttarakhand. Cannabis is a crop that does not require an excessive amount of water so, many hillside states in India are also considering proposing the idea to permit regulated manufacture of Hemp and cannabis products.

The Bombay Prohibition Act of 1949

The “Bombay Prohibition (BP) Act”, 1949, forbids the production, ownership, and intake of bhang and bhang-containing substances without a legal license. Under the NDPS Act, the cultivation, possession, and distribution of cannabis flower and its resin are considered illegal. However, marijuana leaves and seeds are permitted and free to use publicly without any repercussions. Any individual in India caught possessing the illegal part of the cannabis plant will be subjected to the full extent of the law.

Cannabis Regulations Under the NDPA of India

Under the NDPS Act, the possession of prohibited drugs, such as cannabis, in India is considered illegal and can result in criminal convictions. The punishment varies and heavily depends on the number of drugs in question. Prosecution can be avoided if the citizen voluntarily agrees to undergo therapy and go to “de-addiction” courses, to aid in their sobriety.

If you are a child under eighteen years of age, regarding possession and consumption of narcotics in India: The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (1985), The Juvenile Justice Care and Protection Act (2000), and The State Drug laws.

Penalties for Possessing Cannabis in India

Under the NDPS act, possessing a small amount of marijuana can result in a fine of 10,000 Rupee (about 140$USD), and imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both.

If you possess a hefty amount, and authorities decide you have an intention to sell and distribute the cannabis, the punishment is a prison sentence of up to 10 years, a fine of 100,000 Rupee (about 1400$), or both. If, however, you are in possession of a commercial quantity of any amount from 1 to 20 kilograms (with the intent to sell), your punishment will be anywhere from 10-20 years in prison, 100,000-200,000 Rupee (about 1400$-1800$), or both.

As various states in India have different laws and amendments in the NDPS, it is difficult to understand which regulations and punishments apply to you and your situation. Before getting caught possessing or using marijuana in India, research the laws that apply to your particular state, so you are educated and well aware of your rights as a citizen or a foreigner.

Aside from the issues of cannabis products, such as flowers, it’s clear that marijuana seeds are legal to possess and even have shipped to your door in India from a reputable seed bank.

The Fight for Legalization in India – Is the Government on Board?

As of 2024 and the foreseeable future, cannabis (bud and resin) is highly illegal in India and is punishable by fines and imprisonment.

Rajiv Gandhi, the Prime Minister in 1985, first introduced the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act which completely prohibited the sale and purchase of “Ganja” (flower/bud) and “Charas” (resin) in India.

This natural drug had already been considered illegal in India for a little over two decades due to the Indian government signing the UN’s “Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs” agreement back in 1961. Many Indian citizens criticized the Prime Minister for surrendering to America’s pressure which, back in 1971, began its war on narcotics in the USA.

The prohibition of the plant gave rise to drug mafias and cartels across the nation, and marijuana was being smuggled into the country to meet the constant demands.

Quality of weed was lacking, as the rise of demand was never-ending and drug lords were producing questionable quality weed for some quick cash. Additives and chemicals, such as boot polish, were laced with the natural weed, to create a psychedelic effect before the plant was mature enough to do that itself.

Growing Support for Cannabis Legalization in India

There are various cannabis social awareness campaigns such as the Great Legalization Movement, that make it their mission to educate the public about the many benefits of cannabis and Hemp.

The Congress MP, Shashi Tharoor, Bhartiya Janata Party MP Maneka Gandhi, and Biju Janata Dal MP Tathagata Satpathy have shown their support for legalization and education in regard to regulated medical cannabis use.

Cannabis in India has been called a variety of names over the thousands of years that India’s natives have been partaking in the natural herb. Some of these names include weed, marijuana, bhang, charas (resin), and ganja (flower), and are all a major part of the Hindu religion.

What Does the Future Hold for Cannabis Legalization in India?

Legalizing cannabis would have many benefits for Indian natives, including creating an economy that would generate higher employment rates, due to the increase of need for farmers and cultivators.

It would also allow for spiritualists and puritans to peruse their religious practices and continue to seek the spiritual freedom they desire. The legalization and decriminalization of weed would also allow for medicinal use, which would greatly benefit unwell patients and ease illness symptoms and side effects from treatment.

With a culture and history so deeply engrossed in cannabis culture, legalization is the logical next step in India’s future.

However, until full cannabis legalization occurs, your best bet to buy marijuana seeds is from online seed banks that ship to India.

Parent Page: Buy Cannabis Seeds

Best Places to Buy Marijuana Seeds Online: