How to Grow Cannabis: A Beginner’s Guide

Want to save money, control what goes into your cannabis, or just enjoy a new hobby? Cultivating your own plants can be your thing. More people are choosing to grow their own at home due to Canada’s legalization of recreational cannabis. But getting started can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. 

That’s why we’ve put together this beginner-friendly guide tailored to Canadian laws, climate, and resources. From selecting seeds to drying your final product, everything you need to know is right here, including compliance. Let’s break it down step by step so you can grow safe, high-quality cannabis at home.

Understanding Cannabis: Basics You Need to Know

Cannabis has grown from taboo to mainstream, but many still don’t know the basics. Understanding cannabis starts with the essentials, such as its effects, legality, and uses. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started:

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a flowering plant known for its chemical compounds, cannabinoids like THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, affecting everything from mood to inflammation. 

There are three main types of cannabis plants: sativa, indica, and ruderalis. Each has distinct growth traits and effects. Sativas grow tall and offer uplifting effects, while indicas are shorter and are known for their relaxing qualities. Due to its automatic flowering trait, Ruderalis is usually used in autoflowering hybrids.

Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis

Medical cannabis is used to help with chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and various medical conditions. This requires a prescription from a healthcare provider. Recreational cannabis, legalized in Canada since 2018, is accessible to adults 18 or 19+, depending on your province. You’re allowed to grow cannabis at home for personal use, up to four plants per household in most provinces. 

Note: Quebec and Manitoba currently prohibit home cultivation for recreational use.

How Long Does It Take to Grow Cannabis?

The time it takes to grow cannabis varies depending on the strain, growing conditions, and method used. Cannabis plants take about 3 to 5 months from germination to harvest. 

The process starts with germination (3-10 days), followed by the seedling stage (2-3 weeks), vegetative growth (3-8 weeks), and flowering (6-12 weeks). Indoor growers often control the environment for faster growth, while outdoor growers rely on seasonal weather. Factors such as lighting, nutrients, and plant care can influence the timeline, making some plants grow faster or slower than others.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Seeds

Picking the right seeds is the first step toward a successful cannabis grow. For beginner and seasoned growers, here’s what to know before placing your seed order in Canada.

Where to Buy Seeds Legally in Canada?

Buying cannabis seeds in Canada is legal, but only if you know where to look. From licensed online retailers to government-run stores, here’s what you need to know before ordering your next batch of legal, high-quality seeds.

1. Licensed Retailers

Cannabis seeds must be purchased from provincially licensed online stores or physical retailers. This ensures you’re getting quality, regulated genetics.

2. Seed Banks with Canadian Approval

Some established seed banks ship to Canada legally. Always check if they’re authorized by your province before buying.

3. Avoid Unverified Sources

Seeds from unknown sellers may not germinate or could produce unpredictable results. Legal sources are safer and more reliable.

Feminized, Autoflowering, and Regular Seeds

Feminized seeds are a top pick for growers who want guaranteed buds. These seeds grow into female plants only, making them ideal for maximizing yield. Here’s why feminized seeds are popular across Canada’s home-growing scene.

1. Feminized Seeds

These are bred to produce only female plants, which grow the buds. Ideal for beginners who want consistent, usable results.

2. Autoflowering Seeds

Great for fast, low-maintenance grows. They bloom automatically after a few weeks, regardless of light cycle, making them perfect for small spaces.

3. Regular Seeds

These produce both male and female plants. They’re best for breeders or those looking to create their own strains through pollination.

Choosing the Right Strain

With hundreds of cannabis strains out there, finding the right one isn’t always easy. From calming indicas to energizing sativas, knowing what works for your body and goals makes all the difference in your wellness.

1. Consider THC vs. CBD

High-THC strains offer a stronger psychoactive effect, while CBD-dominant ones provide therapeutic relief without the high.

2. Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing

Choose strains suited for your growing environment. Some thrive indoors under lights, others perform better outdoors in Canadian summers.

