Debunking Common Cannabis Growing Myths: What You Need To Know

In the ever-growing world of cannabis cultivation, myths sprout like weeds. Whether you're a green-thumbed newbie or a seasoned cultivator, you've likely heard some of the most popular tall tales about growing weed. 

From nutrient overload to fruit juice-infused buds, these myths can lead you down the wrong garden path. It’s time to set the record straight and weed out these myths, pun intended. 

In this article, we go over some of the common cannabis myths and dispel them, so that you don’t end up falling for them. Let’s start. 

1. More Nutrients = Better Yields

Proper nutrition is essential for a healthy cannabis plant, but like most things in life, more isn’t always better. But this is exactly what many new growers fail to grasp — they overfeed their plants, thinking it will produce better yields. 

However, when you do this, you're overlooking the importance of maintaining a balance in cannabis cultivation. In reality, excessive fertilization can be just as detrimental as underfeeding your plants. Understanding how nutrients impact cannabis cultivation and being aware of the risks of over-fertilization is crucial if you want to grow amazing plants. 

Yes, nutrients support plants by supplying elements necessary for various physiological functions, but that doesn't mean you give them more than necessary. For instance, nutrients are necessary for humans too, but what happens if you eat too much, even if it's nutritious food, or pop a myriad of supplements every day? Just like your body is likely to resist this, the plants won't like it either. 

This is a common mistake, though, but it can lead to several problems for your cannabis plant. Giving your plant too much nutrition can cause nutrient burn or lockout. And if such stress is untreated, it can even prove fatal for your cannabis plant. The reason this happens is because of the build-up of too many salts in the growing medium. This makes it challenging for the plant to properly absorb water and essential nutrients. Eventually, the surplus nutrients harm the roots and tissues leading to the opposite of what you were expecting. 

For example, an abundance of potassium can hinder the absorption of calcium and magnesium and cause deficiencies even if these nutrients are present in the soil or nutrient solution.

Oh, and don't forget that it messes up with the yields too. For instance, an excess of nitrogen can promote leaves but may inhibit flower production. It can also make plants more vulnerable to pests and diseases

Always look out for signs of nutrient toxicity and burns; common symptoms include yellowing leaves, darkening of branches and stems, and rust spots on the leaves. If such symptoms appear, quickly remedy the problem by flushing your plant and toning down the nutrient regimen. Your cannabis plant needs various factors to grow healthy and produce bigger yields; nutrition is only a part of the puzzle. Other factors include temperature, humidity, lighting conditions, water, and more. 

So, if you want to get the best out of your plant, strike a balance with the nutrients and optimize other factors, too. Your plant will thrive in such a balanced and consistent environment, and you won’t feel the need to overfeed your cannabis plant. 

2. Feeding Your Plant Fruit Juices Will Improve Its Flavor 

Similarly, another nutrient-related myth many growers believe is that you should feed your plant fruit juices to improve its flavor. This myth is weirdly popular, but it’s not true at all. Watering your plant with juices will not improve its flavor profile. 

The unique aromas of your cannabis come from compounds called terpenes, which are responsible for the essential oils that give cannabis its distinct scent. Terpenes are most concentrated in the trichomes that cover the buds, leaves, and to a lesser extent, the stems of female cannabis plants. 

Some common terpenes in cannabis include myrcene, linalool, limonene, pinene, and caryophyllene.

While some nutrients can help boost resin production and create a more complex terpene profile, the idea that watering with fruit juice can enhance flavor is misguided. 

If you're looking to improve your plant's terpene production, then try feeding them with small amounts of molasses during the final weeks of flowering or reducing nutrients and increasing darkness in the days leading up to harvest. However, fruit juice won’t have any effect on enhancing flavor.

3. You Should Dry the Plants Upside Down to Increase THC

Another common practice among many growers is to hang the plant upside down during the drying process. Some growers believe that this practice boosts THC content in the buds, but the reality is far from that. 

The reason why many growers dry their cannabis upside down is to preserve the terpene and cannabinoid content in the buds by slowing down the drying process. This allows sugars and chlorophyll to break down properly, leading to an evenly cured flower that is pleasant to smoke. 

Remember, your plant’s potency is down to its development and genetics. Your plant can only produce the THC that its genetics dictate. And if you don’t handle your plant well, the THC levels can even go down. The same goes if you don’t take care of your plant when it’s growing. 

