Is It Legal To Grow Marijuana? What States Can You Grow Recreational Or Medical Weed

The land of the free and the home of the brave. This is America.

Unfortunately, when it comes to marijuana growing, some parts of the United States have a bit more liberty than others.

Alaska, Colorado, Washington DC and Oregon lead in cannabis cultivation and growth, both privately and publicly, and have the most freedom when it comes to this leafy green plant.

Rules and guidelines governing your marijuana freedoms will differ depending on where you live. Each state has its own set of laws and regulations regarding personal cannabis cultivation. In order to stand in full-compliance with the law, it is imperative to research your own state laws before planting, growing and harvesting marijuana.

It’s actually quite easy to find out if your state has rules in favor of or against the use of cannabis. In this article, you’ll get a detailed list of states that have enacted legal medical marijuana and/or personal and private usage as well as the details concerning laws, fees, and usage amounts.

These laws are constantly changing and in flux with local, stat and federal government officials. Stay up to date. It won’t be too long, America hopes, until cannabis is fully legalized within all 50 continental states.

What States Can I Grow My Own Weed For Recreation or Medical Use?

The legalization of marijuana has been a major topic today, as more people see the importance of having more green states.

Gradually, legal access to recreational and medical marijuana has been spreading, and residents now have a greater chance to grow cannabis.

You may have asked – What states can I grow my own weed? You can grow your own weed for recreational or medical purposes legally in the following states:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Kansas
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington
• Washington D.C.

Finding all the medical and recreational cannabis cultivation laws for all the states in the US may be difficult. This is why we have taken the time to prepare this guide to help you. Please continue reading, as we widen your knowledge in this regard.

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4 Major Categories of Marijuana

In the United States, marijuana can be categorized into four major groups.

Recreational

Asides from DC, 16 states have permitted residents to light up legally in varying degrees.

Note that, taking recreational marijuana (weed for recreational purposes) legally, don’t mean full and unconditional blazing wherever and whenever you like.

This means that if you are above 21 years, then you are permitted to keep some cannabis at home, grow a few mature plants, or smoke in public occasionally. These rules for recreational marijuana are similar to those attached to the recreational use of alcohol.

Medicinal

36 US states have now taken up medical marijuana programs. However, not all of them are currently functioning, while others only cover a few medical conditions. States having no legislation for medical marijuana patients still permit the use of CBD, though in limited amounts.

CBD helps in managing epilepsy. It also eases symptoms of chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, cancer, anxiety, and nausea.

Decriminalized

Here, there’s much nuance and breadth, but basically, this means the offender won’t face a jail term. Though the state is yet to legalize recreational and medical weed, it has stated its punishment of possessing small amounts (an ounce or smaller). The worst punishment is a fine and a citation.

In some states, it is classified as a minor wrong. However, getting rid of the incarceration threat is a great step as the United States has been imprisoning
people just for carrying little.

Black Americans are at even more risk, having a four times likelihood compared to their white counterparts, despite the use of medical cannabis at equal rates. Some of these decriminalized states also have some medical marijuana programs.

Illegal

This is straightforward. Using marijuana in any quantity at all is illegal and offenders could face a jail term.

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Cultivation Laws of Marijuana: State by State

This 2021 has seen many Americans (91%) agree to the need for more states to accept the personal use of marijuana. States have started moving related laws forward, with six of them legalizing marijuana already this year.

Today, in 36 states, programs relating to medical cannabis are on course, while 16 states have permitted some degree of use for recreational cannabis purposes.

Here, you’ll be enlightened on those states stacking tax revenue worth millions of dollars by legalizing marijuana and those that are not.

Is It Legal to Grow Marijuana in the United States?

As of today, some US states permit the use of marijuana, while others disapprove of it.

Here is everything you need to know concerning the possession, growth, and sales of marijuana in all 50 states.

Alabama – Growing Not Allowed

There’s pending legislation here to legalize, as well as regulate state medical cannabis for medicinal purposes. About three-quarters of voters here are in support.

