Want to grow your own cannabis? Here’s a few easy steps to success

(AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico)

Maybe you’re not happy with the flower at your local cannabis shop. Maybe you’re trying to stay home more because of the pandemic.

Under the federal Cannabis Act, adults over the age of 19 are legally allowed to cultivate up to four cannabis plants per household so long as they are not for sale. Some provinces and territories have added additional restrictions and requirements, though, which you can find here.

So say you’ve picked up a cannabis seedling; here’s how to make sure it thrives.

First off, you need to choose the right pot.

Like many plants, cannabis needs enough space for the roots to grow, but not so much that its not able to absorb all the water from the soil. And like always, make sure it has drainage holes or you’re on the road to root rot.

Then there’s caring for your plant.

According to Weedmaps, you want to keep the soil damp but never soaked because cannabis plants have a small root system. Thankfully, there’s a few signs to look for that hint you’re going offtrack.

If you see any of the following, that’s a sign you need to change what you’re doing: a dark green colour, instead of a bright green; leaf tips that look burned; curling tips; yellowing leaves. You can also give it a few sprays every

As far as lighting is concerned, Weedmaps says cannabis seedlings need as much sun as possible.

A full day of sun is perfect but of course you can’t control the weather. You can supplement with grow lights, or exclusively use them for abot 18 hours a day. The remaining six hours the plant should be in the dark.

If you follow all those steps, you’re on your way to success with a beautiful and potent mature cannabis plant.