The Resurgence of the Home Grower - Cannabis Cultivation

There’s a quiet revolution happening in the cannabis community, one that’s not driven by flashy packaging or strain drops—it’s happening in backyards, closets, and grow tents. Home growing is making a comeback.

Since the passage of recreational cannabis laws in Arizona and beyond, home cultivation and the medical aspect of the plant have taken a backseat. The promise of rock-bottom prices, product variety, and convenience lured many people out of their gardens and into the dispensary aisles. We were promised more than we received—and that excitement, while intoxicating at first, distracted us from learning how to cultivate and sustain our relationship with the plant.

But as hype fades from the markets, something beautiful is happening: People are going back to the garden. And I say it’s about time.

The best way to advocate for cannabis and all its many uses is to grow it, to use it, to learn from it. When you nurture cannabis from seed to flower, you understand it on a level that no packaged eighth could ever offer. That’s why this year, we’re celebrating the return of the home grower and giving a big thank you to our friends at Sea of Green in Tempe, Arizona, for sponsoring both our indoor and outdoor cultivation projects. Their support is helping us educate and inspire a new wave of cultivators.

At first, I thought growing at home would be about saving money. Like many of us, I was trying to stretch my cannabis budget a bit. But what I discovered was something unexpected: the cannabis I grew myself, using living soil, good genetics, a simple plan, and organic preventative practices, was some of the terpiest, most flavorful flower I’ve ever smoked. Fresher, cleaner, and better than most dispensary buds. That’s not a knock on professional growers, I love shopping for the best brands in Arizona but unless you catch them on drop day, it’s rare to find flower that’s super fresh. And if you’re shopping weekly like I do, it’s hard to justify paying $150 for a half-ounce that’s been sitting on a shelf for months, especially when it’s marked down to $72 and labeled “smalls.”

I’m not a hype chaser. I’m not hunting the next exclusive cultivar. I just want something clean, potent, and tasty to smoke on a regular basis. And the commercial market doesn’t really cater to that. So maybe this return to home growing is a blessing in disguise.

When you grow your own you’re not just saving money you’re building a relationship. You learn to seek out the best genetics. You learn how to keep your plants healthy without chemicals. You learn how to love a plant. And with just a few plants, it’s not overwhelming.

Six plants are easier to manage than 60 or 600. You can pull off bugs by hand, water them with intention, and sing to them if that’s your style. This isn’t just gardening, it’s therapy. It’s holistic wellness in real time.

And yes, even a new grower can succeed. Outdoors, you can yield two to four ounces in a season with decent sunlight and organic soil. Indoors, expect anywhere from two to five ounces per plant if you keep things simple and consistent. And as your experience increases, so will your yields. You don’t need expensive lights or hydroponics to grow quality cannabis. Just give the plant your time, your energy, and a little love.

I still respect and support Arizona’s commercial growers for making it all work in this tough desert climate. They keep our shelves stocked and the community rolling. But for me? Nothing beats sun-grown medicine that you raised with your own two hands.

This resurgence of the home grower isn’t just about saving a buck. It's about reclaiming the soul of the cannabis movement. And we’re here for it.

Here’s a breakdown of our favorite vendors including products from HendRx, Big Dog Genetics, Fohse Lighting, and Sea of Green in Tempe, Arizona:

HendRx Cannabis Genetics

HendRx offers premium cannabis clones and seeds, including cultivars like Glitter Bomb, Candy Chrome No. 5, and Old Toby. While specific pricing isn’t listed on their website, you can explore their offerings and request pricing details directly at HendRx Farm.

Big Dog Genetics

Big Dog Genetics provides a variety of exotic cannabis seeds. Current offerings include:

• Feminized Photoperiod Seeds: $75 for a 6-pack

• Limited Edition Home Grow Kit: $129 (originally $199)

For more details and to make a purchase, visit Big Dog Exotic Genetics.

Fohse LED Grow Lights

While touring some of the most advanced cannabis cultivation facilities in the U.S. and abroad, we consistently hear FOHSE mentioned when it comes to high-performance LED lighting. These pro-grade systems might seem like a luxury for a first-time home grower, but experienced cultivators often point to lighting as one of the smartest upgrades you can make. From flavor and color to overall yield, the quality of your light spectrum has a major impact on plant performance.

Explore their full range at Fohse.com.

• Pisces 9 LED Grow Light: $975

• Aries 640W LED Grow Light: $1,995.95

• F1V 1000W LED Grow Light: $1,959.00

Explore their full range at Fohse LED Grow Lights.

Sea of Green – Tempe, AZ

Sea of Green is a local hydroponics and garden supply store in Tempe, Arizona, offering a wide selection of cultivation products. While specific product pricing isn’t listed online, you can visit their store at:

Address: 1828 E University Dr. Ste 11, Tempe, AZ 85288

Phone: (480) 967-2045

Website: Sea of Green

For the latest deals and product availability, it’s best to contact them directly or visit their store.