What States Can You Legally Grow Cannabis?
The cannabis industry is in constant flux, with a vast disparity between states regarding the legality of cannabis. In some states, it’s legal to use but not to grow, while others legally allow citizens to grow it for specific applications—but in what states can you legally grow cannabis?
States You Can Grow Cannabis for Medical and Recreational Use
The laws in many states are changing quickly, and there may be more changes on the horizon. However, at the time of writing, there are currently 11 states in the US where you can legally grow cannabis for recreational or medicinal use. Legal growing states include:
- Alaska
- California
- Colorado
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
More states allow for the growing of cannabis at home for medicinal purposes only. Other states have referenda and legalization legislation awaiting approval from state legislators, so it’s likely that this list will grow in the coming years.
If you live in one of these states, you could start legally growing and harvesting hemp for CBD or THC for medicinal or recreational purposes.
What You Need To Know Before Growing Cannabis at Home
State and Local Laws
Before you think about purchasing any growing equipment or seeds, you’ll want to check and double-check with local ordinances and state laws regarding the growing of cannabis. Though your state may consider the practice legal, there could be a city ordinance prohibiting the cultivation and selling of cannabis in your area.
If there are other growers in your area, you may want to seek them out about local regulations, as they likely have first-hand experience with cannabis laws. You may want to consider hiring a lawyer to help file permits for cannabis growing and make sure all your ducks are in a row.
Plant Count Limits
Many states that allow people to grow cannabis at home also have plant count limits. Plant count limits refer to how many plants a person can grow at home—some are as small as three while others are larger.
Before growing, ensure your new crop won’t break plant count limit laws. Some states also require some cannabis plants to be immature to keep growers from having a whole crop of cannabis.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing
Once you get your permits and are familiar with the local regulations, you can start to think about your growing operation! The first decision you’ll have to make is whether to grow cannabis indoors or outdoors.
Whether it’s better to grow indoors or outdoors will depend on many factors, including backyard space, money for initial investment, and local weather. Growing cannabis indoors gives the cultivator more control over their environment, but some will say the product is richer and more satisfying when grown outdoors.