How to Apply Makeup

Wearing makeup is common place in today's society, worn for anything from a day at work to a formal night out. However, if you're a newcomer to the world of cosmetics, you may find yourself at a loss with the infinite varieties of makeup and styles that can be found. Luckily, it's not too difficult to learn what the most elementary makeup products are, and how to use each one.

Makeup Tutorial

Preparing Your Face

 

Remove any old makeup.

 

When you’re applying makeup, it is necessary to start with a clean palette. Therefore, remove any of last night's makeup that you might have slept on, and wash off makeup from earlier on in the day. If you try to apply more makeup over the top of old makeup (not including touch ups), your end look will appear caked on and more unnatural than makeup put on a fresh face. You can use a good makeup remover or a mild baby oil to get rid of all makeup residues.

• Keep in mind that you should always remove your makeup at the end of the day; sleeping with your makeup on can clog your pores and cause blemishes and wrinkles.

Wash your face.

For the same reason you remove your old makeup, you should also wash your face; leaving grease and sweat on your face can give a fresh cover of makeup a shiny, caked on look after several hours. Use a mild face cleanser to gently wash your face, spending about one minute of scrubbing to remove all bacteria and dead skin cells in your pores. Finish up by applying a facial moisturizer. Dry skin will look flaky to start with and gain oil to compensate later on, so be sure your skin has been treated with a bit of lotion.

Apply your concealer.

The purpose of concealer is to even out uneven skin tone as a result of blemishes or dark under-eye circles. Use a concealer brush or your (clean) fingertips to blend concealer on your bottom eyelids, on any red patchy areas, or over any acne or dark spots. Blend the edges of your concealer spots so avoid having discolored marks around your face.

Put on a coat of foundation.

There are several types of foundation, but they are generally applied the same way. Liquid, cream, and powder foundations all act to create a totally even complexion, working to blend your natural skin tone with the concealer you’ve already applied. Use a foundation brush to apply foundation to the entirety of your face, blending into your neck and earlobes if necessary. Keep in mind that your foundation should be the same color as your natural skin tone, not much darker or lighter. Your foundation should go over the top of the areas that have concealer to blend them.

• You can use a concealer brush to add a little extra foundation to cover up stubborn blemishes.
• Liquid foundation can be applied with your fingertips, although this is more likely to introduce bacteria to your skin and cause future breakouts.

Set your foundation.

This step is optional, but if you’re looking for long-lasting makeup you can use a setting powder to hold your foundation and concealer in place. Use a large, fluffy brush to cover your whole face in a neutral or matching setting powder. This step is particularly important or useful if you’re using liquid foundation, as it will help to set the foundation and remove any sheen that might be making an appearance.

Apply a highlighter.

With your foundation completed, it is likely that your face now looks contour-less and flat because of the uniform color. In order to provide some depth, you’ll need to create the illusion of highlights and shadows. Use a cream or powder highlighter to brighten up the deepest areas of your face: the inside corners of your eyes, underneath your eyebrows, in the center of your cupid’s bow, and on the tops/sides of your cheekbones. This will make your face look more bright and awake than it would otherwise.

• Create a ‘3’ shape on your cheekbones, into your eyebrows, and up to your forehead for the perfect highlight.
• You can use your fingers or a small highlighter brush to apply the highlighter.

Add depth with contouring.

The opposite of bringing out the highlights on your face, contouring involves adding a powder that is a few shades darker than your actual skin tone (different than a bronzer) to the areas you want to look minimized or further away. Typically, you should contour under your cheekbones in the hollows of your cheeks, and on the sides of your nose. This will make your face look thinner and longer in appearance, and provide the shadows that naturally occur without foundation.

Apply a little blush.

The final step in prepping your face is to add blush to your cheeks. Everyone’s cheeks have a bit of color, but this color varies for every person. Apply your blush with large brush on the apples of your cheeks (the round part that forms when you smile). Don’t go too heavy with your blush, just add enough to replenish the color that would form naturally.

Fill in your eyebrows.

This step is optional depending on the fullness of your eyebrows, but is generally recommended for those who have thin or sparse eyebrows. Select a color of brow pencil or powder that is close to your natural hair color. Start by outlining the edges of your eyebrows, and then fill in the center with a bit of color. Use short strokes that mimic the look of your hair, going in the same direction of your hair growth.

Part2

Adding Your Eye Makeup

Apply an eyeshadow primer.

This is another optional course of action, but applying an eyeshadow primer will help your eyeshadow to stay on for much longer. If you’ve gone without it, you may have noticed that your eyeshadow fades or becomes oily and collects in the creases of your eyelids after several hours. Use your fingertip to dab on your eyeshadow primer, blending it from the roots of your lashes to the top of your crease.

Put on your eyeshadow.

There are many ways to apply eyeshadow, although the most basic and classic look is to apply a single color over the entirety of your eyelid. Use an eyeshadow brush to apply your eyeshadow to your eyelid, starting in the center near your lash line and blending outwards. Fade your eyeshadow into your natural skin tone near your crease and the inside and outside corners of your eyes, to prevent any harsh lines from forming. If you want a bit more dramatic look, apply a second darker color of eyeshadow in a ‘C’ shape from the outside corner of your lash line up to the top, outer ⅓ of your eyelid crease.

• Your main color of eyeshadow should never go all the way to your eyebrow, and should not extend further off your lid than the end of your eyebrow (unless you’re going for a very dramatic look).
• You may, however, highlight your browbone (the area under your eyebrow but above your crease) by applying a lighter shade of eyeshadow. Be sure to use natural colors such as cream, sand, or white, if your skin is pale. Alternatively, try a nude shade slightly lighter than your skintone. The color doesn't have to be matte, but any sparkle it does have should be subtle.
• You can blend your eyeshadow onto your lower lid, as long as you are careful not to extend it lower than your bottom lashes.
• If you use multiple colors of eyeshadow, always be sure to blend them together.

Apply your eyeliner.

The purpose of eyeliner is to provide the illusion of a fuller lash line; therefore, choose a color that is similar to your natural hair color (or brown if you have blond hair) to go along your lashes. For a smudgy look, use an eyeliner pencil, or create a sleek and smooth look by using cream or liquid eyeliner. Create a dashed or dotted line across your lash line, and then connect the dots to create a full, continuous line. You can choose to wing the end up and outwards a bit if you want, otherwise you simply need to follow your lash line from the inside corner to the outside corner.

• Adding eyeliner to your bottom lash line should be done for special occasions only, as it will create a much darker/bolder look and appear a bit more unnatural than eyeliner on your top lash line only.
• If you feel comfortable, try tight-lining your eyes by using your eyeliner on the waterline of your eyelid.

