Masonic Seed Company

May 27
25 min read

A Genetics Company

– Comprehensive Profile

Company History & Background

Masonic Seed Company is a Southern California cannabis seed breeder founded by Edgar “Masonic” Peña in Compton, Los Angeles. Peña, known by his alias Masonic Smoker, cultivated a following through social media and community events, earning both fervent fans and vocal critics in the cannabis scene. “Love him or hate him, the legend of the Compton Landrace has permeated well beyond the borders of Los Angeles,” wrote L.A. Weekly in 2021, highlighting the rapid rise of Masonic’s reputation over just a few years. Growing up in L.A., Peña learned cultivation fundamentals from a family friend after high school, refining his craft in California’s cannabis epicenter. By the late 2010s, he transitioned from a hobby grower to a prolific seed breeder, initially experimenting with popular strains like Tropicana Cookies and Papaya. His early project – crossing a Tropicana F2 male to Papaya and other elite clones – yielded seeds that caught the attention of established breeders (even leading to a collaboration with Oni Seed Co.) and set the stage for his own brand’s launch. Masonic Seed Co. formally emerged with a focus on “affordable, fire genetics” for small growers, and quickly developed a “cult following of loyal growers” drawn by Peña’s approachable persona and passion for sharing knowledge.

In April 2020, the company expanded from purely online sales and pop-up events to a brick-and-mortar presence. Peña opened Masonic’s on Fairfax, a flagship seed and lifestyle shop located at 369 N. Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles. This storefront became both a retail outlet and a community hub, celebrating its 3-year anniversary in 2023. Notably, Masonic’s on Fairfax hosts annual “Free Seed Day” gatherings that draw hundreds of enthusiasts (more on this later), solidifying the brand’s grassroots reach. Today, Masonic Seed Co. continues to operate out of California, with Edgar “Masonic” Peña at the helm as the self-described “mastermind behind the company”. Under his leadership, the company has embraced a maverick identity – “Instagram’s most hated,” as one tongue-in-cheek company blurb even notes – reflecting Peña’s unorthodox journey from Compton grower to internationally recognized seed breeder.

Cannabis Seed Strains & Genetics Offered

Masonic Seed Co. offers a wide array of cannabis seeds, ranging from modern hybrid crosses to heirloom landraces. The company’s catalog includes photoperiod regular seeds, feminized seeds, and even some autoflowering lines, although the core focus is on regular (unfeminized) seeds. At any given time, the online store lists dozens of strain combinations – in fact, over 200 regular seed offerings were available as of 2025 – reflecting Masonic’s prolific breeding output. Many of these strains are limited-run “drops” sold in small batches, often at accessible price points. It’s not uncommon to see mix-and-match bundle deals or promotions like 20 packs for $400, underscoring the brand’s value proposition for growers on a budget.

The undeniable flagship of Masonic’s genetic lineup is the Wilson line. Wilson is the breeder’s proprietary male stud – a polyhybrid created by crossing Banana OG × Papaya × Tropicana Cookies – and it features in the majority of Masonic Seed Co.’s crosses. “I’m known for using Wilson in all my crosses. I put it on everything – that’s my male,” Peña quipped in an interview. As a result, most strains in the catalog are some variety of “_____ × Wilson”. For example, Banana God, an acclaimed hybrid from Masonic, combines Banana OG with the Wilson strain, fusing banana and tropical fruit terpenes with Wilson’s vigor. Similarly, popular releases like Kush Mints × Wilson and Lemon Runtz × Wilson marry well-known clone-only cuts to the Wilson line, a breeding formula that has yielded many unique phenotypes and “hits” for growers. In fact, Masonic’s Wilson has become something of a building block in the broader cannabis breeding community – described as “one of [Masonic’s] most wildly popular strains and the basis for a lot of his work”, and noted to have “found its way into numerous strains in the industry” via other breeders as well.

Beyond the Wilson crosses, Masonic Seed Co. showcases a few other categories of genetics:

Landrace and “Natural Selections” Line: Masonic has devoted part of his catalog to preserving landrace genetics. In 2023, the company launched Natural Selections (NS) landrace bundles – open-pollinated mixes of pure, ancestral strains from around the world. For instance, Landrace Bundle 1 included 12 seeds each of classic varieties like Thailand, India, Afghan, and Panama Red landraces. A follow-up Landrace Bundle 2.0 featured exotic accessions such as Tanzania and Indian landraces from the @LandraceMafia collective, heirloom Afghan lines from collectors like @InoculateTheWorld, and even crosses like Panama Red × Wilson and Acapulco Gold (NS). These bundles were offered at affordable prices (e.g. $50–$150) and marketed as a way to “open up the genetics of cannabis” beyond the narrow gene pool of modern hybrids. The inclusion of “NS” (Natural Selections) landrace seeds highlights Masonic’s interest in genetic diversity – even if those seeds come from open pollinations with unknown parentage, they cater to collectors and adventurous breeders seeking old-school traits.
Special Projects and Signature Releases: While Wilson crosses dominate the menu, Masonic occasionally experiments outside his usual formula. A notable example was the 2022 “No Wilson” line – a limited drop of seeds intentionally bred without using the famed Wilson male. This side project involved an open pollination using three different male plants (such as Dark Rainbow from Archive Seeds, Pure Faceoff Thai (Root Beer) from Source Genetics, and Violet Flame from Select Genetics) crossed to a selection of female plants that Masonic had hand-picked. “It’s kind of like hitting three birds with one stone by using those three males,” Masonic explained, noting that each male brought distinct terpene profiles to the progeny. The No Wilson line, dropped at the Fairfax shop in mid-2022, was unusual in its breeding method – openly pollinating multiple males to multiple females – a contrast to the more controlled, single-stud approach most breeders (including Masonic himself) typically use. The fact that this multi-male project was well received (the breeder said “I’ve done this before and people loved it… It’s art.”) indicates that Masonic isn’t afraid to break convention and “switch it up” from time to time. Another special release that garnered attention was “Candy Shish”, a cross involving Shishkaberry that was distinguished enough to win 1st Place in the LOH (Legends of Hashish) Cup – it’s sold as an “Award Winning” strain on the site. Masonic has also collaborated with fellow breeders on co-branded genetics; for example, a “Banana God Waifu” strain was a collaboration with Shuga Seed Co., blending Masonic’s Banana God line into another breeder’s “Waifu” series. These collaborations and one-off projects supplement the core catalog and often become sought-after collectibles for seed enthusiasts.

In summary, Masonic Seeds offers everything from cheap $15 “pollen chuck” packs to higher-end $150+ limited editions. A sample of notable strains from the company is given below:

Strain / Line	Type	Genetics / Lineage	Notability
Wilson (male line)	Regular (photoperiod)	Banana OG × Papaya × Tropicana Cookies	Flagship breeding male; core of most Masonic hybrids.
Banana God	Regular hybrid	Banana OG × Wilson (Wilson contains Banana OG, Papaya, Tropicana)	Fruity hybrid known for tropical flavors; one of Masonic’s award-winning creations.
Candy Shish	Regular hybrid	Shishkaberry NS22 × NS23 (“Natural Selections” lines)	Won 1st Place in Legends of Hashish (LOH) Cup; sold as an award-winning strain.
“No Wilson” Line	Regular hybrids	Multi-male open pollination project using Dark Rainbow, Pure Faceoff Thai, Violet Flame males	2022 experimental drop featuring no Wilson genetics – unusual breeding approach and highly limited.
Landrace Bundles	Regular landrace mix	Collections of pure or nearly pure landrace strains (e.g. Afghan, Thai, Indian, etc.), open-pollinated (NS)	Unique offering of heirloom genetics for preservation and diversity; sold as “exotic bird seed” packs for collectors.
Feminized & Auto Seeds	Feminized photoperiod; Autoflowering	Various; e.g. some S1 feminized cuts and occasional auto hybrids	Minor part of catalog (~6 fem releases); allows growers to access certain genetics in fem form (e.g. Wilson F2 fems or collabs).

(NS = Natural Selections open pollination; “WAIFU” = collaboration line with Shuga/Umami Seed Co.)

Breeding Practices and Genetic Sourcing

A peek inside the nursery: dozens of young cannabis plants in Masonic’s greenhouse, where open pollinations and pheno hunts take place.

Masonic Seed Co.’s breeding style is often characterized as unconventional, favoring quantity and experimentation over slow, methodical refinement. Edgar “Masonic” Peña has described himself foremost as a “pollen chucker”, someone who liberally crosses plants to see what emerges, rather than a traditional breeder who tests and stabilizes each line for many generations. This approach has led to an incredible diversity of hybrids – “he hits tons of females with pollen from his Wilson male,” one grower noted, summarizing Masonic’s prolific output. The upside of this strategy is a constant stream of new genetics and “fire females” to be found by those willing to hunt through seeds. Masonic’s supporters point out that he has a keen eye (and nose) for selecting parents with loud terpene profiles – “he has a nose for terps and great selection for strains that are great for pressing rosin,” according to a veteran customer. Indeed, many Masonic hybrids tend to produce resinous, aromatic plants well-suited for solventless hash and rosin making, an area of growing interest among cultivators. Peña often evaluates his plants in person – “I’ve seen him smell hundreds of plants looking for that [perfect phenotype],” one fan observed, suggesting that despite claims that he doesn’t test his gear, he is actively pheno-hunting behind the scenes.

