Wanna Grow Your Own Weed in Michigan? Here’s How to Get Started.

The 101 on starting your cannabis cultivation journey in the Mitten.

MICHIGAN—Curious about getting your grow on? Well, you’re in luck. Michigan is a prime location for enthusiasts to cultivate the herb right at home—green thumb not required. 

Really! You don’t need to be a gardening guru to embark on this adventure. All you need is some basic knowledge and a solid understanding of Michigan’s laws on recreational cannabis cultivation.

Consider this guide the launching pad to your ganja growing journey. By next season, you’ll be in the comfort of your own home, donning your gardening gloves and watering can, with a big smile on your face.

7 Steps to Starting Your Michigan Ganja Garden

Step 1: Enter the Cannabis Classroom

Congrats, you’ve already begun this step. Your goal is to understand the different stages of plant growth, lighting requirements, nutrient needs, and pest management techniques. Knowledge is power, my friend.

Step 2: Gear Up

To create the optimal environment for your cannabis plants, you’ll need the right gear. Start with a grow tent or a dedicated indoor space where you can control the temperature, humidity, and seasonal sunlight or artificial lighting installations. Don’t forget about ventilation systems, fans, and air filters to keep your plants happy and healthy – especially in those Michigan basements.

Step 3: The Seed Stork

(Photo via Esteban López on Unsplash)

Decide whether you want to start from seeds or clones. Seeds allow you to start from scratch and experience the joys of germination, while clones provide a head start by giving you genetically identical, mature plants. Whichever route you choose, make sure to source your seeds or clones from reputable and reliable sources. In Michigan, you can legally buy them at a local dispensary or have them delivered directly to your doorstep through a reputable online seed bank.

We’ve got a couple resources to recommend here:

You can use Leafly in Michigan as a resource to peruse which local dispensaries in your region have seeds for sale, the strains and genetic information, and prices. 

For online purchases, ILGM (I Love Growing Marijuana) and Herbies USA Express are widely trusted sources among Michigan experts. 

Growers Choice Seeds has a thorough breakdown of seed selections (and prices) across major Michigan cities. Here you’ll find that you can snag a package of seeds starting at $30.

Step 4: From Basement to Bud Room

One threat to a cannabis plant being grown indoors in Michigan is humidity. Your best bet is to get your growing space as controlled as possible to prevent any “natural disasters” in your new garden. Here are the three major needs of your baby buds in your indoor grow space or tent:

• The temperature should consistently stay between 70-85°F.
• Keep your humidity levels around 40-50%.
• 18 hours of light with 6 hours of darkness is recommended during the vegetative stage.

And just a few extra notes for Michigan indoor gardens:

• Be sure to install your grow light at the proper distance from the plants – this will avoid any burning or stretching of the plants, which are two common mistakes.
• Use a timer to control your lighting schedule so that you’ve automated the process. Some even come with mobile apps to help care for your baby plants with diligence.

Step 5: TLC

(Photo via Jhon David on Unsplash)

Like humans and our furry loved ones, growing cannabis plants need a balanced diet to thrive. You don’t want to cut corners on quality soil, and it’s wise to really understand your hydroponic system because there will be different needed nutrients for each stage of growth in your new ganja garden. Thankfully, Michigan has no shortage of hydroponic shops where you can chat with your local experts to get a crash course or take your know-how to the next level. 

Try these Michigan stores if you’re a first-time shopper:

• Grow Green MI in Whitmore Lake
• GrowGeneration Hydroponics Store (multiple locations including Grand Rapids, Lansing, Traverse City, and Jackson)
• Discount Hydro in Oak Park

Step 6: Let Them Drink Up—But Not Too Much

We know, it’s a delicate balance: Don’t drown your plants, but don’t let them go thirsty either. The trick here is to water your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry, but be careful not to overwater or saturate the water any lower because this can lead to root rot—and the demise of your plant.

Step 7: Happy Harvest!

(Photo via Esteban López on Unsplash)

Harvesting cannabis is the grand finale of your garden. As a rule of thumb, harvesting happens about 8-12 weeks after flowering begins, followed by a 7-14 day drying period. 

But it’s the part where you get to personalize your experience because how you harvest affects the flavor and effects of your plant. Your best bet as a beginner is to watch the trichomes—those pretty crystals of resin on each bud. 

• Clear trichomes offer a light and uplifting vibe.
• Milky trichomes are chock full of THC and deliver that full cerebral journey.
• Golden amber trichomes are what give those full-body calming effects.

Keep your ganja fresh in a cool, dark space, and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

The Legal Speak for Michigan Grows

Your plant should be on its way to the best batch of bud made with the most love. 

But we should definitely have a little talk about the legal nitty-gritty. 

Michigan legalized adult-use recreational cannabis in 2018, meaning as long as you’re 21 years or older here, you can grow your own ganja without worrying about being chased by flashing lights and sirens. 

Still, it’s good to familiarize yourself with the state’s rules and regulations to avoid any unpleasant encounters with law enforcement—whether violating a local ordinance or inadvertently breaking a part of the recreational cannabis laws we have. 

These are the must-know legalities to get started:

• Plants in Michigan must be kept in an enclosed, secure area that is not accessible to the public. So, no matter how green your thumb, it’s not a good idea to have a community garden on your property.
• Plants cannot be visible from outside your property or to the unaided eye of the public or your potentially nosey neighbors. 
• The grow area must be closed and locked so that only you and those who have your permission can access the plants. This rule is a practical no-brainer to deter your plants from getting into the hands of children or any potential bud bandits.

To sum it up, as they say: “Good fences make good neighbors.”