High Times in the High Desert
Grow your own
THE DEVELOPMENT of new cannabis dispensaries has been fairly stagnant in Northern New Mexico as titles are held up and the Cannabis Control Division still sifts through applications. Many may be wondering where they can find some new, goodquality cannabis. This is not to say great quality doesn’t already exist at local dispos like Southwest Cannabis, Taos Cannabis Coop and OSO Cannabis, but as they say, “variety is the spice of life,” and some people want different options.
To that note, as spring begins to fully emerge, now is the perfect time to think about planting your own cannabis. This is a sure way to know exactly how your cannabis is grown, and what goes into it.
In New Mexico, any adult over the age of 21 can possess up to six mature (flowering) cannabis plants, and a household is limited to 12 plants. If you do it right, those six-to-12 plants can last you for the rest of the year — depending on how frequently you consume.
Last year, my partner and I took advantage of the full 12 plant-limit, as I have been a medical patient in the state for over four years and was already in possession of a grower’s license. Each plant netted us between a couple of ounces to half-a-pound, some of which still sits in jars on our shelf to this day — though it often ends up in cannabutter or cannabis extract, as the quality tends to deteriorate over time.
Seeds are available from a variety of vendors online, and a plethora of people are selling seeds in New Mexico (check Instagram). There are also Facebook groups for such purposes. Clones, or clippings from a mother plant, are also available — if you know where to look. Some dispensaries sell clones, including several in Santa Fe and Albuquerque,
but currently, none are available at dispensaries in Taos yet.
As the days get longer, now is the perfect time to plant seeds (be sure to look up a guide on proper germination) or purchase clones. As a longtime Taos grower once told me, “Once you see the snow melt off Picuris Peak, it’s time to plant your pot.” If you do not have an indoor light for your seeds/clones to grow under, you can plant them inside and keep them near a well-lit window, taking them out during the day and bringing them in at night until low temperatures get above 32 degrees.
The goal is to have the “vegetation” stage of the plants line up with the longest day of the year, June 21. At that point, the light begins to slowly wane, and your plants will naturally switch into the “flowering” stage, usually finishing by early-to-mid October.
Because of Taos’ high elevation and somewhat shorter growing season, it may be better to stick to strains with a shorter flowering cycle. Sativas often take the longest to grow while indicas and hybrids take less time (usually). Still, some sativas thrive in the high desert, and if you get a local strain with solid genetics, they can survive the blustery spring winds and often the October temperatures just under freezing.
The great thing about growing your own cannabis is that it can be as easy or intricate as you want to make it. Starting with some healthy soil and with consistent watering, almost anyone can do it. There are, of course, measures to take to the most minute scale — a number of which can be found online and in Youtube videos.
Just remember, don’t let the complexities overwhelm you — it can be easy to get lost in the weeds (no pun intended). I’ve seen very novice growers, including myself, grow very good cannabis with basic knowledge and a good eye for gardens. Just remember, genetics are just as important, so make sure to find strains you know will provide a solid end product.
Cheers, and happy growing,