That said, Masonic is refreshingly transparent that most of his strains are untested in the traditional sense. Rather than performing multiple test grows over many months before releasing a new cross, he typically releases seeds soon after production, priced reasonably (often $50–$100 a pack) and usually throws in extra freebies. He openly acknowledges this practice: “I’m not charging $500 for [untested seeds]… I charge $50 to $100 and it comes with two freebies,” Peña told L.A. Weekly. His view is that growers are essentially paying a small fee “for a lottery ticket” – a chance to find something special – and he encourages customers to “do whatever the f** you want”* with the genetics they discover. This philosophy has democratized access to new genetics, but it also places the onus on growers to do selection and stabilization themselves if desired. Those with space to germinate larger numbers of seeds can indeed find gems in Masonic’s releases, while growers with limited plant counts might feel the risk of variability or hermaphroditism is too high for their liking. (It’s worth noting that some forum reports have cited intersex traits in certain Masonic crosses, likely due to residual stress sensitivity in the parent genetics or the lack of prolonged testing. Masonic’s camp has not denied occasional “nanners” popping up, but they emphasize that this is a known risk in many polyhybrid seed lines, and point to the many successful grows of his gear as evidence of potential quality.)

In terms of cultivation techniques, Masonic is relatively agnostic – he grows both indoors and outdoors, but much of his breeding stock is reportedly maintained in outdoor or greenhouse environments in Southern California’s climate. This can mean that some seed batches (especially the Natural Selections landrace sets) result from open pollinations where multiple males might have contributed pollen. For example, the NS landrace packs are described as “open pollination among various males from various seed stock”, essentially a controlled wild mix to preserve broad genetics. Even in his more deliberate projects, Peña isn’t afraid to use novel methods – the No Wilson line used three different male plants pollinating simultaneously in one space, an unusual technique since most breeders isolate one male at a time. Masonic justified this by saying it allowed him to hit one group of females with three distinct terpene profiles at once, accelerating the creation of variety in a single generation. This kind of experimentation exemplifies the “do more with less” mantra he often espouses (indeed, he has appeared on cultivation podcasts discussing how small-scale breeders can innovate by thinking outside the box).

For genetic sourcing, Masonic leans heavily on the Southern California cannabis gene pool, tapping into elite clones and cuts that circulate in the region. His early work famously involved Oni Seed Co.’s Tropicana Cookies line – the original Wilson was initially dubbed “Castaway Tropicana F2,” indicating it was a second-generation Tropicanna cross. He obtained permission from Oni’s breeder Harry Palms to use those genetics (though a miscommunication later caused some controversy, as discussed later). Many of the clone-only strains used as mothers in Masonic’s crosses (Gelato #33, Kush Mints, Runtz, OGs, etc.) are staples of California cultivation, which he either sourced through the grower network or traded for. Masonic has also worked alongside or in proximity to other breeders – the Lightseeker breeder index notes “his work with Umami [Seed Co.] terps is worth noting”, suggesting a collaborative exchange of genetics or ideas with the award-winning Umami Seed Co. Additionally, through events like Free Seed Day, Peña has access to a vast network of breeders who share their latest creations, which likely informs and enriches his own breeding library. Lastly, his foray into landraces implies he’s partnering with preservationists (such as @LandraceMafia on Instagram) to acquire genuine landrace seed stock from places like India, Afghanistan, Africa, etc.. By combining local elite clones, contributions from fellow breeders, and global landrace genetics, Masonic Seed Co. has amassed a diverse genetic repository. The company proudly states it “breeds with some of the best genetics around Southern California”, while also continually seeking new combinations. This freewheeling breeding ethos – mixing hype strains with old-school landraces and everything in between – is a defining trait of Masonic Seed Co.’s identity.

