CopyCat Genetics: Cannabis Breeding & Strain Reviews
CopyCat Genetics is a cannabis seed company specializing in feminized S1 seeds, known for both innovative breeding techniques and controversy regarding their business practices and strain authenticity.
The Origins and Evolution of CopyCat Genetics
CopyCat Genetics has emerged as a notable player in the cannabis breeding industry, offering a unique approach to breeding and seed production. The company has built its reputation on creating feminized S1 seeds of popular cannabis strains. However, the history of CopyCat Genetics is not without controversy and conflicting narratives.
The Founding Story
According to various online discussions, there are questions about the original ownership of CopyCat Genetics. Some reports suggest that the current operator may have taken over the business following the death of the original founder, Olin Grant. This narrative appears in several Reddit threads where users claim the current operator “stole the business from his dead friend.”
The transition of ownership remains a point of contention in the cannabis community, with some questioning the legitimacy of the current operation. This controversy has contributed to the mixed reputation that CopyCat Genetics holds in the industry today.
Business Model and Approach
CopyCat Genetics distinguishes itself through its focus on creating feminized S1 seeds of popular and rare cannabis varieties. S1 seeds are created by reversing a female plant to produce pollen, which is then used to pollinate the same plant or another female plant of the same strain. This process creates seeds that are genetically similar to the original mother plant.
The company claims to use a proprietary hormone mix for feminized seed production, which they suggest offers higher success rates and better preservation of genetic integrity compared to traditional techniques. This approach allows them to offer seeds that supposedly capture the essence of popular cultivars while adding their own unique characteristics.
CopyCat Genetics’ Product Offerings
CopyCat Genetics offers a wide range of cannabis strains, each with its own unique characteristics and growing requirements. Their catalog includes both classic favorites and exclusive creations that push the boundaries of flavor and potency.
Strain Varieties
The company’s product line includes strains like:
- Dragon Breath S1: A cross between (Chem D x Hell RZR OG) and The Queen reversal, known for its chemical, diesel fuel, burnt rubber, and skunk funk flavors. The company claims this strain has THC levels of 35-36%.
- Flambé: Described as “Fire as fuck x The Queen reversal,” this strain supposedly offers flavors of blue berries, fuel, and OG funk. CopyCat Genetics claims this strain has THC levels of 39-41%.
- Jello Shotz S1: A reversed clone-only strain with claimed THC levels of 33-34% and terpene profiles of fruity cherry candy, gas, and OG funk.
- Jet Fuel OG: A cross between Hell Rzr OG and Rocket Fuel Runtz, with claimed THC levels of 37-38% and terpene profiles of pure OG gas, fuel, and earthy pinesol funk.
- Luxx Licious S1: A strain with undisclosed exact lineage but said to include original Runtz, Mac1, Mr. BigStuff, Watermelon Z, and other genetics. The company claims this strain has THC levels of 38-39%.
Pricing Structure
One of the most controversial aspects of CopyCat Genetics is their pricing structure. Their official website reportedly lists extremely high prices, with some packs going for as much as $1,250 or even $2,500. However, many users in online forums suggest that these prices are inflated and that the same seeds can be purchased for much less through authorized resellers or directly from the company at “retail prices.”
According to multiple Reddit posts, packs can often be found for around $50-$100 each, with deals like “2 packs for $100” or “5 packs for $200” being common. This dual pricing structure has led to confusion and skepticism among consumers.
Breeding Techniques and Genetic Quality
CopyCat Genetics’ approach to breeding has been both praised and criticized within the cannabis community. Understanding their methods can help growers make informed decisions about their products.
S1 Feminization Process
The core of CopyCat Genetics’ business is creating S1 (first-generation selfed) seeds. This process involves:
- Selecting a female plant with desirable traits
- Using chemicals (typically silver thiosulfate or colloidal silver) to reverse the sex expression of a branch, causing it to produce male flowers
- Collecting pollen from these male flowers
- Using this pollen to fertilize the same plant or another female of the same strain
- Harvesting the resulting seeds, which will be feminized and carry genetics similar to the mother plant
This technique allows breeders to preserve and reproduce the genetics of exceptional plants without needing to maintain mother plants through cloning.
