In June 2019, Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational cannabis. Medicinal cannabis had been legalized back in 2013. With both forms of cannabis being legal in the Prairie State, residents are now able to enjoy several liberties, including cultivating cannabis at home.
Why grow cannabis at home when you can purchase it from the dispensary?
For those with a green thumb, the chance to grow cannabis at home is nothing short of thrilling. For those on a budget, home cultivation will save you some bucks. Over and above that, you can cultivate what you exactly need and do it to the highest standard.
If you are considering growing your own weed in Illinois, there are a couple of things that you should know before you set out. Remember that cannabis is classified as a schedule 1 substance by the DEA. Consequently, it is highly regulated. Unlike other crops, the law decides where weeds can be grown in Illinois and how many plants. Read below to understand more.
Who Can Grow Cannabis at Home in Illinois?
Unfortunately, only medical marijuana patients can cultivate cannabis at home in Illinois. That means that recreational users have to source all their stash from an adult-use dispensary, at a handsome cost.
To apply for an Illinois medical marijuana card, one has to be at least 21 years old. Minors will need the help of a caregiver. With a valid medical marijuana card, you will be able to cultivate cannabis at home.
How Many Weed Plants Can You Grow in Illinois?
Don’t assume that just because you have an MMJ card you will be filling your whole backyard with weed. Not at all. You are only allowed to cultivate a maximum of five cannabis plants at a go. And they should grow to a height of five inches.
Where Can You Grow Weed in Illinois?
While you can grow weed in your personal residence there are still more rules to dictate how this should be done. First, the weed must be cultivated in an enclosed space so that outsiders cannot catch a whiff of the pot smell. Second, minors should not be allowed into the cultivation room on any occasion. If you are renting the residence, then you will need explicit permission from the property owner.
Here are the four conditions that you must meet to legally grow weed in Illinois:
- Have a valid medical marijuana card
- Have an enclosed space to grow weeds that is hidden from public view
- Keep children out of your grow station
- If you are renting the space ensure that you have permission from the property owner
FAQ: Growing Weeds in Illinois
A: Yes, it is legal to grow certain types of weeds in Illinois, provided you obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
A: You can grow industrial hemp, marijuana, and hemp-derived products in Illinois, as long as you have the necessary license.
A: Yes, the amount of weeds you can grow in Illinois is limited to the amount specified in your license.
A: Yes, you must comply with the regulations and requirements outlined in your license, such as ensuring that you are growing the appropriate varieties, following specific planting and harvesting procedures, and submitting regular reports to the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Final Note
Once you have met the criteria to cultivate weed at home in Illinois you can proceed to order some quality seeds (or clones) and launch your operation. However, this is not as simple as growing some basil in your garden. Cannabis requires lots of skill and attention.
If you are a first-timer, it is advisable to get yourself acquainted with a cannabis-grow course that will give you all the information that you will need to have a successful operation. Learn about the light, humidity, and temperature requirements because these are very specific for cannabis. If you fail at the first attempt, don’t despair. Go back to the books, find out what went wrong, and purpose to do better at the next attempt.
Medical marijuana patients in Illinois can grow up to five plants at home. This may change with time to allow recreational users to also practice home cultivation. We promise to keep you updated when this happens.
