New Jersey has recently entered the fold of states that permit the use of medical marijuana. This change has paved the path for the operation of Pot Clubs, Marijuana Dispensaries, and Medical Weed Shops in cities like Manville, Branchburg, and Raritan. If you are part of the vast number of medical marijuana users in New Jersey who want to experience the rewarding process of cultivating your own plants, we present you with this DIY guide.
Before you venture into this newfound green thumb journey, remember that the legal cultivation of medical marijuana is only acceptable if you have a valid medical marijuana patient card. According to the NJ Health Department, certain health conditions are required for a medical marijuana recommendation. They include Glaucoma, Intractable skeletal spasticity, Multiple Sclerosis, and more.
The first step is to get quality seeds from trusted sources. You could either purchase from the myriad options available in retail Medical Weed Shops, or directly from credible online vendors. Be sure to pick the correct seed that aligns with your therapeutic needs – some strains are better for pain management, while others help with insomnia or anxiety.
Next, is the cultivation of your seeds into green, budding plants. Begin by germinating your seeds in a warm, dark area for 24-48 hours. Then, plant them 1 inch into the soil. This is where you’ll need some patience. It will take 3-7 days for your plant to sprout. Soon, the seedling will graduate into the vegetative stage; characterized by a phase of rapid growth for up to 6 weeks.
Once the flowering phase begins, you might want to determine your plant’s sex- male plants are generally less potent than females. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the males to avoid pollination and maintain high-quality buds. A close eye will be needed upon these budding plants to protect them from pests and keep them watered and well-fed.
After months of nurturing growth, your crop will be ready for harvest. There are signs that you need to keenly monitor, the most telling one is when the trichomes (the tiny crystals on the buds) change from a clear to amber coloring.
Last, but not least, is the process of curing your harvested marijuana. The buds should be hung upside down in a room set to approximately 50% humidity and kept dark for about two weeks. Afterwards, place the now dried buds in a sealed jar, stored in a cool, dark place to cure for another few weeks. This process enhances flavor and potency.
Through this DIY guide, we hope you found the required resources to successfully grow your medical marijuana plant at home. Following this guide, you’ll yield high-quality medical marijuana that rivals the ones found in your nearby Marijuana Dispensary in Branchburg, NJ.