Monday April 17, 2017
Growing
In November 2016, four states voted to legalize recreational marijuana for adult use, setting in motion a strong movement of progressive marijuana legislation. With over half of our fifty nifty states now accepting some form of legalized cannabis, more and more people are exercising their right to grow their own marijuana.
Not just everyone can set up a home-grow operation though. In fact, every state has their own specific laws that citizens must abide by. In an effort to make it easy for our readers who may be interested in popping a few beans as they say, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about growing in America’s four newest recreational marijuana friendly states.
Recreational Cultivation Laws in California
CaliforniaCalifornia voters passed Proposition 64, or the Adult Use Marijuana Act (AUMA), effectively legalizing recreational marijuana for adults 21 years of age or older. The legalization also allows California residents to cultivate up to six marijuana plants per residence. Medical marijuana patients are still permitted to grow more than six plants with necessary documentation.
For those looking to start a home grow in California, you must:
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Be 21 years of age or older
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Be a California resident
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Only grow six plants per residence
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Keep all plants in a locked space not visible to the public
- Outdoor growing is permitted in some areas, but there are jurisdictions where it is illegal so be sure to ask before you plant
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Keep any marijuana flower exceeding 28.5 grams locked and secured within the private residence where it was grown
Outdoor cannabis growing is permitted in some places in California, but not everywhere. photo creditRecreational Cultivation Laws in Nevada
NevadaNevada has been a hot topic in the marijuana world. Ever since Nevada voters passed Question 2, or the Initiative to Regulate and Tax Marijuana, in November 2016 cannabis enthusiasts have been chomping at the bit to get started.
Personal cultivation of up to six plants (12 per residence) in Nevada is legal under the new law, but several restrictions are in place.
In order to grow your own marijuana in Nevada, you must:
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Be 21 years of age or older
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Be a Nevada resident
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Live more than 25 miles away from a recreational marijuana dispensary
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Grow your plants in a locked space not visible from the public and only accessible to you
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Keep all flower harvested at the location it was grown
Recreational Cultivation Laws in Massachusetts
MassachusettsThe passing of Massachusetts’ Tax and Regulate Marijuana Act, also known as Question 4, marked a significant victory for east coast marijuana progression. Some people have even speculated that Boston could become the ‘weed capital of the world’ in the coming years. Under the new law, adults 21 years of age or older are allowed to cultivate up to six plants.
For those looking to start a home grow in Massachusetts, you must:
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Be 21 years of age or older
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Be a Massachusetts resident
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Grow your plants within a locked and secure facility
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Grow your plants out of public view
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Must keep all quantities harvested over one ounce at the place where the plant was grown
Recreational Cultivation Laws in Maine
MaineAnother eastern addition to our list, Maine is primed for a big-time recreational market. Although you cannot purchase marijuana at a recreational dispensary in Maine yet, residents are able to grow up to six mature cannabis plants and possess their own marijuana.
If you’re looking to start growing your own cannabis in Maine, you must:
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Be 21 years of age or older
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Be a Maine resident
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Grow your plants in a private residence out of public view
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Make a reasonable effort to prevent access from people under 21 years of age
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Place a tag on each marijuana plant that includes
- Name
- Driver’s License number OR
- Maine identification number
Now that you know the laws, it’s time to take advantage of your right to grow your own! If you don’t know where to begin, check out our overview on getting started any many more enlightening articles in our “Growing” section. It takes time, effort and elbow grease, but once you have a growing operation in place and a few harvests under your belt it really is a quite enjoyable (and rewarding) hobby!
Do YOU grow your own? What is some advice you’d offer to novice growers?