4. Defoliation can Damage Your Plant 

Defoliation is an excellent training method for your cannabis plants. It boosts the yields, reduces humidity, and controls the flowering stretch. Sometimes, this method can even boost your plant’s bud quality. 

However, many growers are on the fence when it comes to this method. Granted, by the looks of it, defoliation can seem a bit too harsh for your plant. And it’s only natural to want to protect your plant and not hurt it too much. 

Another common argument is that defoliating the plant reduces the overall surface area of the leaves, leading to less photosynthesis. 

But it’s crucial to note that your cannabis plant didn’t evolve to grow indoors. You sometimes need to train it to make it fit your growing setup. For example, wild cannabis plants naturally grow like Christmas trees, but the same may not be feasible indoors. So, you’d top your cannabis plant. 

Similarly, you can use defoliation to manage your plant’s excess foliage. By removing that, you promote better light and air exposure and allow your plant to divert its energy toward developing flowers. 

5. Growing Cannabis is Costly 

Many individuals believe that cultivating cannabis comes with a rather significant price tag since you have to invest in equipment, nutrients, and other essentials. Sure, your friend might be spending thousands of dollars on their aquaponics cannabis setup, but that doesn’t mean you have to, too. Growing cannabis can be costly but it need not be. With planning and inventive solutions, it doesn't have to be a burden. In reality, it can serve as the best way to produce top-notch cannabis.

One of the joys of growing cannabis is the freedom you get with the process. It’s your plant, so you control every aspect of its growth, including the kind of lights you use, the water quality, nutrients, and more. 

So, if you strategize properly and pick the cheaper option, you can save a ton of money. One of the approaches to growing cannabis involves outdoor cultivation. By making use of sunlight, air, and rainfall, outdoor cultivation eliminates some expenses you’d expect with indoor growing. Sunlight offers a cost-effective way for plant growth while natural rainfall can reduce the necessity for irrigation. This not only cuts down on electricity costs but also minimizes water consumption compared to indoor setups. Also, don’t forget that growing outdoors has the potential to give you more yields compared to indoors.

Outdoor growers typically only need quality soil, seeds or clones, and basic gardening implements. Depending on the climate conditions, some may also require structures such as greenhouses or simple fencing to ward off pests and wildlife. You’ll need artificial lighting, ventilation systems, and devices to regulate the climate indoors, but that’s not needed outdoors. 

Moreover, you can choose to grow your cannabis plant on your lawn under natural sunlight and only feed it tap water. It will still grow!

Yes, a hydroponic setup can arguably be better than a regular garden setup, but if you’re planning to use cannabis personally, the difference is negligible. 

So, you’re now probably thinking that growing indoors is super expensive. Not everyone has the luxury to grow outdoors, so what now? Well, indoor cultivation is indeed more expensive than outdoors, but even that doesn’t have to break the bank. There are strategies to reduce expenses without compromising on quality.

Countless growers invest in cheaper grow tents or repurpose closets, cabinets, or compact rooms as growing spaces. With some DIY skills, you can transform these areas into functional and efficient grow spaces using available materials.

Also, while top-tier LED lights and HPS lamps may be costly, cheaper options include CFL bulbs that can effectively support small-scale cultivation. Keep in mind that although LEDs were very expensive earlier, they have become cheaper over time and you also get to save money on electricity bills, thanks to their efficiency. And, despite an array of nutrient products in the market, cannabis can thrive with basic and affordable nutrients.

Some growers take the simple route and opt for organic fertilizers they make at home. By the way, another myth is that organic stuff is cheap, but they aren't. However, if you put in the effort to make compost or worm castings, you can nourish your plants easily without spending as much as you would on store-bought products.

Another way to save money when growing cannabis is to go for autoflowering varieties. This is because they are quick to grow and low-maintenance, so you'll end up saving a bit on electricity costs. However, the difference is less and it's difficult to come up with an exact number. 

Talking about costs, don't forget that you will reap rewards on your investment, so all is not lost. When you begin a project, many of these expenses are one-time investments. Over time, these upfront costs can be balanced out by savings from not having to buy cannabis from dispensaries or other sources. If you take care of your equipment, it will last for many growing cycles too. 

And, unless you decide to quit using cannabis, cultivating your own weed can prevent you from relying on street dealers or dispensaries that charge an arm and a leg for high-quality weed. 