Market Reputation and Community Feedback

Masonic Seed Co. occupies a somewhat polarizing place in the cannabis community, with a reputation that ranges from highly praised to hotly debated depending on whom you ask. On one hand, Edgar “Masonic” Peña has built a devoted fan base of growers who admire his genuine passion and the inclusivity of his brand. These supporters often cite the affordability and generosity of Masonic’s offerings – for example, his frequent giveaways and the relatively low cost of most seed packs – as well as the sense of community he cultivates through forums and social media. Many small-scale growers credit Masonic for providing access to quality genetics that they otherwise couldn’t afford. “Mase is a dope-ass dude and his gear is fire,” one Reddit user wrote emphatically. Fans also point out that Masonic is very engaged with his community: he is active on Instagram Live, Discord, and in-person meetups, always offering tips and interacting with customers. The Visit Hollyweed news site noted that Masonic has “a cult following of loyal growers who look to him for advice, knowledge, and affordable, fire genetics”, with many devotees saying the community aspect of the brand is what keeps them so dedicated. This community-centric reputation is exemplified by events like Free Seed Day (discussed later), where Masonic personally ensures that growers – even novices or those on tight budgets – can get their hands on a variety of new seeds at little to no cost. In short, among his followers, Masonic is seen as an approachable, altruistic figure who is in it for the love of the plant and the growers. His slogan “Tap In!” and the lively Discord server further reinforce the inclusive, almost grassroots movement vibe around his seed company.

On the other hand, Masonic has attracted significant criticism and controversy, especially from more traditional or elite segments of the cannabis breeding community. Detractors often label him a “pollen chucker” in a derogatory sense, implying that his breeding lacks rigor or integrity. Some experienced growers report quality control issues – the most frequent being occurrences of hermaphroditic plants (colloquially “nanners” or intersex traits) in Masonic’s seed lines. For example, a cultivator on the Overgrow forum described a pack of Orange Zkittlez Banana Punch × Wilson where multiple females showed nanners, and even a promising female later threw pollen sacs when cloned and re-flowered. These anecdotes feed a narrative that Masonic’s rush-to-market approach (selling untested progeny) can result in unstable genetics that may “herm out” and seed an entire grow room. Additionally, some critics take issue with what they view as sloppy practices. One Reddit discussion alleged that at times Masonic’s seed labeling had errors or ambiguities, and there were rumors of mix-ups (e.g. the “NS23” vs “NS22” Natural Selection batches causing confusion). While such claims are hard to verify, they contribute to skepticism among those who prefer breeders with a track record of extensive testing and consistency.

Beyond the plants themselves, Masonic’s personal style and past behavior have played into his reputation. He cultivated an edgy, trollish persona on Instagram in his early days – by his own admission, “I did play the character… kind of poked at people for too long,” he told L.A. Weekly. This led to public feuds with other breeders and influencers. Peña has acknowledged that “[I] took some people down that people really liked… there’s a reason why people might not like me”. The Oni Seed Co. controversy is one such example: after Masonic created Wilson (using genetics tied to Oni’s Tropicanna Cookies line), there was confusion over whether he had proper permission. Oni’s founder (alias Oni Noodles) publicly questioned Masonic’s use of their genetics, though Masonic thought he had the green light from breeder Harry Palms. The situation was eventually resolved with Oni actually purchasing a batch of the Wilson seeds from Masonic, but not before rumors spread that Masonic had misappropriated or knock-offed someone else’s work. Incidents like this, combined with Masonic’s brash online presence, led to a contingent of “haters” who frequently disparaged him on platforms like Reddit, Rollitup, and Instagram. In fact, the company jokingly embraces the label “Instagram’s most hated” in some marketing, an acknowledgment of the polarizing effect. There have also been more personal controversies – for instance, a video circulated in which a visibly intoxicated Masonic made offensive remarks, including alleged racist comments and insults toward a disabled person, which caused some in the community to distance themselves. Peña later claimed sobriety and attempted to make amends, but as one Redditor put it, “being sober doesn’t change your shitty perspective”, indicating that some damage to his reputation was lasting for those who heard about these antics.

Balancing these perspectives, it’s clear that Masonic Seed Co. has a reputation that is both notable and nuanced. Industry media have recognized Masonic’s impact – he was included in a “100 Best Breeders” list for 2025, praised as a “master breeder” despite the non-traditional approach. That write-up also highlighted positive aspects like his annual Free Seed Day and collaborations, suggesting that even skeptics acknowledge his contributions to the community. Furthermore, supporters argue that Masonic’s strains “have won many awards around the world” and that he’s pushing the envelope with terpene-rich, hash-friendly genetics – claims that, if true, lend credibility to his work beyond internet buzz. For many customers, the proof is simply in the grow: plenty of growers have posted successful harvests of Masonic’s genetics, raving about unique flavor profiles or potent effects from phenotypes they discovered. Conversely, others maintain that with so many reputable breeders out there, they’d rather not “waste time and grow space” on what they perceive as a sketchy gamble. As one forum user succinctly put it, “He’s got followers that swear by him, but most [others] think he’s just a sloppy pollen chucker”.

