If you thought the rules and regulations covering the legalization of cannabis use were complicated, those for growing your own are even more so.
There are now 34 states, plus Washington D.C. that have legalized cannabis either for both recreation and medical use or medical reasons only. Despite this, so far only eighteen of these permit residents to grow their own plants. And, even in these states, the rules are different in terms of who may cultivate marijuana, how many plants can be grown, and the state of maturity.
As each state can determine its own policy there is a general lack of consistency, which is just another reason why a change of law at the federal level would make life so much simpler. One set of regulations covering the whole country would make much more sense and avoid confusion.
For the most up-to-date home growing regulations by state, you can go to Marijuana Policy Project’s State Policy page but below you will find a state by state resume for quick reference.
One area that does seem to apply throughout is that for recreational use the minimum age appears to be 21, and for medical, although no specific age is defined, the conditions that apply are varied and do not always appear to be logical. Read on and see what you think:-
Recreational and Medical States
Alaska
An adult over 21 can grow up to 6 plants but only 3 of these can be at the flowering stage. If more than one adult lives at the address the maximum increases to no more than 12 of which only 6 can be flowering.
California
An adult over 21 can grow up to 6 plants. No additional plants if more adults live at the same address. Medical cannabis patients can grow as many as is required to treat their condition within a 100 sqft area. However, some local restrictions may also exist and amend this blanket rule!
Colorado
An adult over 21 can grow up to 6 plants for recreational or medical use but only 3 of these can be at the flowering stage. Medical users can request to grow more. If someone is a “caregiver”, with more than one patient, and they can have up to 5, can grow a maximum of 36 plants.
Maine
An adult over 21 can grow up to 6 mature plants for recreational or medical use. Where there is more than one adult a residence can have a maximum of six mature plants and 12 immature plants.
Massachusetts
An adult over 21 can grow up to 6 plants for recreational or medical use. A maximum of 12 plants is allowed irrespective of the number of adults on the property.
Michigan
An adult over 21 can grow up to 12 plants for recreational or medical use. A caregiver can grow up to 12 plants per person they care for up to 60 plants. 12 for each of the 5 patients allowed.
Nevada
If you are an adult over 21 and live more than 25 miles from a licensed dispensary you can grow up to 6 plants per person for recreational use but no more than 12 in total. You must also have the owner’s permission if you don’t own the property where you live.
If you are a medical user the same mileage limit applies unless you are unable to travel to the nearest dispensary, or there is no dispensary in the county that stocks the strain needed or does not have sufficient stock! The other exemption is if the patient was already growing their own prior to the 1st of July 2013! Figure that one out.
Oregon
An adult over 21 can grow up to 4 plants for recreational or medical use. A caregiver can grow up to 8 plants but only 6 can be mature at any one time.
Vermont
An adult over 21 can grow up to 9 plants for recreational or medical use, but only 2 can be flowering.
Recreational Growing Only
Washington, D.C.
An adult over 21 can grow up to 6 plants for recreational use of which 3 can be mature and three seedlings. Where more than one adult resides at the address there is a cap of 12 plants. Plants for medical purposes are not allowed. Work that one out!
Medical Growing Only
Arizona
Patients or caregivers who live more than 25 miles from a licensed dispensary can grow up to 12 plants.
Hawaii
Patients or caregivers can grow up to 10 plants for their own use but must register as a grower with the state before they begin to cultivate any plants.
Missouri
Patients can grow up to 6 plants for their own use at home but need to be licensed and paid the appropriate fee.
Montana
A registered cardholder who has named a provider may possess up to 1 ounce of useable marijuana. A registered cardholder who has not named a provider may possess up to 4 mature plants, 12 seedlings, and 1 ounce of useable marijuana. Cards cost 30 and are only issued for specified medical conditions If there are 2 patients living together they can have 8 mature plants and 8 seedlings.
New Mexico
Patients or caregivers can grow up to 16 plants but only 4 can be at the flowering stage.
Oklahoma
Patients can grow up to 6 plants and 6 seedlings for their own use at home.
Rhode Island
Patients or caregivers can grow up to 12 plants and seedlings at their homes.
Washington
Patients only can grow up to 6 plants for their own use at home however, this may be increased up to 15 plants if recommended by a medical practitioner.