Ultimately, you'll see that with time, growing cannabis can be the most cost-efficient way to use cannabis. 

6. You Need a Lot of Space to Grow Cannabis

Just like you don’t need a lot of money to grow cannabis, you also don’t need a lot of space. Sure, if you have a warehouse, turn it into a hydroponic farm, but you’d be surprised at how people grow cannabis in the weirdest places like buckets, computer towers, closets, and more. 

Yes, cannabis can sometimes grow quite big. Typically, you’d want to use a 20-liter container to accommodate a plant if you want a substantial yield. But that’s not always the case. 

Cannabis can thrive in small ten-liter pots, too. You can also grow cannabis in confined spaces by using various methods. For example, you can grow autoflowering or compact strains that won’t outgrow the space. You can also switch it to bloom when it grows tall enough. 

If the plant is still pushing the limits, you can always manage its height by training it. Methods like bending, topping, or pruning can help you cut down some bulk of your cannabis plant and make it fit in your growing setup. 

So, whether you are growing cannabis in a closet, balcony, or a small tent, don’t worry about space. Just ensure you pick the right strain and take the right steps to manage its growth. 

7. One Method to Rule Them All

Just because hydroponics can sometimes be better than soil, that doesn’t mean it’s the best. This applies to all cannabis cultivation methods — there is not a single method that is better than others. On the contrary, every method has its pros and cons. 

You can praise outdoor cultivation for being more sustainable or growing flowers that can sometimes be more flavorful. However, the downside with that is you need a lot of elbow grease and the buds may not look so pretty. You are also at the mercy of Mother Nature.   

On the contrary, indoor growing gives you maximum control over your plant and you can even automate the entire process. However, it is expensive to grow and maintain. It consumes a lot of energy and water, which also makes you question its sustainability. 

So, when deciding on a growing method, you should first consider all the factors, including your budget, goals, local climate, state regulations, and more. As we said, every method has its pros and cons. You just need to find the one that works best for you. 

8. Growing Cannabis is Illegal Everywhere 

One common misunderstanding is that growing cannabis is forbidden everywhere. The reality, however, is more complex. Yes, it was illegal all over the world earlier but the legal status of cannabis cultivation has evolved significantly in recent years, leading to changes in cannabis laws globally. 

Also, the laws regarding cultivation differ widely across regions with some embracing legalization while others maintain strict bans. In the United States, for instance, many states allow cannabis cultivation for recreational and medicinal purposes. Growers in Colorado, California, and Oregon are fortunate because their states have implemented systems that permit individuals to grow a limited number of plants. Of course, that's for personal use. However, that said, other states still uphold cannabis laws that criminalize cultivation.

Another example is that Canada allowed recreational use back in 2018 where adults could grow at least 4 plants/household. But that differs from one province to another. 

Other countries like Uruguay and South Africa have also legalized home cultivation with various regulations. Coming to Europe, several nations have realized the importance of cannabis medicinally. For example, the laws aren't super strict in the Netherlands and Spain but other countries in Europe have made it illegal to grow cannabis at the federal level. 

Interestingly, although cannabis is said to have originated in Asia, several countries in the continent enforce strict bans. Nonetheless, there is an increase in conversations regarding reforms to cannabis laws within these regions.

The bottom line is that comprehending the cannabis legal framework involves navigating through perplexing rules. In jurisdictions where cannabis cultivation is permissible, there are typically limitations on the quantity of plants allowed in designated cultivation areas. For example, many legal frameworks stipulate that plants must be cultivated in locations away from view and prohibit product sales without appropriate licensing.

Remember, the legality is frequently contingent upon the intended use — whether it is for your personal consumption, medical purposes, or commercial ventures. Patients using cannabis may be permitted to grow their plants with a physician's prescription in several regions; however commercial cultivators must adhere to rigorous licensing prerequisites and regulatory scrutiny.

You should also be aware that in areas where growing cannabis is permitted at the state or local level, it might still be prohibited under federal law. This is especially true in the United States, where cannabis is still a Schedule I drug federally. So, if you wish to cultivate cannabis no matter where you are, it doesn't hurt to research the laws. 

As you can understand by now, while the misconception that growing cannabis is illegal globally persists, the truth is that its legality varies significantly depending on the jurisdiction. 

9. Cannabis Plants Thrive Anywhere

Many people believe that cannabis can grow anywhere. After all, it's a weed, so why won't it grow, right? 