Finish off with mascara.

To complete your eye makeup, you’ll need to top off your eyes with a bit of mascara. There are several mascaras to choose from depending on the look you want; if you have short lashes, use a mascara that will add length, or if you have thin lashes, use a volumizing mascara. Dip the brush in the mascara once and lightly wipe off the excess onto the edge of the container or a paper towel. Looking downward, apply it to the top lash with upward strokes. Start with the inner part of your way and work your way outward. Do both eyes with two coats, then let dry.

• Wiggle the brush as you apply it, as this will help to coat between lashes instead of just the under layer.
• Never pump your mascara brush in and out of the mascara, as this causes air pockets.
• You can add a coat of mascara to your bottom lashes, but this can make your eyes seem darker which is a look some people prefer to avoid.
• Avoid applying more than two coats of mascara, as this will take away the natural darkening look and give a cake-y thick look that is much less natural.
• A good trick for making your lashes look fuller is to apply a coat of baby powder between coats of mascara; this will add a bit of length and volume to your lashes.

Part3

Adding Color to Your Lips

Smooth out your lips.

Apply lip balm, primer, or sealer. This will help make all lip products applied last longer and much more vibrant. Additionally, who doesn’t prefer soft lips? Adding a good balm or salve will prevent your lips from flaking later in the day, which lipstick and gloss can both cause.

Apply lip liner.

Line your lips with a liner that matches your lip color. Sharpen your lip liner, and line around the natural line of your lips. With your lips outlined, use the pencil to continue filling in your lips. This works to even out the color and texture of your lips, making it easier to apply a gloss or lipstick later.

Apply lipstick or lip gloss with a brush.

Select a lipstick or gloss of your choice to go over your lipliner; for a natural look stick with a nude shade, or pick a bright hue for a more bold appearance. Start in the center of your lip, and blend the color outwards. Be sure to apply the color as close to the edges of your lips as you can without overdoing it and going outside your lip line. To prevent any lipstick from getting on your teeth, stick your index finger straight into your mouth and pull it out quickly; any excess color will stick to your finger and avoid being transferred to your teeth later on.

Finish off your look.

With the completion of your lips makeup, your look is finished! Give yourself a once-over to make sure there aren’t any smudges or loose eyeshadow that needs to be removed with a fluffy brush. If you do have any mistakes, use a q-tip dipped in makeup remover to rectify them.

4 Quick Makeup Tutorial

6 Ways to Love Yourself, For Better Mental Health

Do you find yourself always putting other people first, even if that means you miss out on things you want to do, or you end up over worked and stressed? Even when we do get a moment alone, we still seem to always be giving ourselves a hard time. We’ve become experts at putting ourselves down and picking out our flaws. We wouldn’t do it to other people and so why do we constantly do it to ourselves?

If you’re feeling unhappy, or stressed, there are a number of ways to helpimprove your overall state of mind. But to really battle our behaviour, we need to start by learning to love ourselves. Here are 6 important suggestions to really help you love yourself, unconditionally:

1. Don’t set conditions

 

Many of us will not love ourselves until we reach our perfect weight, get the perfect job or find the perfect boyfriend. Unfortunately, perfection is not always realistic and therefore these goals are out of reach. Forget the conditions and learn to love yourself just the way you are.

 

2. Be kind to yourself

 

Start by letting go of negative thoughts about yourself. Instead of criticizing everything you do, say something positive about yourself, every single day. Write it down and carry it around with you, or put it on your bathroom mirror so you see it as soon as you wake up in the morning. It’s also important to remember that everyone is different and so stop comparing yourself to others. Plus, if you make any mistakes, remember not to beat yourself up about them for months on end. Learn to forgive yourself and move forward.

3. Put yourself first

 

The phrase “you need to love yourself before you can love someone else” is really applicable here and it doesn’t just apply to relationships. In order to be the best you can be, you need to love yourself first. So, instead of going after the dream job in the hope that it will make you happy, focus on self-love. It will give you the courage and strength to then go on achieve those dreams for real and be truly happy.

4. Look after yourself

 

 

Your physical health and your mental health go hand in hand. Switch off technology and make time for exercise. This could be a simple walk, joining a class at your local gym, or something more adventurous. Exercise can help you clear your mind and it releases feel-good hormones. Follow this up with good nutrition and don’t forget sleep. Although it can feel like a waste of time, especially when you have an uncontrollable to-do list, our bodies and minds need these 8 hours to rest and rejuvenate.

5. Take time for yourself

 

 

Don’t feel bad about taking some time back just for yourself. Use it to do something you love, from getting outdoors, to taking up a hobby, or sitting back with a good book to recharge your batteries.

6. Be more mindful

 

 

Instead of getting bogged down by everything that is going on around you, take some time to focus inwards. Meditation can help you take a step back from life and make you more focused. It can leave you in a better position to make decisions that put you first.

Choose one or two of these suggestions and see where it takes you. It can be surprising how much of an effect simply appreciating ourselves can have on our lives. But this shouldn’t just be a onetime event. It’s important for you to continue to love yourself every single day. It requires dedication but it will be worth it to see your happiness and dreams unfold around you.

How to Eat Healthy

Eating healthy is crucial to maintaining good health. Fortunately, it's easier than it sounds. Arm yourself with knowledge and you're halfway there. If you think of eating healthy not as a sacrifice, but more as an opportunity for self-improvement, you're almost at the finish line. You don't need someone to tell you the numerous health benefits that putting away the donuts and hamburgers will get you. You want someone to show you how it's done. Here's a glimpse.

Choosing a Healthy Diet 

•    Choose the right carbohydrates. Simple carbs, like sugar and flour, are quickly absorbed by the body's digestive system. This causes a kind of carb overload, and your body releases huge amounts of insulin, to combat the overload. Eat these in moderation. Complex carbs, on the other hand, are slowly digested by the body. They include whole-grain flour, hearty vegetables, oats, and unprocessed grains, like brown rice. These foods are usually higher in vitamins and other nutrients that are beneficial for the body, and they are higher in fiber (which keeps your digestive system running smoothly).
  

  • Consider eating leafy greens like kale, collard greens, mustard greens, and Swiss chard. They are packed with nutrients and will fill you up very quickly. Create a simple sauté with olive oil, garlic, a little salt and pepper, which will be surprisingly tasty meal as well as a nutritious one.
    
  • Choose wheat (brown) bread instead of white bread and whole wheat pasta instead of "normal" pasta. Processed carbohydrates, such as those found in white bread are harder to draw nutrients from, and therefore constitute empty calories. Plain oatmeal is also very healthy for you.
  Eat lean, mean protein. Aim to get between 10% and 35% of your daily calories from protein. Protein helps you to build muscle and gives you the lasting energy throughout the day. Some examples of healthy proteins include:
  

  • Lean fish such as flounder, sole, cod, bass, perch, and halibut.
  • Lean poultry such as chicken or duck breast.
  • Legumes like beans and soy products (e.g. edamame and tofu).
    
