Growing Cannabis

Note only those over the age of 19 are legally allowed to cultivate cannabis but are prohibited from selling the cannabis they grow to anyone. Be sure to keep cannabis plants out of reach of children and pets.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Seeds are available on AshArio.ca Clones (cuttings from plants that have been rooted and are ready to be planted) are not currently available.
  • Cannabis should be harvested approximately 56 –75 days after the plant flowers.
  • After harvesting, cure or hang the plant’s buds for 5–15 days.

Under the current federal legislation, each Ontario residential dwelling may possess up to four (4) cannabis plants for growth indoors or in its yard.

If you want to try growing cannabis at home, there is a lot to consider.  For starters, here are some tips for helping your cannabis plants grow both indoors and out:

How to Start Growing

Starting with Seeds: Soak them overnight in distilled or cooled boiled water. Begin the germination process by lining a saucer with a layer of wet paper towel. Drain any excess water and place the seed(s) on top. If you’re germinating more than one seed at a time, be sure to space them 2.5 inches apart. Using a second layer of damp paper towel, cover the seeds. Cover with a saucer and store in a warm (approximately 21ºC), dark area for a few days, misting the paper towels as needed to keep them moist and checking each day to see if taproots have developed. Taproots usually appear after two or three days (although it can take up to seven days), but planting once that root appears is more important than a specific number of days. Once you see small taproots, transfer them to a small container of grow medium to avoid mould or rot. Once seedlings develop, provide plenty of light and wait about a month before you replant them in your yard or a larger pot.

Starting with Clones: Clones are cuttings from plants that have been rooted and are ready to be planted. AshArio does not currently sell clones.

Growing Conditions

Growing Indoors: Cannabis plants require a lot of attention and very specific conditions to thrive. You’ll need an enclosed space where you can control light and humidity. On average, indoor plants require 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to promote flowering. Younger plants benefit from about 18 hours of light to grow. With less than 12 hours of darkness, the plant stays in a vegetative state where it matures, grows stems and leaves. When the plant is allowed 12 or more hours of darkness, the plant enters the flowering stage where buds form. Watering your indoor cannabis plants regularly with filtered water will help encourage growth.

Growing Outdoors: Cannabis plants are annuals, and because they are not indigenous to our region, outdoor growing is challenging. Plant them outside in mid to late spring in a private fenced-in spot with good soil and plenty of sun and space and water them regularly. It’s your responsibility to make sure all cannabis plants and products are secured and out of reach of children and pets.

Harvesting your cannabis plants

Cannabis plants can be harvested in the flowering stage (usually between 56 and 75 days after flowering). Wait until approximately 60% of the trichomes on the buds turn from milky white to amber. To dry the flowers, use drying racks or hang in a warm, dry, dark, well-ventilated location and cure buds for 5-15 days depending on the density of the flowers and the drying conditions.