Cannabis Cultivation

Cannabis cultivation is the cultivation of the cannabis plant. Species of the Cannabis genus include C. sativa, C. indica, C. ruderalis, and "C. hybrids". Cannabis is grown for a variety of purposes, including as a source of materials for use in various products, such as food, clothing, cosmetics and fuel and for the production of cannabis material (aka marijuana). This article, however, concentrates on cultivation of the latter. Cultivation techniques for other purposes are very different: see Hemp.

The drug material is used medicinally, recreationally, and spiritually, but its use is mostly illegal. See: Legal issues of cannabis.

The legal status of marijuana has led growers to novel cultivation methods for implementation indoors (due to aerial surveillance), such as hydroponics, aeroponics (itself a form of hydroponics), as well as organic cultivation methods. Research into the production of cannabis for the drug marinol and other more profitable and marketable forms of cannabis based medicines has further pushed the envelope of cannabis cultivation in all forms of laboratory public and private.

The emphasis on advanced cultivation techniques, as well as the availability of hybrid strains (e.g. Northern Lights, Blueberry, NYC Diesel), is believed to be a factor in the increase in the overall quality and variety of commercially-available cannabis over the past few decades. However, it should be noted that well-grown heirloom strains (e.g. Thai, Colombian Gold, Panama Red) are – and have always been – as potent and flavorful as modern hybrids. The following covers the plant's entire growth, from germination to harvest.