However, it has passed through the Senate thrice and eventually stalled on reaching the House. Many are arrested these days just for possessing it, talk of marijuana growing and home cultivation.

Alaska – Growing for Medical and Recreational Purposes

Alaska is among the four states to have legalized medical and recreational weed. This is for adult use specifically for those aged over 21 years. These adults can grow a maximum of 6 cannabis plants for these purposes.

If there are multiple adults all aged 21 years, living together, then the maximum number of plants per household permitted is 12, and just 6 of these plants can be mature.

Arizona – Growing for Medical Purposes Only

Caregivers and patients residing far from a licensed dispensary (over 25 miles) can grow for medical purposes.

Patients having the state’s approval can grow a maximum of 12 cannabis plants. It should also be done in a protected area. For adult use, you can cultivate a maximum of six mature plants of cannabis at home for non-commercial uses.

Arkansas – Growing Not Allowed

Arkansas boasts of having a great medical marijuana program accommodating almost 74,000 medical patients. However, it is an offense to carry more than four ounces. Offenders can be imprisoned for six years and a fine of about $10,000.

It is a misdemeanor to carry below four ounces. Such people can serve a one-year jail term and about $2,500 in fines. Cultivating the plant is punishable as well, depending on the quantity with you.

California – Growing for Medical and Recreational Purposes

For people aged above 21 years, it is legal to grow six plants maximum. This holds for each residence.

There’s no growing maximum for medical cannabis patients.

They can grow the amount necessary to treat their medical conditions within an area of 100 square feet.

Colorado – Growing for Medical and Recreational Purposes

This state has permitted adult use, especially for those above 21 years to grow a maximum of six plants. This is for medicinal and recreational use and just three of these plants can mature and flower.

Medical marijuana patients can take permission to grow more. Caregivers having more than one patient can grow a maximum of 36 plants.

Connecticut – Growing Not Allowed

Though Medical cannabis has been approved here, growing is not allowed. Already, Connecticut has made a strong move to decriminalize marijuana if held in little amounts.

Having half an ounce of marijuana or something less can cost the individual $150 as a fine for the first offense. If this person commits this crime again, then the fine increases to $500, but without jail time.

Delaware – Growing Not Allowed

In Delaware, the legalization of weed is becoming a long process. Currently, there’s a bill to permit residents to have possession of one ounce maximum. For now, having an ounce or less has been decriminalized by the state.

This means you’ll just have to pay a $100 fine, without jail time. Delaware also has legislation for medical cannabis which permits the possession of six ounces max. Though Medical cannabis has been approved here, growing is not allowed.

Florida – Growing Not Allowed

Possessing about 20 grams or less for recreational use is a misdemeanor. You could spend one year in prison. Anything above 20 grams in your custody becomes a felony. You could spend 5 years or more in prison.

The medical marijuana program here can accommodate over 320,000 medical patients daily. Home cultivation is not allowed.

Georgia – Growing Not Allowed

Technically, Georgia has legislation on medical cannabis. However, it still looks illegal because it seems worthless. CBD oils should not have anything above 5% THC if used by patients. Selling, buying, growing, and importation of marijuana remain illegal. Home cultivation too is not allowed.

Having an ounce or less in your possession is a misdemeanor. It becomes a felony when the person is caught with more than one ounce.

Hawaii – Growing for Medical Purposes Only

Hawaii-based medical marijuana patients can grow a maximum of 10 plants at once for personal use.

However, before they start growing, they must register with the state as a cultivator.

Idaho – Growing Not Allowed

Here, marijuana is very illegal. Idaho is the only state left not having any form of legislation that even recognizes the medical and recreational benefits of weed.

It is a misdemeanor to have three ounces or less with you. Having more than this becomes a felony, whether it is for recreation or not. Growing is not allowed.

Illinois – Growing for Medical Purposes Only

Medical marijuana caregivers and patients here can grow a maximum of 5 cannabis plants at once for personal use. Growing at home is illegal.

Cultivating five plants or less by unregistered medical patients can be seen as a violation. This can lead to a fine of $200.

