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.

2. Basic cultivation requirements

Growing cannabis requires a certain amount of knowledge and preparation to ensure healthy plants and a good harvest. Here are the basic requirements you should keep in mind when growing cannabis:

Light requirements

Light is one of the most important components for the growth of cannabis plants. They require a sufficient amount of light to perform photosynthesis and grow healthily. Most growers use special grow lights such as LED or HID lights. These provide the right spectrum and intensity of light that cannabis plants need.

• Vegetation phase: 18 hours light, 6 hours darkness
• Flowering phase: 12 hours light, 12 hours darkness

You can find out more about the right lighting in the chapterlighting.

Water requirements

Water is also essential for the growth of cannabis plants. Proper watering can make the difference between a healthy plant and a stressed one. Make sure the soil is always moist, but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will dry out the plant.

• Use pH-neutral water (pH 6.0 to 7.0)
• Make sure excess water can drain away

Further details on watering and care can be found in the chapterPour.

Nutrient requirements

Cannabis plants require a balanced supply of nutrients to grow optimally. The most important macronutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), often given as an NPK ratio. In addition to these, they also need micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium and sulfur.

• Vegetation phase: High nitrogen requirement
• Flowering phase: Higher need for phosphorus and potassium

You can learn more about the right nutrients in the chapterThe function of nutrients.

Temperature and humidity

Controlling temperature and humidity is crucial for the well-being of your plants. During the vegetative phase, the ideal temperature is between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius, and during the flowering phase, between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius. Humidity should be between 40% and 70% during the vegetative phase and reduced to 40% to 50% during the flowering phase.

• Vegetation phase: 20-28°C, 40-70% humidity
• Flowering phase: 18-26°C, 40-50% humidity

For more information on controlling temperature and humidity, see the chapterTemperature and humidity.

Cultivation locations and methods

The growing location and method you choose will also affect the success of your grow. Indoor growing gives you the opportunity to better control environmental conditions, while outdoor growing makes use of natural resources such as sunlight and rainwater.

You can find out more about the different cultivation methods in the chapterCultivation locations and methods.

By following these basic growing requirements, you will lay the foundation for successful cannabis cultivation. You can find more detailed instructions and tips in the relevant chapters of our grow guide.

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.

4. Important terms and concepts in cannabis cultivation

When growing cannabis, there are a variety of terms and concepts you should know in order to be successful. Here are some of the most important:

THC and CBD

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two of the most well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. THC is psychoactive and responsible for the "high" feeling, while CBD is non-psychoactive and is valued for its medicinal properties.

• THC:Psychoactive cannabinoid found mainly inSativa and Indica strainsoccurs.
• CBD:Non-psychoactive cannabinoid often used in medical cannabis products.

Photoperiod

Photoperiod refers to the daily light-dark period that cannabis plants receive. It plays a crucial role in the plant's life cycle, influencing growth and flowering.

• Vegetation phase:18 hours light, 6 hours darkness
• Flowering phase:12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness

For more information about the photoperiod, see the chapterlighting.

Autoflowering vs. Photoperiod Plants

There are two main types of cannabis plants: autoflowering and photoperiod plants. Autoflowering plants start flowering automatically, regardless of the light-dark time, while photoperiod plants require a change in light conditions to enter the flowering phase.

Indica, Sativa and Hybrids

There are three main categories of cannabis strains: Indica, Sativa and Hybrids. Each has unique characteristics and effects:

• Indicas:Known for its relaxing and calming effects, ideal for evening use.
• Cannabis:Known for its invigorating and cerebral effects, ideal for daytime use.
• Hybrids:A blend of Indica and Sativa genetics that offers a combination of the characteristics of both species.

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

Feminized seeds

Feminized seeds are bred to produce almost exclusively female plants. This is important because only female plants produce flowers that contain the desired cannabinoids.

• Reduces the likelihood of male plants
• Increases efficiency and yield

Regular seeds

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

• Requires identification and removal of male plants
• Useful for breeding projects

For further details on choosing the right seed, see the chapterChoosing the right seed.

Sativa, Indica and Ruderalis

Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis are the three main types of the cannabis plant. Sativa and Indica are the most well-known and commonly cultivated, while Ruderalis is often used in breeding programs due to its autoflowering properties.

• Cannabis:Tall, slender plants with long, narrow leaves.
• Indicas:Short, bushy plants with broad leaves.
• Ruderalis:Small, robust plants that flower quickly.

By understanding these important terms and concepts, you will lay a solid foundation for your successful cannabis cultivation. Use the other chapters of our grow guide to get detailed instructions and tips to help you achieve your growing goals.

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.