Under the Cannabis Control and Licensing Act, British Columbia residents aged 19 and over can legally grow their own cannabis at home. The law states that up to 4 plants may be grown per dwelling, and they can be used medically or non-medically. So long as you aren’t operating a childcare in your home, and your plants aren’t in clear sight of a school, park, or other busy public area, you should be good to go.
But growing cannabis isn’t as easy as vegetables, flowers, and the other species in your garden. That’s why we put together this article, complete with tips for growing your own cannabis. It all starts with finding seeds from your local dispensary.
Source your seeds
One of the earliest and most important decisions you’ll make when it comes to growing your own cannabis is the seeds. It is possible to produce your own seeds with the help of a couple mature plants, but this process is much more complicated, and can take up to 6 weeks.
Probably your best option is visiting Cheeky’s Cannabis either online, in Maple Ridge, or in Kitsilano, and browsing our selection of cannabis seeds. We have seeds that have already been feminized, which means they’re ready to grow! Female seeds are likely what you’re looking for, as male seeds don’t actually produce buds of flower.
Choose a location
It’s possible to grow cannabis both indoors and outdoors, but there are some key differences to be aware of. It all comes down to nutrients – your cannabis plants cannot grow without light and water. For that reason, planting outside is cheaper because you can use the natural rainfall and sunlight. The downside is you sacrifice a lot of control. Plus, when you have plants growing outside, they could become a target for hungry deer or insect infestations.
When you grow inside, you retain total control. If you really know what you’re doing, you can dial in the light, humidity, temperature, and water to achieve a commercial-quality product. But it will cost you – you’ll notice a big bump in your electricity bill, plus you’ll have to figure out irrigation and humidity control.
Soil and nutrients
There are a variety of mediums to grow cannabis in, but soil is by far the most popular and highly recommended. Soil is easy to acquire, and comes with vital nutrients already mixed in. Quality soil can also help with the flavour and aromatics. But not all soil is made the same – be sure to lookout for top brands with ideal nutrient mixes.
Besides light and water, cannabis plants require a few basic nutrients for growing: Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. To make things easier, look for pre-made cannabis fertilizers or special soils that already have these nutrients.
Light, temperature, & humidity
Cannabis plants can be tricky to grow when you consider how picky they can be when it comes to light, temperature, and humidity.
If you’re growing inside, plants will need different amounts of light depending on if they’re in the vegetative or flowering phase. In the veg phase, cannabis plants will need roughly 18 hours of light, but just 12-hours when triggering the flowering phase. If you plant outside, you don’t need to worry about the light because Mother Nature will do her thing.
Cannabis plants a growing temperature that’s not too hot and not too cold. Like Goldilocks, these plants are looking for something “just right”. If your indoor space is warm, you’ll want to invest in AC or fans, and if you’re growing in a damp basement, you’ll need a heater or dehumidifier. Cannabis plants do not like humid spaces, so be aware that access heat and humidity can kill your plants. But if you’re outside, once again you won’t need to worry about controlling these factors.
Water supply
Like everything else that grows, your weed plants need water to grow and thrive. But not just any water – if you’re watering indoors, you’ll need to mind the pH balance, ideally the 6.0 to 7.0 range.
If you can, watering once every couple few days seems to be the sweet spot for cannabis plants. Like many other plants, if the soil is dry or leaves are yellow and droopy, it’s time for more water.
Excessive water can also be dangerous. Without proper drainage for the water, you can easily rot the roots of your plants, which will kill them in little time.
When are they ready?
The flowering stage for cannabis can take up to 12 weeks depending on the strain you went with, along with the condition your plants are in after the first growing phase. When you’re nearing the end of the flowering stage, there are two factors to watch for that will indicate your plant is ready for the next stage or not.
The first indicator is the trichomes. When they’ve become milky white or opaque, they’ve reached maturity and are ready for the next step. Don’t forget a magnifying glass! The other thing to watch for is the pistils. Also known as the hairs on the buds, these should be brown or orange before you move on.
This article is designed simply to provide some high level tips and considerations for growing your own cannabis. If you’re committed to growing your own supply, make sure to do your research. There are also some rules and regulations to check-in on before you get started. And if you’re renting, you need official approval from your strata or landlord.
If you’re ready to buy seeds and get planting, stop by Cheeky’s Cannabis in Maple Ridge or Kitsilano. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you out, plus you’ll be able to pick up some edibles, pre-rolls, concentrates, and anything else while you’re at it. Happy planting!