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Now that cannabis is legal for medical or adult use in 32 states, with legalization measures pending in several more, people are more openly using cannabis in manyforms where permitted. But cannabis isn’t always accessible to those who live in rural areas or find it cost prohibitive to pay retail rates. This has led to increased interest in cultivating home-grown cannabis, which can be quite simple if the grower has enough space, either indoors or outdoors, the right equipment, and plenty of preparation.
The basics of growing cannabis
If you have a little extra time during the day, some closet space or area set aside for a backyard garden where allowed, you can grow professional quality cannabis. Once the growing space has been determined, you want to be sure that you can provide the required environment for cannabis plants to grow and thrive. Like most living things, cannabis requires six life-line essentials that all plants and animals, including humans, depend upon to live: light, water, a good temperature, stable growing medium, fresh air and nutrients. Without these essentials, they can’t survive.
Making a healthy garden
It is important to understand how crucial the proper type and amount of light is to a cannabis plant’s healthy photosynthesis. Whether you use a grow light or natural sunlight, you will need to carefully plan to provide the right intervals of light and light deprivation. You will need to consider a suitable growing medium that works for your space. The growing medium provides everything that your plant will need to establish roots and draw nutrients, whether from the soil or water as in a hydroponic system. If you are growing indoors, an air exchange is essential to control the climate and keep the space well ventilated with a slight breeze to circulate the air. The temperature for growing cannabis cannot be extreme, neither too hot nor too cold. Intense heat will not grow good cannabis plants. The essential nutrients needed can be pre-formulated for soil or water, or you can use home-made compost. The last essential to consider is your water source, which can determine whether your cannabis plants survive. Rain water for outside gardens is perfect, but if rain is sparse, use plenty of water from a sprinkler. Indoors, you will likely need to set a schedule and make sure there is enough drainage so the plants aren’t over-saturated.
Taking care of the cannabis plant
If cultivated and cared for properly, your cannabis plants should yield results in about nine weeks from the date of planting. Plants that are grown indoors will be shorter than those grown on the outside, where there is plenty of space. Indoor plants will need more attention. They may need to be moved from time-to-time to provide access to direct sunlight, or rotated for even indoor light distribution. You must also monitor the moisture to prevent mold and check water levels in the soil so as not to over-saturate the roots. As the grower, you will have control of when the indoor plant will start to bud. Smaller yields can be expected with the shorter grows. If you are looking for a great beginners guide on how to grow cannabis you can check this article: Beginner Guide for Growing Cannabis.
Complying with state and local laws
If you are considering home cultivation, it is important to understand your state’s rules and regulations to prevent any inadvertent violations of the law. In states where growing cannabis at home is allowed, it is usually permitted for the grower’s personal use only. Cultivating cannabis for commercial sale and distribution almost always requires a license or permit issued by the state. Each state where cannabis is legal has its own unique rules pertaining to home cultivation. Since laws vary from state to state, it is wise to check the state guidelines for growing cannabis at home to ensure your home-grown cannabis is properly secured and does not exceed allowable limits for personal possession. Being certain of the legalities before you start to grow will help you remain in compliance and avoid any unwanted legal scrutiny. A good place to start is your local chapter of NORML, which provides comprehensive resources and legal guidelines pertaining to each state.
Are you ready to grow your own cannabis?
Cannabis is not a complicated plant to grow as long as you are well-informed and prepared with the essentials required for any living thing to grow. It’s also rewarding. The advantages include a significant cost savings, peace of mind knowing how your plants were grown and the satisfaction that comes with producing a medicinal plant you personally nurtured through harvest.
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About The Author
Karen Miller is the founder and chief editor at canadagrowsindoors.ca. She has been using growing equipment for years now and loves sharing her experience on how to get the best yields out of your crops. She can be contacted by email: contact@canadagrowsindoors.ca