How to Grow Legal Cannabis?

Introduction

Before delving into this article, ensure to verify the regulations in your area. Simply because cannabis is lawful does not imply planting it is permitted. Several regions where marijuana is legalized often impose restrictions on the number of plants you can cultivate on your premises. Therefore, it’s crucial to acquaint yourself with the legal framework beforehand.

Method 1

Understanding the Basics

1. Know the Law

Understand the legal landscape. Presently, 36 states and Washington, D.C. have implemented legislation allowing medical marijuana use, while 18 states and Washington, D.C. permit recreational use. However, across all states, individuals must be at least 21 years old to cultivate cannabis at home. Familiarize yourself with the regulations in your area. Failure to comply with local laws, especially without a doctor’s recommendation for medical marijuana, could result in legal repercussions. 

Stay informed about the policies governing your location, as, despite the growing trend of legalization, some areas may still have restrictive measures in place.

2. Know the difference between the strains

Understand the distinction among cannabis strains. There are two primary types: Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica. Sativa typically induces feelings of euphoria and contentment, while Indica brings about a more intense, soothing sensation. However, the majority of strains today are hybrids, combining characteristics of both Sativa and Indica. Indicas are usually shorter and denser, whereas Sativas are taller and have a more elongated appearance. Additionally, there are “ruderalis” or “auto-flowering” strains, hybrids engineered to begin flowering automatically after a few weeks. These strains typically mature in approximately three months and are accessible in various popular varieties.

3. Get your mitts on some seeds

Interestingly, finding reliable sources for cannabis seeds isn’t overly challenging. There exist numerous reputable companies capable of efficiently and discreetly fulfilling orders. Top-notch seed providers typically offer guarantees to ensure customer satisfaction.

For instance, Herbies, based in the United Kingdom, boasts an extensive selection of over 2,500 different seed strains. They provide worldwide delivery and are renowned for their exceptional customer service. 

Sensi Seeds, established in Amsterdam and recognized as one of the oldest and most esteemed seed companies, invests significantly in seed stock production to maintain consistently high quality. While they may not always offer global shipping, their branded seeds are often available through companies like Herbies Sensi Seeds.

Bonza Seeds is another reputable option, offering worldwide shipping with free, discreet, and fully tracked delivery without requiring a signature. They also provide a delivery guarantee for added peace of mind.

Similarly, Gorilla Cannabis Seeds, based in the U.K., offers an array of excellent strains, such as Super Cheese Feminized and Jack Herer Feminized, known for their high THC levels. Their customer service is commendable, with responsive communication and a price-match guarantee.

When it comes to CBD products, studies generally indicate their safety, especially in their pure form. However, it’s crucial to ensure the authenticity of the product you purchase.

For those considering CBD use, starting with a low dosage is advisable to gauge individual responses. On the other hand, THC, while offering potential benefits, can lead to various side effects such as coordination issues, dry mouth, and memory impairment. Nevertheless, CBD is generally well-tolerated, even in larger doses.

4. Choose a spot and method

Selecting the method and location for cultivating cannabis comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice typically lies between indoor cultivation, outdoor growth, or utilizing hydroponic techniques, each offering unique benefits and challenges.

Indoor cultivation presents numerous advantages over outdoor growing, especially in areas where risks such as theft and legal ramifications are concerns. By opting for indoor growth, individuals gain greater control over environmental conditions, ensuring optimal growth and health of the cannabis plants.

On the other hand, cultivating cannabis outdoors provides privacy and reduces the risk of being caught, offering a degree of anonymity from nosy neighbours and potentially legal scrutiny. However, outdoor growth does entail relinquishing some control over factors such as weather conditions, disease susceptibility, and potential theft, which could impact plant health and yield. Nonetheless, outdoor cultivation eliminates the need for expensive indoor growing setups, resulting in initial cost savings.

Hydroponic cultivation, a method that involves growing plants without soil, offers another alternative. While soil traditionally serves as a source of nutrients, hydroponic systems provide nutrients through alternative means. This method allows for precise control over nutrient delivery and can result in efficient plant growth, although it requires specialized equipment and knowledge.

In summary, the choice of cultivation method and location ultimately depends on individual preferences, considerations of risk, level of control desired, and available resources.

Method 2

Growing with Soil

1. Buy yourself some pre-fertilized potting soil

Procure this product in early June. While it may not typically be certified organic, opting for this option would likely be the most convenient, especially considering that the grower may be dealing with some form of ailment. The product must meet the following criteria:

• Adequate nutrient content: When examining the product, look for a label indicating the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, denoted as “N-P-K = x%-y%-z%.” This information is crucial as it signifies the nutrient composition of the soil, ensuring that it provides sufficient nourishment for the plants.
• Optimal pH level: The soil should have a pH level falling within the range of 5.9 to 6.5. While it is possible to adjust the pH level manually if necessary, it is preferable to start with soil that already falls within this range. Even organic fertilizers available in stores often have pH levels that are lower than ideal, necessitating adjustments.