In summary, Masonic Seed Co.’s market reputation is dual-sided: admired for democratizing genetics and fostering community, yet critiqued for cutting corners and stirring drama. This dynamic has ironically kept the company in the spotlight; as Peña wryly observed, “They love to hate me”, acknowledging that the controversy itself has become part of the Masonic brand lore. Whether one views him as an underdog hero or a careless breeder, Masonic has unquestionably made his mark on the cannabis seed industry in a short time.

Legal Status and Compliance

Operating a cannabis seed company in the United States entails navigating a complex patchwork of laws and regulations. Masonic Seed Co. takes a familiar approach used by many seed vendors to remain compliant: selling seeds as “novelty items” or “souvenirs” and explicitly disclaiming any intent for germination. On the official website and packaging, the company notes that “Our seeds are sold as novelty items and souvenirs. They contain 0% THC.”. This disclaimer underscores that cannabis seeds themselves do not carry psychoactive cannabinoids, a crucial legal point. In fact, as of 2022, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has clarified that cannabis seeds are considered legal hemp so long as their THC content is below 0.3% (by dry weight). Since dormant seeds have virtually no THC, they can be classified as hemp, which was federally legalized in 2018. Masonic Seed Co.’s products fall under this interpretation, meaning it is legal under U.S. federal law to sell and ship the seeds as hemp seeds. However, the DEA also cautions that growing those seeds into high-THC cannabis remains federally illegal if done without state authorization. This is why companies like Masonic include warnings and do not provide cultivation advice, effectively selling the seeds for collectible purposes only.

The company advises all customers to “check the legislation in their Country, State or Province and Municipality prior to purchasing”. This is important because while federal law in the U.S. might permit seed sales, state laws vary. Notably, Masonic Seed Co. will not ship to certain U.S. states that have restrictive laws: “In the US, we do not ship to Kansas or Kentucky”. Both Kansas and Kentucky have historically taken hardline stances against any cannabis-related items, even seeds, so the company preemptively blocks orders to those states. Internationally, Masonic’s policy is to ship where possible, but always in accordance with local laws. Cannabis laws abroad range from fully illegal to fully legal, so customers outside the U.S. are expected to know their jurisdiction’s rules. The shipping and packaging practices are not described in detail publicly (likely for discretion), but most seed companies use stealth methods – for example, hiding seeds inside other objects or using nondescript return addresses – to ensure successful delivery. Masonic Seed Co. sends out orders via mail typically within 5–10 business days of purchase and provides tracking numbers to customers. They emphasize customer service for any issues in transit, inviting buyers to email if something goes wrong so they can “make sure to fix your order”.

Because the business deals strictly in seeds (not dried cannabis or products containing THC), it doesn’t require a state cannabis license in California to operate; selling seeds is generally treated similarly to selling hemp or paraphernalia. However, Masonic must still comply with general business regulations and any specific advertising rules (for instance, he likely avoids making any direct claims about growing or yields, to stay in that gray area of legality). The company’s payment methods – they accept cryptocurrency, cash, and check for online orders – also reflect the somewhat gray legal environment. Many mainstream payment processors and banks are wary of cannabis-related commerce, so crypto and mailed cash/check payments provide alternatives that don’t risk credit card companies flagging the transactions.

An interesting facet of Masonic’s compliance strategy is hinted at in a tongue-in-cheek way: the Highest Critic article about Free Seed Day noted, “Now that the legal status of shipping exotic bird seed across state lines has been proven out, Free Seed Day is just going to keep getting bigger.”. The reference to “exotic bird seed” is a wink at how some seed companies humorously refer to cannabis seeds to imply they are intended as bird feed or fishing bait (another common euphemism) rather than for cultivation. While largely facetious, this underscores the principle that as long as the intended use is not explicitly to grow cannabis, the act of selling/shipping the seeds is typically tolerated. Masonic Seed Co. stays on the right side of the law by avoiding any direct discussion of germination or THC production – for example, the website pointedly says “We do not provide growing advice.” to distance the sale from any illicit use. By adhering to these conventions and remaining transparent about the nature of their products, Masonic Seed Co. has been able to operate openly. In California, where the company is based, personal cultivation and cannabis use are legal for adults, which adds another layer of safety for local customers acquiring seeds. Overall, the legal status of Masonic Seed Co. is that of a compliant purveyor of hemp seeds under U.S. law, with careful attention to state and international variations and a clear buyer-responsibility policy regarding how the seeds are used.