Indiana – Growing Not Allowed

Growing marijuana is not allowed in Indiana. If you are caught with marijuana here, in whatever amount, it is a misdemeanor.

For this, the person may be jailed for 180 days or fined $1000. Having over 30 grams may lead that individual to a one-year jail term or a $5000 fine. For prior offenses, regardless of the amount, it is a felony.

Iowa – Growing Not Allowed

The majority of Iowans push for a great medical marijuana program, with more than 50% supporting recreational legalization. Presently, it is a misdemeanor to possess any amount of marijuana.

This could lead to six months in jail even for first-time offenders. Selling or growing it here is a felony, no matter the amount.

Kansas – Growing for Medical Purposes Only

According to the Kansas Equal Access Act which was introduced in 2021, only registered and qualified medical marijuana patients can grow and have it.

However, for now, it is a misdemeanor to possess any amount of marijuana. Having over 450 grams with plans to distribute is a felony.

Kentucky – Growing Not Allowed

Late in 2020, a bill was passed to the house, which will permit medical cannabis. However, the Senate ignored it, leading to a delay in the progress of the state towards legalization.

Apart from the hemp research sponsored by the state, as well as using some CBD products, it is broadly illegal to use weed here. Growing is not allowed too. It is a misdemeanor to have about eight ounces or less with you.

Louisiana – Growing Not Allowed

The medical marijuana program here started in 2019. Then in 2020, physicians were permitted to recommend marijuana to patients that will possibly gain from its use.

Generally, this program is restrictive, with just a few licensed dispensaries in Louisiana. Parents cannot grow plants at home and can only purchase in the non-smokable form of cannabis for 30 days.

Maine – Growing for Medical and Recreational Purposes

Adults from 21 years and above can grow marijuana on their own. Every home can only have twelve immature and six mature plants. Maine differentiates between adult-use and medical home grows. However, the cannabis cultivation limits remain the same.

Maryland – Growing Not Allowed

At present, recreational possession has been decriminalized in Maryland for amounts below 10 grams. Growing cannabis plants at home is not allowed. Anything above 10 grams is a misdemeanor. With 50 pounds with you, it becomes a felony.

Massachusetts – Growing for Medical and Recreational Purposes

For individuals aged 21 years or more, the maximum number for growing is six cannabis plants.

This is strictly for recreational or medical purposes.

Per residence, the maximum is 12 plants regardless of the number of adults residing there.

Michigan – Growing for Medical and Recreational Purposes

Adults at 21 years of age and above can only cultivate 12 plants. State-registered caregivers can help a maximum of five patients, and the maximum number of plants to grow is 60. This means 12 plants for each patient.

Minnesota – Growing Not Allowed

Lighting up marijuana here is not allowed unless there’s a medical license with you. The medicinal program here is modest; just a 30-day supply at once, no home cultivation or smoking.

Technically, it is a misdemeanor to have recreational possession of 1.5 ounces or less. However, there is no jail time; you’ll only pay a fine of $200.

Mississippi – Growing Not Allowed

This state permitted the legal use of medical and recreational marijuana back in November 2020. As soon as the Health department starts rolling out licenses and identification cards by August 2021, those having qualifying health conditions will be able to have 2.5 ounces of marijuana.

Presently, having 30 grams or less will you will require a fine of $250 for first-time offenders. Growing is not allowed.

Missouri – Growing for Medical Purposes Only

Medical cannabis patients are allowed to grow a maximum of six cannabis plants in a secure and enclosed space. To get approval, home cultivators have to pay an extra licensing fee.

Montana – Growing for Medical Purposes Only

For Montanans above 21 years, it’s legal to grow 12 seedlings or a maximum of four mature marijuana plants at home for medicinal purposes. If two medical marijuana patients reside together, they can grow eight seedlings and eight mature plants in total.

However, these patients must get the required approval and must disclose where they have grown to the State’s Department of Public Health.

