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Colwell, a cannabis store manager, said he learned everything he needed to know online by researching cannabis growing websites and Instagram accounts that sprung up after the plant was legalized in several states south of the border.

Currently, four seeds cost $80 and there is only one strain of the plant available on the market. In Alberta, seeds are supplied to stores through Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).

Rob Cherry, vice-president and general merchandise manager of Fire and Flower, said seed sales have been slow so far but he expects them to pick up as AGLC brings more strains to market.

“It’s new, so it’s picking up steam … As we get closer to the grow season people are more inclined to look at something like this,” said Cherry. “We want to make sure we have the product available for what they’re going to need, which isn’t just seeds. We’re also going to be offering clones, grow kits, incubators and stuff like that, so essentially a one-stop shop.”

Cherry said seeds currently account for one per cent of the company’s overall sales. He’s expecting a wide range of people to take up the hobby.

“I think it’s more like the amateurs, mom and pop. I think it’s people who are interested in gardening and growing,” said Cherry. “It’s very inexpensive, it’s pretty straightforward, so why wouldn’t we offer that to people?”

Colwell is one of those amateurs. He said he didn’t have much experience with gardening before planting his cannabis seeds.

“When the summer and the spring time comes here, I’m actually starting to grow just, like, my own little garden out in the backyard and stuff. I really want to start experimenting with germinating seeds with my cannabis and possibly even growing some complementary plants,” said Colwell.

dshort@postmedia.com