Availability and Shipping Policies

Masonic Seed Co. makes its products available through multiple channels, catering to both local and international customers, while maintaining a few restrictions to comply with laws and ensure customer satisfaction. The primary sales avenues are:

Online Store: The official website (masonicseeds.co) hosts an e-commerce platform where the full catalog of seeds and merchandise can be purchased. Shoppers can browse by category (e.g. Award Winning, Feminized, Regular, Seed Subscriptions) or view all products in a long list. The site provides detailed strain names, prices, and typically a brief description or lineage. To purchase, users must register an account (verifying they are of adult age) and then proceed to checkout. Uniquely, the accepted payment methods include cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, as well as traditional options like mailed cash or checks. This flexible payment approach helps serve customers who prefer privacy or those in regions where card payments to seed companies might be blocked. Once an order is placed, Masonic Seed Co. aims to ship within 5–10 business days, as noted in their shipping info. Customers receive a tracking number via email when the package ships. The company’s customer service is accessible by email or through their website’s contact form/Discord; they encourage customers to reach out with any issues so they can make it right. The seeds are typically shipped in secure, discreet packaging (though the exact stealth methods aren’t publicly disclosed, to preserve their effectiveness).
Physical Store – “Masonic’s on Fairfax”: For those in the Los Angeles area (or visiting), Masonic’s brick-and-mortar shop provides an in-person shopping experience. The store, called Masonic’s on Fairfax, is located in a trendy part of L.A. and carries the seed line as well as branded apparel and accessories. Being a “seed bank” storefront, it functions somewhat like a streetwear boutique crossed with a grow shop. Customers can walk in and purchase packs directly, often getting to chat with the staff or even Masonic himself if he’s in. The shop often has exclusive drops or early access to new releases. For example, the “No Wilson” line in 2022 was first available at the Fairfax store before any online drop. The shop also serves as a hub for community events (detailed in the next section). Because it’s a retail store, it likely only sells seeds (which are legal) and perhaps clones or merchandise – not actual cannabis flower or products, since it’s not a licensed dispensary. Store hours and operations are updated via Masonic’s social media, and the address (369 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles) is publicly listed. This physical availability is a big plus for local growers who want to avoid shipping and get their seeds immediately.
Authorized Seed Resellers: While the majority of sales seem to be direct, Masonic’s seeds have occasionally appeared on third-party platforms. For instance, some drops have been listed on Strainly.io, a peer-to-peer seed trading site, where resellers or the breeder himself might post inventory (e.g. one listing for Gelato 33 x i95 x Wilson packs). Additionally, Masonic has sometimes done collaborations that are sold through partner seed banks – the earlier mentioned Banana God “Waifu” collab was sold via Shuga Seeds’ website, and other collabs might be found on the collaborators’ sales channels. However, buyers should exercise caution and ensure they are purchasing from either the official site or a reputable seed distributor, as popularity also brings risk of knock-offs. As of 2025, no major international seed bank (like Seedsman or Attitude) is known to carry Masonic’s lines; the business model is largely direct-to-consumer or via small niche outlets. This means availability is generally good if you go straight to the source, but you won’t often find Masonic seeds at your local dispensary or large seed retailer.

In terms of shipping policies, as noted earlier, Masonic Seed Co. ships domestically within the U.S. to all states except Kansas and Kentucky. Shipments are typically sent via USPS or another standard carrier, with discreet labeling. International shipping is presumably offered to many countries, but the onus is on the customer to know if seeds can legally be imported. The site’s language (“check the legislation in your Country”) implies that they do allow orders from abroad where legal. Customers from Canada, Europe, etc., often order from U.S. seed banks without issue, though customs seizure is a possible risk (which the company likely won’t cover – most seed sellers make the buyer assume that risk). There’s no explicit statement of a reship policy on the site; however, given Masonic’s customer-friendly approach, one can guess they might work with a customer if a package went missing or got seized (possibly providing a partial refund or a resend, especially for domestic orders). The refunds and returns policy is also on the site, generally stating that they do not accept returns on seeds (common, since seeds can be replicated) but will address any order mistakes or damaged items.

Another aspect of availability is the seed subscription program Masonic offers. On the site’s store, there is a category for “Seed Subscriptions”. Enthusiasts can sign up for a subscription service (for example, a certain price tier per month or quarter) and receive a curated selection of new seed packs regularly. Some customers on forums mentioned subscribing to support Masonic and to get whatever new mixes he sends out. This model helps hardcore collectors keep up with the constant stream of new strains, and it provides the company with recurring revenue and a way to distribute surplus or test batches to willing participants.