  • Nuts like cashews.
    
• 3
  Know the difference between good fat and bad fat. You need to consume fat for your body, to function correctly. However, it's important to choose the right kind of fats. Here's a quick primer.
  

  • Monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids are good fats, which you should try to consume regularly. They help lower the "bad cholesterol" in your body by raising "good cholesterol". Foods that are high in fatty acids are olive oil, nuts, fish oil, and various seed oils. Adding these "good" fats to your weekly diet can lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease.
  • Avoid trans fats and saturated fats. Trans fats are form of unsaturated fat commonly found in processed foods, and consuming them raises your risk of heart disease. Read the labels of what you eat, and look for "hydrogenated" anything on the ingredient list.
• 4
  Stock up on superfoods. So-called superfoods may have a misleading title, but some truly are cut above. Superfoods may have the ability to fight heart disease, stave off cancer, lower cholesterol, and even boost your mood. Here are just few of them:
  

  • Blueberries. Blueberries may facilitate brain health. If you don't have access to blueberries, then try fresh berries, raspberries, or cranberries.
  • Algae. It may not sound appetizing, but when you read the list of health benefits you may think again. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, as well as beneficial in managing natural flora in the gut.
  • Salmon. Another creature of the sea makes the list, and for good reason. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a good type of fat. Omega-3 fats are good for blood pressure, brain function, and heart health.
  • Cranberries. These red berries contain quercetin, a natural antioxidant, are low in sugar and are a good source of Vitamin C which is used for the growth and repair of tissue all over the body.
• 5
  Watch your salt intake. Although humans need salt in moderation, too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and osteoporosis. Use salt sparingly, and always check labels for salt content.
• 6
  Practice moderation. Don't over-consume any one food or type of food. Instead, try to vary your diet so that you eat a little bit of everything in a moderate amount.
  

  • Some people might be great at giving up meat, sugar, alcohol, or other foods. However, most of us are likely to give it up for awhile, then break down and binge. Avoid this deprivation-binge cycle by allowing yourself to have small "cheats". For instance, if you want to eat less sugar, allow yourself to eat one dessert each Friday night and abstain for the rest of the week. Having a break to look forward, which can help your will power through the other days.

Making Easy but Healthy Decisions

1. 1
   Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated with basic H₂O is an easy and dramatic way to improve your health. Drinking enough water can also help with weight loss by keeping your stomach feeling full. Drink water before, during and after a meal to aid digestion.
   

   • If you feel like snacking, try drinking a full glass of water first. If you're still hungry 15 minutes after your drink, then it's time for a snack.
   • Carry water with you so you can easily pick it up when you're thirsty.
2. 2
   Avoid sugary drinks. These include soft drinks, juices, sports and energy drinks, as well as other products containing artificial sweeteners. Giving up sugary drinks is one of the easiest ways you can instantly improve your diet and become healthier. A white chocolate crème frappuccino has whopping 500 calories. While it's okay to treat yourself with these and other drinks every once in a while, it's not a good idea to make them a regular part of your diet.
3. 3
   Consider participating in Meatless Mondays. Meatless Monday is an international campaign that encourages people to give up eating meat one day per week. Eating less meat can have several health benefits, as most people already have enough protein in their diets.
4. 4
   Stay away from fast food. As we all know fast food is bad for our health, yet it continues to remain a weekly staple for too many people. For one, fast food is often fried, processed, and excessively salty. Add soft drinks and fries and your meal could easily burn through half of your suggested caloric intake for the day. To add insult to injury, much of the fat contained in fast food is trans fat, the worst kind of fat.
5. 5
   Reduce your alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol consumption makes you gain weight and is hard for the liver to process leading to a host of preventable diseases. Drinking in moderation is key, if you do consume alcohol, consider drink a glass of wine or beer with your meal as opposed to multiple drinks at a bar. [Image:Eat Healthy Step 11 Version 2.jpg|center]]
   

   • Red wine, in particular, contains polyphenol, called resveratrol that scientists believe is particularly heart-healthy. Resveratrol improves the function of blood vessels in the heart and curbs the amount of "bad" cholesterol in your body.
   • Are you pregnant and worried about drinking? Doctors recommend expectant mothers to abstain from alcohol.

Changing Your Mindset

1. 1
   Adopt a healthy attitude towards food. Take a hard look at your eating habits. Do you eat more when you feel stressed? Do you withhold food from yourself in order to feel like you're in control? Try to evaluate whether you have an unhealthy emotional attachment to food. If you do, here are few steps to consider:
   

   • Find a healthier replacement. If you find that you tend to gorge on unhealthy foods when you're stressed, find a substitute activity — for instance, you could instead go for a walk, take a long bath, or call a trusted friend for a chat. Whatever you choose, it should be something that helps you to decompress, so that you no longer feel the need to binge.
   • See food as sustenance. A lot of Western culture is rife with messages that food is for entertainment or for relieving boredom. Break yourself of this cognitive habit by consciously evaluating food in terms of what it can do to keep your body healthy. Ask yourself if what you're about to put in your mouth is good for you, and if it will help your body function as it was designed to.
   • Consult a medical professional. Eating disorders are classified as mental illnesses, and you can't always just talk yourself into stopping destructive behaviors.  If you suspect that you have an eating disorder (whether it's over- or under-eating), ask your general practitioner to refer you the appropriate care.
2. 2
   Determine how many calories your body needs to function each day. This number can vary widely, depending upon your metabolism and how physically active you are. As a rule, the more muscle mass you have, the more calories you need to consume and to function properly. Otherwise, your body will start breaking down muscle tissue for energy.
   

   • If you're the kind of person who puts on 10 pounds just smelling a slice of pizza, then your daily caloric intake should stay around 2000 calories for men, and 1500 calories for women. Your body mass also plays a part in this — more calories are suitable for naturally bigger people, and fewer calories for smaller people.
   • If you're the kind of person who can eat without putting on a pound, or you're physically active, you may want to increase your daily caloric intake by 1000-2000 calories, a little less for women.
3. 3
   Don't skip breakfast. Many people do this because they think they can drop pound, or they just don't feel hungry in the morning. Although the scientific evidence is still inconclusive, there are several reasons why you might not want to skip what many people believe is the "most important meal of the day".
   

