The medical marijuana industry is booming, and growing your own could be a highly-effective way to reduce the cost. Despite becoming more commonly prescribed, medical marijuana gets expensive, making it less accessible to some. When you grow your own, you gain access to all its benefits while also benefitting the environment and your budget. Here are some tips on reducing healthcare spending by growing medical marijuana.
Know Your Product
Before you get started, invest time in learning about cannabis. It contains over 100 ‘active ingredients’, called cannabinoids, with the most abundant and well-known being THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), and CBD (cannabidiol). Cannabis comes in many forms and combinations, meaning you should determine the type you want to grow.
Control the Growing Conditions
You have little insight into the growing conditions when you purchase medical marijuana from a dispensary. When you grow your own, you can guarantee that no harmful chemicals or pesticides are used. Be mindful of moisture in the air, as these plants are sensitive to changes in humidity levels. Mold can be prevented by keeping humidity levels below 50%, according to Comfy Living. Check the air around the plants frequently to ensure there isn’t too much moisture.
Reduce Your Environmental Impact
When you purchase at a dispensary, you’re likely buying a product that has traveled far distances, contributing to carbon emissions. Growing your own means, you eliminate the need for transportation and reduce your carbon footprint. You can also incorporate sustainable practices, like using compost as a fertilizer and collecting rainwater for irrigation.
Enjoy Potential Cost Savings
Medical marijuana treats many conditions and is a natural alternative to expensive conventional medications with intense side effects. Many people find that it manages symptoms of chronic conditions like pain and nausea, which reduces the need to stretch their budget by spending money on prescription medications and doctor visits. When you grow your own, you get all of the product’s benefits without worrying about the high cost at a dispensary.
Lower Monthly Energy Bills and Reduced Energy Consumption
You can create a completely energy-efficient setup when you grow your product, including things like LED lights instead of traditional high-intensity discharge ones, which drain energy and are expensive. Part of the process may involve identifying leaks in your property or improving your insulation. While they might require upfront costs, adding insulation and sealing air leaks could save up to 20% on your monthly energy bills, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program.
Upfront Costs for Long-Term Benefits
The cost of beginning this endeavor will vary greatly depending on the price of cannabis in your area, the total plant count, and your overall setup. Start small, especially if you have limited funds. Like anything, when you’re learning a new skill, it takes time. Learn the basics and increase your supply as you become more comfortable with the process.
Learn Your State’s Laws
Legally, being prescribed medical marijuana and growing your own are different things. While medical marijuana is legal in most states, each area has different laws. Additionally, you need to contend with federal regulations, which differ from state ones. Research your local laws before you start, and check to see if you need a specific license, are restricted in the amount of product you can grow, and more.
Growing your own cannabis is a cost-effective alternative to relying on a dispensary, but before you begin, there are some considerations you have to make. Ensure you have a suitable environment for it, be prepared for some upfront costs, and become an expert in your state’s medical marijuana laws. Once you’ve taken care of those logistics, you’ll be able to reduce your healthcare spending and increase your energy efficiency.