By prioritizing these criteria when selecting the product, you can ensure that the soil provides the necessary nutrients and pH balance for successful plant growth, particularly given the potential challenges faced by the grower.

2. Fill a small paper cup with enough of the soil to fill to just below the rim

Dampen the soil and sow the seed approximately one centimetre deep (equivalent to 1/2 inch). Repeat this process for each seed you intend to cultivate. Position the containers in a sunny area with a warm temperature, ideally around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).

Ensure to water the plant regularly and maintain its warmth. As the plant begins to germinate, continue to keep the soil moist and allow it to grow until the seedling outgrows its container, indicating that the roots have filled the entire pot and it retains the shape of the cup when removed.

3. Fill a 5-gallon (18.9 L) bucket with holes drilled in the bottom with the soil

Carefully extract the seedling from its initial container by flipping it upside down and delicately shaking the container. Then, gently place the roots into the soil by creating a small indentation in the centre of the 5-gallon (18.9-litre) container. Cover the stem with soil, ensuring it reaches approximately 2 centimetres (1 inch) from the first set of leaves.

4. Water your plant until the soil is completely saturated, and water only when the soil becomes dry to the touch

Apply nitrogen fertilizer approximately one month after planting, following the instructions provided on the fertilizer packaging, as you would when growing vegetables. Ensure the plant receives a minimum of 8 hours of sunlight each day in a sunny location, and employ natural pesticides if required.

Ideally, you’ll have multiple seeds to increase your chances of success, as this stage can be unpredictable. If your plant develops small pods that eventually burst and release pollen, it indicates a male plant. Male plants possess fewer medicinal qualities and are primarily suitable for culinary use. Promptly separate any male plants from the others presumed to be female and harvest them for culinary purposes. Simmering the dried plant material in butter is a highly effective method for culinary use.

5. Keep an eye on it

When male plants typically emerge, typically around August, it’s time to shift fertilization focus towards promoting budding. Transition to a high-potassium plant food at this stage and cease adding nitrogen. Potassium facilitates the budding process, encouraging increased bud production.

6. Be patient

Once you notice small clusters of white “hairs,” it indicates the presence of a viable female plant. Wait until the buds reach full maturity, typically around mid-October. At this stage, the buds will display hairs ranging from orange to reddish-purple and will be coated in resin containing minuscule tri-chromes. To determine readiness for harvest, utilize a magnifying glass and observe the tri-chromes; when they turn amber in colour, it signifies that the buds are ripe and ready for harvesting.

7. Cut the plant at the bottom and place it in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area

The rafters of a barn or garage often serve as suitable drying locations. It’s crucial to avoid any moisture, as it can lead to mould growth, potentially ruining the buds. Hang the plant upside down, with newspaper underneath, to collect any debris.

Trim off all the buds from the plant. Once the buds have dried and become firm on the outside, transfer them into a spacious plastic bag. The next day, remove the buds from the plastic bag and place them into a paper bag for an additional week or more to further dry.

8. Make sure the buds are completely dry, store them in mason jar storage and place them in a cool, dark area.

This article does not support or endorse the unlawful sale, cultivation, or consumption of this plant by individuals who do not possess a valid medical condition and a state-issued license. It is provided solely for informational purposes.

Method 3

Growing Outdoors

1. Get a plant.

Follow the basic guidelines outlined above or opt to purchase plants from a store, as they are typically well-selected and cared for in advance. Local plants may thrive better in their environment.

2. Choose a zone.

Select a suitable location, ensuring ample sunlight and ample space. Plants should be spaced far enough apart to avoid shading each other, with a recommended diameter of about 4 feet per plant.

3. Choose a medium to grow in.

Choose a growing medium, with the ground being the preferred and easiest option, yielding larger plants. Potted plants may limit size, while hydroponic systems may not be worth the effort.

4. Prep the the medium.

Prepare the growing medium by loosening the soil and considering the addition of compost or chemicals to enhance growth and viability.

5. As soon as the temp is regularly above freezing and usually in the 40s-50s(f), plant outside.

Once temperatures consistently remain above freezing, typically in the 40s to 50s Fahrenheit, transplant the plants outdoors.

6. Water as usual

Water the plants as needed, with most plants tolerating various watering amounts. In-ground plants are less susceptible to overwatering.

