Understanding Home Grow Rules: What to Check Before You Start

This is general educational information, not legal advice, and it is intended only for adults in states and jurisdictions where home cultivation is legal. Verify everything below with your own state and local sources, and consult an attorney for anything specific to your situation.

Categories of rule that commonly exist

  • Plant count limits per adult and a separate household cap
  • Age minimum, commonly 21+, or a valid medical card
  • Enclosed and locked space requirements
  • Out-of-public-view requirements
  • Distance restrictions from schools or other locations
  • Landlord or HOA permission for renters
  • Registration or licensing in some jurisdictions
  • Limits on possession of harvested flower

Where to look

Your state's cannabis regulatory agency publishes the authoritative rules, and your city or county may add stricter ones on top. Local rules are the part people most often miss.

Two things that are not permitted anywhere

Selling homegrown cannabis without the appropriate license, and transporting cannabis across state lines, which remains a federal offense regardless of state law.

Plan your grow around the limits

Plant count caps are the reason most home growers should run a few large, well-trained plants rather than many small ones. Design your tent and training plan around your legal limit from the start.

Frequently asked questions

Does Budometry give legal advice?
No. Everything here is educational. Consult a qualified attorney about the laws that apply where you live.

Keep reading

Legal notice: We do not promote or encourage breaking the law. This site is for adults 21+ growing in states and jurisdictions that have legalized cannabis cultivation, and who are following all legal growing guidelines, plant count limits, and permit requirements that apply to them.