1.Why grow cannabis?

Growing cannabis can be a rewarding and enriching experience that offers you many benefits. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider growing your own cannabis:

Advantages of growing your own

When you grow your own cannabis, you have complete control over the entire cultivation process. You determine the quality of the plants, the nutrients used and the cultivation methods. This way you can ensure that your cannabis is free from pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

Another benefit is cost savings. Growing your own cannabis can be significantly cheaper than buying it from a store. While there is an initial investment in equipment and materials, you will save money in the long run, especially if you are a regular cannabis user.

In addition, home cultivation allows you toCannabis strainsto try and cultivate new strains that may not be available in your local store. You can experiment and find out which strains best suit your needs and preferences.

Medical and recreational applications

Many people grow cannabis for medicinal reasons. Cannabis has been shown to be helpful in relieving symptoms of various diseases and conditions, including chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and loss of appetite. By growing your own medical cannabis, you can ensure that you always have access to the medicine you need without having to rely on outside sources.

For recreational consumers, growing your own offers the opportunity to enjoy the highest quality cannabis whenever they want. You can be confident in the purity and potency of your product, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable consumption experience.

Legal considerations

In Germany, the cultivation of cannabis is regulated by the Cannabis Act (CanG). Before you start growing cannabis, it is important toLegal situationin your state. The CanG allows the cultivation of cannabis for personal use, especially for medicinal purposes, under certain conditions. Make sure you read the local laws thoroughly to make sure you are operating within the law.

To grow cannabis legally, you will usually need to obtain a permit. There are specific regulations regarding the number of plants you can grow and the conditions under which the cultivation can take place. These regulations can vary from state to state, so it is important to find out about the specific requirements in your area.

Control and quality assurance

When you grow your own, you can get the bestBreeding mediaand nutrients to maximize the health and potency of your plants. You can use methods to optimize THC and CBD levels and increase yields. This control over the entire growing process allows you to create a product that meets your exact requirements.

Sustainability and environmental friendliness

Growing your own cannabis can also be more sustainable and environmentally friendly than buying commercially grown cannabis. You can use organic growing methods that are less harmful to the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.

By using thecorrect cultivation locations and methods, you can also use resources more efficiently and minimize energy consumption. Growing indoors using energy-efficient LED lights and well-insulated rooms can also help reduce your carbon footprint.

3. The growth phases of the cannabis plant

To successfully grow cannabis, it is important to understand the different growth phases of the plant. Each phase has specific requirements and needs that must be taken into account in order to cultivate healthy and productive plants.

germination

Germination is the first step in the life cycle of the cannabis plant. During this phase, the seed develops into a seedling. It is crucial that the seeds germinate in a moist and warm environment.

• Temperature: 20-25°C
• Humidity: 70-90%

Light: Darkness until the seedlings appear

Further details on germination can be found in the chapterSeeds germinate.

Seedling phase

In the seedling phase, the seedling develops its first leaves and roots. This phase lasts about two to three weeks. High humidity and constant temperature are important to promote growth.

• Temperature: 20-25°C
• Humidity: 60-70%
• Light: 18-24 hours of light per day

You can learn more about this phase in the chapterCannabis seedlings.

Growing period

During the growing season, the plant grows vigorously and develops many leaves and stems. This phase can last several weeks to months, depending on the desired plant height and size.

• Temperature: 20-28°C
• Humidity: 40-70%
• Light: 18 hours light, 6 hours darkness
• Nutrients: High nitrogen requirement

For more information about the growing season, see the chapterGrowing period.

Flowering phase

The flowering phase is the last growth phase and begins when the light hours are reduced. During this phase, the plant produces flowers and resin. The flowering phase usually lasts 6-10 weeks, depending on the variety.

• Temperature: 18-26°C
• Humidity: 40-50%
• Light: 12 hours light, 12 hours darkness
• Nutrients: Higher need for phosphorus and potassium

You can learn more about the flowering phase in the chapterFlowering phase.

5. Choosing the right seeds

Choosing the right seeds is a crucial step in growing cannabis. There are different types of seeds, each offering different characteristics and benefits. Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing:

Feminized seeds

Feminized seeds are bred to produce almost exclusively female plants. Since only female plants produce flowers with the desired cannabinoids, feminized seeds offer greater efficiency and yield reliability.

• Reduces the likelihood of male plants
• Increases efficiency and yield
• Ideal for growers who do not want to discard plants

For more details on feminized seeds, see the chapterFeminized seeds.

Regular seeds

Regular seeds can produce both male and female plants. These seeds are often cheaper than feminized seeds, but require more effort as male plants must be removed to prevent pollination of the female plants.

• Can produce male and female plants
• Cheaper than feminized seeds
• Useful for breeding projects

You can learn more about regular seeds in the chapterRegular seeds.

Autoflowering seeds

Autoflowering seeds are bred to flower automatically regardless of the light-dark period. This feature makes them particularly easy to cultivate and ideal for beginners.

• Bloom automatically after a certain time
• Less sensitive to changes in light
• Faster life cycle
• Ideal for beginners

For more information about autoflowering seeds, see the chapterAutoflowering seeds.

Sativa, Indica and Hybrids

When choosing seeds, you should also consider the desired effect and the growth characteristics of the plant. There are three main categories of cannabis strains: sativa, indica and hybrids.

You can learn more about the different varieties in the chapterCannabis strains.

Seed banks and quality

The quality of the seeds plays an important role in the success of your cultivation. It is advisable to buy seeds from reputable seed banks that guarantee a high germination rate and genetic stability.

• Reputable seed banks offer high germination rates
• Genetic stability is important for consistent results
• Pay attention to customer reviews and recommendations

You can learn more about choosing the right sperm bank in the chapterSeed banks and quality.

By understanding the different types of seeds and their characteristics, you can make the best choice for your grow. For more detailed instructions and tips, check out the relevant chapters of our grow guide.