What can grow 18 ft high and get you high?
Cannabis plants!
As the Cannabis industry continues to expand rapidly, dispensaries are popping up across the nation. However, instead of having to rely on whatever bud’s in stock, why not grow your very own cannabis?
To help you grow the most delicious and effective cannabis plants, we’ve created this short guide. From understanding the legality of growing to perfecting your harvest techniques, we’ve got you covered!
Read on to learn everything you need to know about growing cannabis.
1. Is Growing Cannabis Legal?
Before you get too excited about growing cannabis, you’ll want to make sure it’s legal where you live. While some states have loose laws surrounding cannabis growth, other states are prohibited entirely.
For example, in Arizona, you’re allowed to grow cannabis for medicinal purposes. However, only the caregivers and patients who live within a certain distance from a licensed dispensary can grow.
Whereas in California, you can grow cannabis recreationally and medicinally. Californians can enjoy growing as much cannabis as they need to treat their patient’s medical needs. On the other side of things, states like Alabama and Georgia prohibit cannabis growth of any kind.
Residents aren’t allowed to grow their plants or buy medicinal or recreational THC products. Once you’re sure the state you live in has legalized the growth of cannabis, find out what the specifications are.
If you qualify to grow, double-check the number of plants that you’re allowed to grow. Next, find out what the parameters are for the location of your plants. For example, in some states, you can grow cannabis outdoors, whereas other states require indoor growth.
2. Learn the Cannabis Strains
Are you positive that you can grow cannabis illegally in your home state? Great!
Now you’re ready to start learning about the different types of cannabis plants. Know the difference between the strains will help you decide what plant’s right for your THC needs.
The 2 main strains are Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa. Sativa plants are popular for their uplifting effects and ability to promote creativity.
Individuals who want to use cannabis without feeling groggy will lean towards Sativa dominant strains. Indica has a more sedative effect.
The chemical structure of Indica strains allows the cannabinoids to ease your mind and body into a deep state of relaxation. There are also hybrid strains, which give users a little bit of both experiences. Hybrid strains contain both Indica and Sativa; however, the blend will vary depending on the strain.
3. Predicting CBD and THC Ratios
Are you wondering where CBD fits into the strain equation? Sativa and Indica are types of cannabis plants. Whereas CBD is a chemical compound found in all cannabis plants.
CBD stands for cannabidiol. To have the most effective buds, you’ll want to make sure you have a healthy THC to CBD ratio.
Speaking of ratios, you’ll also want to consider how potent you want your strains to be. After choosing between the two main categories of Sativa and Indica, decide what type of THC levels you’re looking for.
Do you want to grow cannabis that lands on the lower side of the THC scale, with levels resting around 4%? Are you looking to create extra potent strains that have THC counts surpassing the 15% mark?
When choosing the specific strain name that you’re going to grow, double-check what type of THC percentage it usually has. Next, find out the common CBD percentages for those strains.
Of course, when you grow the strain yourself, the percentages are going to be different. However, by learning about the plants that the seeds are coming from, you can make a good guess as to what the potency level will be for your buds.
4. Get Quality Seeds
Once you know the specific strain name you want to grow, it’s time to start seed shopping! Shopping for marijuana seeds is a lot easier than you might think.
You can find many stores online that offer high-quality cannabis seeds that can produce incredible THC levels. However, you have to be wary of potential scams. Before you purchase from an online seed store, double-check their reputation.
Read a few online customer reviews, and reach out to the company using their contact us section. If you can find positive reviews and their customer service team is willing to answer your questions, it’s likely a reputable seed source.
5. Cannabis Growing Timeline
Moving on, before you start growing cannabis, make sure you have enough time to see the process through. The growth process can take months, and if you’re not able to maintain the plants, the result will be disappointing.
Instead, you’ll want to make sure your schedule allows for you to tend to the plants daily. If you want to speed the process up, then we suggest starting with a clone plant.
6. Picking the Right Time for Growing Weed
Having enough time to grow cannabis plants is just the start. You also have to make sure that you’re planting the seeds at the right time of the year. If you’re growing your cannabis plants outside in the northern hemisphere, it’s typically best to start your seeds in the spring.
You can begin with your seedlings inside so that they’re in a controlled environment. Once the seedlings start to grow, you can move them outside for the best results. At the very latest, you’ll want to have your seedlings planted outside by the middle of the summer.
Chances are you’ll wind up harvesting your cannabis plants sometime between September and November. However, the harvest time is going to vary depending on the weather where you live.
7. Harvesting a Cannabis Plant
Last, on our list of cannabis growing tips, let’s talk about harvesting. When you’re ready to harvest your cannabis plants, you’ll need to prepare them first.
Start by checking the plants for any pests, and get rid of any damaged areas. Next, prune the plants by cutting off all of the big leaves. Lastly, you’ll need to flush your cannabis plants.
Flushing the cannabis plants means you’ll be running extra water through their growing soil. The flushing process helps get rid of mineral nutrients and salt.
Enjoy Fresh Buds
There you have it! The top tips for growing cannabis plants. Once you know whether you’re going with Sativa or Indica dominant strains, start searching specific strain names.
Next, read user reviews to determine the type of effects the strain can create, and then begin looking for a reputable seed source. Finally, pick the perfect time of year to put your seedlings in the soil. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a luscious bowl of homegrown cannabis buds.
