Whether you’re new to marijuana or just curious, it’s important to know where you can legally grow your own. Many states allow adults to grow their own plants, while others prohibit cannabis altogether. In this article, we’ll explore the differences in the laws between these states, and help you determine which state is right for you.
Michigan
If you want to legally grow your own cannabis, Michigan is the state to do it. But there are a few things you need to know before you do it.
The first thing you need to do is apply for a Class A grower license. This is the least stringent of all the Michigan marijuana laws. However, you will still need to pay a $6000 fee.
Next, you will need to establish a business structure. You can do this by creating a company or partnership. Depending on the type of business you will be running, there are different licensing requirements.
One of the biggest issues you will face as a licensed cannabis business owner is choosing the right real estate. This is especially true if you plan to grow marijuana indoors.
As you can imagine, this process can be very time consuming. It also means you will have to select the right team to help you. Selecting the wrong team can mean your business plans get thwarted.
When you are ready to open your cannabis business, you will need to apply for a microbusiness, retailer, or secure transporter license. These are all available through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Your application will be reviewed within 90 days. It is a good idea to seek legal advice before making any decisions.
Finally, you will need to obtain a marijuana establishment license. In Michigan, you can be a primary caregiver for up to five patients. You can only possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana per patient.
Michigan is one of two states where you can legally grow up to 12 plants in your home. The other state is Alaska.
Massachusetts
If you are interested in growing your own cannabis in Massachusetts, you should be familiar with the regulations. Although the law was passed in November of 2016, it is still in the process of being amended. However, the new rules allow adults to grow marijuana indoors.
The minimum age for cultivation in Massachusetts is 21. An adult resident can legally grow six plants for both medical and recreational use.
A personal caregiver may also cultivate cannabis for a patient. However, a caregiver must be at least 21 years old and demonstrate financial hardship.
Adult residents can possess up to ten ounces of cannabis in their primary residence. Marijuana products must be stored in a secure location. Failure to do so can result in a $300 civil penalty.
You can share one ounce of cannabis with a friend or family member. It is legal to give marijuana to anyone aged 21 or older. Giving someone less than 21 a small amount of cannabis could result in a fine.
Adults who grow marijuana at home in Massachusetts can cultivate up to twelve plants. Seedlings can be planted as early as April.
To start a grow operation, you will need a license. Licensing fees depend on the size of your operation. Generally, a microbusiness must pay 50% of the annual license fee.
There are 11 tiers of licenses available. Each tier is based on square feet. Applicants must provide information on the business and demonstrate their understanding of the commission’s regulations.
The Cannabis Control Commission has the power to conduct inspections of your grow facility. Additionally, the state will request your fingerprints and request a background check.
Missouri
If you are a resident of Missouri, you can legally grow your own cannabis. However, there are some rules to follow to do it. For instance, you must have a valid ID card. This ID will give you access to state-licensed dispensaries and cultivation facilities.
You will also need to have a secure location for your plants. It must be locked and accessible only to you.
The first step in the process is to get a home cultivation ID card. These cards are only available from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Once you have your card, you will be able to cultivate up to six plants. However, you can only cultivate marijuana in one area at a time. Your personal cultivation ID will last for one year.
To qualify for a medical marijuana cultivation card, you must have a qualifying medical condition. A qualifying condition is a severe illness that impacts your quality of life. You must also have a recommendation from a licensed physician.
In addition, you must grow your marijuana in a secure place. This is a good idea since police can sometimes accuse you of drug dealing.
You must submit an application to the DHSS to apply for a cultivation license. Application forms will not be accepted until the month of January. Those applying for a recreational cannabis license will also need to submit an application.
As of January 7, 2023, you will be able to purchase and grow your own cannabis. These products will be sold at licensed retail outlets.
Before you start, you should learn more about growing your own bud. There is a 22-lesson online course at Cannabis Training University.
Rhode Island
In May of 2022, Rhode Island will legalize recreational marijuana. This means that it is now possible for residents of the state to grow their own cannabis. Currently, however, there are several restrictions.
The law also prohibits adults from using cannabis in the workplace. If a business is involved in selling marijuana, then it must apply for a license. It is important to remember that the application process may require hundreds of pages of technical documentation. Moreover, fees are another barrier to entry.
Additionally, adults over 21 years old cannot grow more than three mature plants. Only registered patients may possess more than five mature plants. Patients must have at least one caregiver. Caregivers must be at least 21 years old, able to provide proof of residency and pass a background check.
The law also establishes a regulatory commission. The commission will be responsible for overseeing the legalization of cannabis in the state. Members will be appointed by the governor with input from the leaders of the General Assembly.
Another change introduced by the legislation is the inclusion of PTSD on the list of qualifying conditions. In addition, it has been proposed to eliminate fees for medical cannabis patients.
Rhode Island is one of the highest states in the country in terms of marijuana use. There are currently three compassion centers operating in the state. Compassion centers provide marijuana to patients who qualify for medical marijuana.
Adults 21 and older may purchase marijuana from compassion centers. The only exception is if the purchaser is a registered patient or a caregiver. A person can only be an authorized purchaser if they are at least 21 years old and live in Rhode Island. However, if they live outside of the state, they must complete a background check.
Washington
You may have heard about the possibility of growing your own cannabis in Washington state. There are numerous laws on the books that regulate the production of marijuana. In order to grow your own cannabis you must obtain a license.
It’s legal to grow six plants for medical use, but if you want to grow more than that you need to get a recommendation from a physician. The law also allows for cooperative gardens, which are basically gardening clubs for patients. A group of registered patients can grow up to 15 plants together.
There are many different types of businesses that can hold a producer license. Some of them are out-of-state financiers, though they must be US citizens. Also, they must be Washington residents for at least six months.
Before you decide to start a marijuana growing business you should research the legal requirements and regulations. You’ll need a business plan and financing. Depending on the type of business you choose, you may need permits for things like hazardous waste management and air quality.
There’s also the question of location. If you’re in a neighborhood where it’s not allowed, you may have to find an alternative. An out-of-the-way location can be advantageous, especially if you want to avoid zoning requirements.
For example, if you live in Seattle, you must comply with the city’s zoning rules. You can’t grow marijuana in front of a school.
In addition, you must be at least 100 feet away from a public park, playground or recreation center. Your grow site must have a “sight obscure” wall and be enclosed by a fence.
One of the biggest objections to the idea of home growing is the fear that it will fuel black market drug sales. However, some experts believe that the market for home-grown marijuana could actually expand, bringing in more diverse products to the market.