Well, not really. The truth is that while cannabis is a simple plant to grow, it just won't grow everywhere. Although it's versatile, it demands proper care if you wish to get good yields. Assuming it can grow successfully in any environment often leads to bad outcomes and wasted efforts.

For starters, creating the perfect environment is vital for cannabis plants to reach their maximum potential. This means that you need to provide everything from light to soil and nutrients. Of course, you also need to maintain the right temperature and humidity to ensure the plants are productive. 

You should also note that not all cannabis plants are the same. For example, some strains like the photoperiod ones depend on light to flower whereas others like autoflowers do not have to do that and flower after a certain period of time. However, note that this applies just for the flowering where you need to manipulate the cycles. For growing, the quality and intensity of light are crucial as inadequate light can hinder growth and yield. Excessive light isn't good either as it can burn and stress the plant. Outdoors, cannabis typically thrives if it gets at least 12-16 hours of good sunlight daily during the vegetative phase.

If you live in a climate that gets too hot, it's difficult to grow marijuana there. Cannabis thrives in temperatures ranging from 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Extreme temperatures can impact the plant negatively and can result in heat stress causing plants to wilt and grow poorly. The same goes even for climates that are too cold as it can slow down the plant’s metabolism and promote mold. However, you can use air conditioners and heaters to play around with the temperature a bit. 

So, as you can see, it's not all roses with growing cannabis. It needs good conditions to thrive otherwise the results will be poor. 

10. Organic Cannabis Cultivation Produces Inferior Results

A high percentage of cannabis growers rely on synthetic nutrients to feed their plants. So much so that they believe and advocate against organic substances, often stating that they are inferior and don't produce expected results. 

This misunderstanding often arises from the perception that synthetic fertilizers help your plants grow quickly. Yes, they indeed help, but organic cultivation is no less. If you do the research, provide the right ingredients, and prioritize the well-being of both the soil and the plant, organic methods can result in flavorful and potent cannabis while also promoting long-term sustainability. In fact, you can see many organic cultivators on this very site producing top-notch cannabis. 

Organic practices rely on natural elements and procedures to nurture cannabis plants. This method emphasizes using compost and natural pest control measures so that there's a much-needed balance in the growing environment. In essence, you're feeding the microbes rather than the plant. The microbes convert the nutrients into a form the plants can use and, in turn, the plants help the microbes as well. Ultimately, you know exactly what's going into the plant and enjoy your cannabis. A win-win situation for everyone! 

Organic farming techniques promote recycling above everything. For example, you can make compost at home using kitchen scraps. You can also use scraps to feed earthworms to produce worm castings, which is known as black gold for its effectiveness. Most organic substances release nutrients gradually, helping you avoid the risk of overfertilization and nutrient burn. 

Moreover, organic cannabis growers often sing praises of just how amazing their weed tastes. From the aroma to the aesthetic appeal and terpene profiles, organic cannabis is unbeatable if you put in the effort to take care of your plants. 

11. Autoflowering Strains Aren't as Good as Photoperiods 

Autoflowering cannabis varieties have frequently been criticized when compared to photoperiods. There are a lot of misunderstandings that contribute to this, but the reality is that autoflowering strains are excellent in their own right. Sure, the autos released earlier were bad, but they have improved dramatically in terms of quality, potency, and yield. 

Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons of these wonderful strains to dispel this outdated belief.

Autoflowering cannabis strains are created by breeding sativa or indica strains with ruderalis — a species originating in Siberia and Northern Europe with harsh climates. 

If you've ever grown a photoperiod strain, you already know that the light you provide will depend on their stages of growth. For example, you'll start with 18/6 hours of light during the vegetative stage and then switch to 12/12 hours when you want to initiate flowering. Without this manipulation, the plants are less likely to flower. 

However, autoflowers don't have any such compulsion. They will flower automatically after a few weeks in the vegetative stage. Thus, you don't have to manipulate the light cycle for them to start flowering. In other words, they will flower even if you continue with the 18/6 cycle during the flowering stage. If you do this with photoperiods, they will revert to the vegetative stage or may even become hermaphrodites where they produce seeds. 

This innate ability to flower is a genetic trait passed down from Cannabis Ruderalis, which adapted to survive in regions with very short growing periods. As mentioned earlier, the earlier versions were dull and less potent but advancements in breeding techniques have greatly enhanced these traits. Modern autoflowering strains now boast super high THC levels, diverse flavor profiles, and overall quality that can rival their photoperiod counterparts.