   • Eating breakfast gets your metabolism going and keeps it active throughout the morning. This will keep you energized through out the morning.
   • Skipping breakfast might leave you famished by lunch, causing you to binge as a way to compensate.
   • A small breakfast is better than no breakfast. If you don't feel up to a full meal, at least drink some water and eat a piece of fruit, a granola bar, or a piece of toast. Get more nutritious bang for your buck by eating a breakfast smoothie.
   • Avoid skipping breakfast at the day of an important exam, job interview, or other critical event, where you may be distracted by your hunger or not have enough energy for your brain to work to its full potential.
4. 4
   Eat slowly. Have you ever gorged on a huge meal and felt fine immediately after, but felt like exploding 15 minutes later? This happens because it takes some time for your stomach to tell your brain that it's full. Circumvent the problem by consuming your food slower. That way, by the time you get the message and start feeling satisfied, you haven't consumed extra food.
   

   • Slow yourself down by waiting 5 or 10 minutes between each course. Chew each bite thoroughly
     
   • Drink a full glass of water throughout your meal. Stopping for sips will slow your eating, as well as help you feel more full.
   • Put your fork down between bites. This is a physical reminder to finish the food in your mouth before taking another bite.
     
5. 5
   Eat five times per day. You may consider eating three meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), with two snacks in between. Doing this allows you to eat slightly less at your meals, giving your body a more manageable amount of food to digest, and keeps your blood sugar at a consistent level throughout the day.

How to Grow Medical Marijuana

More and more countries are allowing the use and cultivation of marijuana for medicinal purposes. If you have a prescription for medical marijuana but cannot find a source, or if you simply want to save money, you may want to grow your own. Or, you might want to go into the business of selling medicinal marijuana. Either way, you'll need to check to see if it is legal to grow marijuana, pick the right strain, decide on how you will grow it (outdoors, indoors in soil, or hydroponically), and then harvest and cure your crop. Done right, you can produce high quality medicinal marijuana on your own.

Method1

Choosing your Strain

1. 1
   Decide what strain you want. The types available include Indica, Sativa, and hybrids, each of which is better for treating different illnesses due to varying amounts of the active ingredients THC, Cannabinol, and Cannabidiol. Various strains of Indica and Sativa will have different smells, tastes, and potencies, which will appeal to different users.
   

   • Choosing strains for your condition – For a quick guide to the best strains for each condition, see http://www.unitedpatientsgroup.com/resources/medical-marijuana-strains. For a more in-depth guide to strains, tryhttp://www.medicalmarijuanastrains.com/strain-guide/.
   • Choosing strains by taste and potency – All marijuana contains the same ingredients, so though some is specifically recommended for ailments, any strain will provide relief. If your more interested in choosing by taste or potency, consulthttp://www.medicalmarijuanastrains.com/strain-guide/.
   • Picking strains that are easy to grow – If you don't have much of a green thumb, you'll want to pick one of the easy to grow strains like AK-48, Northern Light, Aurora Indica, Jack Herer, Super Lemon Haze
2. 2
   Consider auto-flowering seeds. The buds in flowers are what contain the active ingredients that produce a high, so getting your plants to flower is vital. Unlike normal cannabis, which requires 24 hours of light to grow and then a 12 hour light cycle to flower, auto-flowering plants flower with 24 hours of light. This means faster flowering and no need to separate growing plants (24 hours of light) and flowering plants (12 hours of light).
3. 3
   Purchase feminized seeds to increase your yield. Marijuana plants come in female and male varieties, and only female plants produce the buds that yield a high. That means the more females you grow, the higher your yield will be. Luckily, you can purchase feminized seeds to ensure that your crop will be all female.
   

   • Be aware that under stress, female plants will become hermaphrodites and produce male flowers. You can avoid this by growing your plants in a low stress environment.
4. 4
   Purchase your seeds from a reputable dealer. Websites such as Herbies, Sensi Seeds, Bonza Seeds, or Marijuana-seeds.nl will offer discretion, as well as quality seeds that are what they say they are.

Method2

Setting Up a Grow Room or Tent

1. 1
   Use a grow tent or grow box if you don't want to devote an entire room to your crop. They come in all sizes, holding from 8 up to 256 plants. They keep light out, offer easy hookups for your grow lights, are waterproof, and provide an exhaust point. Many are sold with lights, exhaust system, and hydroponic system included, making them great for beginners.
   

   • See http://howtogrowmarijuana.com/grow-box for a review of grow boxes.
   • Check out http://howtogrowmarijuana.com/grow-tent for a review of grow tents.
2. 2
   Pick the room you will use and clear it out. If you are going to devote an entire room to your crop, you'll want to clear it out. Marijuana plants need a warm, humid environment, so to prevent the growth of mold or pests, you'll want to remove all chairs, curtains, carpets, clothes, and other surfaces that could host mold.
   

   • You'll need an electrical outlet for your grow lights, as well as easy access to water.
   • Marijuana grows best between 72 and 77 degrees. Try to choose a room where it is easy to maintain this temperature. Too many windows can make a room too hot, while a basement might require continual heating.
   • A tile or concrete floor will make for easier cleanup of spilled soil or water.
3. 3
   Block out all light. Your plants need total darkness in their dark period. Otherwise, they may become stressed and become a hermaphrodite – i.e. grow male flowers that contain no THC and thus reduce your yield. Cover the windows and seal any light leaks with opaque reflective tape.
4. 4
   Cover the walls and ceiling with reflective material. The more light your plants get, the better they will grow. Reflected light from your walls and ceiling can greatly speed up grow time. To make your walls reflective, consider using:
   

   • Mylar – Aluminized mylar is expensive, but it reflects up to 97% of the light that hits it. Hang it flat against the wall and keep it clean.
   • Flat white paint – It's cheap, easy to clean, and reflects up to 85% of the light that hits it.
   • Emergency blankets – You can buy them at camping stores. They only reflect 70% of light, but they're inexpensive and good for small spaces like cabinets or closets.
   • Aluminum foil – Don't use it! It reflects light poorly, is hard to keep flat, and creates a fire hazard.
5. 5
   Choose the grow light you will use. To grow, your plants will need light provided by bulbs that provide a full spectrum of light (unlike normal household bulbs). You have several choices, but broadly speaking, high pressure sodium (HPS) or metal halide (ML) lights will cost less to set-up but more to run, while LED lights will cost you more up front, but save money in the long-run.
   