Quality Control and Testing
CopyCat Genetics claims to conduct rigorous testing of their strains, with THC percentages listed for each variety. However, many in the cannabis community express skepticism about these claims, particularly regarding the extremely high THC percentages advertised (often in the range of 35-41%).
Most cannabis experts agree that THC percentages above 30% are rare and often the result of flawed or manipulated testing. This has led many to question the accuracy of CopyCat Genetics’ claims and, by extension, their overall credibility.
Genetic Stability and Performance
User experiences with CopyCat Genetics’ strains vary widely. Some growers report positive results, praising the vigor, potency, and unique terpene profiles of the plants. Others have reported issues with germination, hermaphroditism (plants showing both male and female characteristics), and inconsistent phenotypes.
The mixed reviews suggest that while some of their genetics may perform well, quality control might be inconsistent across their product line.
Controversies and Criticisms
CopyCat Genetics has faced numerous controversies and criticisms within the cannabis community. These concerns range from questions about their business practices to doubts about the authenticity of their products.
Accusations of Strain Theft
One of the most common criticisms of CopyCat Genetics is that they simply “copy” the work of other breeders without proper credit or compensation. Critics argue that creating S1 seeds of popular strains developed by others is not true breeding work but rather a form of genetic theft.
The company’s name itself—”CopyCat”—seems to acknowledge this practice, though supporters argue that they are providing a valuable service by making genetics more widely available to those who cannot access the original cuts.
Authenticity Concerns
Many cannabis enthusiasts question whether CopyCat Genetics’ seeds actually produce plants that match the characteristics of the original strains they claim to replicate. Creating true-to-type S1 seeds requires starting with authentic genetics, and there are doubts about whether CopyCat has access to all the elite clones they claim to work with.
Additionally, the process of selfing can lead to some genetic drift and expression of recessive traits, meaning that S1 seeds will not always produce plants identical to the mother.
Marketing Practices
CopyCat Genetics’ marketing has also drawn criticism. Their claims of extremely high THC percentages (often in the range of 35-41%) exceed what most cannabis testing experts consider realistic. This has led to accusations of misleading marketing designed to justify high prices.
The dual pricing structure—with extremely high prices listed on their official website but much lower prices available through certain channels—has also raised eyebrows and created confusion in the market.
Personal Controversies
Beyond business practices, there have been personal controversies surrounding the owner of CopyCat Genetics. Some Reddit posts mention allegations of threatening behavior, with one user claiming there is “audio of him talking about slamming women’s heads off car hoods, making threats etc.”
While it’s difficult to verify such claims without direct evidence, these allegations have contributed to the negative perception of the brand in some circles.
Customer Experiences and Reviews
Customer experiences with CopyCat Genetics products vary widely, reflecting the polarized opinions about the company within the cannabis community.
Positive Experiences
Some growers report positive results with CopyCat Genetics seeds. These satisfied customers mention:
- Good germination rates
- Vigorous growth
- High potency
- Unique and enjoyable terpene profiles
- Plants that display characteristics similar to the strains they’re supposed to represent
One Reddit user mentioned, “The copycat strains I have grown are babysitter, candyman, gelatti gushers, grape colada, and baby yoda,” suggesting they had enough positive experiences to try multiple strains from the company.
Negative Experiences
Other customers report less favorable outcomes, including:
- Poor germination rates
- Plants developing hermaphroditic traits
- Phenotypes that don’t match the expected characteristics
- Inconsistent results across seeds from the same pack
- Plants that don’t live up to the potency claims
One Reddit user reported, “My bud got a pack of RS1, none popped,” highlighting germination issues that some customers have experienced.
Value Assessment
The question of value is particularly complex with CopyCat Genetics due to their unusual pricing structure. While their official website may list packs at $1,250 or more, many users report being able to purchase the same seeds for $50-$100 per pack through certain channels.
At the lower price point, many users consider the seeds worth trying despite the controversies. At the higher price point, almost all community members agree that the value proposition is poor, especially given the availability of seeds from more established breeders at much lower prices.