7. Do not do anything to the plant.

Avoid interfering with the plants unnecessarily, only removing dead or dying parts. Prevent dead material from accumulating on the plant.

8. Before the rain/fog/etc comes, cover your plant.

Cover the plants before rain or fog to prevent moisture-related issues like white mildew and rotting flowers. Using clear or opaque plastic can provide effective protection against the elements.

9. Before the rain/fog/etc comes, spray the plant with antifungal products.

Apply organic antifungal products to the plants before expected moisture, ensuring light coverage during hotter times to prevent mould or mildew growth.

10. Harvest following your preferred harvest steps.

Harvest according to preferred methods, considering wet trimming and mechanical assistance. Branches can be removed individually for harvesting, allowing the rest of the plant to continue growing.

Method 4

Growing with Hydroponics

1. Master the lighting.

Become proficient in lighting techniques. While outdoor cultivation relies solely on sunlight, indoor growth requires replicating the intensity of natural sunlight. Young plants require blue light, whereas older plants in the flowering stage benefit from yellow, amber, and red light spectrums.

2. Set up your hydroponic system.

Establish your hydroponic setup. There are various methods available, along with a wide array of equipment options on the market. It’s essential to conduct thorough research before making any decisions.

Wick system: This method utilizes a single pump to aerate the solution, requiring minimal effort to maintain and operate, making it ideal for beginners. Through the wick, typically made of a thick acrylic cord, the plant absorbs precisely the amount of solution (nutrients) it requires, ensuring optimal nourishment.

Ebb and flow system: This approach employs a timed pump and reservoir to deliver nutrients to the plants approximately four times a day, initially. Plants are placed in pots within a tray containing about 6 inches (15 cm) of the nutrient solution. This system is particularly suitable for use with Rockwool growing medium.

Top feed growth system: This method is comparatively more complex, especially in terms of mechanics. Each plant is nourished at its base, with any excess runoff directed back into the reservoir. For this system, initiating a 15-minute feed session three or four times daily is recommended as a starting point.

3. Get the right hydroponic nutrients.

As previously mentioned, when shopping for plant food or solutions, pay attention to the N-P-K format displayed on the label. Typically, you’ll encounter two main options: 15-15-15 and 20-10-5.

When purchasing hydroponic nutrients, opt for the powdered type that can be mixed with water. In the long term, this option proves to be more cost-effective compared to pre-mixed solutions.

4. Germinate your seeds.

The conventional method involves using a Rockwool cube to initiate seed growth, positioning it within the chosen growing medium. Ensure that the Rockwool cube is submerged in water to about 70% of its depth, leaving the top portion above water to prevent submersion of the seed.

Alternatively, Vermiculite, Perlite, or clay pellets can be utilized alongside or instead of soil. Novice growers typically find it easier to purchase a medium from the store, such as brands like Pro-Mix or Sunshine. As growers gain experience, they may opt to save costs by crafting their medium, often using bases like sphagnum, peat moss, or coco coir.

Soil offers advantages such as its natural ability to maintain pH levels and its forgiving nature in case of electrical or mechanical failures during watering or feeding.

Once the seeds have germinated and the root is approximately a quarter of an inch long, place the seed and root down onto the chosen grow cube or medium within hydroponic cups.

5. Watch for the first stage.

The initial phase of marijuana growth, known as the vegetative phase, is crucial for establishing a strong plant structure. If you’re using LED, MH, or HPS lights, it’s recommended to begin with the lights positioned approximately 20 inches or more above the top of the plant (slightly less for LEDs). Gradually lower the light by about an inch each day until you find the optimal height. Placing the light too close can cause the plants to dry out and turn brown, while positioning it too far away may result in excessive stretching as the plants reach for the light source.

To ensure proper light exposure, start with the lights positioned higher and gradually lower them until you observe that the plants are evenly absorbing the light.

During the initial growth phase, it’s essential to provide sufficient light exposure, typically ranging from 18 to 24 hours a day. Longer light exposure promotes faster plant growth, although it’s important to consider the impact on electricity consumption.

6. Monitor for the onset of flowering

During this stage, the production of THC, CBN, and CBD—the compounds necessary for achieving a high—begins. This process occurs exclusively in female plants and is discernible as the growth rate slows down while the plants allocate more energy to bud formation.

Once the plants reach a height of at least 6 inches (15 cm) and have developed four sets of leaves, you can initiate the flowering phase. In most hydroponic setups, this transition typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks, so it’s important to exercise patience. When you deem your plants ready to flower, reduce the light exposure to 12 hours a day.

