When Canada embraced cannabis legalization on October 17, 2018, it marked a significant shift in the country’s approach to cannabis, not just in consumption but also in cultivation.
The Cannabis Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation, allowed adults over 18 to grow up to four cannabis plants at home, introducing a new era of personal cannabis cultivation.
This transformative law opened up avenues for Canadians to access cannabis, whether through retail stores, sharing among friends, or growing their own plants.
This change was not only a stride in legalization but also a cultural shift, welcoming cannabis into the mainstream and acknowledging its multifaceted role in society.
From Medical Necessity to Recreational Hobby
Before 2018, cannabis cultivation at home in Canada was primarily confined to those with medical authorization, existing under strict regulatory conditions.
In this era, less than 1% of Canadians were registered for medical cannabis, and only a fraction of these individuals actively grew their own plants.
The shift in 2018, however, broadened the scope, allowing every adult the opportunity to cultivate their own plants, subject to certain restrictions.
For medical consumers, the number of plants they could grow was determined by their prescribed daily quantity of cannabis.
For each gram of dried flower prescribed, five indoor plants or two outdoor plants were allowed. This regulatory framework provided a foundation for the more liberal cultivation allowances under the Cannabis Act.
The Growth of Home Cultivation. A Snapshot of Post-Legalization Trends
With the legalization of non-medical cannabis, home cultivation began to gain traction. Data from the International Cannabis Policy Study, which included cross-sectional surveys from 2018 to 2020, indicated a modest yet significant increase in home cultivation.
While only 5.8% of past 12-month cannabis consumers reported growing their plants in 2018, this number rose to 7.9% in 2019 and 8.8% in 2020.
The majority of these home growers adhered to the legal limit of four plants, suggesting a widespread compliance with the new regulations.
Interestingly, the data also revealed that home cultivation rates varied across provinces, with Nova Scotia leading at 9.9% and Manitoba at the lower end with 2.6% in 2020.
This variation could be attributed to differences in provincial policies and retail structures, with provinces having a public retail structure showing both the highest and lowest percentages of home cultivation.
The Influence of Provincial Policies and Cultivation Trends
The study also found a correlation between provincial policies and home cultivation rates. Provinces like Manitoba and Quebec, where home cultivation was prohibited, showed lower rates of home cultivation compared to provinces where it was allowed.
This suggests that provincial policies significantly influence the decision to grow cannabis at home.
Interestingly, the study found no significant difference in home cultivation rates between urban and rural areas, indicating that the practice is widespread across different types of communities.
Additionally, daily cannabis consumers were more likely to engage in home cultivation than non-consumers or non-daily consumers, highlighting the practice’s appeal among more frequent users.
The Economics of Home Cultivation. Cost and Accessibility
The economic aspect of home cultivation cannot be overlooked. For many, growing cannabis at home offers a cost-effective alternative to purchasing from retail stores, especially considering the tax implications on commercially available cannabis.
In 2020, the median price per plant grown was around $15, with the median expenditure on plants and seeds being approximately $60. These figures suggest that home cultivation could be a financially viable option for those looking to save money or have more control over their cannabis supply.
However, the study also highlights the potential challenges associated with home cultivation. The practice could inadvertently provide easier access to cannabis for underage individuals in the household and might lead to illegal resale, which goes against the objectives of the Cannabis Act.
Therefore, while home cultivation offers benefits, it also requires responsible and informed practices.
The Future of Home Cultivation
As the legal cannabis market in Canada continues to evolve, so too will the trends in home cultivation. The increase in the number of retail stores and the availability of legal cannabis might influence future cultivation rates.
For instance, Ontario’s slow initial rollout of retail stores might have initially encouraged more home cultivation. However, as the number of stores increases, offering greater accessibility and potentially lower prices, the incentive to grow at home may decrease.
Also, the study’s findings suggest that the majority of home growers are adhering to the legal limit of four plants, indicating a level of compliance and responsibility among Canadian cannabis consumers.
This trend is expected to continue as the market matures and more information about responsible cultivation becomes available.
A Blossoming Future for Home Cannabis Cultivation
In conclusion, home cultivation of cannabis in Canada has seen a steady increase since legalization.
The practice offers a unique blend of economic benefits, personal enjoyment, and control over one’s cannabis supply.
While it’s essential to be mindful of the potential challenges associated with home cultivation, the practice undoubtedly represents a significant aspect of Canada’s progressive approach to cannabis.
As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how home cultivation adapts and grows alongside it.