   • CFL – Compact fluorescent lights may be used for starts and seedlings, but generally do not produce enough light for the vegetation or flowering phase.
   • HPS – High pressure sodium lights produce lots of light in the orange spectrum, making them best to use to induce flowering. A good rule of thumb when deciding how many lights to get is that you will need 50w per square foot of growing area.
   • ML – Metal halide lights produce a lot of light in the blue spectrum, making them ideal for use during the plant's vegetation phase, as they will keep your plant short and bushy. Again, you will need about 50w per square foot.
   • LED – Full spectrum LED lights are much more energy efficient and do not get hot, so you can mount them closer to your plants and won't need fans to remove heat. You can also use one set of lights for both the vegetation and flowering phase. Follow the recommendations of the manufacturer for how many lights you'll need for your growing footprint.
6. 6
   Install your lights. You'll need a hood that directs and focuses light on your crop. While LED lights can plug directly into the wall, the hoods that hold HPS and ML bulbs cannot, so you'll also need a ballast for these bulbs, which converts the electricity from yoru wall into a current appropriate for the lights.
   

   • HPS and ML bulbs – They are very hot, so consider getting a cooled hood that allows for a ventilation hook up that draws heat away. For a quick guide to how far from your plants they should be, see http://www.growweedeasy.com/hps-grow-lights-setup.
   • LED – These lights usually come with a built-in fan for cooling.
7. 7
   Consider purchasing an electrical timer. If you plant auto-flowering seeds, you won't need to worry about turning the lights on and off. Otherwise, you'll need to turn the lights off twelve hours a day to initiate flowering. An electrical timer will do this for you in case you forget or are away from your plants.
8. 8
   Set up your ventilation system. You need to keep air circulating in your grow room or grow tent in order to draw heat away from your crop, to ensure the plants get enough CO2, to control humidity, and to neutralize the odor of the plants. Without a ventilation system, you'll have smaller yields and risk losing your plants to diseases brought on by excessive heat and humidity.
   

   • Oscillating fan – Use an oscillating fan to circulate air so as to avoid hot spots and to create a breeze that will improve growth by helping with transpiration.
   • Carbon filter – Attaching a carbon filter to your exhaust fan will remove odors that might aggravate your neighbors.
   • Exhaust fan – You'll want a fan with a high enough CFM rating (cubic feet exhausted per minute) to replace all the air in your grow room or tent every 1-3 minutes.
     • Determine the cubic area of your space (length x width x height).
     • Take into account efficiency. If the exhaust travels a straight, short path, multiply your area by 2. If the path is long or twisting, multiply by 3.
     • Pick a fan with a CFM higher than the number you calculated, particularly if you are going to attach a filter.
   • Air intake – You'll need a way for new air to enter your tent or room as the old air is blown out. A simple hole (in the tent or a door or window) will do, so long as it is 3-4 times bigger than the exhaust hole. If the intake hole is smaller, you'll want to use an intake fan to avoid putting to much stress on the exhaust fan.
9. 9
   Set up your meters. Your plants will grow best in certain temperature, humidity, and pH ranges. Installing a thermometer, humidity meter, and pH meter in your system will help you perfect the growing environment.
10. 10
    Make sure your water is the right pH and not too hard. You can use tap water for your plants, but you'll want to make sure its pH is between 5.8 and 7.0, and it doesn't carry too many minerals.
    

    • Letting water sit for 24 hours will help bring its pH closer to 7.
    • Raise water's pH by adding lime, wood ash, or a pre-mixed solution (available at most garden centers).
    • Lower water's pH by adding sulfur, phosphoric acid, or a pH-lowering solution.
    • If you live in a hard water area (meaning your tap water has a high mineral content), you will want to filter your water. Consult the water hardness map athttp://www.qualitywatertreatment.com/city_water_guide.htm.

Method3

EditCultivating Marijuana Indoors

1. 1
   Grow indoors with soil for security, control, and ease. While you can grow more marijuana outdoors or achieve higher yields indoors with hydroponics (growing plants without soil), growing indoors with soil offers a winning mix of ease and security that makes it a good choice for beginning growers who only need enough medical marijuana for themselves.
2. 2
   Germinate your seeds. Germinating is simply the process by which you start your seeds sprouting. You can germinate them in a variety of ways – the key is to keep them warm and moist.
   

   • Starter cubes – These cubes of growing medium are the easiest option. Stick your seed in the hole pointing end down and keep the cube moist and warm. Once the seedling appears, you can plant the cube directly in potting soil. Good brands include Jiffy Pellets and Rapid Rooters.
   • Wet paper towel – Put the seeds in the paper towel, fold it and put it in a dark place for 1 to 3 days. When a white root pops out, plant 1 inch deep with root downward.
   • Warm water – For older or dried out seeds, try dropping them in a glass of slightly warm water and placing it in a dark place. They should sprout in 24-32 hours. If they haven't after this time, move them to a moist place to finish sprouting.
   • Germinate in soil – You can germinate your seedling directly in potting soil. Plant 1 inch deep with the pointy end down, and keep the soil moist and warm.
3. 3
   Plant your seedlings in potting soil. Seedlings carry their own nutrients, so don't start them out in overly-nutrient rich soil. For best results, plant seedling in potting soil contained in plastic cups with holes poked in the bottom for water drainage.^[16] You can transfer to a larger pot and begin slowly adding nutrients after two to four weeks.
4. 4
   Purchase and prepare your soil. You can buy a soil mix like Fox Farms designed for marijuana, or purchase garden soil and add the necessary nutrients. You can also use coco peat (coconut shell hair), which retains moisture and drains well, and has the correct pH. If using garden soil, consider:
   

   • pH – Marijuana needs soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7. For overly acidic soil, use 1 cup of dolomite lime for every ¼ liter of soil to increase pH. To increase acidity, add coffee grounds or citrus peelings.
   • Texture – Moist soil should barely stay together when run through your hand, and feel spongy when you clench it in your fist. If the soil is too dry, you can add vermiculite to increase water retention, but be sure to adjust pH afterwards. Perlite will increase drainage and will not impact pH.
   • Nutrients – As well as inorganic fertilizers, there are a variety of organic materials you can add to your soil to increase the phosphorous and nitrogen content, including guano (nitrogen and phosphorous), worm castings (nitrogen), kelp meal (potassium and nitrogen), and bone meal (phosphorous).
5. 5
   Care for your plants during the vegetative stage. During this stage, your plants do nothing but grow. The vegetative stage lasts 4-5 weeks before flowering can start, but can go longer if you want bigger plants. To keep your plants healthy, you'll need to make sure their environment is ideal:
   