Suppose flowering is initiated when the plant is at least 6 inches tall. In that case, it will continue to grow for up to a month before transitioning to the flowering phase, during which it will focus its energy on bud production. However, if you wait for the plant to mature a bit more, this transition should occur in approximately 10 days.

7. Consider limiting the height of your plants.

Contemplate controlling the height of your plants, with priority given to adjusting the growing environment rather than altering the plants themselves. The simplest approach involves adjusting the height of the light source. While methods for growing stunted plants exist, they require considerable skill and expertise, which will not be detailed here.

8. Be patient.

Exercise patience, particularly if you’ve chosen the hydroponic method, as it typically takes approximately 3 to 4 months for your plants to reach the flowering stage. However, there are advanced techniques that can accelerate the process, though they are best left to experienced growers. For those curious:

– Sea of Green (SOG) involves inducing the flowering stage in young and small cannabis plants. By initiating flowering after around two weeks of vegetative growth, you can harvest several weeks earlier than with traditional methods.

– Screen of Green (SCROG) is a highly productive system for growing cannabis. Plants are trained through a horizontal screen placed above them, promoting bud formation along the typically neglected branch stems and maximizing yield.

10. Flush the plants with clean, nutrient-free water.

Purge the plants with clean, nutrient-free water. Perform this process once during the flowering stage, again after 6 weeks, and once more just prior to harvest. This helps eliminate any fertilizer residue accumulated within the plants or growing medium, resulting in a cleaner smoking experience.

11. Harvest your plant.

Complete the harvest of your plant. Patience is crucial, as the optimal time to harvest varies depending on the individual plant and strain. Typically, this process takes approximately 2 to 3 months. With experience, you will develop a sense of when to harvest.

As the female flowers develop, they form dense “kolas” or cones. Each ovary will swell, with tiny crystals becoming visible around the flowers. The flowers will become sticky to the touch, emitting a strong aroma. As the flowers continue to swell, the white pistils will gradually darken from white to a reddish-brown hue. Most growers prefer to harvest marijuana plants when THC production has peaked. A general guideline is to wait until around 60% of the white pistils have turned dark.

12. Dry your cannabis thoroughly. 

Prepare the buds by removing any excess foliage. Hang them upside down on a wire or string in a cool, dark room with adequate airflow from a fan or air circulation system. However, ensure that the drying process is not too rapid, as this can result in an undesirable “green” taste caused by retained chlorophyll.

Allow the buds to dry completely for approximately 4 to 7 days. Test the dryness by gently squeezing the buds between your forefinger and thumb. Once dry, store them in an airtight jar or bag. For the following few days, allow the buds to breathe for 15 minutes twice a day. This curing process removes any remaining moisture, resulting in a smoother, sweeter taste and ensuring an even burn when smoked.

Method 5

Growing your Plants Away From Home

1. Choose your site

Choose your site carefully, as it greatly impacts the success of your harvest. Avoid detection by both humans and animals by selecting a discreet location. Look for signs of tracks and choose an area that is accessible but inconspicuous.

Ensure access to a reliable water source; a site near a river or stream is ideal, but be wary of potential flooding during spring or autumn. Evaluate the surroundings for indicators of soil quality, such as the presence of grasses, weeds, and nettles. Avoid areas with pine trees, as the soil may be too acidic, and opt for grassy knolls instead.

Consider how sunlight will filter through the canopy if choosing a woodland site, and anticipate changes in sunlight intensity as the seasons progress. Aim for a location where your plants can receive at least 5 hours of direct sunlight daily, considering sunlight exposure throughout the morning, day, and evening, as well as across different seasons.

2. Prepare the site

Prepare the chosen site by starting with a smaller number of plants, ensuring each plant has approximately a 10-foot diameter of space around it. While this may seem like a large area, it allows for sufficient room for the leaves to grow, considering that the plants can reach up to 5 feet in height.

Clear the immediate area of any weeds and dig holes of decent size, at least 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide. It’s advisable to replace the original soil with fresh soil from a garden supply shop enriched with compost and fertilizer. Original woodland soil may contain pests and diseases and may not be of optimal quality. Additionally, applying a thick layer of mulch to the top surface of the growing area helps retain moisture in the soil below.

3. Plant your seeds.

Plant the seeds early in the season, typically around April or May, after the last frost, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, coinciding with the onset of spring and summer. However, the specific timing may vary depending on your geographical location.

For regions in the Southern Hemisphere where spring begins around September 1st, wait for a warm spell after this date. Marijuana plants are sensitive to frost, so it’s essential to avoid planting too early to prevent potential damage.

