Growing Your Own Pot at Home: A Guide to Personal Herb Gardening
In the state of New York, the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) has made it legal for certified medical cannabis patients, their caregivers, and soon, non-medical users, to grow cannabis plants at home. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Cannabis seeds, available from dispensaries or online, are the starting point. Online purchases are legal as seeds contain no THC. It's recommended to buy seeds from reputable seed banks like Seedman to ensure quality.
Once you have your seeds, they will sprout and enter the vegetative phase, which can last anywhere from three to 16 weeks, depending on conditions. During this phase, plants need 18 hours of light and six hours of complete darkness. The attention given to plants during this phase helps keep them free from pests, fungus, and disease later. Pruning leaves to encourage airflow is also essential during this phase.
After about two to three weeks in the vegetative phase, plants enter the flowering stage. They need 12 hours of light and 12 hours of total dark to form flower buds. It's crucial to cull male cannabis plants as soon as they can be identified to prevent the growth of seeds in the buds. Auto-flowers are a good starting point for beginners as they offer a higher chance of producing female plants.
The maturation of cannabis plants takes another two to five weeks after the buds stop growing. It's recommended to use a cheap jeweler's loupe to track the development of trichomes during the maturation of the cannabis flower. The trichomes, the little mushroom-shaped resin glands that coat cannabis flower, should be monitored to determine when the flower is mature. The mature flower is ready for harvest when the trichomes turn cloudy white or deep amber.
After harvest, the buds should be dried in a well-ventilated area, such as a grow tent, for a few days until they snap easily off the stalks. After drying, the buds should be placed in airtight jars with humidity packs to cure for at least a month, burping the jars daily to allow for airflow. Curing is an absolutely necessary step for a high-quality end product, as it improves the taste, smell, and cleanliness of the smoke.
Gardeners can legally nurture up to six cannabis plants (three flowering and three immature) per household. Growing cannabis plants outdoors can be beneficial if there is full sun and consistent irrigation. However, indoor growing is also possible with the right equipment, such as a grow tent with full-spectrum lights and circulation fans.
The MRTA that legalizes adult-use (non-medical) cannabis in New York State was enacted in 2021, but the implementation and licensing rollout have continued through 2025. Significant cannabis retail activity and regulatory developments are occurring in 2025, with the adult-use markets expected to be active.
In conclusion, growing cannabis at home in New York State can be a rewarding experience. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy a high-quality, home-grown product.
