This complete guide gives you everything you need to grow cannabis from seed to finished product, with a detailed shopping list, how-to guides, financial overview and expected yield. It gives you insight into the entire process – from growing area setup, lighting management and nutrition to the best techniques like LST and topping, and how to harvest, dry and ferment your buds to perfection.
1. legislation and responsibility
Before you start growing cannabis, it is important to understand the legal regulations in your area. In many countries, including Denmark, it is illegal to grow cannabis for recreational use, while in some cases there may be exceptions for medical cannabis under controlled conditions. Therefore, make sure to familiarize yourself with the legislation thoroughly to avoid legal consequences.
2. equipment and costs
Here is a basic overview of the necessary materials to be used and their typical price range:
- Seeds: 50-100 DKK per seed from brands such as Sensi Seeds or Royal Queen Seeds.
- soil (potting soil): 100-200 kr. per 50 liters. brands such as biobizzand Plagron are popular.
- pots (10-15 liters): 20-50 DKK per pot, ordinary plastic pots are sufficient.
- LED lights (300 watts): 2000-5000 DKK. Brands like Spider Farmer and Mars Hydro give good results.
- fan and filter: 1000-3000 DKK. AC infinity and prima klima are reliable choices.
- hours: 50-200 kr., e.g. kasa smart wifi timer or dry.
- pH and EC meter: 200-500 kr., bluelab og vivosun offers precise measuring instruments.
- Fertilizer: DKK 100-300 per bottle. Canna and Advanced Nutrients have specialized products for cannabis.
- humidity and temperature meter: 50-150 DKK, e.g. thermopro or inkbird.
3. setting up the growing area
shopping list for setup
- growing media such as biobizz all-mix soil (100-200 DKK per 50 liters).
- pots, preferably 10-15 liters (20-50 DKK per piece).
- LED or HPS lights (LED lamps, such as mars hydro 300 watts, approx. DKK 3000).
- ventilation system: AC infinity 150 mm exhaust fan + carbon filter (approx. DKK 2000).
- timer and pH meter: e.g. Kasa smart Wi-Fi timer (150 DKK) and Bluelab pH meter (200-300 DKK).
procedure
- Choose a closed area, like a closet or a grow tent, that protects from light, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
- Mount LED or HPS lights on adjustable chains so the light can be raised and lowered as the plants grow.
- Install the fan and carbon filter so that the airflow circulates and keeps the room free of harmful substances and odors.
- Use a hygrometer and a fan to ensure that the temperature stays between 20-26°C and the humidity around 60% during the vegetative phase.
Estimated electricity consumption per month : approximately 400-800 kWh for a medium-sized setup with LED lights and ventilation, which can cost around 800-1600 DKK per month depending on electricity prices.
4. cultivation phases and care
4.1 Seed germination
shopping list for sprouting
- cannabis seeds from e.g. royal queen seeds or sensi seeds (50-100 kr. per seed)
- paper towels and water (common household items)
procedure
- Lightly dampen two paper towels with water so they are wet but not dripping.
- Place the seeds between the damp paper towels and place them in a sealed plastic bag or a plate covered with plastic wrap.
- Store the seeds in a dark room with a constant temperature of 22-25 °C.
- Check the seeds every day. After 2-7 days they will start to sprout. When they have a small root of 1-2 cm, they can be planted in the ground.
4.2 vegetative phase
shopping list for vegetative phase
- nitrogen-rich fertilizer like Canna Terra Vega (100-200 kr.)
- potting soil and pots, if not already purchased (biobizz all-mix soil, approx. DKK 100 for 50 liters)
- LED light, if not already purchased (Mars Hydro TS 3000, approx. DKK 3000)
procedure
- Fill pots with potting soil and make a small hole 1-2 cm deep for the sprouts. Place them with the root facing down and cover lightly.
- Set the light cycle to 18 hours light and 6 hours dark (18/6). Make sure the plants get even light.
- Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. After 1-2 weeks, you can start adding nitrogen-rich fertilizer once a week. Keep the pH between 6,0-6,5.
- Trim the top of the plant (topping) or bend the branches to promote bushy growth.
Time consumption : vegetative phase lasts 3-8 weeks depending on strain and cultivation methods.
4.3 flowering phase
shopping list for flowering phase
- phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer such as Canna Terra Flores (100-200 kr.)
- humidity and temperature meter, if not already purchased (inkbird digital hygrometer, 100-150 kr.)
procedure
- change the light cycle to 12 hours light and 12 hours dark (12/12) to induce flowering.
- Start using phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer once a week, and reduce the nitrogen content.
- Adjust the humidity to 40-50% and the temperature to 18-24°C. If necessary, use a humidifier or dehumidifier depending on the room conditions.
- Keep an eye on the trichomes and pistils. When the trichomes are milky white with a hint of amber, and the pistils are dark and curled, the plant is ready to harvest.
Time required : flowering phase typically lasts 8-10 weeks.
5. Harvesting and post-processing
5.1 harvest
shopping list for harvest
- pruning shears (100-200 kr.)
- drying lines or drying net (50-100 DKK)
procedure
- Cut off the entire plant at the base or cut off branches one at a time.
- Trim away the larger leaves and leave small leaves close to the flowers.
- Hang the plants in a dark and ventilated room with a temperature of approximately 20°C and 50% humidity.
Drying time : 7-14 days depending on humidity.
5.2 fermentation (curing)
Fermentation shopping list
- airtight glass containers such as mason jars (20-50 kr. per piece)
procedure
- Fill the glass containers approximately 75% with dried flowers, leaving room for air circulation.
- Open the jars daily for the first two weeks to release moisture and prevent mold.
- After the first few weeks you can reduce the opening time to every other day. Optimal fermentation takes between 4-8 weeks, but some ferment for up to 6 months.
6. production of hashish
sifted hashish (kief)
shopping list
- fine-mesh sieve or kief box (100-200 kr.)
procedure
- Dry the flowers and use a fine sieve to separate the kief from the plant material.
- Press the kief together with your hands or use a pollen press.
Make your own bubble hash
shopping list
- bubble bags (400-1000 DKK)
- regular ice cream
procedure
- Place dried tops and ice in a bucket and fill with water.
- use a mixer to mix, which will cause the trichomes to stand out.
- Collect the extracted material from the bubble bags and let it dry for at least a week.
7. time consumption, cost overview and expected benefits
timeline
- germination: 1 week
- vegetative phase: 3-8 weeks
- flowering phase: 8-10 weeks
- drying: 1-2 weeks
- fermentation: 4-8 weeks
economic overview
- equipment for setup: 5000-8000 kr.
- light and electricity (3-4 months): 3000-5000 DKK.
- seeds and nutrients: 500-1000 kr.
- extra (LST equipment, glass for fermentation): 200-500 kr.
total costs : 8700-14500 DKK.
expected dividend
The amount depends on the strain, experience and growing methods. A realistic yield for an average beginner could be:
- 100-200 grams per plant when grown indoors with a standard setup.
- advanced growers with optimal setup can expect 400 grams per plant or more.