How to avoid getting caught growing marijuana

Unfortunately, growing cannabis is still illegal in most parts of the world. But hey, when has the law ever stopped people, right? If you plan to grow illegally, make sure you follow the following tips to avoid getting caught.

Note: We do not support or condone illegally growing cannabis. This article is designed for harm reduction purposes only. ;)

Well, check out some tips here below:

1. KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT

We get it, growing your own cannabis plants is exciting. But too many growers make the mistake of telling everyone they know about their new plants.

Trust us, the key to not getting caught is running a stealthy operation. Forget your ego and keep your grow operation to yourself.

2. DON’T ANNOY ANYONE

Another main reason some growers get caught is because they pay no attention to their surroundings and how their operation might affect their neighbours.

Trust us, there’s no easier way to annoy a neighbour than have an exhaust fan running off next to their window all night. If you’re going to grow in a residential area, make sure you go the extra mile to avoid annoying anyone.

3. STAY SAFE

Another simple way to get caught is by causing a fire or some other kind of safety hazard. Remember, cannabis grow equipment can malfunction. And when it does, the consequences can be serious.

To avoid the chances of a grow mishap, always work with professional equipment and do your best to do regular upkeep and maintenance on things like your extractors, filters, fans, and lights.

4. STAY INSULATED!

Everyone can pinpoint the smell of weed, regardless of how innocent they might seem. Hence, make sure you contain the smell of your plants as much as possible by keeping your grow space well insulated.

When insulating, make sure you think about insulating the sights and sounds of your grow space as well. There’s no better way to arouse suspicion than to have your grow lights running all night and letting the light leak out a window onto your neighbour’s property.

5. STAY HIDDEN

Most of the tips we've covered concern indoor growers. However, this goes goes for outdoor growers as well:

When growing outdoors, make sure you keep your plants hidden. Don’t be surprised to get a visit from the police if you’re growing a 2 metre sativa on your balcony.

If you’re limited to growing outdoors, make sure you do so in a private space that can't be seen from elsewhere.

6. KNOW YOUR LIMITS

Most cannabis laws try to account for both small and big, commercial grow operations by handing out adjusted penalties.

In South Australia, for example, simple cannabis offenses like growing a single plant are usually dealt with with a fine and no court prosecution. In the Netherlands, cultivators can get away with growing up to 5 plants without prosecution.

Whatever the law in your area, always make sure to follow it as closely as possible and stick to growing the smallest amount of plants to avoid prosecution if you’re discovered.

7. ALWAYS PAY YOUR BILLS

Another classic way of getting caught growing weed is to have a bill collector show up at your door.

Remember how we said to avoid any unnecessary attention? Always make sure you pay your bills on time to avoid any extra suspicion.

8. KEEP YOUR GROW SPACE LOOKING YOUNG

If you do happen to get caught, it usually helps to make it seem like this is your first offense. To so, make sure to keep your grow space from looking like it’s been around for a while.

This means regularly dusting any lamps or equipment, changing the filters, and removing any bills or other documents that are dated and traceable. This helps any prosecutors or agents assume you’re doing this for the first time, which might help you receive a softer penalty.