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 |  | Seeds: $6-$15 Each |  | Electricity: $70+ Per Month |  | Watering System: $500-$1,000 |
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In most states where medical marijuana use is permitted, users can grow up to a certain number of plants at home. Growing marijuana indoors requires specific conditions and care to prosper. While the initial set-up can require a sizeable investment, the cost per harvest can decrease over time.
Typical costs: |
- According to an estimate by RAND[1] , a drug policy research center, a 5' by 5' grow area would yield 10.5 pounds at an average cost of $225 per pound, which breaks down to $75 for electricity and $150 for miscellaneous other costs that range from building a watering system, purchasing seeds or clones, or paying for labor.
- The greatest single cost for indoor growing operations is likely to be electricity, providing light for the plants to mature and grow. Electricity rates vary by municipality, but RAND estimates one-third of a grow operations costs are electricity-related. For a 90-day harvest in a 5' by 5' growing space, electricity costs could be about $200.
- Some medical marijuana dispensaries sell seeds or seedlings, also called clones, but the sale is typically regulated by municipality. Seeds generally cost $6-$15 each, although they are often are sold in packs of several seeds.
- A watering systems is essential for any growing operation, and professional systems can cost $500-$1,000. For example, Green Trees Hydroponics sells a 12-plant watering system[2] for $540. Home Depot sells a four-bucket system[3] for $154. Do-it-yourselfers contend a makeshift system[4] can be assembled for less than $100.
- Indoor growing requires potting soil, pots, nutrients and air stones (rocks that improve water and nutrient circulation), most of which can be purchased in local nurseries for nominal prices. For example, an air stone costs $2-$12 depending on size. Amazon[5] sells a 4"-round stone for $10.
Related articles: Growing Medical Marijuana Outdoors, Medical Marijuana Card, Medical Marijuana Paraphernalia, Medical Marijuana
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Additional costs: |
- A recommendation for medical marijuana is typically required in states where it is legal in order to maintain a growing operation. Each state and county varies in the number of plants that can be legally grown.
- Growing marijuana requires labor. The Bureau of Labor Statistics[6] places the mean hourly salary for farm workers and laborers at $9.62 as of May 2011, but laborers for marijuana growing are often paid a higher wage because of the potentially illicit nature of the trade. RAND's study found that wages of $20-$25 per hour are relatively common.
- Medical marijuana growers may wish to seek legal advice before pursuing a growing operation.
Discounts: |
- Check for specials offered at hydroponic retailers. For example, RASA Hydroponics in San Jose, CA, lists a page of special offers[7] .
- Message boards discuss do-it-yourself methods than can reduce the cost of various components needed for growing marijuana indoors. For example, one Rollitup.com user explains how to make a water-filtration system[8] for less than $100.
Shopping for growing medical marijuana indoors: |
- Marijuana-related message boards such as Grasscity.com and Rollitup.com[9] offer information on medical-marijuana cultivation.
- A state-by-state summary of marijuana laws is available through the National Conference of State Legislatures[10] .
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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External Resources: |
- www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/working_papers/2010/RAND_WR764.pdf
- www.hydroponics.net/i/135378
- www.homedepot.com/p/t/203124374?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=air+stone&storeI...
- www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/74538-diy-drip-irrigation.html
- www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-AS4RD-4-Inch-Active-Round/dp/B003UPOXXC/
- www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes452092.htm
- rasahydroponics.com/index.php?route=product/special
- www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/74538-diy-drip-irrigation.html
- www.rollitup.org/general-marijuana-growing/
- www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx
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