Cultivating marijuana, or Cannabis sativa, is illegal under federal law. Certain states have removed criminal penalties for individuals who have been formal approved to use marijuana for medicinal purposes. The approval exempts them from state penalties only; federal law does not recognize a medical marijuana exception. This guide on how to grow marijuana is intended for informational purposes only, and does not imply any endorsement of marijuana cultivation by Mahalo.

Marijuana is an herb, which can be grown in the same manner as most other herbs. It is an annual plant, and requires the equivalent of full sun to flourish.

• • NOTE: This page is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as recommendation by Mahalo for any sort of illegal or unauthorized drug use.

1. Marijuana seeds
   1. These can be purchased online from sources in countries in which it is legally to sell and consume marijuana.
   2. Seeds can be saved from a batch of marijuana that has attributes you'd like to duplicate.
   3. Once you've begun growing marijuana, you can obtain more seeds from your crop.
2. Light
   1. If planted outdoors, select a location which receives full sun.
   2. If planted indoors, plan on 12-18 hours a day of artificial light.
      1. Fluorescent, high pressure sodium, metal halide, or grow lights will all work.
      2. Artificial lights that also generate ultraviolet radiation may produce higher levels of THC.
3. Substrate
   1. If planting outdoors, make sure the soil is loose, friable, and enriched with compost.
   2. Indoor planting should be done in high quality potting soil.
4. Containers
   1. Can be used outdoors as well as indoors if you need to move the plants to follow the sunlight.
   2. Should have holes in the bottom to drain excess water.
5. Fertilizer
6. Water

Plant the seeds three to five inches apart. Marijuana should be planted outdoors in the spring, after the last frost.

1. If you start the plants inside, but plan on moving them outside, you can use peat pots which can be placed directly in the dirt.
2. If you are planting outside, you should have the PH of your soil tested. Marijuana prefers alkaline soil, so if you have acid soil, you'll need to add lime to create optimum growing conditions.

• Keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet. Its important to water well during the first few weeks after the seeds germinate, to help the root system develop. Don't water directly on top of the plant, as you want the roots to have to reach for the water.

• Fertilizing may improve the health of your plants. It's not necessary, but can be done once a week. Don't over fertilize.

• Marijuana plants are not difficult to cultivate. Make sure your plants get enough light, are planted in good quality soil and are watered regularly.

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Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, although it is legalized for medical use in fourteen states. The content in this page is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Please do not think that just because it is legal in your state that you can freely smoke. You must have a medical card that allows you to smoke marijuana.