The legalization of cannabis is still expanding throughout the United States. It makes it possible for medical patients with an MMJ card across the country to benefit from cannabis.
Although there are many products available, one of the best ways to guarantee that customers receive exactly what they need is to use homegrown cannabis.
Performing a home grow has numerous advantages over merely going to the nearby dispensary. But a lot of customers, particularly new ones, have inquiries concerning cannabis farming.
Homegrown vs. Dispensary Weed: What Sets Them Apart?
There are several differences between homegrown cannabis and cannabis sold in dispensaries.
- Bud Characteristics
Cannabis that has been cultivated for consistency is sold in dispensaries. But it’s also farmed for mass production, which might mean that every single plant receives less care. With more care and attention to fewer plants, home growers might be able to produce strains with richer terpene and cannabinoid profiles.
Although homegrown cannabis has a reputation for having less visually appealing nugs—especially when you’re first learning to grow—it is just as edible and enjoyable as buds from a dispensary.
- Quality
Cannabis grown at home can have very high quality. It gives total control over the cultivation process and is typically carried out in small batches. Growers are free to customize nutrient regimens and apply their preferred organic techniques. This personalized touch frequently produces more pure, pesticide-free cannabis that is of superior quality.
In contrast, the cannabis that is sold in dispensaries is usually grown in large quantities by a group of cultivators. For constant quality, it is usually put through rigorous testing to check for contaminants and potency.
- Cost and Convenience
Growing plants at home in a greenhouse, indoors, or outdoors can be more economical.
Cannabis cultivated indoors or in a greenhouse may need more expensive equipment and supplies, but outdoor growing still calls for a few more standard gardening supplies. All things considered, however, home-grown indoor, greenhouse, and sun-grown cannabis can frequently be grown for a significantly lower price than cannabis purchased from a dispensary, particularly when considering the quantity of flower produced, which is excellent for frequent users.
Having a personal cannabis supply at home is also convenient and reduces the need to visit dispensaries.
The Benefits of Growing Your Own Weed
The benefits of cultivating cannabis at home may appeal to some medical patients and cannabis enthusiasts.
- Access to Desired Strains
Most cannabis users eventually find their favorite strains. You can grow particular strains at home that are most suited to your requirements. While some patients prefer high-THC or specific terpene profiles, others look for strains with high levels of CBD. The best strains for ADHD, for instance, are probably not the same as the best strains for insomnia.
Some customers might favor a particular strain family—such as the Diesel line. You can grow exactly what you want at home, which is especially useful if your favorite strain isn’t available at your neighborhood dispensary.
- Potential Savings
Purchasing supplies and equipment for growing makes home growing more affordable. Once everything is set up (soil, seeds, lights, fans, water, and electricity if you’re growing indoors or in a greenhouse), the cost per harvest goes down, and you can produce high-quality cannabis for a fraction of the price you would pay at a dispensary. Over time, the savings may add up to a significant amount.
- Convenience and Availability
With a home grow, you can obtain your supply without going to a store. Frequent trips to dispensaries can be difficult for patients who live in remote areas, have mobility issues, are on a fixed income, or both. Cannabis can be grown more consistently and dependably by consumers growing it themselves.
Customers aiming for a specific effect, terpene profile, or strain may find it frustrating that dispensaries frequently carry a limited selection of cultivars. Being able to grow at home requires having easy access to a desired cultivar. Patients who use medical cannabis will particularly benefit from this.
- Control Over Quality
In order to avoid using dangerous pesticides, home growers can use organic growing techniques and take control of their cultivation process. When the time is right, growers can harvest to take advantage of the flower’s effects, terpenes, and peak freshness. Cannabis strains with that level of control may be of superior quality and purity.
It is recommended that customers test out various cultivation strategies, dietary plans, and curing processes. It is best to concentrate on the aspect of the strain that you wish to maximize: effects, flavor, potency, or a combination of all three.
Due to its larger production scale for consistency, dispensary bud frequently does not allow for this level of control and customization.
The Drawbacks of Growing Your Own Weed
Even though cultivating cannabis at home has many benefits, not every consumer will benefit from this strategy. A few typical difficulties could discourage some people from growing their own cannabis.
- Effort and Upkeep
It can take some time and work to grow cannabis at home. Numerous factors go into providing daily care, monitoring, and ideal conditions for different strains. It can be difficult for growers to control the light, temperature, humidity, and nutrients.
- Initial Cost
Another obstacle for home growers may be the initial financial outlay. Purchasing grow lights, ventilation systems, soil, nutrients, additional equipment, and high-quality seeds is necessary when getting started. The silver lining is that the money saved on dispensary purchases may eventually cover the expenditure.
- Insufficient Space
Not everyone has the necessary room at home to cultivate cannabis. In order to flourish, cannabis plants require enough space to grow. In a small or shared living space, the particular environmental requirements for the plants might not be ideal (though micro-growing may help solve this problem).
- Matching Quality to Dispensaries
For home growers, achieving higher-quality buds than those found in dispensaries may be challenging, but not impossible. Growers with years of professional growing experience are frequently employed by dispensaries. These experts have access to both commercial resources and cutting-edge technology. Home growers may experience difficulties with common plant problems such as calcium or nitrogen deficiencies, which can lower the quality of the finished product.
- Legal Concerns
Is cultivating marijuana legal? Since it’s not yet federally legal, it depends on your state and local laws. Furthermore, some states restrict home cultivation of cannabis to medical patients only—recreational users are not permitted.
Not every state permits the home cultivation of cannabis plants. It could be outright forbidden or restricted to a certain variety of plants, authorized cultivars, or registered caregivers. It is crucial to comprehend local laws and regulations prior to initiating your cannabis cultivation.
- Difficulty Increasing Yield
Plant health and yield can be negatively impacted by issues like curling cannabis leaves. For inexperienced growers, attaining consistently high yields can be intimidating, as it requires practice and experience. Plant training, pruning, and nutrient management are examples of factors that call for expertise.
You will need legal access to grow marijuana at home if you wish to cultivate it and use it for medicinal purposes. You can apply for a grower’s license and speak with a marijuana doctor.
