I grow from nothing but seeds. I'm not sure why you would want to use something to help with germination, because if you do it correctly the easy way, you will almost get a 100% success rate. I've done it 2 ways; paper towel method, or, in a glass of water.
Too me, the glass of water is the easiest. Take an 8 ounce glass of water, making sure the water is at room temperature. Place it on top of your water heater. Cover the glass with a larger cup to keep the seed(s) in darkness. Then cover your 2 containers with a towel to insulate the glass for warmth, and wait.
The tricky part is getting your popped seeds out of your glass of water without damaging the root. Just pour the glass into a paper towel while your holding it, using it like a filter. Works like a charm!
If seeds are not popping, they might be immature or dead. Cannabis seeds do die.