I’M STARTING to think no one likes me. Not uncommon, but still…
I’ve spoken to at least five people, posted on six sites, and sent 10 emails. My only question: How much does it cost to grow six indoor cannabis plants, from seed or clone, to completion?
That’s an important question, because the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) states that, under the law, a grower may be reimbursed for the normal and customary costs of doing business, but can’t charge for labor, time, or any other expense that isn’t a direct “hard cost” related to the grow. But a medical marijuana grower is not required to provide documentation to a patient or caregiver for the costs incurred, so reimbursement rates vary wildly—from free to $250-plus an ounce.
I tried to get some solid numbers at last month’s International Cannabis Business Conference, speaking with other attendees. Everyone was friendly until that question came up, and then they cast their eyes downward. “Well, it’s hard to say, really….” It must be very hard to say, because no one I spoke with was willing to add anything more.
I turned to the web, where any question can be answered, albeit with varying degrees of accuracy. I posted to weed-related sites (some familiar, some new) with my question, mentioning I’m a cannabis columnist and will withhold names, if requested. Every site shows how many views each post receives. My posts started climbing into double digits, and still—not a single answer. I reached out to a marijuana-themed radio-show host, who explained his focus is on politics and stats, but that he will try to find someone for me, and then… silence.
I was just about to title this week’s column “Are the Illuminati the Only Ones Growing Pot in Oregon?” when three brave souls responded. All asked to remain anonymous. I’m presenting the data from only one person due to space constraints.
He says he has been growing cannabis for more than 11 years, and he’s presently growing 24 plants a crop. He writes:
“I spend $1,575 on six plants, from seed/clone to harvest, including nutrients, soil, electricity, water, CO2, amendments, and materials (i.e., [planting] pots and stakes). This breaks down to $63 (four ounces per plant) or $87 (three ounces per plant) per ounce, depending on the yield, for six total plants on a 60-day flower cycle, started from seed or clone, using soil/media mix and hand watering.
“I grow organic, veganic, probiotic medicinal cannabis,” he continues, “which is more expensive than conventional or outdoor grown. This does not include rent, transportation, testing, strain sourcing, insurance, initial cost of equipment (i.e., lights, air conditioning, ballasts, trays, hoods, fans), or any form of labor. I work 60 hours a week.”
Other factors? Maybe some of the plants get an infestation or die in the final weeks. Can the grower charge for the expenses incurred for an unsuccessful crop? It’s a gray area of the OMMP that’s wide open to interpretation, and yet another reason that growers, patients, and caregivers need to speak to all outcomes before entering any agreement. Cannabis shouldn’t foster agitation and anxiety, but paying two times the amount you were quoted can do just that.
There is an online store that sells three feminized seeds for less than twelve dollars including postage. An indoor grown indica only needs a few gallons of dirt for a two month seed to harvest, say five bucks per two gallon bag or rich soil, and less than a couple of bucks for each pot. You don’t need fertilizer, but Neem oil is a good idea for pest control; about ten bucks for way more than you need. The cost of a spry bottle is about a buck. Lights and electricity is the biggest expense, and a grow tent even for indoors saves on room remodeling costs. If you grow outdoors in natural light of Summer time, a six plant grow could be accomplished for less than one hundred dollars.
Six plants of certain strains, grown outdoors can yield a total of about thirty pounds, dried and cured.
The point is that no law in any state so far, really makes Cannabis legal in actuality. There are inherent conflicts in all the current legislation. For instance, you can grow six plants, but what are we talking about here; bonsai plants?
A 10 seed pack of top shelf, feminized strain, such as LA Chocolat from DNA Genetics, is priced about $140.00 with shipping. Flowering Time for this strain is about 8-9 weeks. With even the highest quality seeds, there is usually about an 80% germination rate. 5 gallon pots are good. 10 gallon pots are better. A 2 gallon bag of Black Gold potting soil costs less than 5 bucks. A bottle of Neem oil is about 10 dollars.
For outdoor grows, opaque grow tents tend to diffuse natural sunlight more evenly on lower leaves as well as flower tops, while obscuring the view from prying eyes. For indoor grows, there are LED lights that have the right spectrum, run cool, and aren’t total energy hogs. A marine wind generator works with the slightest breeze, and produces abundant electricity. All these items are only an initial expense. The savings in power by the wind generator alone can more than offset the cost from the utility company.