Grow Cannabis at Home

Frequently Asked Questions About Cultivating Cannabis at Home

Did you know that you, and I and every other adult out there are capable of growing their own cannabis? We’re not saying everybody should do it, but we’re not exactly opposed to the idea either. At the end of the day, if you know what you’re doing and the purpose behind home cultivation and most importantly, the laws of your state – you should be able to grow sufficient doses for self-consumption. Add a medical cannabis card to the mix and your legal cultivation limit expands allowing you to grow as much weed as is necessary.

But cultivation can be tricky, both legally and in terms of the procedure, if you’re a beginner in the field. Since cultivation can be on both medical and recreational grounds, the laws and limits for both vary. This means that while you might sow seeds for recreational use, there are limits that you must follow. Inability to follow through can even turn you into a felon.

Another point of confusion is the legalization of cannabis cultivation in different states. While some states have very welcoming cannabis laws in terms of possession, consumption and cultivation, other states haven’t completely opened up to the idea. This means that any cannabis user must be well versed with their state laws before indulging in any such activities.

Keeping these questions in mind, let’s answer some basic cannabis cultivation questions.

Note: Every question answered will be in terms of the Californian laws.

Is it Legal to Grow Cannabis for Personal Use?

The state of California legalized the possession, consumption, and cultivation of cannabis in 2016, after passing the Adult Use of Marijuana Act. Any adult 21 and above, is legally allowed to grow cannabis for recreational purposes.

However, the state also practices strict restraint on recreational cultivators trying to exceed their limitations.

As per Proposition 64, here are some of the specifications to be followed by recreational users and cultivators:

  • You have to be 21 or above to cultivate cannabis for personal use.
  • Recreational users can only grow up to 6 cannabis plants.
  • The possession of cannabis is limited to 28.5 grams or 1 ounce.
  • Cannabis should be grown indoors and or in areas that aren’t in the line of sight of outsiders.

Inconsistencies in following these and violating the rules will lead to penalties.

Why You Should Grow Cannabis at Home?

Growing cannabis at home comes with its own perks.

Firstly, cannabis products available at dispensaries or retail outlets can be extremely expensive, especially if you require a regular dose of the herb.

Secondly, the organic cultivation of weed at home without the use of insecticides and pesticides can assure you of the high-quality bud that you’re producing. You get to control the quality of your harvest, invest in a hybrid strain or one of your choice while also being able to closely monitor each growth stage.

Thirdly, home cultivation saves you a lot of time and energy spent in making frequent visits to the dispensary. Since the law limits your recreational as well as medical limits of possession, users and patients alike are required to visit the dispensary once their stock runs out. But with homegrown cannabis, the same situation does not arise.

Can You Indulge in Sale of Cannabis Grown for Personal Use?

No, you cannot. The cannabis plants that you grow in your garage or backyard for personal or medical use are just for your personal use. Indulging in commercial transactions using your harvest is against Californian laws.

If you want to grow cannabis and sell it in the state, you require a cultivation license. The size of your canopy or number of plants being grown, the type of area (indoors or outdoors) being used, the type of production and lighting used, etc., determine the type of cultivation license fit for you.

Do You Need a Medical Cannabis Card to Grow Cannabis?

Not necessarily.

For recreational consumers who are 21 or above, a medical cannabis card is not necessary as long as they limit their growth to 6 cannabis plants.

However, as a consumer requiring more than 6 cannabis plants for medical purposes, you must apply for a medical cannabis card.

As a medical user of cannabis, patients can grow up to 6 mature and 6 immature plants at home. However, if a patient requires more cannabis to treat their condition, they can be licensed to do so as long as they have the consent of their recommending doctor. Along with a greater grower’s limit, a patient with an MMJ card enjoys many benefits that a recreational user doesn’t.

What are the Basic Requirements for Growing Cannabis?

Cannabis cultivation requires the basics of growing any plant- nutrient-rich soil, water and light. However, the cannabis laws restricting the outdoor cultivation of cannabis result in the insufficiency of natural light and air required for growing the plant.

Due to this, cultivators must invest in utilities to equip their garages or closets to create desirable conditions.

To begin with the process, you need an indoor space that can be dedicated to cultivation. From cabinets, spare rooms and garages to grow tents, you can choose what fits best in your plan.

Next you must work on temperature control of that particular area. This includes setting the room temperature right, working on the airflow of the area with fans, choosing the right light for cultivation and monitoring all aspects regularly.

Different stages of cultivation require varying amounts of light, making indoor cultivation more apt for more fruitful growth. From High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lights to Fluorescent Grow lights, LED Grow lights and more, you can choose what fits best with your pocket and purpose.

Also Read: Reasons Why You Should Grow Your Own Marijuana

Ending Words

Cannabis cultivation in California has been legalized for both recreational and medical purposes. However, even with different cities, there can be differences between what is and isn’t allowed. The city of Anaheim does not allow the sale or purchase of cannabis inside the city. In other words, users must buy their cannabis from outside the city borders or have it delivered from a dispensary that isn’t local. At the same time, the city has no current restraining laws on the cultivation of cannabis for personal use and thus, the laws of the California state apply here.

It is still advised that you consult your local authorities before sowing the seeds.