🌱

Home Cannabis Growing Guide

Complete Cultivation Guide 2024

⚠️

Legal Notice

Home cultivation is only legal in some states. Always verify your state and local laws before growing. Exceeding plant limits or growing without authorization is illegal.

Check if growing is legal in your state →

Growing At a Glance

3-5 months

Seed to Harvest

$500-2000

Typical Setup Cost

1-4 oz

Yield Per Plant

70-90%

Potential Savings

Growing Methods

🏠

Indoor Growing

✓Complete environmental control

✓Year-round growing possible

✓Higher quality potential

✓Privacy and security

✗Higher electricity costs

✗Equipment investment required

🌳

Outdoor Growing

✓Lower startup costs

✓Free sunlight and fresh air

✓Larger plants possible

✓More natural growing

✗Limited to growing season

✗Weather and pest challenges

Essential Equipment

💡 Lighting

LED: $150-600 (most efficient)
HPS: $100-300 (proven performance)
CMH: $200-400 (great spectrum)

Recommended: 400-600W per plant

🌡️ Climate Control

Exhaust fan: $50-150
Carbon filter: $60-120
Oscillating fans: $20-50
Temp/humidity monitor: $15-50

🪴 Growing Medium

Soil: Easiest for beginners
Coco coir: Faster growth
Hydroponics: Best yields, complex
Pots: $5-30 each

Growth Stages

Week 1-2

Germination & Seedling

Seeds sprout and develop first leaves. Keep humid, warm, and under gentle light.

Week 3-8

Vegetative Stage

Plants grow leaves and stems. Use 18/6 light cycle. Focus on strong structure.

Week 9-16

Flowering Stage

Buds develop. Switch to 12/12 light cycle. Monitor closely for issues.

Final Weeks

Harvest & Curing

Cut, dry for 7-14 days, then cure in jars for 2-8 weeks for best results.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Avoid These

✗Overwatering (most common mistake)
✗Too much nutrients (less is more)
✗Wrong pH levels (aim for 6.0-7.0 soil)
✗Harvesting too early
✗Poor ventilation

Do This Instead

✓Let soil dry between waterings
✓Start with half recommended nutrients
✓Test and adjust pH regularly
✓Use a loupe to check trichomes
✓Invest in proper exhaust system

Cost Breakdown

Item	Budget	Mid-Range	Premium
Grow Tent/Space	$70-100	$150-250	$300+
Lighting	$100-150	$250-400	$500+
Ventilation	$80-120	$150-250	$300+
Soil/Medium & Pots	$30-50	$75-100	$150+
Nutrients	$30-50	$75-150	$200+
Total Setup	$310-470	$700-1150	$1450+

Note: Monthly electricity adds $20-100 depending on setup and local rates.

Check Your State's Home Grow Laws

Plant limits, indoor/outdoor rules, and other requirements vary by state.

View Home Grow Laws by State