Nebraska – Growing Not Allowed

Home cultivation of marijuana in Nebraska is not allowed. First-time offenders having an ounce of marijuana or less with them can be told to pay a $300 fine. For other offenses, it is a five and seven days jail term respectively. This includes fines of $500.

Nevada – Growing for Recreational and Medical Purposes

Adults residing 25 miles or beyond from a licensed dispensary in Nevada are permitted to grow six plants each indoors.

If the owner of the property approves it, per household the number of plants can only be 12 for recreational purposes.

Medical marijuana patients are only allowed to grow cannabis from their homes if the nearest dispensary to them is more than 25 miles distance from where they reside, the patient won’t be able to travel to a dispensary, the required amount to treat the patient is unavailable in their county’s dispensary, or the patient had begun home cultivation before 1st July 2013.

New Hampshire – Growing for Medical Purposes Only

In 2020, legislation regarding legal marijuana was submitted in the house. However, the full legislature doesn’t seem to progress soon.

Caregivers and patients here are allowed to grow three mature and 3 immature plants. They can also have 12 seedlings. All these have to be stored in an undetectable and secure location.

New Jersey – Growing Not Allowed

In New Jersey, no one is allowed to grow any type of marijuana. Presently, the state plans on legalizing adult use. This will allow users to have six plants. Many medical patients are also fighting to own rights to grow their medicine.

New Mexico – Growing for Medical Purposes Only

Concerning the growing of marijuana, only registered patients in New Mexico can grow sixteen plants in their homes. At the same time, just four of these sixteen must be mature.

New York – Growing Not Allowed

On 31st March, this state entered the legal marijuana market legally. The medical marijuana program here has been expanded.

Also, there’s an automatic expungement of convictions for weed-related crimes that are no more crimes. Residents of New York are not allowed to grow marijuana for any reason.

North Carolina – Growing Not Allowed

In North Carolina, it is a felony to cultivate or sell cannabis, no matter the amount. This is expected, as this state has a massive tobacco lobby. Some campaigns have happened to ensure a fully operating medical program. However, it has never passed the legislature here.

North Dakota – Growing Not Allowed

In March 2019, the first-ever medical cannabis company in North Dakota was established. The state also permits just 8 dispensaries. Though North Dakota citizens can consume cannabis, the state doesn’t allow for home cultivation in any way.

Ohio – Growing Not Allowed

Ohio has medical cannabis system. This system serves over 160,000 students. Growing cannabis in the state remains illegal.

Oklahoma – Growing for Medical Purposes Only

Medical patients with approval can grow a maximum of six mature marijuana plants and six seedlings for their use in homes.

Oregon – Growing for Recreational and Medical Purposes

Oregon has permitted adults aged 21 and older to grow a maximum of four mature plants in their homes for personal use alone.

Medicinal users that are registered can grow up to six plants per household and 18 seedlings.

Caregivers can grow eight plants maximum and just six cannabis plants can be mature.

Pennsylvania – Growing Not Allowed

The medical program here is one of the largest in the country. Presently, they have over 100 dispensaries that serve medical patients. However, home growing is not allowed.

Rhode Island – Growing for Medical Purposes Only

Both caregivers and medical cannabis patients in this state can grow 12 seedlings and 12 plants maximum at their place of residence. This must be home cultivation done indoors too.

South Carolina – Growing Not Allowed

Residents of South Carolina are not allowed to grow and sell marijuana in any way. These acts are felonies.

First-time offenders apprehended with an ounce of cannabis or less will be jailed for 30 days and will pay a fine of $200. Subsequent offenses will result in a jail time of one year and a fine of $2000.

South Dakota – Growing Not Allowed

In November 2020, voters accepted legalization which would have organized both medical and recreational programs. Sadly, the recreational aspect was removed.

Though, there’s a chance that there’ll be an appeal to the Supreme Court. Cultivation in homes is illegal in South Dakota under present laws.

Tennessee – Growing Not Allowed

This state also doesn’t support home growing. Under today’s laws, it is prohibited. Having half an ounce is called a misdemeanor. First-time offenders will bag a one-year jail term and a fine of $250.

