Article by Solomon Israel, The Leaf News
Canadian federal law now allows adults to grow as many as four marijuana plants at home for personal use. (Manitobans and Quebeckers are prohibited from doing so by provincial law, and municipalities and landlords could add more restrictions.)
Growing legal cannabis could be as simple as throwing four seeds in a pot and seeing what happens — they don’t call it weed for nothing, and cannabis is famous for growing under all kinds of conditions.
But Canadians interested in growing high-quality marijuana at home should be prepared to spend time and money on their hobby, according to expert cannabis grower Jon Bent.
Bent is a designated grower for medical cannabis patients under Health Canada’s old MMAR regime, with more than two decades of growing experience. He’s also the former owner of two retail hydroponics retailers, and an online hydroponics store. Plus, Bent is the head grower at licensed cannabis producer Bonify in Winnipeg.
The Leaf News visited Bent’s Manitoba farm to get basic tips on what prospective cannabis farmers need to know before they grow.
Is it safe to grow cannabis in my home?
We’ve all heard horror stories about illegal cannabis grow-operations lurking inside suburban homes. Mould and moisture damage are definitely possible, and high-voltage lights are a potential fire hazard if installed incorrectly.
Those risks can be managed with foresight, planning and professional help, said Bent.
“Have a proper electrician wire your setup,” he said. “That’s the No. 1 thing… you’ll just have peace of mind.”
Proper air ventilation — bringing in fresh air from outside the growing room and exhausting hot, humid air directly outdoors — is the key to preventing mould and mildew, Bent said.