Although the late Biggie Smalls advised us all against this practice, this is a question I asked myself back in 2014. Then, two years later, I was in Washington, D.C. legally cultivating my very own home grown bud! You’d be surprised how many states have legalized home cultivation. There are still various limitations of course, but the silver lining is: you can get it done legally! In this day and age, learning how to self medicate is crucial. 

Throughout your research you will find there are states that have legalized cultivation for both medicinal and adult-use (21+), however, other states have legalized cultivation for medicinal use only. This means there will be extra measures you will need to take before you can legally cultivate at home. Although we will review the states that allow home cultivation to some degree, make sure to do your own thorough research on your specific county and municipal laws before starting your grow!

Legal Home Cultivation By State

Last Update 12/16/2022

ALASKA 

In Alaska, they permit up to 6 plants per adult 21+, and only 3 of those plants can be mature (flowering). No more than 24 plants per household, and they specify they must be grown in a secure, private location. 

ARIZONA

Arizona, similar to Alaska, permits each adult to grow up to six plants. However, a single household cannot have more than 12 plants, regardless of the number of eligible adults residing there.

CALIFORNIA

California was the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996. Currently, California cultivation laws allow adults 21+ to grow up to 6 cannabis plants per residence, not per individual. Some cities and counties have specific rules for home grows, such as permit requirements or requiring grows to be on your personal property and grown indoors. 

COLORADO

Colorado, similar to Alaska and Arizona, permits up to 6 plants per adult 21+, and only 3 of those plants can be mature. As mentioned previously, make sure to do thorough research on local restrictions specific to your city because some have implemented additional restrictions. For example, in Denver they have limited cultivation to a maximum of 12 plants per household, even if there are three or more adults over the age of 21 in the residence.

CONNECTICUIT

In October of 2021, Connecticut approved for Medical marijuana patients 18 years and older to grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature plants at home, with a cap of 12 total plants per household. They are to be grown indoors at primary residence, and where individuals under 21 can not access the plants. Beginning July 2023, these cultivation laws will apply to all adults 21+. Until then, you must be a medical marijuana patient to legally cultivate in Connecticut.

HAWAII

Qualified medical marijuana patients can grow their own in Hawaii. They are permitted up to 10 plants in the main residence that is owned by the patient and/or caregiver, with no more than 10 plants.

ILLINOIS

Home cultivation in Illinois is legal. however, only if you have a Medical Cannabis Card. But as long as you’re 21+ you are free to grow up to 5 cannabis plants in your home outside of public view and with permission from the owner of course. Plants must be in a locked room, with no access to anyone under 21.

MAINE

Maine’s laws allow for adults 21+ to cultivate up to 3 flowering plants, 12 immature plants and unlimited seedlings. Make sure to follow through and learn the guidelines you must follow to stay compliant.

MARYLAND

Maryland is one of the most recent states to legalize home cultivation, which does not go into effect until July 2023. It’s not until then, adults 21+ will be permitted to grow up to two cannabis plants in their homes for their own personal use.

MASSACHUSETTS

Massachusetts allows for adults 21+ to grow up to 6 plants in their home, with a maximum of 12 plants per household. The plants can’t be visible from a public place without the use of binoculars, aircraft or other optical aids, and they must be grown in an area that has a lock or security device to not be accessible to individuals under 21.

MICHIGAN

Michigan allows cultivation for adult-use, and individuals 21+ may grow up to 12 marijuana plants at their residence only. An adult may not grow marijuana plants “if the plants are visible from a public place” or if the plants are growing outside of a secure area.

MISSOURI 

Missouri is one of the few states that allows 18 year old medical patients to cultivate at home. Not only do you need Dr.’s approval, but you will also need to apply for a cultivation license. Thoroughly research your specific county and municipal regulations before you start your grow!

MONTANA

Montana is another state that approved home cultivation for medical patients 18+, in 2021. They are allowed up to 4 mature plants and 12 seedlings. As far as individuals with no medical conditions are concerned, adults 21+ may cultivate up to two mature plants and two seedlings for private use in a private residence, subject to certain restrictions. Like most state regulations the plants may not be visible to the public.

NEVADA

Nevada has approved adults 21+ to legally grow cannabis plants at home. But the catch is, only if there is not a state-licensed retail cannabis store within 25 miles of the home! Only then can you cultivate up to 6 plants per person, but no more than 12 plants per household. The plants must be grown out of public view and it must be equipped with a lock or other security device. Cannabis county and municipal laws will vary, so make sure to do thorough research on your local laws before you start your grow!

NEW MEXICO

New Mexico cultivation laws allow adults to cultivate up to six mature and six immature cannabis plants at home, with a maximum of 12 mature plants per household.

NEW YORK 

New Yorkers 21 years of age and older can grow up to 6 cannabis plants in their home for personal use (3 mature plants and 3 immature plants) and a maximum of twelve plants per household (6 mature plants and 6 immature plants). 

OKLAHOMA

In Oklahoma, you must first obtain a medical card before you can start cultivating your own. It also has to be done on property you own, or you need written permission to grow from the property owner. Patient card holders may have six mature plants and six immature plants and make sure your plants are out of site from the public view!

OREGON

Oregonians can home grow up to four plants per residence, regardless of how many people live in the residence. Four adults in one residence does not mean 16 plants. The limit is four per residence.

RHODE ISLAND

Rhode Island’s Cannabis Act allows registered medical card holders 21+ to Cultivate up to six plants (of which only three may be mature) at private residences. Like most other states, it must be grown out of public view! As of December 1, 2022, medical marijuana patients and their caregivers will no longer have to pay a fee to grow their own medical marijuana but will still need to register with the CCC.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Amendment A would have approved recreational users to grow at home if they lived in an area where there were no licensed marijuana dispensaries. However, that initiative was struck down in July 2021 by the supreme court.

Until this ruling is overturned, only medical card applicants may apply to cultivate up to two flowering plants and two immature plants that are not flowering in their home.

VERMONT

Vermont allows personal cultivation limited to two mature cannabis plants and four immature cannabis plants regardless of how many adults 21+ reside in the residence. Some other regulations may apply, so make sure to check your local laws before you begin cultivation.

VIRGINIA

In Virginia, adults 21+ may cultivate up to four plants for personal use at their main place of residence. Precautions must be taken to prevent unauthorized access by persons under 21.

WASHINGTON 

In the state of Washington, you must have a qualifying medical condition to grow at home. If you register yourself in the state database to cultivate, patients may grow 6 to 15 plants for their own medicinal use depending on a doctor’s recommendation. The law also allows registered patients to form cooperatives to pool resources to grow plants. Cooperatives must be registered. A non-registered patient may grow up to 4 plants. Make sure to thoroughly review your local county laws to stay compliant!

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

D.C. permits residences to cultivate up to six marijuana plants in their household, no more than three of which are mature. 

Start Your Home Cultivation!

If you live in a state that has been approved for home cultivation, be sure to research and make note of the guidelines your local municipalities are enforcing to stay compliant!

When you’re ready to take the leap, register for the next HeavenlyHerbs Learn to Grow Herb: Beginners Workshop where you will learn:

• The 5 phases of cultivating your home grown bud
• The supplies you’ll need to get started from A to Z
• How to recycle your plant
• Q&A sesh following the workshop where you can ask all the questions you’ve had about growing.

Let’s cultivate and create a more sustainable world! Paradise is just a plant away!