Growing cannabis in the privacy of your own home should be a fundamental human right. Unfortunately, in most places, growing your own stash is still prohibited. Luckily, times are changing, and now there are a few countries around the world where cannabis home growers can thrive. Here are the best countries for indoor growers in no particular order.

Best Countries for Indoor Growers

Cannabis in Canada

In 2018, Canada passed Bill C-45, which legalized adult recreational use of cannabis. The age of adulthood ranges from 18-21 years, depending upon the province. The law, also known as the Cannabis Act, federally permits adult Canadian citizens to grow up to four plants at home. However, some provinces and territories have passed more restrictive growing laws. Manitoba prohibits home-growing, and Nunavut allows landlords to evict tenants for growing cannabis.

 The Netherlands

Technically, cultivating cannabis is illegal in the Netherlands. However, growing five plants or less in a private home is decriminalized. Dutch growers who keep their indoor gardens discreet shouldn’t have a problem. If Dutch law enforcement does detect a small home cannabis garden, they will usually stop at confiscating the plants. However, if growers cultivate more than five plants or appear to be growing for profit, they may face criminal charges.

 Belgium

In 2003, Belgium decriminalized possession of three grams of cannabis for personal use for adults over 18. While it’s still officially illegal to cultivate cannabis in Belgium, citizens can grow one plant in the privacy of their own homes without being concerned about criminal prosecution. 

South Africa

In September of 2018, South Africa’s Capetown High Court ruled that adults over 18 could legally possess, consume, and cultivate cannabis. The ruling stipulated that the cannabis must be consumed or grown in private and only used for personal consumption. 

The South African government is yet to set limits for the number of plants allowed for home growing. Growers should err on the side of caution and limit their gardens to a small number of plants for personal use as selling cannabis remains a crime in South Africa.

 Uruguay

In December of 2013, President José Mujica made Uruguay the first country to federally legalize cannabis. In 2014, subsequent legislation permitted Uruguayan adults to grow up to six cannabis plants at home. 

The law also allows for the formation of growing associations where members can pool their resources. Uruguayan growers clubs may cultivate up to 99 plants per year once they register with the Institution for the Regulation and Control of Cannabis (IRCCA).

 United States

Although cannabis plants containing more than .3% THC remain illegal Schedule 1 Narcotics according to federal law, several U.S. states permit home cultivation. Federal law enforcement rarely interferes with small, home cannabis gardens in legal states. Some states allow cultivation for medicinal purposes only, while growing cannabis at home for recreational purposes is legal in a number of others, including:

  • Alaska
  • California
  • Nevada
  • Colorado
  • Massachusetts
  • Oregon
  • Montana
  • Arizona
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont 
  • Washington, D.C.

Ukraine

Ukraine is one of the best places in Europe for citizens to grow small indoor gardens. Cultivation of up to 10 plants at home is punishable by a small administrative fine. Penalties may be stiff in Ukraine if law enforcement can prove that the growing operation was intended for sale. However, the government remains relatively tolerant toward private gardeners.

Thailand

Thailand legalized medical cannabis in February 2019. The program has become so popular that the country is seeing a shortage of buds. To meet demand, Thailand is in the process of passing legislation that will allow citizens to grow up to six plants for medicinal purposes. 

Growers will also have the ability to sell extra cannabis to the government. Thai citizens need an official permit to consume or grow medical cannabis and must only cultivate government-approved strains. Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Thailand.

And Cannabis Growing in Mexico

Mexico may soon be the third country to federally legalize recreational cannabis use. In 2018, the Mexican Supreme Court ruled that consuming cannabis was a basic human right for citizens and gave legislators a deadline for setting regulations for consumption and cultivation limits. The deadline had been pushed back several times, most recently for COVID-19 concerns. 

In November, the Mexican Senate finally approved a bill allowing for personal possession of up to 28 grams of cannabis. According to the bill, adult Mexican citizens will be permitted to grow four plants at home and form grower’s associations. The legislation still must pass through the lower house of Congress and be signed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) before it can become official.

INDOOR CANNABIS CULTIVATION IS A GLOBAL TREND

Indoor cannabis cultivation is continuously expanding across different countries. This could be due to the gradual legalization of medical and recreational use of cannabis. More people and organizations are now open to exploring the benefits of cannabis.

From east to west, indoor cannabis growers are increasing in number. For this reason, many local cannabis dispensaries and online cannabis seeds and supply stores are proliferating. Access to marijuana-growing supplies, tools, and equipment is now easier.

First-time cannabis indoor cultivators need to consider critical factors to obtain a generous yield from this method. These factors include the cannabis strain they want to grow, the growing medium, room temperature, and light requirements. Moreover, cannabis plants also need the right amount of nutrients, water, and good grow room air circulation.

As you become more experienced as a cannabis grower, you can try other methods to grow your favorite marijuana strain. You might also want to venture into horticulture to produce medical-grade cannabis to help your community.

If you’re interested in cultivating cannabis indoors, it’s crucial to know the governing laws in your area. That way, you can comply and avoid getting into trouble, especially if you decide to grow marijuana in another state or country.