Growing Marijuana In Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a long history of being a bit more conservative than its neighbors.  Marijuana legislation is no different. Unlike its neighbors who have either decriminalized or instituted medical marijuana programs, Pennsylvania – Pittsburgh and Philadelphia included – had not budged until very recently (2016). Despite the new medical marijuana program, growing is still not allowed. So how do you grow marijuana in Pennsylvania? You do it carefully.

Pennsylvania laws

Pennsylvania has laws on possessing marijuana and on growing marijuana, but like many states without the decriminalization, it equates weed growing with weed selling. They simply are not the same, especially when you are only growing 1 or 2 plants. Even the occasional user won’t have much left over for selling after trying their plant.  Yet there used to be no consideration for the personal home grower, even though they have always existed. This is probably a good thing if you know how to use it to your advantage.

Pennsylvania considers it a misdemeanor to possess 30gram of marijuana or less. For those that don’t realize, 30 grams is a little more than 1 ounce.  Pennsylvania also considers it a felony to grow 10-21 plants. Previously, there was no specification for a lower number of plants. Now, however, any number of plants being grown is considered a felony and could result in 1-5 years in prison, plus a $15,000 fine.

In other states without laws on cultivation, plants are the same as any other form of marijuana. Pennsylvania left this clarification out.  In any case, you should limit yourself to one plant at a time if you plan to grow marijuana in Pennsylvania. If nothing else, it could lower the severity of your penalty if you did get caught.

Medical marijuana in Pennsylvania

In 2016, a medical marijuana program was signed into law for the state of Pennsylvania. It will not allow for any kind of home cultivation, and the only marijuana allowed to be consumed are cannabis-infused pills, topical ointments, liquids, tinctures, or oils. Registered patients may have a 30-day supply at any one time.

There will be dispensaries around the state, but they are not yet operational. And, even once they are, it is oftentimes better to grow your own marijuana. You will know exactly what type of plant you are growing and what methods were used to grow it. For a medicine, what could be better?

Growing in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a conditional release policy; you probably will get probation rather than time in jail, but why go through the trouble? Grow small and grow stealth so you don’t get caught. My Marijuana Grow Bible explains how to do it.

Keeping a private cannabis garden, whether you do it indoors or outdoors, is the best way to grow marijuana in Pennsylvania without getting caught.  My Grow Bible explains the best way to grow in both scenarios. It’s a free download, so if you haven’t already read it from the front to the back, you should do that or move to any of the nearby states that allow some sort of marijuana usage.

Brotherly love

Pennsylvania’s popular city, Philadelphia, is called the city of brotherly love, although their weed policy doesn’t seem very friendly.  It may not have caught up with the states around it, but compared to the southern half of the country, it’s not that bad.
The most important thing to keep in mind is only to grow what you need. The fewer plants you have, the less likely you’ll get caught (and the more likely you’ll end up getting probation instead of jail time). They also have mandatory jail time for selling at least 2lbs of weed.  Don’t unnecessarily get mistaken for a drug dealer just because you want a little extra on hand. With mandatory jail time, no excuse in the world is going to work.

Marijuana legislation can be complicated, but Jenny Bloom is always up for the task. Although not a lawyer, her experience as a reporter and PR specialist helps her understand legalese – especially when it relates to growing marijuana. A passionate supporter of legalization and home... [read more]

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