Fake cannabis seeds: How to identify counterfeit Dutch Passion seed packets

E-commerce and online buying has, unfortunately, seen an exponential increase in counterfeit products being sold over recent years. This now includes cannabis seeds, especially the ‘premium’ seed brands that are most likely to be trusted for quality and reliability. Despite cannabis seed suppliers implementing drastic measures to deter fake cannabis seed fraudsters, they are still active producing low quality genetics and selling them online and at festivals, expo’s etc. Read this guide carefully to learn how to avoid the pitfall of acquiring fake Dutch Passion seeds.

Official Dutch Passion seed packaging

The new Dutch Passion cannabis seed containers are made from transparent plastic so you can see exactly what's inside. The containers are lighter and stronger than the previous metal cans and fit easily into standard-sized small packages that can easily be posted through your letter box.

New cannabis seeds packaging 2021

To deter counterfeit seed bandits, each container has a unique bar code. The plastic box fits perfectly inside a cardboard sleeve with the official Dutch Passion logo and familiar design with a sticker on each box. The outside of each box clearly explains the strain name and seed quantity.

Metal tin cans discontinued in the course of 2022

If you buy cannabis seeds online directly from Dutch Passion you will receive your seeds in the new packaging whether you are buying autoflower seeds, feminised seeds or regular seeds. If you buy from re-sellers you may still receive seeds in the metal tin cans until their stock of these is gone and they switch to the new containers. The last people to receive the new cannabis seed packaging will be Latin America during 2023.

Free seeds packaging

Note that Dutch Passion will occasionally use (Eppendorf) plastic tubes mounted on cardboard for special promotions or free-seed samples. In all cases the free seeds are branded with the Dutch Passion logo. Free Dutch Passion seeds or sample seeds in eppendorf tubes are usually only sent as additional items alongside standard orders.

How to identify fake Dutch Passion seeds?

Any seeds not packed in the methods shown are counterfeit.  The only exceptions to this will be our trusted resellers (‘pick and mix’ resellers) who sometimes re-pack seeds. All approved resellers of Dutch Passion cannabis seeds are listed on our website.

If in doubt, please refer to the list of official seed distributors in your country. Remember you can order buy cannabis seeds online directly from Dutch Passion if you live in any of the mainly, but not exclusively, European countries in the following list.

Fake Dutch Passion seeds are often re-sold on eBay, or in different types of low grade packaging. Some of these are shown below. Please buy your seeds direct from our website or any of our approved re-sellers for maximum security. Fake seeds are always low quality, and in many cases will not germinate at all. They are simply not worth buying or growing.

Note that Dutch Passion ship autoflower seeds in packs of 1,3 or 7 seeds. Any other quantity indicates fake seeds. Feminised seeds are always shipped in packs of 1,3,5 or 10 seeds. Regular cannabis seeds are always shipped in packs of 10 seeds.

Fake Dutch Passion packaging pictures

It’s sad to see so many fake cannabis seeds for sale. Often the seeds are simply hemp seeds which look very similar to cannabis seeds but can never produce a quality, high-THC result. The fact that Dutch Passion is being targeted with fake seed scams is a sign that the Dutch Passion brand has never been more valued. Seed customers are requested to be on the alert for fake seeds which are usually easy to spot due to the fake packaging and fake strain names. Some examples are below.

Above, this strain isn't available from Dutch Passion and the packaging is fake.

Above, Purple #1 seeds. Dutch Passion doesn't use small jars like this. Only Eppendorf Tubes (for free seeds) or new plastic packaging is used as the metal tin cans are phased out.

Another outrageously-cheap fake packaging spotted in Latin America. Note that neither the variety name nor the picture are reflective of our original Amsterdam Amnesia®.

Above, fake cannabis seeds. Gagarin Haze is not a Dutch Passion strain. The packaging is also non-standard and fake.

Above, fake Dutch Passion Fruit seeds and fake paper packaging. Feminised seeds such as Passion Fruit are only sold in packs of 1,3,5 or 10 (never as a 7-pack, only autoflower seeds are sold in packs of 1,3 or 7 seeds).

Above, fake ‘Or.Amnesia’ seeds (there is no such Dutch Passion strain). Note the non-standard and fake packaging.

Above, fake seed container. Dutch Passion don't supply seeds in large 1000-seed packs unless by special arrangement between Dutch Passion head office and a licensed producer.

How to avoid counterfeit cannabis seeds?

Buy seeds directly from trusted seed banks.

Buying cannabis seeds online directly from the producer not only guarantees genuine seeds with quality genetics, but you also get the freshest seeds which have been cold-stored in optimised conditions before being shipped straight to you. In addition, buying cannabis seeds direct from Dutch Passion means you can expect first class support and service if you ever need it.

Check company background info when buying from a new source.

If buying from a new seed company, check to see the reviews and how long they have been operating. Dutch Passion have been around since the 1980’s. In that time, many lower quality seed companies have been and gone. If you’re buying Dutch Passion seeds from a reseller/distributor do your homework to ensure that their reputation and operation are reliable and trustworthy. If in doubt, remember you can often buy your cannabis seeds online directly from your seed company of choice.

Do not buy from marketplaces such (Amazon, eBay,…) and social media.

Dutch Passion don't sell cannabis seeds on these platforms and you never really know how reliable and authentic any seeds bought in this way will be. Scammers prefer to sell cannabis seeds from anonymous online marketplaces since it is impossible to trace them afterwards.

Avoid the last minute rush to buy your cannabis seeds.

If you leave your cannabis seed purchases until the last minute you may find that your purchase options are limited. Don’t be forced into the open arms of fake seed sellers, remember you can buy cannabis seeds online from approved resellers or directly from the seed bank themselves.

Many home growers keep a small seed collection in their fridge. In cold conditions, cannabis seeds can remain viable for a decade or more (though germination rates will drop over time). Remember that seed companies such as Dutch Passion run regular promotions, just check the Dutch Passion website for the latest special offers and take advantage of low seed prices to stock up. This avoids the last-minute rush.

Always double-check the strain names.

Often, but not always, fake Dutch Passion cannabis seeds have fictional strain names which you will not see on the Dutch Passion website.