   • Water – Poke your finger in the soil – if it is dry up to your first knuckle, add water. Water until 10-20% of the water you added has drained out the bottom of the pot.
   • Light – You need to provide at least 18 hours of light a day to keep your plants in the vegetative state. 24 hours of light will not harm the plants, but you can save energy by giving 18 hours of light and 6 hours of dark.
   • Nutrients – Add the nutrients to the water you use to water the plants. Start by adding half the amount recommended on the packaging. As your plant gets bigger, you can add more nutrients.
   • pH – The ideal pH is between 6 and 7. Add 1 cup of dolomite lime for every ¼ liter of soil to increase pH. To increase acidity, add coffee grounds or citrus peelings.
   • Temperature – Keep the temperature between 70 and 85 degrees. 70-75 degrees is best for most plants. If you have a CO2 generator, you can raise the temperature to 80 degrees.
   • Humidity – Keep relative humidity at 70-80% during the seedling phase and 50-80% during the vegetative phase. Increase it with a humidifier. Lower it with a dehumidifier or by increasing the rate of your exhaust fan.
6. 6
   Transfer your plants to larger pots as needed. If your plant becomes too big for its pot, its growth will slow. To transfer, invert the plant in its pot while holding your hand over the soil around the plant's base. Let the plant and its soil fall into your hand, and gently place it into a hole dug in the soil of the new pot. The size of the pot needed depends on how high you want the plant to be:
   

   • 12" = 2-3 gallon container
   • 24" = 3-5 gallon container
   • 36" = 5-7 gallon container
   • 48" = 6-10 gallon container
   • 60" = 8-10+ gallon container
7. 7
   Induce flowering. You can keep your plant in the vegetative stage as long as you want, but a good rule of thumb is to end the vegetative stage when it is half the final height you desire, as plants generally double in height while flowering. Switch the light schedule to 12 hours on, 12 hours off to induce flowering.
8. 8
   Remove any male flowers. Even if you have all female seeds, plants may still produce a few male flowers if stressed. You'll want to remove them immediately to prevent pollination, because seedy buds are less potent.
   

   • A male flower has pollen sacks (little balls) around where the main stem connects to the branches.
   • A female flower has white hairs at that spot.
9. 9
   Adjust the growing conditions for flowering. Your plant has different requirements during the flowering stage. For the best buds and highest yields:
   

   • Light – During the 12 hours of light, give as much light as possible to the bud sites. Tuck leaves to the side to expose them.
   • Nutrients – Switch to a formula lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus, as too much nitrogen can limit bud growth. After 4 weeks, you'll want to start steadily reducing the amount of nutrients you provide. Provide no nutrients in the last 2 weeks to avoid any chemical taste to your buds.
   • Humidity – Lower it to 40-50% to reduce the risk of disease.

Method4

Cultivating Marijuana Using Hydroponics

1. 1
   Use hydroponics to achieve higher yields indoors. Hydroponics means growing plants without soil. Water-soluble fertilizer is used instead. It can produce bigger yields in a shorter period of time, but is more expensive, harder to set up, and requires more careful maintenance. It is ideal for people who are going into the business of growing medical marijuana for sale. That said, hydroponics kits can be purchased that make this an attractive option even for beginners growing their own supply.
2. 2
   Choose your hydroponic system. There are active systems, which use mechanical devices to deliver nutrients to the plants, and the passive wick systems. While active systems can produce higher yields faster, they are also more expensive, more delicate, and require more maintenance.
   

   • Passive Wick System – The plant sits in a well-draining substrate above a nutrient solution, and nutrients are constantly drawn up into the substrate through a wick. Substrates: vermiculate, peat moss, coco peat.
   • Ebb and Flow – A nutrient reservoir periodically floods the containers where your plants are growing. The solution then slowly drains back into the reservoir. Substrates: rockwool or coco peat.
   • Top Feed/Drip Feed – Emitters drip nutrients directly into the soil near the roots. Excess nutrients then drain back down into the nutrient reservoir. Substrates: hydroton clay pebbles, coco peat, or rockwool.
   • Nutrient Film – Multiple plants are placed in a tilted tray, with nutrients constantly flowing down the slope past their roots, then being pumped back to flow past again. An effective system, but best for experience growers as it requires a lot of fine-tuning. Substrates: rockwool or coco peat.
   • Deep Water Culture – The roots grow in a constantly oxygenated nutrient solution. It is a low maintenance system, but a loss of power or incorrect nutrient levels can kill your plants. Substrates: rockwool or hydroton clay pebbles.
   • Aeroponics – The plant roots are held in a dark, sealed box where small nozzles emit a mist of nutrients over them, providing a humid, oxygenated area for the roots. This is the most effective system for growing marijuana, but is also very expensive. Also, if the power cuts out, the mist stops and your plants die. Substrate: hydroton clay.
3. 3
   Germinate your seeds. The easiest way to do this is to germinate (sprout) your seeds in a bit of rockwool. Keep it warm, wet, and in a dark place. Once sprouted, you can transfer the rockwool directly to your substrate.
   

   • For older or dried out seeds, try germinating them in warm water in a dark room. If they have not sprouted after 32 hours, move them to a substrate to continue germinating.
4. 4
   Fill your system with nutrient solution. Do not mix nutrient solution inside your system. Instead, fill a bucket with water (pH 6-7, filtered if hard) and add the appropriate amount of nutrient solution to it. Adjust the pH after the solution is mixed; it should be between 5.8 and 6.2.
5. 5
   Care for your plants during the vegetative stage. The vegetative stage lasts as long as you want your plants to keep getting bigger. Once you have transferred your seedlings to you hydroponic system, you'll need to maintain the system, as well as the lighting and temperature in the growing environment.
   

   • Light – Your plants should receive at least 18 hours of light a day to keep them in the vegetative stage. 24 hours of light will not harm them.
   • Temperature – Keep it between 72 and 77 degrees.
   • Humidity – Keep it at 50-80%.
   • Nutrient mix – It should be changed at least every two weeks, or when the reservoir has dried. Mix the new solution in a bucket. Quickly throw out the old solution, clean the reservoir and pumps with hot water, and add the new solution.
   • Cleaning – Clean your system once a week. Scoop up any plant material, flush all pots to remove roots, and wash tools in the dishwasher.
6. 6
   Induce flowering. The flowers of female marijuana plants are what produce the buds with active ingredients. Your plant will be capable of flowering after 4-5 weeks of growth. Plants typically double in height after flowering begins, so you'll want to induce it when they are half as tall as the final height you are aiming for. To induce flowering, change the light cycle to 12 hours light, 12 hours dark.
7. 7
   Snip off any male flowers. Female marijuana plants can become hermaphroditic if stressed due to too much light during dark periods, lack of nutrients, low temperatures, low CO2, or other reasons. They will then produce male flowers. You'll want to remove them immediately to prevent pollination and the resulting seedy buds.
   

