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Looking to grow medical cannabis in Colorado? There are a few things you need to know in order to do so legally. Read on for a complete guide.
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Introduction
In 2000, Coloradoans passed Amendment 20, which allows qualifying patients to receive a medical marijuana registry ID card. Patients are allowed to possess up to two ounces of usable marijuana (the dried flowers or leaves of the cannabis plant, also known as bud), and grow up to six marijuana plants (with no more than three of those plants being mature and flowering at any one time).
The Basics of Growing Cannabis in Colorado
Growing your own medical cannabis in Colorado is a great way to have a steady supply of medication. However, there are a few things you need to know before you start growing. This guide will outline the basics of growing cannabis in Colorado, including the legalities and best practices.
Soil
There are a variety of ways to grow cannabis, but soil is the most common. Growing in soil gives the plants some support and allows the roots to breathe. It also provides nutrients for the plant as it grows.
If you’re growing cannabis in Colorado, you’ll need to make sure that your soil is of good quality. There are many different types of soils available, but not all of them are ideal for growing cannabis. You’ll want to make sure that your soil has a good mixture of sand, loam, and clay. This will ensure that your plant has enough drainage and aeration while still being able to retain moisture.
You should also make sure that your soil is pH balanced. Cannabis plants prefer a slightly acidic environment, with a pH between 6 and 7. If your soil is too alkaline or too acidic, it can cause problems for your plants. You can test the pH of your soil with a simple testing kit from a gardening store.
Once you’ve found some good-quality soil, you’ll need to prepare it for planting. You should till the soil to loosen it up and remove any large rocks or debris. Then, you’ll need to add some organic matter to the soil. This could be in the form of compost, manure, or another type of organic matter. This will help improve the nutrient content of the soil and provide food for your plants as they grow.
After you’ve prepared the soil, you’re ready to start planting!
Lighting
In general, cannabis plants need about 16 hours of light per day to stay in the vegetative stage. This means that if you are growing cannabis indoors, you will need to provide some kind of artificial lighting. The most common type of artificial lighting for cannabis is fluorescent lighting, which is inexpensive and easy to find. However, some growers prefer to use high-intensity discharge (HID) lights, which are more expensive but provide more light.
If you are growing cannabis outdoors, you will need to provide enough light to keep the plants in the vegetative stage. This can be done by planting the cannabis near a south-facing wall or by using reflective materials to bounce light back onto the plants.
Nutrients and Fertilizers
Cannabis plants need nutrients just like any other plant. However, because cannabis is grown in a variety of conditions and media, it can be difficult to generalize what nutrients they need and when they need them. In general, cannabis plants need macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium), secondary nutrients (Calcium, Sulfur, and Magnesium), and micronutrients (Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Boron, Molybdenum, Chlorine).
Cannabis plants also need different amounts of each nutrient depending on what stage of growth they are in. For example, during the vegetative stage, cannabis plants need more nitrogen than any other nutrient. However, during the flowering stage, phosphorus becomes the most important nutrient.
Different growing media will also affect how much and what type of fertilizer you need to give your cannabis plants. For example, if you are growing in soil, you will not need to fertilize as often as if you are growing in coco coir or hydroponics. The best way to figure out how to fertilize your cannabis plants is to get a soil test done or consult with a professional who knows about cannabis cultivation.
Watering
Cannabis plants need a lot of water, especially during the vegetative stage when they are growing the most. For mature plants, especially those in hot climates, you may need to water twice a day. Depending on your climate and the time of year, your plant may need as much as a gallon (4 L) per day. Use your finger to check the moisture in the soil before watering; if it’s still moist, wait another day or two.
Overwatering is just as bad as underwatering, so be careful not to give your plants too much water. Too much water can drowned the roots and lead to mold or mildew problems. If you think your plant might be overwatered, let the soil dry out for a day or two before watering again.
Ventilation and Temperature
Cannabis ventilation is important for removing excess heat, humidity, and smoke from the grow room. Good ventilation will also help to prevent the spread of mold and pests. There are a few different ways to ventilate a grow room, but the most common method is to use an exhaust fan and a fresh air intake.
The ideal temperature for growing cannabis is between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, Cannabis can still be successfully grown outside of this temperature range. If the temperature gets too hot or too cold, it can stress the plants and reduce the yield.
To keep your grow room at the ideal temperature, you will need to have a way to regulate the temperature. The best way to do this is to use an air conditioner or a heating system. If you are using an air conditioner, you will also need to use an exhaust fan to remove the hot air from the grow room.
The Legal Side of Growing Cannabis in Colorado
In Colorado, it is legal to grow medical cannabis for personal use. There are however, a few things you need to know before you start growing. First, you need to have a valid medical marijuana card. Second, you can only grow a certain number of plants depending on the amount of medicine you need. Finally, you need to make sure your plants are not visible to the public.
Licensing
To grow medical cannabis in Colorado, you must have a license from the state. The license costs $200 and is good for two years. It allows you to grow up to six plants. You can get a license from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Zoning
The City and County of Denver regulates medical and retail marijuana businesses through the city’s zoning code. The city currently does not allow retail marijuana businesses in residential areas. Most commercial areas in the city are zoned for retail marijuana, but there are some areas where retail marijuana is not allowed. Retail marijuana businesses are also not allowed within 1,000 feet of schools.
If you want to open a retail marijuana business in Denver, you must first check to see if the zoning for the location you want to use is compatible with retail marijuana businesses. You can use the city’s zoning map to check the zoning for a specific address. If you are unsure about the zoning of an area, you can contact the City Planning Department at 720-913-1311.
Security
The legal side of growing cannabis in Colorado is complex and ever-changing. As more states legalize marijuana for medical and recreational use, the laws governing its cultivation, distribution, and sale become more intricate. In Colorado, cannabis cultivation is regulated by the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED).
To legally grow cannabis in Colorado, you must obtain a state-issued license. The type of license you need depends on the size of your operation and whether you plan to grow marijuana for personal use or sell it to dispensaries.
All cannabis growers in Colorado must adhere to strict security requirements. Dispensaries are required to have video surveillance systems that cover all areas where cannabis is grown, processed, or stored. These systems must be able to record and store footage for at least 45 days.
Growers must also take measures to secure their premises against theft. This may include installing fencing, motion-activated lighting, and alarm systems.
Waste Disposal
All growers are required to properly dispose of their waste, including but not limited to: dead plants, leaves, roots, and soil. Growers are encouraged to compost their waste whenever possible. If composting is not possible, growers must dispose of their waste in a landfill.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that it is still illegal to grow cannabis for recreational purposes in Colorado. Only those with a medical marijuana license are allowed to grow cannabis plants. If you are caught growing cannabis without a license, you could face severe penalties, including prison time.
