Cannabis Cultivation in Texas

Over the past decade, marijuana has become more broadly accepted in general and is now legal to consume—and even grow—in many states. Right now, cannabis fans in Texas are not able to legally use or grow marijuana, but the good news is that the conversation around cannabis acceptance is gaining momentum, with growing public support and continuing legislative discussions signaling a potential shift in the future.

While aspiring growers in Texas may not yet have the freedom to grow their own plants, there’s no time like the present to learn about cultivation strategies and prepare for a time when growing at home could, potentially, become an option. Below, we’ll explore some of the most important things Texans need to know about the practice of growing cannabis—from the local climate and how it could impact outdoor cannabis cultivation to strains that are likely to thrive in the state’s diverse environment. Read on for a glimpse into key growing strategies and how to prepare should legal cannabis cultivation become a reality.  

Texas Cannabis Laws

Texas has taken small but significant steps toward cannabis reform over the years. The Compassionate Use Act, passed in 2015, allows qualifying medical patients to access low-THC CBD oil for specific medical conditions. While this program has expanded slightly since its creation by raising the THC cap from 0.5% to 1% and adding more qualifying conditions—access does remain limited, especially in comparison to other states with full medical marijuana programs. 

Public opinion, on the other hand, is shifting. While no major changes have been enacted yet, the ongoing discussions suggest that Texas may eventually join the ranks of states that allow recreational use and home cultivation.

Growing Strategies for Texas’s Climate

Texas spans several climate zones—from deserts in the western part of the state to humid subtropical regions in the east. This mixture means that prospective outdoor growers would benefit from choosing their growing location and setting carefully when planning their cultivation strategy. For example, if you live in an area with less humidity, it is especially important to be mindful of watering schedules and use the proper tools to measure and maintain optimal levels of humidity. Below, we’ll dive into the specifics of how cannabis growers can inspire their plants to thrive—even in less-than-optimal conditions. 

Outdoor Growing in Texas

Outdoor cultivation could be a viable option for many Texans if home growing becomes legal in the future. Here are some key considerations for outdoor growers:

• Heat Resistance: Summers in Texas can be extremely hot, with temperatures greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in some regions. Strains that are heat-resistant such as Strawberry Cough and  Phantom OG are vital for outdoor growing success.
• Humidity Management: In eastern Texas, humidity can be quite high. Thankfully, our seed library contains many mold-resistant strains like Jack Frost and Euforia. While it’s possible to cultivate any strain so long as you keep a close eye on your plants’ needs, options with a natural resistance to mold and mildew will make the growing process much easier in general, which can be especially helpful for newbie gardeners. 
• Seasonal Timing: Outdoor growers would need to plant after the last frost (typically mid-March to early April) and aim to harvest before any potential early fall frosts.

Indoor Growing in Texas

Indoor growing offers more control over factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, and as a result, is a great option for cannabis fans looking to try year-round cultivation. While there’s more of an up-front investment, such as purchasing equipment like grow lights, ventilation systems, and dehumidifiers, indoor setups allow growers to bypass many of the challenges associated with Texas’ climate.

• Managing Temperature: Indoor growers can maintain an ideal range of 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit or 21-29 degrees Celsius using heaters and a thermostat—no matter the weather outside.
• Regulating Humidity: A dehumidifier is essential for keeping moisture levels balanced, particularly in humid areas of Texas.
• Maximizing Space: Compact grow tents can make indoor cultivation accessible even for those with limited space.

Strains Likeliest to Thrive in Texas

If cannabis cultivation becomes legal in Texas, selecting strains that are especially well-suited to the state’s climate will make a successful harvest all the more likely. We recommend taking a look at: 

• Tangerine Dream Auto: This sativa-dominant hybrid has a knack for thriving in hot and dry climates, which makes it the perfect option for West Texas’ climate. Specifically, its autoflowering lineage makes it a highly adaptable plant with a more efficient flowering time. 
• Purple Punch: Purple Punch is an indica-dominant strain that flourishes in humid environments with plenty of sunlight, making it well-suited for eastern Texas’s subtropical climate. Its dense buds are resistant to mold when properly cared for, and its relaxing effects make it a fan fave among indica lovers.
• Cali Kush: Cali Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid that produces thick buds with a citrusy aroma. It performs well indoors or outdoors and can handle dips and spikes in temperature—an important trait given Texas’s somewhat unpredictable weather. 
• Oreoz: This chocolate-flavored indica-dominant hybrid packs a powerful punch of THC and offers high yields to boot. It’s also known for its ability to endure especially hot weather. 
• Ghost Train Haze: A sativa-dominant THC powerhouse, this happy-making hybrid doesn’t just endure warmer weather well, it actually prefers higher temperatures. Texas would-be growers looking toward the future may want to keep this high-energy strain at the top of their cannabis wishlist.

Preparing for Potential Legalization

While cannabis cultivation remains illegal in Texas as of now, there’s no harm in researching and preparing for a time when legal home growing could become a reality. Here are some tips to help you cultivate with confidence in the future.

Learn About Cultivation Basics

Exploring the wide world of cannabis horticulture now can make the growing process more seamless later. We recommend learning more about  topics such as:

• The cannabis plant life cycle and various stages of growing
• Soil vs. hydroponic growing methods
• Nutrient requirements at different growth stages
• Strategies for fending off common garden pests

Invest in Equipment

If you’re considering indoor growing down the line, it may be helpful to begin researching basic gardening equipment such as LED grow lights, ventilation systems, grow tents, and temperature/humidity monitors. These tools will make it much easier to get started down the line.

Stay Informed About Legal Developments

Keep an eye on legislative updates regarding cannabis reform in Texas. Understanding potential regulations around plant limits or security requirements will help you stay compliant should cultivation become legal.

Looking Ahead

The future of cannabis cultivation in Texas remains uncertain yet hopeful. With public support growing and legislative discussions continuing to evolve, there’s reason to believe that change may be on the horizon. For now, Texans interested in cannabis should focus on education—learning about cultivation strategies, understanding their climate, and keeping up with legal developments.

If legalization does become a reality, being prepared will give you a head start on growing your own high-quality cannabis plants at home. Whether you’re dreaming of Tangerine Dream Auto thriving under West Texas skies or Purple Punch flourishing indoors during a humid Houston summer, there’s no better time than now to start planning your future garden.

Until then, stay up-to-date and excited about what lies ahead for both cannabis enthusiasts and cultivators in the Lone Star State!