   • A male flower has pollen sacks (little balls) around where the main stem connects to the branches.
   • A female flower has white hairs at that spot.
8. 8
   Change your care regimen during flowering. Flowering plants have different nutrient requirements, and are also more prone to disease. To maximize your yield:
   

   • Nutrient mix – Switch to a low nitrogen, high phosphorus formula. A Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium mix of 5-50-17 is ideal, though 15-30-15 will work. Use nothing but clean water the last two weeks of flowering to flush out any chemical taste.
   • Humidity – Lower it to 40-50% to reduce the risk of disease.
   • Light – Tuck leaves out of the way of the buds so they get plenty of light.

Method5

Cultivating Marijuana Outdoors

1. 1
   Grow outdoors for less expensive, larger crops. Growing your crop outdoors allows you to save on the cost of setting up your grow room and electricity for lighting. Your plants can also get much larger due to more sun and CO2, yielding a big harvest. And it's also relatively easy. The downsides are security worries and the potential for bad weather to ruin your crop. Still, if you have a secure place to grow your crop, this is a good option.
2. 2
   Choose where your planting location. When selecting a spot for your crop, you'll want to consider space, protection, sun exposure, water, and soil.
   

   • Space – Remember, you don't need a lot of square feet to grow a big crop, since outdoor plants will get much taller than indoor ones.
   • Protection – You must protect your crop from three things: people (angry neighbors or thieves); wind; and animals like rabbits and deer. Take advantage of natural features like hills, or screen off your crop.
   • Sun exposure – The more sun your plants get, the better. Look for a southern exposure. Watch out for buildings, bushes, or trees that might cast shade over your garden.
   • Water – Marijuana plants need lots of water. If it doesn't rain a lot where you live, make sure your garden is within easy reach of a stream or a hose.
   • Soil – Good soil is compact when squeeze but breaks apart again with little pressure. It should drain well, so avoid places with standing water. pH should be between 5.8 and 6.5. If grasses or weeds are already flourishing there, then it's a good site.
3. 3
   Choose strains that flourish outdoors. If you live in a warm, sunny place that doesn't experience frosts, then you can use outdoor or indoor strains. If you live further north, you'll want to use hardier strains that grow well outdoors. Checkhowtogrowmarijuna.com or grow-marijuana.com for a complete guide to outdoor strains.
   

   • Warm climates with no frosts (like southern California) – Choose any seed you want.
   • Sunny climates with occasional frosts (like the Mediterranean or southern US) – Most indicas and some hybridized sativas, like Silver Haze #9.
   • Colder, damper climates (like northern Europe or the northern US) – You'll have best luck with strains specifically designed for such climates, like Sensi Star or Holland's Hope. Also consider autoflowering strains like Auto Frisian Dew or Snow Ryder, which do well in colder climates.
4. 4
   Prepare your site for planting. You'll need to improve the soil, clear the site, and dig holes for your plants.
   

   • Soil - If you are not blessed with soil that has the correct pH and drains well, you'll want to improve it for higher yields. For clay soil, add compost and manure or perlite to improve drainage. For sandy soil, add compost and mulch or vermiculite to increase water retention. You can also plant your crop in a container if the soil is very bad.
   • Clearing – Pull up all grasses and weeds. You don't want them competing with your crop.
   • Holes – You can simply plant your seeds a half inch deep in the soil, but for better results, you'll want to prepare holes with good drainage. Dig a hole about 2 feet deep and 2 feet in diameter. Line the base with gravel and fill it in with prepared soil.
5. 5
   Plant in April or May, after the last frost. In warmer climates, you can plant in April. In colder climates, it's best to start your plants indoors, then transfer them outdoors in May after the last frost. Starting them indoors will give them extra growing time to ensure they flower before the first frost of fall.
6. 6
   Germinate your plants. Germinating simply means sprouting. If you want to plant your seeds directly at your site, put them a half inch under the soil. Be warned though that young cannabis plants are delicate and frequently fall prey to snails and insects. Accordingly, most people germinate their seeds, plant them indoors and don't move them out until they are 3-4 weeks old. There are several ways to germinate:
   

   • Starter cubes – The easiest method. Stick your seed in a cube of growing medium like a Jiffy Pellet or Rapid Rooter. Once the seedling appears, you can plant it directly in potting soil.
   • Damp paper towel – Fold a damp paper towel over the seeds and put them in a dark place for 1 to 3 days. When the root pops out, plant the seed 1 inch deep with the root downward.
   • Warm water – For older or dried out seeds, try dropping them in a glass of slightly warm water and placing it in a dark place. They should sprout in 24-32 hours. If they haven't after this time, move them to a moist place to finish sprouting.
7. 7
   Give your seedlings plenty of light. If starting your seedlings off indoors, you'll need to make sure they have plenty of light. You can put them on the windowsill or in a room with lots of light, or use artificial lights (see Setting up a Growing Room above).
8. 8
   Transfer seedlings to your growing site. If you have decided to start your seedlings off indoors, you'll want to transfer them to the growing site after 3-4 weeks. Carry the potted plants to the site and turn them upside down to remove them from the pots. Plant them – soil, roots, and all – in the holes you have dug. Water after planting.
9. 9
   Care for your plants as they grow. During the vegetative and flowering stage, your plants will need water and nutrients.
   

   • Water – If it rains 1 inch a week, you don't need to add water. Otherwise, you'll want to water your plants every other day. Try to use pH 7 water.
   • Weeding – Remove any weeds growing around your crop.
   • Vegetative nutrients – Give your plants nitrogen rich nutrients during the vegetative stage. You'll want a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of around 10-5-7.
   • Flowering nutrients – Switch to a phosphorus-rich formula with a ratio between of 5-50-17 and 5-10-7. For the last two weeks of flowering, stop giving nutrients to avoid a chemical taste. Water with plain water to flush out chemicals from your plants.
10. 10
    Sex your flowering plants. As soon as your plants start to flower, you'll want to sex them (i.e. determine which ones are male and female), so that you can remove the male plants. Otherwise, you'll end up with seeds in your buds, which reduces their potency.
    

    • Male flowers – Male pre-flowers have small bumps where the main stem connects to the flower. In developed flowers, these bumps become little balls (pollen sacs).
    • Female flowers – Pre-flowers have white hairs protruding. Developed flowers will have a thicker concentration of hairs.

