How do I grow cannabis at home?

Cannabis cultivation has become increasingly popular in recent years, not least due to the legalization of cultivation and consumption in Germany. If you are interested in growing cannabis, it is important to prepare thoroughly and follow a few basic steps to ensure that your plants grow healthy and produce a high-quality harvest. Here is a detailed guide on how to grow cannabis at home.

1. Legal aspects and approvals

Before you start growing, you need to find out about the legal framework. In Germany, it is currently legal to grow up to three cannabis plants at the same time. In addition, the maximum amount of cannabis that can be possessed is 25 or 50 grams of dried cannabis flowers.

2. Choosing the right variety

The most important thing when growing cannabis plants at home is choosing the right strain. It should suit your growing conditions and meet your preferences in terms of taste and effect.

Here are the best cannabis strains that you will also like:

• Northern Lights: This strain is the most legendary cannabis strain there is! Perfect for beginners and a classic among the strains with a stimulating, alert effect.
• Green Gelato: What a delicious effect! This strain produces a large yield and leaves you feeling alert and refreshed, while providing euphoria and creativity - a delight.
• OG Kush: A classic for experts! The variety is feminized and therefore perfect for you if you grow in controlled conditions such as a grow tent. The effect is relaxing and calming.

3. Prepare the growing environment

There are two main methods for growing cannabis: indoor and outdoor. Indoor growing offers more control over growing conditions and protects plants from the elements and pests. You will need a grow tent or an enclosed space that is well ventilated.

For indoor cultivation:

• Light: Plants need about 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness during the vegetative phase and 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness during the flowering phase. Use high-quality LED or HID lamps to meet the light needs.
• Ventilation: A good ventilation system provides fresh air and helps regulate temperature and humidity. A fan and an exhaust system are essential.
• Temperature and humidity: The ideal temperature is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius during the day. Humidity should be around 50-70% in the vegetative phase and reduced to 40-50% in the flowering phase.

For outdoor cultivation:

• Location: Choose a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Make sure the area is well ventilated and does not have constant moisture problems.
• Soil: Use high-quality soil that is well-aerated. Cannabis needs well-drained soil to avoid root rot.

4. Planting and care

• Germination: Start with high-quality seeds. Germinate them in damp paper or directly in the soil. As soon as the seedlings appear, plant them in the prepared soil.
• Watering: Cannabis needs regular watering, but the soil should be allowed to dry out a little between waterings. Be careful not to allow waterlogging, as this can encourage root rot.
• Fertilization: Plants need nutrients to grow healthily. Use special cannabis fertilizers suitable for the vegetative and flowering phases. Do not over-fertilize as this can damage the plants.

5. Flowering and harvest

The flowering phase begins when plants receive 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness per day. This is the phase when the flowers (also called "buds") develop, which are the main source of THC and other cannabinoids. Look for signs of maturity, such as the discoloration of the trichomes (resin-rich glands on the flowers). When most of the trichomes are milky white and some are amber, it's time to harvest.

6. Drying and storage

After harvesting, the flowers must be dried. Hang them in a well-ventilated room without direct sunlight. Drying can take a few days to two weeks. After drying, the flowers should be stored in glass containers to maintain freshness and quality.

Conclusion

Growing cannabis at home can be a rewarding and fulfilling hobby, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. By paying attention to legal requirements, choosing the right strain, preparing the growing environment, and taking good care of the plants, you can achieve a high-quality harvest. Remember, patience and diligence are the keys to a successful cannabis grow.