What is the difference between autoflower and feminized seeds?

Autoflower seeds begin flowering based on age, regardless of light, while feminized photoperiod seeds need a change in light cycle to flower.

Can I grow cannabis at home in Quebec?

No, home growing is not allowed in Quebec, including possession of cannabis plants. This rule is enforced by provincial law.

How many cannabis plants can I grow at home in Canada?

Most provinces allow up to 4 plants per household for adults, but always check your local regulations.

Are regular seeds better for breeding?

Regular seeds produce both male and female plants, making them suitable for breeding projects, but they require identifying and removing males if you want to avoid pollination.

Where can I buy cannabis seeds legally in Canada?

Seeds can be purchased from provincially licensed retailers or government stores, depending on your province. Online mail-order shops are not provincially licensed.

Autoflower vs Feminized Seeds: Cannabis Seed Types in Canada

Autoflower vs Feminized Seeds: Choosing the Right Cannabis Seeds

In short

Autoflowers bloom on their own after a few weeks, whatever the daylight; feminized seeds give female plants, the ones with buds. Median pack price this week: $65 for autoflower, $65 for feminized.

Learn the differences between autoflower, feminized photoperiod, regular, and fast-version cannabis seeds. Discover how each type flowers, what to expect in plant size and growing timelines, and where home growing is allowed in Canada.

Charts use this week's catalogue data. Prices checked November 7, 2026.

Home growing limit

Up to 4 plants per household

Government of Canada, varies by province

Quebec rule

Home growing not allowed

Gouvernement du Québec

Seed types compared

Autoflower, Feminized, Regular, Fast-version

How Cannabis Seeds Flower and Grow

Cannabis seeds come in several types, each with a different way of starting the flowering stage. Autoflower seeds switch to flowering based on age, while feminized and regular photoperiod seeds depend on changes in light. Fast-version seeds are bred for shorter flowering times.

Autoflower, Feminized, Regular, and Fast-Version Seeds Compared

Autoflower

Flowers automatically with age
Compact plant size
Shorter lifecycle
Beginner friendly
Usually lower yields

Feminized Photoperiod

Flowers with light cycle change
Can grow larger
Longer growing time
Popular with experienced growers
Generally higher yields

Regular / Fast-Version

Regular: includes male and female plants
Fast-version: bred for quicker flowering
Requires more attention to sexing (regular)
Varied plant size and yield
Favoured by breeders

Seed Prices by Type

Prices for cannabis seeds in Canada vary by type. See the chart below to compare typical median prices for autoflower, feminized, fast, CBD, and mix packs. These prices reflect listings in the current weekly catalogue edition.

Median Cannabis Seed Prices by Type

Regular $40
Other $45
CBD strains $60
Feminized $65
Autoflower $65
Fast version $65
Mix packs $75

Autoflower and feminized seeds are usually similar in median price, while fast and mix packs tend to cost more.

Where Home Growing Is Allowed in Canada

Province/Territory	Home Growing Allowed	Minimum Age	Where to Buy Seeds
Alberta	Yes, up to 4 plants	18	AGLC online, private stores
British Columbia	Yes, up to 4 plants	19	BC Cannabis Stores, private stores
Manitoba	Yes, up to 4 plants	19	Private retailers
New Brunswick	Yes, up to 4 plants	19	Cannabis NB
Newfoundland and Labrador	Yes, up to 4 plants	19	NLC online, licensed stores
Nova Scotia	Yes, up to 4 plants	19	NSLC
Northwest Territories	Yes, up to 4 plants	19	Gov't online store
Nunavut	Yes, up to 4 plants	19	Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission
Ontario	Yes, up to 4 plants	19	OCS, private stores
Prince Edward Island	Yes, up to 4 plants	19	PEI Cannabis
Quebec	No	21	SQDC (seeds for growing not permitted)
Saskatchewan	Yes, up to 4 plants	19	Licensed retailers
Yukon	Yes, up to 4 plants	19	Cannabis Yukon, licensed stores

Data from Government of Canada and provincial sources. Quebec does not allow home growing.

Home Growing Laws by Province

Province or territory	Legal age	Home growing
Alberta	18	Up to 4 plants
British Columbia	19	Up to 4 plants
Manitoba	19	Up to 4 plants
New Brunswick	19	Up to 4 plants
Newfoundland and Labrador	19	Up to 4 plants
Nova Scotia	19	Up to 4 plants
Northwest Territories	19	Up to 4 plants
Nunavut	19	Up to 4 plants
Ontario	19	Up to 4 plants
Prince Edward Island	19	Up to 4 plants
Quebec	21	Not allowed
Saskatchewan	19	Up to 4 plants
Yukon	19	Up to 4 plants

Most provinces allow up to 4 plants per household, but Quebec is an exception. See which provinces permit home cultivation.

Choosing Seeds for Beginners

Autoflower seeds are often recommended for new growers due to their simple light requirements and shorter growth cycle. Feminized photoperiod seeds require more control over lighting but can produce larger plants. Regular seeds may require identifying and removing male plants.

What to Consider When Buying Cannabis Seeds

Check if home growing is allowed in your province
Choose seed type based on your experience level
Consider available space and desired plant size
Look for reputable sellers listed in your province
Plan for the full growth timeline

Sources