Method6

Harvesting and Processing Your Crop

1. 1
   Determine if your plants are ready to harvest. Your plants will be ready to harvest 2 to 4 months after starting the flowering stage. There are two methods to determine when your plant is ready to harvest:
   

   • Pistils (the white hairs on the flowers) – Wait until new white hairs have stopped growing. Harvest when 50-75% of the hairs have darkened for the highest THC level. Harvest when 80-90% have darkened for more CBN, which has a relaxing effect.
   • Trichomes – Trichomes are the "crystals" or glitter that accumulate on your buds during the flowering stage. Use a magnifier to examine the ones with mushroom-like heads on the ends. Harvest when most trichomes are milky or cloudy for the most intense high. Wait until they are amber for a more relaxing, narcotic type high.
2. 2
   Harvest and prepare the plant for drying. Using a sharp knife, cut the plant off at the stalk above the ground. Remove the large fan leaves. Using scissors, cut each branch from the plant. Handle them gently so as to not lose any trichomes (the clear buds that contain THC).
   

   • Leaving the smaller leaves on the plant will result in a slower drying time, which means more flavor and potency.
3. 3
   Dry the branches. Hang the branches upside down with plenty of space between them to ensure even drying and to prevent the growth of mold. Keep them at room temperature to prevent drying too fast, and use a fan to promote air circulation (don't point the fan directly at the marijuana). You'll know your marijuana is dry enough when the smaller stems crack instead of bending when you flex them. Drying usually takes about a week.
4. 4
   Prepare the marijuana for curing. Use small scissors to remove any remaining leaves shielding the buds. (These trimmings contain some active ingredients and can be used in cooking.) Separate the individual buds from the stems and place them in 1 quart mason jars so the jars are about 75% full.
5. 5
   Cure the marijuana. During curing the marijuana will very, very slowly continue to dry out, and compounds that give it a grassy smell and taste will break down. The key is to try to keep the air in the jars at 60-65% relative humidity (RH). You'll want to open your jars at least once a day for the first 1-2 weeks to ensure they are curing properly and to allow for air exchange. A hygrometer can help you get accurate RH readings. Leave it in the jar for 24 hours to get an accurate reading.
   

   • Wet buds (over 70% RH) – If buds feel damp to the touch take them out to dry for another 12-24 hours. Wet buds in a jar run the risk of growing mold.
   • Moist buds (65-70% RH) – If you shake the jar and some buds stick together, then they are too moist. Take the lid off the jar for 2-4 hours.
   • Sticky buds (60-65% RH) – This is the zone where you want your buds to be. Buds feel a little sticky. They are neither wet, nor dry and crumbly. They do not clump together when you shake the jar.
   • Dry buds (less than 60%RH) – If the buds feel brittle and crumbly, then insert a 62% Humidipak to restore moisture. Continue opening the jar once a day.
6. 6
   Let the marijuana cure for up to six months. After the first 2 weeks, your jars should all be in the cure zone (sticky, 60-65% RH). You can now open them once a week to check on them. After 4-6 weeks, you can start opening them once a month. You should cure for at least 3 months, but buds will continue to improve for up to 6 months. After that, you'll want to put them in long-term storage.
7. 7
   Storing your buds. Make sure your buds are not wet, or they will mold in long-term storage. Humidity should be 62% or slightly less.
   

   • Short-term storage (under 6 months) – Put the buds in an airtight container, such as the mason jars or a Ziploc bag. Store in a cool, dark place.
   • Long-term storage (over 6 months) – Consider vacuum ceiling your buds to ensure they retain flavor and potency.

Method7

Understanding the Legality of Growing Marijuana for Personal Use

1. 1
   Check to see if home cultivation is allowed in your state. Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia all allow the use of medical marijuana, but you cannot grow your own marijuana in these states. You can grow medical marijuana in the following states:
   

   • You can cultivate without restrictions in Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington
   • A special license is required in New Mexico.
   • In Arizona you can only cultivate if you lived 25 miles or more form a dispensary when you apply for a card
   • In Nevada you can cultivate if you live 25 or more mile form a dispensary, if you are unable to travel to a dispensary, or if the dispensary does not carry the strains you need.
2. 2
   Become eligible to use medical marijuana. In all states where you can grow marijuana, you will need a doctor's prescription in order to do so legally. In most states, you will also need to register with the state. Here are the requirements in states where personal cultivation is allowed:
   

   • Registration mandatory: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Vermont
   • Registration voluntary: California, Maine, New Mexico
   • No registration required: Washington
3. 3
   Determine how much you can grow. Most states that allow home cultivation put a limit on the number of plants you can grow at one time, with that limit generally ranging from 6 to 12 plants. For a breakdown of how much marijuana you can grow in each state, see http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881#details.
4. 4
   Know the limits on how it can be used. In most states where marijuana is legal, you can use it in any form – liquid, pill, vaporized, or smoked. However, it is illegal to smoke medical marijuana in Minnesota and New York.

Method8

Determining if You Can Grow Marijuana For Sale

1. 1
   Determine if you can legally grow marijuana for sale. In most of the twenty-two states (plus DC) where marijuana is legal, you must acquire a license in order to legally cultivate marijuana. Of these states, only three are currently issuing licenses, and five more have plans to do so. Even in states that allow cultivation, many cities have municipal bans, so you'll want to be sure cultivation is legal where you are.
   

   • Arizona – Only dispensaries are allowed to grow marijuana for sale. You can find instructions on how to apply for a dispensary license athttp://azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/medical-marijuana/dispensaries/DRC-ApplicationInstructions.pdf.
   • Connecticut – You will need to acquire a producer license. This requires a non-refundable $25,000 application fee and a $75,000 registration fee.
   • Oregon – A license is required. You can find information on how to apply athttp://www.oregon.gov/olcc/marijuana/Documents/Licensing_Forms/mj_app_producer_cultivation_plan.pdf.
   • States where a license is required, but licenses have not yet been issued: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Illinois, and Maryland.
   • States where licenses are required, but no more are currently being issued: Delaware, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Washington, DC.
   • States where medical marijuana is legal, but cultivation for sale is illegal: Michigan.
2. 2
   Know the requirements. Most states have strict requirements regulating the growth and processing of medical marijuana. You will be generally required to pay an annual fee for your license, to demonstrate that your growing site is secure, to show that your growing area is not located near a school, and to submit your products for laboratory analysis. Check with your state authority for the particular requirements in your area.
3. 3
   Research the market. Growing medical marijuana for sale will probably not make you rich. Medical marijuana is strictly regulated. In Oregon, California, and Arizona, the market is very crowded, resulting in low prices.^[73] In Connecticut, the $100,000 cost of acquiring a license makes anything other than a large-scale venture unprofitable. The most attractive options are states that are in the process of issuing licenses: Alaska, Hawaii, Illinois and Maryland.
4. 4
   Locate buyers for your product. In some states, like Arizona, only dispensaries can grow marijuana, so you will be selling your own product. This means you'll need to establish a dispensary as well as growing marijuana. In other states, it is illegal to both grow and sell marijuana. You'll need to find dispensaries to sell to. In these states, it is illegal to sell directly to users.