3. Match to Your Experience Level

Some strains are more forgiving than others. Start with easy-grow strains if you’re new, then experiment with more advanced varieties.

Growing Cannabis: Indoor vs. Outdoor

Choosing between indoor and outdoor cannabis growing depends on your budget, climate, and personal goals. Each method has its perks and challenges. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what suits you best.

Indoor Growing

Indoor cannabis cultivation gives you complete control over the environment. You can regulate temperature, humidity, light, and airflow year-round to create the ideal plant conditions. This level of control often leads to consistent results and faster harvest cycles. 

However, it comes at a cost. Setting up an indoor grow requires an upfront investment in equipment like grow lights, fans, ventilation, and sometimes even carbon filters for odour control. Despite the higher expense, indoor growing is discreet and ideal for those living in shared spaces or areas where privacy is a concern.

Outdoor Growing

Outdoor cannabis growing relies on natural sunlight and fresh air, making it a cost-effective choice. You don’t need to invest in expensive lighting or climate control systems. This method is great for beginners with access to a secure yard or garden, and it typically results in larger plants and higher yields. 

However, success heavily depends on local climate and the time of year. In Canada, outdoor growing is mostly limited to late spring through early fall due to the short growing season and risk of frost.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you want multiple harvests per year and more control, indoor growing is worth the investment. But outdoor growing is a solid option if you prefer a budget-friendly approach with natural conditions and have the space.

Aspect	Indoor Growing	Outdoor Growing
Control	Full control over light, temperature, and humidity	Dependent on the natural environment and weather
Cost	Higher startup cost (lights, fans, grow tents, etc.)	Lower cost, uses sunlight and natural airflow
Yield Size	Generally, smaller plants, lower yields	Larger plants with potential for bigger yields
Harvest Cycles	Multiple harvests per year are possible	Typically, one harvest per year (spring to fall)
Privacy	Very discreet; can be hidden inside homes or grow tents	Less discreet unless in a secure, private outdoor space
Maintenance	Requires more monitoring and equipment adjustments	Less technical but more vulnerable to pests and weather
Environmental Impact	Higher energy consumption due to artificial lighting	More eco-friendly, relies on natural resources
Learning Curve	Steeper learning curve, more setup, and precision needed	Easier for beginners with basic gardening knowledge

Cannabis Growing Supplies and Setup

Thinking of growing cannabis at home in Canada? You’ll need the right supplies, a clear budget, and a legal source for your equipment to get started successfully. Here’s a practical setup guide to help you begin.

What You’ll Need?

Growing cannabis at home takes more than just seeds and soil. From lighting to nutrients, every step matters for healthy plants. Here’s a quick look at the essential tools and supplies you’ll need to start your cannabis cultivation journey.

Seeds

Choose from feminized, autoflowering, or regular seeds based on your growth space and experience level.

Soil or Hydroponic System

Soil is beginner-friendly. Hydroponics allows faster growth but needs more precision.

Pots/Containers

Use breathable pots (like fabric pots) for better root health and drainage.

Lights (LED, HID)

LED lights are energy-efficient and run cooler. HID lights (HPS or MH) offer stronger output but produce more heat.

Fans and Ventilation

Proper airflow prevents mold and keeps temperature and humidity in check.

Nutrients

Cannabis needs tailored nutrients for vegetative and flowering stages. Look for products labelled for cannabis.

pH Testing Kits

Ensuring the right pH (5.8–6.5) in soil or water helps plants absorb nutrients effectively.

Estimated Startup Cost in Canada

Setting up a basic indoor grow room can cost between $500 and $1,500 CAD. The price varies depending on the quality of lights, grow tent size, and whether you choose soil or hydroponics.

Where to Buy Supplies?

You can find cannabis grow supplies at licensed Canadian retailers. Always verify legality and product reviews before purchasing.

