Navigating the Cannabis Landscape in Pennsylvania

Cannabis Cultivation in Pennsylvania

Over the past decade, cannabis has become more widely accepted in certain areas of the United States. Marijuana enthusiasts in Pennsylvania can’t legally light up for fun or grow their own green right now, but the good news is that there are ongoing efforts to change this. In fact, the Keystone State has been steadily warming up to cannabis since 2016 when they gave medical marijuana the green light. Currently, if you’re a registered patient with a qualifying condition, you’re permitted to have a 90-day supply of medical cannabis, so long as you’ve been approved by your physician. 

Home cultivation, on the other hand, is not allowed whether you’re a medical user or not—but that doesn’t mean would-be growers aren’t brushing up on their gardening knowledge should they someday have the option to plant their own small crop. 

Time will only tell if state laws will move in a more progressive direction for Pennsylvanians, but in the meantime, there’s plenty to learn about the art and science of cannabis cultivation. Below, we offer a glimpse into indoor and outdoor gardening strategies, the best strains for the local climate, and other pointers on how to cultivate with confidence should legal growing become a reality.

Cannabis Cultivation in Pennsylvania

Over the past decade, cannabis has become more widely accepted in certain areas of the United States. Marijuana enthusiasts in Pennsylvania can’t legally light up for fun or grow their own green right now, but the good news is that there are ongoing efforts to change this. In fact, the Keystone State has been steadily warming up to cannabis since 2016 when they gave medical marijuana the green light. Currently, if you’re a registered patient with a qualifying condition, you’re permitted to have a 90-day supply of medical cannabis, so long as you’ve been approved by your physician. 

Home cultivation, on the other hand, is not allowed whether you’re a medical user or not—but that doesn’t mean would-be growers aren’t brushing up on their gardening knowledge should they someday have the option to plant their own small crop. 

Time will only tell if state laws will move in a more progressive direction for Pennsylvanians, but in the meantime, there’s plenty to learn about the art and science of cannabis cultivation. Below, we offer a glimpse into indoor and outdoor gardening strategies, the best strains for the local climate, and other pointers on how to cultivate with confidence should legal growing become a reality.

Pennsylvania’s Climate and its Impact on Potential Cannabis Cultivation

One of the most useful things aspiring growers can do to master the art and science of cannabis cultivation is to familiarize themselves with their local weather trends and how these varying climate conditions would impact the growing process. 

In the Keystone State, summers are warm and sunshine is abundant with temperatures usually between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 21-32 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal range for cannabis cultivation, meaning seasonal outdoor growing could be an excellent option in the future for Pennsylvanians. Fall sees a gradual cooling of temperatures, which would also offer favorable conditions for harvesting. 

Winters are, of course, noticeably chillier, with highs typically in the 30 to 40-degree Fahrenheit range (or 1-9 degrees Celsius), meaning cultivators looking to grow year-round would need to plant indoors during this period. Spring, however, marks the return of milder temperatures—and an optimal environment for germinating and planting your cannabis seeds.

Indoor vs Outdoor Growing

Indoor and outdoor growing both offer their own set of unique advantages and, potentially, challenges. There’s not necessarily a “better” way to grow—just a better way for each grower! Here are some points to keep in mind when deciding which setup is best for you. 

• Indoor growing offers more control over elements such as temperature, humidity, and lighting—but also requires more equipment. That said, an initial investment in basic equipment such as grow lights, a grow tent, a heater, and other basic gardening equipment can still be fairly cost-effective and offer the benefit of year-round cultivation. 
• Outdoor growing is more cost-effective but also subject to weather variations. Pennsylvania has relatively growing-friendly summers, but due to its colder winters, cultivation would be limited to the warmer months from late spring to early fall.

Tools for Success

For potential future cannabis cultivation, growers will need:

• Grow lights for indoor cultivation
• A dehumidifier and humidifier to manage Pennsylvania’s variable humidity levels
• Proper ventilation to inhibit mold and mildew in indoor grow spaces
• Soil testing kits to ensure optimal pH levels

Potential Strains for Pennsylvania’s Climate

If cannabis cultivation becomes legal in Pennsylvania, it will be useful for outdoor growers to know which strains would fare especially well in the local climate. Here are some options to keep in mind. 

• Super Lemon Haze is known for its resistance to mold and pests, which could be beneficial in Pennsylvania’s humid summers.
• White Widow Auto is a hardy, powerhouse strain known for its resistance to mold and pests. It is also likelier to thrive in Pennsylvania’s humid conditions.
• Blue Dream is a hybrid strain with a reputation for adapting to various temperature fluctuations, which could make it a good fit for Pennsylvania’s changing seasons. 

Remember, while these strains might be well-suited to Pennsylvania’s climate, cultivation remains illegal as of February 2025. Always review your local laws.

How Cannabis-Loving Pennsylvanians Can Prepare for the Future

While there’s no way to know if and when cultivation or recreational use will become a legal option for marijuana enthusiasts living in the Keystone State, there’s no time like the present to learn more about the art and science of cannabis cultivation. We recommend keeping the following topics in mind. 

• Climate adaptation: Consider strains that can handle Pennsylvania’s humid summers and cold winters.
• Indoor vs. outdoor growing: Decide whether to invest in indoor growing equipment or work with the outdoor growing season.
• Legal compliance: Should growing become an option, be sure to review, understand, and follow any regulations around home cultivation, such as plant limits or security requirements.
• Education: Explore various growing techniques such as soil-based growing, hydroponics, Sea of Green (SoG), and more. 

If you decide to buy seeds, we recommend exploring our extensive library of high-quality strains. From indica-rich classics to balanced hybrids to sativa-dominant fan faves, there’s something for everyone. Have fun planning your potential future garden, and down the line, we’d be delighted to guide you toward an abundant, home-grown harvest.

Frequently Asked Questions