Texas – Growing Not Allowed

Since 1931, the cannabis laws of Texas have remained unchanged for most parts. Here, all types of home growing are restricted. What’s the penalty for growing weed in Texas? Texas has a firm stand against marijuana. It is a felony to grow it in this state.

Having it even in very little amounts is seen as a misdemeanor. Penalties for defaulting could be a jail term of 180 days or fines amounting to $2,000. For worst cases, it could be life imprisonment or a $50,000 fine.

Utah – Growing Not Allowed

This state is among other states that placed a ban on growing marijuana for adult use. However, for medical and recreational purposes, it is available to those having qualifying conditions.

Though the system hasn’t been great, with patients struggling to get doctors that will prescribe for them, Utah eventually established its first-ever medical dispensaries.

Vermont – Growing for Medical and Recreational Purposes

Vermont was the first US state to legalize cannabis. This happened through the state legislature.

However, only people older than 21 years can consume, possess, and grow marijuana.

Residents here can grow nine plants maximum per household at any given time. However, just two of these plants can be mature.

Virginia – Growing Not Allowed

Adults older than 21 years can have one ounce or less. However, as things stand, this may happen in 2024. Virginia has banned all types of home growing.

Washington – Growing for Medical Purposes Only

For medical patients, they can cultivate up to six plants in their homes. It could be more if a doctor feels it is necessary for the patient. For cases as this, the individual can grow about 15 plants at once. Cultivation for adult use remains illegal.

Washington DC – Growing for Recreational Purposes Only

Here in the district of Columbia – the nation’s capital, only adults that are 21 years of age and above can grow and have about six plants at once. This is strictly for recreational purposes.

Three of them can be seedlings, while just 3 of them can be mature.  Cultivation at home for medical use in the district of Columbia is still not allowed.

West Virginia – Growing Not Allowed

The legalization of cannabis here came in 2017. Due to funding issues, and several other issues, the program has taken so long to materialize. Presently, West Virginia does not permit marijuana cultivation at home.

Wisconsin – Growing Not Allowed

Marijuana remains illegal here and there are very strict laws put in place governing this. Any type of home growing of marijuana is not permitted and is 100% illegal. Having any amount of marijuana may land that person in jail for six months or pay a fine of $1000.

Wyoming – Growing Not Allowed

Wyoming does not permit its residents to cultivate cannabis in their homes, no matter the reason. If any individual is caught under the influence, it is referred to as a misdemeanor. Such a person may spend 6 months in jail and be fined $750.

Having over three ounces with you is a felony, which attracts a $10,000 fine and a jail term of five years.

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What’s The Law On Growing Weed?

Marijuana growing laws vary depending on the state. Some permit home growing for recreational purposes, while some other states permit it for medical use alone.

States not in these categories have banned home growing completely.

Which states have approved medical cannabis but not home growing?

Some states don’t permit home growing even for medical patients. These include

• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Minnesota
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Utah
• West Virginia

Which states have banned marijuana even for recreational, medical, and home growing reasons?

In some states, marijuana is illegal no matter the form. These states include

• Alabama
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Wyoming
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Indiana
• Mississippi
• Nebraska
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

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Where You Can Grow Marijuana Legally In The U.S.

Today, there haven’t been significant changes in these numbers. Just five more states, including Washington D.C, have permitted the growing of marijuana for medical or recreational use.

Growing marijuana legally can only be done in the states indicated above. This penalty also holds if you try to grow marijuana plants illegally where just MMJ cardholders can do so.

There are pending cannabis laws, which will go into effect soon. Ensure you are updated on the latest changes to state and federal laws regarding cannabis plants and marijuana growing in your state.

The question here is – Will there be more states that allow home growing for adult-use or patients soon?

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Legalization of Marijuana Outside Of The USA

If you’re living outside of the U.S., rules are entirely different.

Europe, in one sense of an over-generalization, is known for its “coffee shops” and consumption of pot. Visiting Amsterdam? Most United States born minds will gravitate towards (at least) a fleeting thought of smoking a hearty and worry-free joint.

