The practice of including free bonus seeds with purchases is a common promotional strategy within the cannabis cultivation community. Based on user discussions and historical records, Seedbay, a notable online seed bank, has historically offered freebies to customers. These complimentary seeds often consist of experimental strains, crosses created by community members, or promotional items intended to introduce growers to new genetics.
The nature of these freebies varies significantly. They can range from named, stabilized strains to mixed packs of unknown parentage. For example, a specific freebie cross known as "Northern Cheese Haze" was reportedly developed by a community member named 'hazeseeker' and distributed via Seedbay around 2008. This strain combined Exodus Cheese and Northern Lights #5/Haze genetics. Other reports mention freebie mixes labeled as "mixed seeds X Skunk#1/haze." While free seeds offer a low-risk opportunity to explore new genetics, consumers are advised to research the source and potential parentage, as the quality and consistency of unregulated or experimental freebies can vary.
The History and Origin of Seedbay Freebies
Seedbay served as a platform not only for selling seeds but also for facilitating community-driven breeding projects. The provided data highlights that certain freebies were not mass-produced commercial strains but rather creations by individual breeders. Source [1] details the origin of the "Northern Cheese Haze" freebie, noting it was created by 'hazeseeker' using Exodus Cheese as the mother and Northern Lights #5/Haze as the pollen donor. This cross was distributed as a freebie on the Seedbay site in 2008.
This historical context suggests that Seedbay freebies were often a way for hobbyist breeders to get their creations into the hands of growers for feedback and testing. The Mephisto Genetics team, who eventually adopted and stabilized the Northern Cheese Haze genetics, noted they were "impressed enough to make F2's" after their initial run of the freebie beans. This indicates that at least some of the freebies distributed through the platform possessed significant genetic potential.
Types of Freebies Reported
User reports across various forums describe a wide variety of freebie types received from Seedbay and similar seed banks. These generally fall into a few categories:
1. Named Experimental Crosses
These are specific crosses with given names, often created by community members. The "Northern Cheese Haze" mentioned in Source [1] is a prime example. Another user in Source [3] lists a "Seedbay freebie NL#2 x Chem x OPG" in their collection. These freebies allow growers to try unique, potentially unrepeatable genetics.
2. Mixed Seed Packs
Some freebies are sold or given away as "mystery" or mixed packs. Source [4] mentions a "mystery seed mix freebie" that was eventually discontinued by a breeder due to customer feedback regarding the contents. Source [7] describes a package labeled "mixed seeds X skunk#1/haze." These packs often contain a variety of phenotypes, offering a lottery-like experience where the grower might find a hidden gem or a dud.
3. Standard Promotional Seeds
In addition to experimental crosses, seed banks often include seeds from their standard catalog as freebies. Source [5] mentions a user receiving "20 free auto seeds" with an order from Original Sensible Seed Company, and another user receiving free 10-packs of "ATF" and "Sour D" with a paid order. While these specific examples are not directly from Seedbay, they illustrate the industry standard that Seedbay likely followed: including extra seeds of known strains to increase the perceived value of the order.
User Perceptions and Value of Freebies
The value placed on freebies varies greatly among consumers. Some view them as a "bang for the buck" (Source [5]), a way to maximize the yield of a purchase. Others are more critical of the quality and utility of free seeds.
The "Tightass" Perspective
Source [2] features a user explicitly stating, "I know i seem like a tightass, but i really need to get all i can squeeze out of it ya know." This reflects a segment of the market that prioritizes getting the maximum physical product for their money. For these consumers, freebies are a crucial part of the purchasing decision.
The Quality vs. Quantity Debate
Not all freebies are welcomed. Source [4] details a breeder's decision to discontinue a mystery mix freebie due to customer disappointment. The user in that thread argues that "1 FEM seed that is a go from the start" is preferable to "5 REGS (no name at that)" because the latter represents a waste of time, money, and resources if the genetics are poor or the plants turn out to be male.
This highlights a significant risk with freebies: the genetic stability and quality are often unknown. While some freebies like Northern Cheese Haze turn out to be "absolute beasts" (Source [1]), others may be unviable or undesirable. Source [3] mentions a user's disappointment with "ILGM" autos, calling them "not very impressive," suggesting that even paid-for seeds (which might be included as freebies elsewhere) can fail to meet expectations.
Legitimacy and Trust
Source [7] touches on the skepticism surrounding freebies. A user questions the legitimacy of seeds labeled "sam the skunk man mixed seeds X skunk#1/haze," noting that the labeling doesn't follow standard formats. This skepticism is common; growers often prefer seeds from reputable, established breeders rather than mystery freebies. However, the same user admits that the plants grown from these freebies were "vigorous" and produced "superior" quality buds as sativas go, indicating that freebies can sometimes exceed expectations.
Strategies for Maximizing Freebie Value
For consumers interested in obtaining the best freebies, the provided data suggests a few implicit strategies:
1. Choose Seed Banks Known for Generosity
Source [5] highlights specific seed banks that are praised for their freebies. "Original Sensible Seed Company" is mentioned for giving "20 free auto seeds" with a $160 order, and "cannabis-seed.us" is praised for sending "a 10 pack of the ATF and a 10 pack of the Sour D" with a paid order. While these are not Seedbay specifically, they demonstrate that some companies use generous freebie policies as a major selling point.
2. Understand the Nature of the Freebie
Knowing whether a freebie is a named strain, a mixed pack, or an experimental cross helps set expectations. * Named strains: Generally offer more predictability in terms of growth patterns and effects. * Mixed packs: Offer variety but require more space and resources to pheno-hunt. * Experimental crosses: Can offer unique genetics but carry the highest risk of instability.
3. Verify Source Reliability
Source [1] emphasizes the importance of knowing the breeder. The Northern Cheese Haze freebie came from a community member ('hazeseeker') but was distributed via a platform (Seedbay) that allowed for community feedback. When evaluating freebies, looking for information on the breeder or the specific cross (as seen in the detailed description of Northern Cheese Haze) can help determine if the freebie is worth growing.
The Evolution of Seed Promotions
The provided data shows a shift in how freebies are perceived and managed. In the early days (2008), experimental freebies like Northern Cheese Haze could become foundational genetics for major breeders. By the mid-2010s, the market had matured, and customers became more discerning. Source [4] (dated roughly around 2018-2020 based on forum activity) shows a breeder actively discontinuing a freebie product due to negative feedback, indicating a move toward quality control over quantity.
Additionally, the rise of "auto" seeds (Source [3] and [5]) has changed the type of freebies often offered. Autoflowering seeds are popular for their speed and ease, making them ideal freebies for customers who want a quick, low-maintenance grow.
Conclusion
Seedbay freebies represent a specific chapter in the history of online cannabis seed retail. They served as a vehicle for community breeders to distribute experimental strains and for the seed bank to add value to customer orders. While specific details on current Seedbay freebie policies are not available in the provided data, the general principles remain relevant. Freebies offer potential value, ranging from high-quality experimental genetics like Northern Cheese Haze to generic promotional seeds. However, consumers must balance the allure of "free" with the potential risks of unknown genetics, wasted resources, and inconsistent quality. As the market has evolved, the expectation has shifted toward freebies that are not just extra volume, but valuable additions to a grower's collection.