Cannabis Growth Stages: Step-by-Step Guide 

Understanding each stage helps you care for your plants properly and maximize yields. Here’s a step-by-step guide covering the five major growth stages, from seed to harvest.

Germination (3–10 days)

This is the first and most delicate phase. Cannabis seeds need moisture, warmth (around 70–85°F), and darkness to sprout. You’ll know germination is successful when a small white root (taproot) appears. Many growers use the paper towel method, placing seeds between moist paper towels in a warm spot. Once the taproot is 0.5–1 inch long, it’s time to plant it root-down into soil or another medium.

Seedling Stage (2–3 weeks)

After planting, your seed enters the seedling phase. It sprouts tiny leaves called cotyledons, followed by serrated cannabis leaves. At this point, the plant is very fragile, keeping humidity high (around 65–70%) and lighting soft but consistent (18–24 hours daily). Avoid overwatering; seedlings have small root systems that are easily damaged. Healthy seedlings develop 4–8 true leaf sets before moving into vegetative growth.

Vegetative Stage (3–8 weeks)

This is when growth takes off. Your plant focuses on building leaves, stems, and a strong root system. Increase light intensity and ensure your plant gets 18 hours of light daily. Lower humidity slightly (50–70%), and introduce nitrogen-rich nutrients to support foliage growth. At this stage, you can start training methods like topping or low-stress training (LST) to control height and shape. Repotting may be necessary if the roots outgrow the container.

Flowering Stage (6–12 weeks)

This is the most important stage, where your plant produces buds. Switch the light schedule to 12 hours on/12 hours off to trigger flowering. In the first 1–2 weeks, your plant will stretch and show pre-flowers (small pistils or sacs). Female plants develop buds, while males produce pollen sacs (remove these if not breeding). Reduce nitrogen and increase phosphorus and potassium in your nutrients. Keep humidity around 40–50% and monitor for pests or mould closely.

Harvesting

It’s harvest time when 70–90% of the pistils have darkened, and trichomes turn milky white or amber under magnification. Use sharp, sterilized scissors to cut branches, and begin the drying process by hanging buds in a dark, well-ventilated room for 7-14 days. Once dried, cure buds in airtight jars for 2-4 weeks to improve flavour, potency, and shelf life. Patience pays off here, and proper curing makes a big difference in quality.

Drying and Curing Cannabis

Drying and curing are crucial post-harvest steps that directly affect your cannabis’ flavour, aroma, and potency. Rushing this process can ruin weeks of hard work, so here’s a simple breakdown of how to dry and cure cannabis the right way.

Drying Process

After harvesting, hang trimmed branches upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room with 50–60% humidity and temperatures around 18–21°C (65–70°F). Good airflow is key; use fans to circulate air without blowing directly on buds. This process typically takes 7–14 days. Buds are ready when stems snap instead of bend, and the outsides feel dry but not brittle. Avoid high heat or sunlight, both degrade THC and terpenes.

Curing

Once dried, place buds in airtight glass jars (not plastic) and store them in a cool, dark space. For the first 1–2 weeks, open jars once daily for 10–15 minutes to release moisture and allow fresh air in; this is called “burping.” After two weeks, burp jars every few days. The full curing process can take 2–4 weeks, but many growers cure for up to 6–8 weeks for the best taste and smoothness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A little patience during drying and curing pays off with smoother smoke and higher-quality buds.

• Drying too fast: Using heat or low humidity dries buds unevenly and ruins flavour.
• Skipping curing: Uncured weed tastes harsh and smells grassy.
• Not burping jars: Leads to mould and inconsistent curing.
• Using plastic containers: These hold moisture and can ruin bud texture.

Conclusion

Growing cannabis in Canada is legal, manageable, and cost-effective if you follow the right steps. From choosing reliable seeds to dialling in your environment, success is all about attention and patience. Follow this guide closely, and you’ll produce top-quality cannabis with confidence, right from home. 

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FAQs About Growing Cannabis