Marijuana (Cannabis sativa)

Marijuana

Cannabis sativa

Its fibrous stems and resinous buds carry dual industrial and psychoactive roles. Annual herbaceous plant; common names: marijuana, hemp.

Full sun
2–3/week
Moderate
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Requires 12+ hours of direct sunlight for flowering; 18 hours of light for vegetative growth; avoid prolonged shade as it stunts bud development
💧
Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and fungal growth
🌡️
Temperature Thrives at 18–27°C; temperatures below 10°C will stunt growth and reduce bud production
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Palmately compound with 5–11 serrated leaflets; bright green, fuzzy texture on undersides
  • Flower: Dioecious; female plants produce resinous buds with trichomes; male plants produce small, greenish flowers
  • Stem: Hollow, fibrous, rigid; covered in fine trichomes during flowering stage
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during vegetative growth; reduce watering slightly during flowering to encourage resin production

Fertilization

Feed with nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 2 weeks during vegetative growth. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent nutrient burn and reduced resin production

Composted banana peel tea:Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 with water for root drench; avoid using raw peels to prevent odor and pest infestations
Pruning
  • Trim lower fan leaves during flowering to improve light penetration to bud sites
  • Remove male plants immediately upon identification to prevent pollination of female plants and seed production
  • Pinch vegetative tops during early growth to encourage bushy growth and increase bud yield
  • Remove yellowing or diseased leaves to maintain plant health and airflow
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion causes lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, and potentially seizures

Humans: Contains psychoactive THC; ingestion or smoking causes euphoria, anxiety, impaired motor function; long-term use may lead to respiratory issues

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Has historical use in textiles, medicine, and spiritual rituals; currently regulated for psychoactive properties in most regions

Usage: Industrial hemp for fiber, seed oil, and bioplastics; medicinal marijuana for pain and symptom management; recreational use in legal regions