In summary, Masonic Seed Co.’s seeds are readily available through their online shop and L.A. store, with a customer-centric shipping policy. They emphasize legal compliance (hence a few shipping exceptions and lots of disclaimers) and provide multiple payment and delivery options to serve a wide audience. Whether you’re a local who can swing by Fairfax Avenue or an international grower ordering online, accessing Masonic’s genetics is relatively straightforward – just be prepared to follow the rules and perhaps wait a couple weeks for delivery if you’re not local. The combination of direct sales and community events (freebies, subscriptions, etc.) means that the seeds are both commercially and socially distributed, which has helped Masonic Seed Co. grow its user base rapidly.

Presence at Cannabis Events and Industry Collaborations

Growers line up outside Masonic’s on Fairfax in Los Angeles for the annual Free Seed Day event (April 2022), which drew hundreds of attendees from across the country.

One of the defining aspects of Masonic Seed Co.’s rise has been Edgar Peña’s active presence at cannabis events and his collaborative ethos with other breeders and brands. Central to this is the annual Free Seed Day (FSD), a signature event started by Masonic in 2021. Free Seed Day embodies the community spirit of the brand – it is essentially a large gathering where hundreds of seed packs are given away for free to attendees, no purchase necessary. The first FSD took place in September 2021 in Los Angeles, and it was such a success that it became a biannual tradition (initially planned for every six months). By April 16, 2022, the Second Annual Free Seed Day drew an estimated 700 people, including folks who traveled from out of state and even camped out days in advance to secure a good spot in line. Photographs show a line of eager growers wrapping around the block on Fairfax Avenue, many having waited overnight with lawn chairs and coolers to be among the first in the door. Inside, Masonic (often with the help of other well-known cultivators) hands out not only his own seeds but also genetics contributed by dozens of other breeders. In 2022, the event featured “over 1000 different seed sources” being distributed – essentially a massive swap meet of cannabis genetics, all gifted to attendees. Breeders from around the world mail in packs to Masonic ahead of time to be included in the giveaway. This spirit of sharing is so strong that Masonic even gives the first people in line free clones (cuttings) of live plants in addition to seeds.

By the Third Free Seed Day in April 2023, the event not only celebrated seeds but also marked the 3-year anniversary of the Masonic’s on Fairfax store’s opening. The 2023 FSD was again a huge draw, and it has quickly become a staple annual event in the Los Angeles cannabis community. Media coverage from The Highest Critic and Visit Hollyweed praised the event for its positive vibes and the way it empowers small growers with genetics they might not otherwise access. As one attendee from Missouri put it: “Masonic’s been a really big influence to small batch growers… he’s always been very personal with the community”. Free Seed Day has essentially become a collaborative festival – breeders network with each other, growers share tips in the line, and everyone leaves with a bounty of seeds and newfound connections. The event has also attracted other industry players; for example, in 2023, notable brands like DNA Genetics and Beard Bros Pharms were present or involved, indicating the wider industry’s acknowledgement of the event. Given its success, one can expect FSD to continue as a marquee event, possibly expanding in scale or frequency (Masonic has hinted it will “keep getting bigger year after year”).

Aside from Free Seed Day, Masonic attends and hosts various pop-ups and cannabis trade events. In early 2021, L.A. Weekly documented a Masonic Seed Co. pop-up in South San Francisco, where despite pandemic conditions, a socially-distanced line still formed at 9 AM on a Sunday for seeds and even coffee served by Masonic. This indicates that Masonic took his show on the road, doing limited-time drops in different cities (San Francisco in this case) to reach growers outside SoCal. He has also been spotted at farmers’ market-style seshes and cannabis fairs, often setting up a booth with his signature rooster logo and selling seeds directly to attendees. Furthermore, Masonic has been involved in cannabis cup events, though usually more as a personality than a competitor. There’s evidence he has participated in panel discussions at events like the Emerald Cup (a prestigious California cannabis competition and expo) – a 2024 Emerald Cup session on YouTube lists “masonic smoker” among the content, suggesting he might have been a panelist or speaker (perhaps on breeding topics). While Masonic Seed Co. products themselves have not (yet) won major cannabis cup awards for flower (since the company sells seeds, not cultivated flower), affiliated growers could potentially enter strains grown from Masonic’s genetics into competitions – for example, if someone’s Banana God or Wilson cross grown from his seed won an award, it indirectly shines a light on the breeder. We saw that Candy Shish won a hash-making award (LOH cup), showing that Masonic’s genetics are making their way into winning entries.

