Commercialization of psychoactive cannabis seeds and clones advances with new licenses

The Cannabis Regulation and Control Institute (IRCCA) of Uruguay approved the commercialization of psychoactive cannabis seeds and clones for member clubs, medicinal cannabis companies, and registered self-cultivators. Resolutions No. 41/2024 and No. 42/2024 guarantee the validity of the work for seeders/nurseries Santiago Navratil and Garden Articles Antera until November 2027.

The distributor Antera Garden Supplies, specializing in cultivation products, in partnership with the seed bank Ripper Seeds, is about to receive the first shipment of seeds. According to Máximo A. Gragera Cordero, the company's sales manager, distribution will begin as soon as the products arrive. 

So far, the seed bank has registered four varieties, Shimo, Radical Juice, OMG, and KmintZ. Máximo highlighted that the company intends to register the entire catalog, especially the new varieties that emerge annually.

The sale of clones is scheduled to begin in March 2025. The obtained license does not allow for sales outsourcing, which will occur exclusively through the company's official channels. "The purchase will be by prior registration request and will be available only to individuals over 18 years old," explains Máximo.

The company's expectation is to reach the mark of 2,000 clones sold per month. Additionally, Máximo mentioned that the distributor has already established strategic partnerships with clubs and companies in the medicinal cannabis sector in Uruguay and Argentina.

International expansion and export

The export of seeds and clones is a priority. "Now, we depend on the importing parties' capacity, which involves local registrations and authorizations," says Máximo. The company has been exporting non-psychoactive seeds to countries such as Brazil, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Argentina for about five years.

Innovation in genetic supply

The motivation to apply for the seeder/nursery license arose from the challenges presented in cannabis clubs in Uruguay. During visits, the Antera team encountered difficulties in efficiently maintaining mother plants and clones, resulting in extra costs for energy, space, and supplies.

"With the legal purchase of clones, clubs can eliminate the need to maintain mother plants, reduce costs, and increase traceability security," explains Máximo. "This is an innovative service that will be well received by many clubs," he concludes.