Alternatives to CopyCat Genetics
For those interested in high-quality cannabis genetics but hesitant about CopyCat Genetics due to the controversies, there are many reputable alternatives in the market.
Established Seed Banks
Several established seed banks and breeders offer high-quality genetics with more transparent breeding practices:
- CSI Humboldt: Mentioned in the search results as an alternative for those seeking quality cookies hybrid S1s. The breeder, Nspecta, is described as “the truth” who “works with fire and tests all his gear.”
- Mamiko Genetics: Recommended in the search results as a “much more reputable breeder” who “specializes in cookie crosses.”
- Square One Genetics: Mentioned as an alternative that “won’t disappoint.”
These companies have built reputations for consistent quality, transparent breeding practices, and fair pricing.
Considerations When Choosing Alternatives
When looking for alternatives to CopyCat Genetics, consider the following factors:
- Breeding philosophy: Look for breeders who are open about their breeding methods and genetic sources.
- Testing and quality control: Reputable breeders typically provide realistic information about their strains’ characteristics and potency.
- Community reputation: Check forums, grow diaries, and social media to see real growers’ experiences with the breeder’s products.
- Price-to-value ratio: Consider whether the price reflects the actual breeding work, selection process, and stability of the genetics.
- Customer service: Look for companies that stand behind their products with guarantees or good customer support.
Making Informed Decisions About CopyCat Genetics
If you’re considering purchasing seeds from CopyCat Genetics despite the controversies, here are some tips to make an informed decision.
Research Before Buying
Before purchasing any CopyCat Genetics products:
- Read grow diaries: Platforms like GrowDiaries.com feature journals from growers using CopyCat Genetics seeds, providing real-world insights into how the strains perform.
- Check forums: Communities like Reddit’s r/microgrowery and r/GrowingMarijuana have numerous discussions about experiences with CopyCat Genetics.
- Compare prices: If you decide to try their genetics, be aware of the price discrepancies and look for authorized resellers offering more reasonable prices.
Managing Expectations
If you do purchase CopyCat Genetics seeds:
- Be realistic about THC percentages: The advertised THC levels of 35-41% are likely exaggerated. Expect potent cannabis if successful, but not necessarily at those extreme levels.
- Prepare for phenotype variation: S1 seeds typically show more variation than more stabilized breeding lines. Be prepared to grow multiple plants to find phenotypes that match your preferences.
- Monitor for hermaphroditism: Given some reports of hermaphroditic tendencies, closely monitor plants during flowering and be prepared to remove any that show male characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CopyCat Genetics seeds worth the price?
The value proposition depends greatly on the price you pay. At the lower end of their pricing spectrum ($50-$100 per pack), some growers find them worth trying despite the controversies. At the higher prices listed on their official website ($1,000+), most cannabis enthusiasts agree they do not offer good value compared to alternatives.
Do CopyCat Genetics seeds produce plants with the advertised THC levels?
Most cannabis testing experts consider THC percentages above 30% to be rare and often the result of flawed testing. The 35-41% THC levels advertised by CopyCat Genetics are likely exaggerated. While their strains may indeed be potent, realistic expectations should be set regarding THC percentages.
Are CopyCat Genetics seeds stable?
User reports suggest variable stability. As S1 seeds, they inherently carry more genetic variation than more stabilized breeding lines. Some users report consistent results, while others mention issues with hermaphroditism or widely varying phenotypes.
How do I know if I’m getting authentic CopyCat Genetics seeds?
Due to the company’s controversial reputation and unusual pricing structure, there is confusion about authorized resellers. According to Reddit discussions, legitimate CopyCat Genetics seeds can be purchased through channels like “SoHigh” on Instagram at much lower prices than listed on the official website. However, this unusual distribution model makes authentication challenging.
What is the “seed-to-harvest guarantee” offered by CopyCat Genetics?
According to some sources, CopyCat Genetics offers a seed-to-harvest guarantee, suggesting they will replace seeds that fail to germinate or develop properly. The specific terms of this guarantee may vary, and customers should clarify the details before making a purchase decision based on this promise.
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
