Grow Pot – What is it and How to Get Started

Growing cannabis, commonly known as weed or pot, is becoming an increasingly popular hobby and pastime. As laws and regulations surrounding cannabis relax across the world, more and more people are looking to grow their own plants at home. But where do you start if you want to try growing pot yourself? This article will walk you through everything you need to know to get started growing your own cannabis.

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis also known by names like marijuana, weed and pot, refers to plants from the Cannabaceae family. There are three main species of cannabis plants – Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.

Cannabis contains chemical compounds called cannabinoids. The most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the intoxicating, psychoactive effects associated with using cannabis. Different strains and species have varying levels of THC and other cannabinoids, resulting in different effects.

In addition to recreational uses, cannabis and cannabinoids also have medical and therapeutic applications. Cannabidiol (CBD), for example, does not cause a high but has been used to help treat conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy.

Is Growing Cannabis Legal?

Before growing cannabis, it’s important to check your local laws. While laws are relaxing in many places, growing and possessing cannabis is still illegal in some countries and certain states or territories.

In the United States, medical use is legal in 37 states and recreational use is legal in 19 states as of 2022. However, cannabis remains illegal at the federal level in the US. Always check regulations in your specific area before attempting to grow cannabis at home.

Getting Started with an Indoor Grow

Growing cannabis indoors allows you to control the environment your plants are grown in Though more expensive than outdoor grows, indoor cannabis cultivation can produce high yields year-round Here’s a quick guide to get started

Pick Your Location

Designate a grow room or tent with enough space for your cannabis plants. Ensure it gets sufficient ventilation and has access to electricity for lighting.

Select Your Lighting

Cannabis plants need sufficient lighting to grow. LED grow lights designed specifically for cannabis are an efficient indoor lighting option.

Choose Your Growing Medium

Popular soilless mediums for cannabis include coco coir, rockwool and hydroponics. Soil can also be used but may require more attentive nutrient management.

Get High Quality Seeds or Clones

Quality genetics are key to a successful grow. Look for seeds or clones from reputable cannabis seed banks and breeders. Feminized seeds prevent male plants.

Set Up Proper Ventilation

Proper air circulation and ventilation helps control temperature and humidity while providing carbon dioxide Use exhaust fans and passive intakes

Start Nutrients for Grow Phase

Cannabis has different nutrient needs in different growth phases. Use a cannabis-specific nutrient program with more nitrogen in the vegetative stage.

Train and Prune Plants

Training techniques like low-stress training (LST) and pruning help maximize yields by promoting even growth and bud sites.

Transition to Bloom Nutrients

Switch to bloom/flowering nutrients with more phosphorus and potassium once plants start flowering. This encourages bud growth.

Control Light Cycles to Induce Flowering

To induce flowering, give plants 12+ hours of uninterrupted darkness daily. Keep humidity below 50% to prevent mold during flowering.

Flush Prior to Harvest

Flushing helps improve taste and smoothness by removing excess fertilizer salts from buds. Flush with plain pH’d water 1-2 weeks before harvest.

Growing Cannabis Outdoors

Outdoor cultivation relies on natural sunlight instead of indoor grow lights. With lower startup costs than indoor growing, outdoor cannabis can still produce substantial yields. Here are some tips:

• Pick strains suited for your climate. Look for mold-resistant strains in humid areas. Fast-flowering strains work best for northern regions with shorter summers.

• Amend native soil with compost or nutrient-rich organic matter for enhanced growth. Proper drainage is key.

• Ensure plants get 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Supplement with shade in intense afternoon heat.

• Use fences or trellising to protect from wind damage. Staking helps support heavy flowering branches.

• Monitor for pests like spider mites, aphids and caterpillars. Apply organic treatments at first signs of infestation.

• Build simple greenhouse structures to extend the growing season in cold climates. This protects from frost and rain.

• As with indoor growing, pay close attention to bloom nutrients and proper drying/curing for quality bud.

Picking the Right Cannabis Strains

With unique characteristics and effects, there are thousands of cannabis strains to choose from. Here are a few popular options for beginning growers:

• Northern Lights – A classic indoor indica known for resinous buds and soothing body effects. Stays short and compact.

• OG Kush – This popular hybrid has a piney, earthy aroma. It provides a euphoric, uplifted high.

• Blue Dream – A sativa-dominant hybrid that produces massive yields. Boasts a sweet berry flavor.

• Girl Scout Cookies – A potent hybrid with OG Kush and Durban Poison lineage. Has a strong cerebral high.

• Sour Diesel – A super pungent sativa-dominant strain with upbeat, energetic effects.

No matter what strains you decide to try, be sure to purchase seeds from reputable sources. This helps ensure you’re getting exactly what you pay for. And don’t be afraid to experiment to find which varieties work best for your specific growing environment.

Final Thoughts on Growing Cannabis

Growing your own cannabis can be an extremely rewarding DIY project. With some basic equipment and quality seeds or clones, you can enjoy homegrown pot within just a few months. Be sure to thoroughly research local laws and regulations first.

Start with beginner-friendly strains like the classics mentioned above. Carefully control lighting, nutrients, humidity, and other environmental factors to help your plants thrive. And don’t underestimate the importance of proper drying, curing and storage for flavorful buds.

Growing great cannabis takes time, dedication and patience. But with the right approach, you’ll be harvesting bountiful, dank buds in no time. So get growing and see what works best for you!