Pros

Rapid Growth Cycle: A key benefit of autoflowering strains is their speed as they typically grow and mature within 8-12 weeks after germination. We also mentioned that you can't grow cannabis everywhere earlier. If you live in a region where it's difficult to grow to your heart's content outdoors due to shorter growing seasons, you can switch to autos as they don't need a long growing season. 

Ease of Cultivation: Autoflowering strains are generally easier to cultivate, even if you're a beginner. You don't have to worry about the cycles — just get a full-spectrum light to support an entire life cycle and you're good to go. 

Also, autoflowers are known for their resilience and durability, thanks to their genetics so you won't regret growing them. 

Cons

Reduced Yields: Despite advancements, autos don't yield as much as photoperiods. Make no mistake — they are getting close, but are still behind photoperiods that can yield more than a kilo per plant when grown outdoors. 

One can argue that you can harvest autoflowers in the same period of time a photoperiod plant takes for an entire growing season outdoors, but it's up to you to decide. 

Can't be trained extensively: One trick to get more yields is to train the plants. There are various training techniques and you can combine most of them to get the best yields from your plants. However, every training technique involves stressing the plant to varying degrees so it starts pushing itself to produce more. It's more of a defense mechanism where you prompt the plant to do more. 

And, when you stress them, they need some time to bounce back and grow well again. This means that you need time. Now, since photoperiods can grow indefinitely in the vegetative period until you switch them to flowering, you can train them all you want. 

With autos, though, you don't have that luxury. If you choose a training technique that stresses them too much, they may get stunted as they don't have the time to recover. 

This doesn't mean that you can't train the plants at all; you can train them with less stressful techniques like LST which just involves manipulating the shape of the plant for more light coverage. 

So, as you'll probably agree by now, autos aren't inferior by any means. They make up for a lot of things with their speed and vigor. If you don't have a lot of time to grow cannabis, autoflowers are the perfect solution. 

12. You Have to be an Expert to Cultivate High-quality Cannabis

A lot of people want to grow cannabis. They see pictures and videos and imagine the possibilities of growing their own stuff. But, there's one thought that deters them. Whether it's due to something they read or watch, some people assume that only experts can grow top-notch cannabis. 

Here’s the thing — you don't have to be a green thumb to grow decent cannabis. No, you probably won't grow award-winning stuff right away, but isn't practice and experience necessary to improve any skill in life? Well, cannabis is no exception. 

So, while experience and knowledge of growing plants can absolutely help, beginners can grow good weed too. It all depends on the strains and resources you choose to learn from. 

If you're a beginner who wants to try his luck growing weed, start with easy strains that won't give you a lot of headaches. You can even go for autoflowers if you want something quicker to boost your confidence. 

To choose good strains, make sure you read everything provided by the seed bank. Read reviews to understand more about the strain. Last, but not least, study some grow diaries that serve as journals. Not only will you understand how the strain performs, but you'll also have a visual guide that helps you grasp how the strain can perform. 

Apart from that, focus on the basics and start with soil cultivation. Hydroponics is good too, but you just want something as easy as soil at first. Now, you can go for organic cultivation or purchase synthetic nutrients — anything will do, as long as you follow the instructions from the manufacturer. This is very important because feeding schedules depend on the stage of growth the plant is in. 

Once you get some confidence and practice, you can start training the plants with easy training techniques like LST to improve light penetration. Not only will the yields improve, but you'll be more motivated to grow several strains as well. 

Summary: Debunking Common Cannabis Growing Myths: What You Need To Know

Growing cannabis is as much an art as it is a science, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. As such, these myths and misconceptions can confuse you, or worse, make you practice a method that ends up ruining your cannabis plant. So, it’s time to be more nuanced with your approach to growing cannabis. 

With the right information, you can grow healthy cannabis plants the right way instead. So, next time someone claims something that seems too good (or stupid) to be true, do your due diligence and figure out the truth. 

It’s okay to sometimes fall for such misconceptions. We’ve all been there. But, what matters is what you learn from your mistakes and, also, learn to spot such nonsense the next time it crops up in front of you. Remember, the best way to get good at growing cannabis is to practice, practice, practice, so grow as many plants as you can and you'll be an expert soon!