Ultimate Guide to Buying and Growing Cannabis Seeds Legally in New York

Grow Cannabis Seeds in New York

Good news for cannabis fans in the Empire State: New York has joined the ranks of many other pot-friendly states by legalizing both recreational consumption and home cultivation. Whether you’re a longtime green thumb or a determined newbie looking to learn the basics of cannabis cultivation, there’s no place quite like New York for those looking to grow top-notch bud from the comfort of home. 

Prospective outdoor growers will want to consider their local climate—as different weather patterns can offer up some unique challenges and benefits. Outdoor growing can, admittedly, be a little tricky for upstaters due to the region’s notoriously cold winters and humid summers—but these challenges can be easily overcome with the right setup. Indoor gardening is a great choice for beginners, as it provides year-round control over growing conditions. 

Many of our strains also have a flowering time of just 8-10 weeks, which means New Yorkers can embrace the many joys of legal home cultivation all while sticking to a more efficient timeline. Whether you’re growing for personal use or looking to explore the more therapeutic benefits of cannabis, New York’s cannabis-friendly laws are a welcome change for marijuana fans all across the Empire State. 

Legal Guidelines for New York Home Growers  

As of June 26, 2024, New Yorkers 21 and above can legally grow their own cannabis seeds in New York from home. Each individual is limited to a maximum of six plants: three mature (flowering) and three immature. Households are capped at twelve plants total—no matter how many individuals live within the home. 

While both indoor and outdoor growing are allowed, make sure to keep your plants in a secure, private location that is away from public view. Before getting started, we also encourage aspiring growers to review their local laws and check for additional regulations. You can learn more about growing at home from the New York Office of Cannabis Management.

Is Outdoor Growing Suitable for New York’s Climate? 

New York’s climate is best described as humid continental—although depending on the area of the state you’re located in, there may be significant variations. Cannabis fans living in the southeastern portion of the state, including NYC and Long Island, will experience warmer, more humid summers and may want to try strains like Amnesia Haze and Skywalker OG. 

Upstate New York has warm summers and long, cold winters with plenty of snow. Growers in this area will want to try strains that can withstand cooler temperatures and have shorter flowering periods—such as Blueberry. 

Can beginners cultivate cannabis in New York?

Yes! Strains like Jack Herer, known for its newbie-friendly growing properties, and White Widow,  which is particularly resilient against pests, are great choices for those just embarking on their growing journey. As a general rule, easy-to-grow strains tend to be less sensitive to inclement weather and can stand up against pests, disease, and newbie mistakes such as overwatering or overfeeding.

Indoor vs Outdoor Growing in New York

New York cannabis enthusiasts have the option of growing indoors or outside—provided the plants are kept in a secure, private location. The best option for you will depend on your preferences and local weather conditions. 

As a general rule, indoor growing offers more control over elements such as temperature and humidity—making it ideal for beginners or cannabis fans living in areas with especially harsh winters.

Outdoor cultivation can be more cost-effective but affords cannabis cultivators less control over their growing environment. That said, with the right timing, outdoor growers can still achieve robust harvests and avoid some of the pitfalls caused by harsh weather. 

Setting up an indoor cannabis garden in New York

First, find a  3×3 foot spot within your home to set up your indoor garden—such as a spare closet or quiet, out-of-the-way corner. You will want your growing area to be easily accessible—but also not in the middle of your living space.

Here’s what you’ll need to set up your indoor cannabis garden: 

1. A grow tent is a must-have tool for indoor growers and helps create a controlled environment for your plants. 
2. Grow lights provide the energy your plants require to thrive.
3. Fans produce proper air circulation and help control temperature.
4. Carbon filters help reduce any unwanted odors.
5. A high-quality thermometer will help monitor temperature. 

The first thing you’ll want to do is set up your grow tent. Grow tents are available in many different sizes—but a small 1X1 square meter tent is typically an excellent starting place for newbies, as smaller strains tend to be more beginner-friendly. 

Next, hang your grow lights inside and make sure they provide even coverage for all your plants. Set up your fans in a way to provide even, ample airflow—and finally, don’t forget to set up your carbon filters, which will minimize any odors.
You’ll also want to explore growing mediums. Soil is a tried-and-true classic for many reasons: It’s easy to use, nutrient-rich, and widely available. If you’re feeling ambitious, we encourage learning more about hydroponic systems. This water-based setup does require some extra effort up-front—but according to many gardeners, it is well worth the extra work thanks to how efficiently it allows your plants to grow.

Seasonal Calendar

New York’s climate will vary depending on where you are in the state, but the following general timeline can serve as a good jumping-off point if you’re looking to try an outdoor grow. 

• Winter and Early Spring: Getting Ready
  Choose strains suited to New York’s climate, such as Durban Poison or Blue Dream.
  Prepare your growing area with nutrient-rich soil and compost.
• Early-to-Mid Spring: Planting Time
  Wait until after the last frost to plant outdoors, usually in late May or early June.
  Ensure plants have enough space to grow and breathe.
• Mid Spring to Early Summer: The Growing Process
  Monitor plant growth and provide adequate water and nutrients.
  Use fertilizers with a balanced NPK ratio to encourage healthy growth.
• Summer: The Budding Process
  Keep your eye out for buds and trim excess leaves to help improve airflow. 
• Early Fall: Harvest Time
  Harvest before the first frost, usually in late September or early October.
  Look for brownish hairs on the buds and milky trichomes as signs of readiness.

Explore New York-friendly cannabis strains!