According to a recent article written by Thrillist, there are 30 countries that you can go to at any given time to smoke a joint. Some of them, like Argentina, utilize a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy where it’s totally legal to smoke in your house but punishable if you’re caught lighting up on the streets.

Similar to current U.S. rules and regulations, Australia has initiated a partial-legality, making weed consumable in certain states but not in others.

But if you’re really looking to have an exciting experience, head to Cambodia where restaurants not only sell legal amounts of pot but also have multiple “Happy Restaurants” in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville that publicly offer food cooked with marijuana.

Once you’ve got a basic knowledge of the state laws under your belt you can begin exploring how to grow weed, grow cannabis outdoors, and consider where you want to grow it. But first, the legalities.

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Laws and Penalties for Consuming or Cultivating Marijuana

Despite the progress that is slowly being made there are many states that still have very strict laws against the use of and the cultivation of marijuana, both publicly and privately.

Take the state of New York, for example, a fairly progressive and democratic state (thanks to the large population of New York City). New York state still has extremely harsh laws that prohibit the use of trafficking of this “drug.”

Getting caught in both the selling or the illegal possession of more than 10 pounds of marijuana can lead to up to $15,000 in fines and up to 15 years in federal prison.

Trafficking this drug is even worse with up to $100,000 of punishable debts and 15 to 25 years in federal prison for a crime that is still considered a “felony.”

Here are other common queries in weed cultivation

Can You Get In Trouble By Growing 1 Weed Plant?

You will surely get into trouble if you reside in a state where marijuana growing has been banned. Before growing, confirm if your state permits it.

If you must grow, you can change your location to a state that permits it.

How Many Plants Can I Grow With A Med Card?

With your Medical Marijuana Card, the maximum number of plants you can cultivate is 16 at once. This includes a maximum of four mature plants.

Is It Safe To Buy Grow Equipment Online?

Yes it is very safe to buy grow equipment online. Ensure you make your purchase from reputable sources. Also, make sure you are well-protected from identity theft.

Can You Get In Trouble For Having Grow Equipment?

Although, it may be illegal to grow marijuana in some states, it is safe and legal to buy and have equipment used in growing marijuana. It becomes a criminal offence when you decide to grow marijuana using this equipment where it is illegal.

Are Grow Lights Legal?

Having grow lights with you doesn’t mean you have violated the law. You shouldn’t worry at all. However, if you are growing marijuana with these lights in areas where it is illegal, then you are doing something illegal.

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Is It Legal To Grow Marijuana Indoors and Outdoors?

Yes and no. The answer to this commonly asked question differs depending on who you are and where you are currently living.

The U.S. is currently split down the middle when it comes to the topic of harvesting and cultivating marijuana.

Exactly half of the U.S. (25 states in total) have some form of marijuana regulations. Only a handful of states, however, actually allow personal cultivation of cannabis.

In the states where it is legal, while rules do differ slightly, the law states that adults (i.e. persons over 21 years of age) are allowed to cultivate “up to 6 plants per person with no more than half flowering at a time” and have restricted the growing limit to 12 plants per household. Residents of certain states may or may not need a legal license in order to grow and sell weed.

Surprisingly, the federal government is still classifying marijuana as “a highly addictive drug without medical value,” according to a recent article published by the New York Times. Unfortunately, this is how marijuana has been classified for the past 46 years.

Few changes have been made regarding marijuana policies and statutes even though it has been a popular topic of discussion in recent years. Perhaps things will change during the upcoming 2016 presidential election.

The D.E.A., however, did recently move to allow more institutions the ability to grow marijuana for research and laboratorial testing purposes. While changes regarding cannabis are small and may seem insignificant at times, progress is slowly being made.

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Growing Marijuana Indoors

There are many different ways to grow weed easy.

Whether you’re just beginning and are totally new to growing pot or you’ve been doing it for years, here’s a detailed overview of everything that you need to know to answer your questions on how to grow a weed plant.

Growing weed indoors has many benefits over growing cannabis outdoors. For starters, you can control the environment.