Collaborations with other breeders and brands are another key aspect of Masonic’s industry presence. Peña does not operate in a silo; he frequently networks and partners with others. One of his earliest affiliations was with Oni Seed Co., where as discussed, he shared his Tropicana crosses and even gave seeds for them to wave the Oni flag for a time. Although that relationship had ups and downs, it shows Masonic was interfacing with known breeders from the start. In more recent years, he has worked with Umami Seed Co., an award-winning breeder collective – the Lightseeker blog explicitly notes “his work with Umami terps is worth noting”, implying some co-developed strains or at least mutual influence (possibly the Waifu collaborations, since Umami also did one in that series, and Umami’s focus on terpenes aligns with Masonic’s). The Waifu collaboration series in 2022 is a concrete example: Shuga Seeds organized a special line called “WAIFU”, and it featured contributions from different breeders. Masonic’s entry was Banana God Waifu, a cross that likely combined his Banana God line with something from Shuga’s side. Meanwhile, Umami Seeds contributed a “Raver Waifu” to the same series. These collabs indicate a friendly synergy – breeders teaming up to create novel crosses and cross-promote to each other’s audiences.

Masonic’s shop on Fairfax has also become a venue for guest appearances and drop collaborations. He’s invited other breeders to do pop-up drops at his store (for instance, there were events where breeders like Capulator or Savage Genetics had special releases through Masonic’s shop, according to social media buzz). The store’s IG (@masoniconfairfax) often shows photos of Masonic with fellow industry figures – from famous growers to cannabis influencers – who stop by. In the broader sense, Masonic is building a network of alliances: he’s friendly with West Coast breeders like Skunk Master Flex (famed for GMO), with hashmakers, with cannabis media personalities, and beyond. He’s appeared on popular cannabis podcasts such as The Pot Cast and First Smoke of the Day, sharing his story and giving insight into breeding. These appearances further legitimize him in the eyes of the community and often spark new connections or projects.

In terms of notable releases, many have already been covered (Wilson, Banana God, No Wilson line, Natural Selections, etc.). One more to mention is the Wilson Zero or Wilson 2.0 line. On the site, a product called Wilson 2.0 is listed, hinting that Masonic has continued to refine or iterate on his flagship. A dispensary write-up noted “Wilson Zero” as a strain associated with Masonic – possibly an even more Tropicanna-dominant version of Wilson or a backcross. Additionally, Masonic’s name is attached to cuts like Banana God Z3 (a further hybrid grown in collab with Los Angeles growers, mentioned on Dagga Academy). These show that beyond seeds, the genetics are percolating into actual flower production by various growers, sometimes under creative names.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Masonic’s community engagement extends to education and advocacy at events. His Free Seed Day is not just a giveaway; he often uses the platform to encourage people to breed their own plants or to preserve genetics. The event’s open call for breeders to contribute (Masonic posted “Breeders, seedmakers, etc., DM me if you want to send seeds for FSD”) is effectively a collaboration with potentially dozens of small breeders each year, giving them exposure and encouraging a pay-it-forward ethos. Also, Masonic’s active Discord and social media means that even when not at formal events, he’s hosting impromptu Q&A sessions, live grow tours, and meet-ups. In one sense, Masonic has turned his brand into an ongoing event – there is always some drop, some sale, some live stream, or some community challenge happening, keeping engagement high.

In summary, Masonic Seed Co. is not just a seed seller but a community catalyst in the cannabis world. Through headline-grabbing events like Free Seed Day, through collaborations that blend branding and genetics with peers, and through a physical presence at cannabis gatherings, Masonic has woven himself and his company into the cultural fabric of modern cannabis breeding. This strategy of openness and collaboration has amplified the reach of his genetics far beyond what a lone breeder might achieve, and it continues to bolster his profile as a significant (if unconventional) figure in the cannabis industry.

Sources

Masonic Seed Co. – Official Website and Policies
L.A. Weekly – “Straight Outta Masonic Seed Company” (Profile of Edgar “Masonic” Peña)
Lightseeker Seeds Blog – “100 Best Cannabis Breeders 2025” (Masonic Seed Co. entry)
The Highest Critic – Press Releases (Landrace bundle sale; Free Seed Day announcement)
Visit Hollyweed – News Articles (Free Seed Day event coverage; “No Wilson” line release)
Leafly – Strain Database (Banana God profile, confirming lineage to Wilson)
Online Grower Forums – Reddit and Overgrow (user experiences and opinions on Masonic Seeds)
DEA / Marijuana Moment – Legal status of cannabis seeds as hemp.