Contributor: KC Scannell
Well, it finally happened.
January 1, 2020, has come and gone. And with it, the passing of recreational marijuana has officially gone into effect in the great state of Illinois. Finally, after years of trying to get this powerful piece of plant-based legislation into law, the fine people of this wonderful midwestern territory are now allowed to enjoy marijuana on a recreational level.
Up until this point, only medical marijuana patients, with a doctor’s recommendation, were allowed to partake in cannabis. Which is an understandable first step for a state to take when on the precipice of full legalization. They need to gauge the societal and economic effects of such a potential legal move before making anything official. And, seeing as how there was nothing but upsides since med-only shops started opening up, it was only a matter of time before the powers that be in Illinois got together, and decided to legalize recreational marijuana.
And, as you could imagine, people couldn’t have been happier about it.
Illinois Residents Should Read This Before Growing Their Own Cannabis At Home
Such joy was showcased in the millions of dollars the state earned in cannabis revenue on the very first day of recreational legalization. I mean, talk about a solid opening day. It’s no wonder why experts in the cannabis industry believe that Illinois will soon become a frontrunner in the world of marijuana. These residents have been patiently waiting for their day to come, and now that it has, they are ready to reap the rewards – just like anybody else would.
With such excitement in the air, it’s easy to get distracted, and not look into the fine print surrounding such a political endeavor.
For instance, you can’t just fire up wherever you want. Smoking in public is still considered against the law, so designating your puff-time to specific smoke lounges or the comfort of your own home, is probably the best way to consume cannabis nowadays.
Also, just because ganja is legal in Illinois, that doesn’t mean you can buy some there, then drive it out to your friends in neighboring states. Those places, who still consider marijuana illegal on a federal level, will likely prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. So, be sure to keep all cannabis-related activities within the borders of Illinois, okay?
With the passing of this historic law, residents can now not only partake in this once-illegal plant, but they can head to any number of recreational cannabis clubs and buy some of their very own. Of course, there are possession restrictions, much like any other state wherein recreational and/or medicinal marijuana is legal.
In Illinois, to be specific, a person is only allowed to carry (up to) 30 grams of flower, 5 grams of concentrate, and 500 milligrams of edibles/drinkables. Which, to be fair, is quite generous. No one person really needs more than that at a time, unless, of course, they are up to something nefarious. Which is probably why the local government agreed upon such limitations.
However, in addition to consuming and purchasing cannabis on a recreational level in Illinois, certain folks are also allowed to grow their very own bud at home. Emphasis on “certain folks.”
Sadly, even though marijuana is legally allowed for anyone over the age of 21, only medical marijuana patients are allowed to grow their own herb. And they are only allowed to grow five plants a time. Which may seem like a decent amount to some, but other states have much more leniency when it comes to home grows. For starters, they don’t restrict recreational enthusiasts from growing, so that is a bit strict, in my opinion.
But, hopefully, in due time, all of that will change to grant anyone who is of legal age the right to grow numerous plants of their own.
That being said, if you are a card-carrying cannabis enthusiast in the state of Illinois, you’re in luck! You get to grow up to five plants of your very own. And if you don’t have the required medical documentation, but choose to grow five plants of your own, anyway, you’ll be hit with $200 fine.
Now, seeing as how you live in the chilly confines of Illinois, you stand to encounter numerous obstacles with an outdoor grow, in both the legal and climate-related sense. So, it’s probably best for you to stick to a solid indoor grow. I’d suggest making some room in a closet, as that tends to provide the ideal environment for such an endeavor.
When taking on such a task, it’s important to read up on the topic as much as you possibly can. There are a few different routes one could take to accomplishing this time-consuming yet uber-rewarding goal, so it’s vital that you study up and find the right technique that works for you and your current living situation.
Personally, when I took on a home grow, I wish someone would’ve told me just how much work goes into the entire process. It’s way more than I thought. It definitely gives you a whole new appreciation for the cultivators out there who have been able to perfect the craft and deliver a truly potent, super reliable product to the masses. That sort of feat takes tremendous skill and experience in the field – no doubt about it.
Here are a few things that you will want to keep in mind while preparing yourself for a home grow excursion: space, equipment, and nutrients.
When considering where to grow your plants, you should also take into account what kind of bud you want to grow. Indica plants are more tailor-made for closet grows because they are routinely stout, but if you have a little bit of breathing room, perhaps you can go with a sativa or hybrid. Also, the space should have a way for air to ventilate fairly easily because if it gets too warm, your plant will suffer.
Equipment is probably the most crucial thing to think about when growing your own bud.
Things have to be of a certain quality in order for your plant to reach its full potent potential. Specific LED lights, with particular light cycles and timers, mini-fans that can chase away any unwanted moisture, reflective surfaces for all of the light to hit every angle of the plant, not to mention an adequate amount of rich soil, and a sturdy pot for it to sit in.
Obviously, the prices and quality of these products run the full financial spectrum, so do some research, see what’s in your price range, and go from there. Chances are you’ll be able to walk away with at least a decent set-up, regardless of your monetary restrictions.
Finally, you’ll have to figure out just which nutrients to buy.
There is a veritable army of brands out there, all saying they are better than the other. For this, I’d suggest hopping onto any number of marijuana forums and asking for the community’s opinion.
You’ll probably encounter a few people who have grown under similar conditions to your set-up. These folks have likely learned, through trial and error, just which brand is actually the best. They will also be able to give you tips on feeding times and quantities, as well.
It’s really all about doing research about your own specific situation. Find out if your desired seeds (or clones) need any special treatment. Ask the community about what methods are best, and which ones should be avoided. And other inquiries of this nature.
Because, at the end of the day, it’s all about increasing your cannabis knowledge. The more you know, the better they’ll grow.
Trust me.