Temperature, oxygen levels, humidity, the amount of light the plants receive, how much water they drink and what type of soil you put them in are all up to you.

Keeping your crop indoors also means that you have a lower risk of losing it to severe changes in weather, to theft or to the local authorities.

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How To Grow Weed Indoors

There are many different variations and ways to grow cannabis indoors. The growing process is highly customized and can be personalized in many ways.

But before you begin growing anything, there are four basic questions that you’ll need to consider:

• How much space will you need?
• Will you use a hydroponic system or basic potting soil?
• What kind of lighting will you use?
• Which type of seeds will you plant?

Space

Most growers will have a specific amount of space that’s readily available to them. The amount of useable space (and your specific state regulations) will determine how many plants you are able to grow and what size of grow box, grow closet and/or grow tents you will be able to use

Grow boxes are a great option if indoor space is limited.

They’re also a quick and easy way to begin growing your own greens as the majority of them will come equipped with warming lights and complete hydroponic systems.

Using a marijuana grow box also allows for a regulated growth rate and ensures that your cannabis isn’t growing at abnormally fast or uncontrollable rates. If you’re new to growing your greens, this could be a great place to start.

Hydroponic System (growing plants without soil) vs. Soil 

When it comes to growing weed there are a few differences in how you can choose to grow your plants. While growing pot in organic soil is one of the most environmentally responsible and earth-friendly methods, there are definite benefits to using hydroponics.

Benefits of using a hydroponic system

• Control the amount of nutrients that your plants are getting on a day-to-day basis.
• Safer to use and provides a lower risk of your plants being exposed to harmful elements like mold spores and parasite eggs that are easily hidden in outdoor soils.
• Larger production of cannabis in shorter amounts of time.
• Quick and easy use, maintain, and cleanup. No dirt is involved or required.

Lighting

Lighting is the next decision that you’ll have to make.

Investing in a good grow light is essential to the life and health of your plants. While there are many types of grow lights that you could use, most growers have success with either a full spectrum LED light or a High Intensity Discharge (HID) light.

While both options for grow lights are good ones, full spectrum LED lights are by far the most popular choice among cannabis growers at the moment. While they will cost you more money up front, it’s no doubt that they pay themselves off rather quickly.

Among the many benefits of using a full spectrum LED light, the two benefits that seem to have the greatest impact for growing are the fact that they emit a broad spectrum of light that is essential to growing plants (420 nm – 750 nm) and also that they don’t give off heat while warming which tends to burn the plants and stunt or even prevent their growth.

Seeds

Choosing which strains and types of seeds that you want to grow can be more complicated and involved than most people think. Having a general knowledge of the difference between the two main types of strains, Sativa and Indica, is a necessary place to begin.

After that you’ll have to decide whether you want a regular or feminized and autoflowering strain. Autoflowering strains are higher in THC while feminized strains are higher in CBD. Most types of marijuana seeds are readily available for purchase online.

Just make sure you’re buying from a reputable and legit source. Choose wisely! It’s no lie that good genetics and a healthy cannabis plant make a world of difference in the size, frequency and quality of your harvest.

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How To Grow Weed Outdoors

When considering how to grow weed outside, you have to think a bit differently than you would if you were growing it inside.

Allowing weed to grow outdoors in a natural environment can be an incredibly inspiring and rewarding process.

Marijuana flourishes in an outdoor environment if certain factors, like geographic location and temperature, are in place.

Sometimes, experts say, marijuana that is grown in the great outdoors is even more flavorful and plentiful than its indoor-grown cousins.

When growing pot outdoors, it is important to consider the following factors:

1. Geographical location.

2. Away from public. Where you’ll locate the plant in terms of its ability to procure and receive natural sunlight, rain, shade and protection from natural elements like wind. You’ll also want to make sure that your plant is not easily visible.

Regardless of whether or not it is legal for you to grow pot in your state, onlookers and passersby will want to help themselves to your fine flourishing crops if it’s in plain sight. I mean, wouldn’t you?