Plant the seeds sideways, at a depth of approximately 1.25cm (1/2 inch), into the prepared soil. Ensure the seeds are well-watered and protected from drying out during sunny days. Maintain moisture consistently throughout the germination process. Within approximately 48 hours, you should observe the first signs of the seeds cracking open and the emergence of the first shoots.

4. Give your plants a constant source of water.

Ensure your plants have a consistent water supply throughout their growth cycle. While having access to a nearby stream, river, or lake equipped with a solar-powered pump and timer is ideal, it may not be the most straightforward option. Alternatively, consider watering your plants in the early morning and early evening to maintain moisture levels.

Another option is to create your wick system, as discussed previously. Cut a small hole, approximately half the size of a pea, into the bottom of a 5 or 10-gallon (18.9 or 37.9 L) (or larger) bucket or plastic container. Position the bucket near the plant and use a cloth or cotton rope to create a wick that channels water or nutrient solution from the hole in the bucket to the soil near the plant.

It’s crucial to regulate the amount of water your plants receive. Overwatering can lead to drowning, indicated by yellowing leaves, while underwatering can hinder growth. On average, you may use approximately 20 to 40 gallons (75.7 to 151.4 L) of water per season, although this can vary depending on factors such as soil type, strain, and sunlight exposure.

5. Feed your plants with fertilizer.

Once your seedlings are established, they will rapidly progress into a vigorous vegetative growth stage. Despite their initially fragile state, plants quickly develop into robust entities. During this phase, it’s advisable to provide ample nourishment to your plants with high-quality, nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

Unlike indoor marijuana cultivation, where you have control throughout the vegetative growth stage, outdoor plants can grow significantly larger throughout the summer. However, one advantage of outdoor cultivation is that you don’t have marijuana plants taking up space in your house.

6. About 3 weeks after planting, go and weed around your plants.

If your garden is located in the wilderness, invasive and threatening weeds can quickly encroach and overwhelm your young seedlings. To prevent this, clear an area of approximately 3 feet (0.9 m) around each plant to create space and reduce competition.

Repeat this clearing process approximately three weeks later. Depending on the conditions of your site, you may need to repeat it after another three weeks. By this time, most plants should have developed sufficient strength to outcompete weed growth and establish their own space.

In case of adverse weather conditions, such as heavy winds, rains, or droughts, inspect your plants for any damage. While these conditions can be challenging, refrain from overreacting, as marijuana plants are resilient and can withstand various environmental stresses. So, if you’re in a rainy city like Seattle, there’s no need to panic prematurely.

7. Sex the plants.

While sexing marijuana plants is often considered challenging for beginners, it becomes simpler with experience. The purpose of sexing is to identify and remove male plants before they can pollinate the females. Pollination of females can divert their energy away from THC production as they start developing seeds.

As summer draws to a close and daylight hours decrease, changes in light levels will stimulate the production of flowers in your plants. Look for pre-flowers at branch junctions to determine the plant’s sex.

Male pre-flowers are typically visible to the naked eye, although a magnifying glass can aid in identification. Male flowers appear at the junctions of branches and stems, forming small pollen sacs that resemble little balls. These should be removed to prevent pollination.

8. Watch for flowering

Female flowers will begin to develop kolas around the junctions of branches, with the main one typically forming at the growing tip of the plants. Upon close examination, you’ll notice seed pods starting to swell, which will contain either seed if the plant has been pollinated or THC if the males have been removed.

As the flowers reach maturity for harvest, the pistils will darken, and the seed pods will become swollen and sticky with resin and THC trichomes. When a majority of the pistils have darkened, it indicates that the plant is ready for harvest.

9. Harvest your crop

Carefully plan and strategize your guerrilla gardening operation, as a successful harvest will result in bringing home a substantial quantity of fragrant, resinous buds. If feasible, opt for a nighttime harvest to minimize the risk of detection. Ideally, plants should be harvested when the buds have matured, displaying darkened, swollen, and THC-crystal-coated surfaces.

However, unforeseen circumstances may arise, so it’s crucial to monitor the weather forecast diligently. In the event of extreme weather conditions or an impending early frost, consider harvesting prematurely if the plants are budding but not fully ripe. This decision requires judgment and flexibility, as no guide can anticipate every scenario.

Use a clean, sharp knife to harvest the buds, typically discarding the fan leaves, although some growers may opt to utilize them for culinary purposes.

10. Dry your marijuana

Avoid jeopardizing the quality of your harvest by rushing the drying process. Optimal smoke quality is achieved when buds are dried slowly. Hang the buds individually in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space, allowing approximately five days for proper drying.

While some growers may resort to microwaves for quicker drying, this method compromises both the quality and flavour of the smoke. It is strongly advised against.