3. Which types of seeds and strains you’ll use.

4. The natural elements and creatures that go to work against plants (animals, bugs, insects, etc.) and try to feed off of your crop.

Growing cannabis outdoor versus indoor is becoming less and less common, however, it is actually a great way to keep producing some of the best batches and crops of cannabis. There are, and will always be, some things that the earth can do better than any mimicked device or contraption can.

Odor control

Healthy cannabis plants require frequent ventilation and fresh air to grow. While some strains of marijuana are more aromatic than others, they all have a distinct and rather pungent smell.

Depending on where you’re growing your cannabis, you might not want the entire neighborhood in on your secret.

Carbon filters and ionizers

This is a great way to cleanse and purify the air of strong smells, harmful chemicals and naturally-occurring pollutants that are damaging to you and to your plants.

Cleansing the air with one of these devices for a few hours before you prepare to crack the doors and ventilate the area is a great way to keep marijuana odor under control.

Temperature control 

The temperature and humidity of the grow room is, like ventilation, an extremely important factor in the health and life of your cannabis.

Most marijuana plants thrive at daily temperatures of 70°F – 83°F (21.1°C – 28.3°C) and 10 to 15 degrees lower temperatures at night. Growing weed outdoors makes it harder for you to regulate these temps without special equipment, but it can be done.

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What Are The Equipment And Supplies Growing Weed?

If you reside in a US state where it is allowed to grow weed indoors for recreational and/or medicinal purposes and you can get needed permits and licenses, here are some helpful guide on different equipment and supplies.

• Best digital scales for weed
• Stealth grow box & cabinets for growing weed indoors
• Indoor grow tent for growing marijuana
• Grow tent reviews for growing marijuana indoors

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Harvesting and Curing Marijuana

Finally, the part you’ve all been waiting for! If growing is the hardest part, harvesting is the most rewarding part.

Harvesting the plants at the appropriate time has a bit of a science behind it.

Harvesting too soon means you’ll miss out on some of the goodness of THC crystals before they’re “ripe” and harvesting too late means you’ll miss out on the goodness because they’ve begun to dry up.

A magnifying glass is essential to examine the trichomes (tiny hairs) of each plant for readiness. To do this you’ll need to cut into each brand individually at the base of the stem and separate the stems for drying so that the plants are not touching.

They’ll dry quicker this way. Hang the plants upside down, by the stems, to dry. Depending on the temperature, air circulation and humidity in the room, the drying process could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

You’ll know that the the stems are ready when they snap (as opposed to bending) beneath the gentle touch of your fingers.

Once your flowers are dry they are ready to smoke. Some, however, prefer to cure the plants first.

To do this you’ll want to put the buds in an airtight glass jar, like a mason jar, and let it sit anywhere from 2 weeks to 1 month, opening it to “breathe” for 10 to 20 minutes two times per day.

Aerating the buds for short periods of time each day activates the terpenes and flavonoids and brings them to maturity without overwhelming them with oxygen, which degrades the THC.

For more information on harvesting and curing marijuana, check out this detailed harvesting guide.

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For More Information on Growing Pot/Marijuana

If you’re wanting to dive into weed growing and discover how to grow marijuana there are a number of different approaches that you could take.

Keeping up-to-date on the latest articles and research forums regarding marijuana usage and growing techniques is also a good place to start.

More and more research is being put out for public use every single day. Regardless of where you’re beginning, we wish you the best with your growing endeavors. Stay safe and roll on.

Sources

• libguides.law.uga.edu/c.php?g=522835&p=3575350
• cannabiz.media/blog/which-states-allow-you-to-grow-your-own-recreational-or-medical-cannabis
• potguide.com/blog/article/cannabis-cultivation-laws-state-by-state/
• wayofleaf.com/cannabis/growing/state-by-state-guide-to-growing-marijuana
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_cannabis_by_U.S._jurisdiction
• growace.com/blog/marijuana-grow-laws-by-state/
• thrillist.com/travel/nation/states-that-legalized-weed-marijuana-laws