9 tips on how to grow marijuana as discreet as possible

Discretion is a huge concern for most cannabis growers; while some are trying to avoid the obvious legal issues, others simply want to avoid the stigma that still surrounds cannabis and its use.

Luckily, there are simple ways you can help keep your cannabis grow project discreet and avoid attracting unwanted attention. Check out these 9 tips on how to grow as discreetly as possible.

1. MINIMIZE SMELLS

Powerful cannabis genetics can produce wicked smells. And while you might love the whiff of a quality Skunk variety approaching harvest time, you’ll want to minimize the smell of your plants as much as possible if discretion is important to you. The best way to do this is ventilation.

In order to make sure your grow space has enough ventilation you need to calculate the length x width x height of your grow space, then multiply that number by 20 CFM (cubic feet per minute). This will tell you how much air exchange your grow environment needs in order to avoid arousing the suspicions of your neighbours.

If you’re investing in a solid ventilation system, this will help you minimize the dank smell of your grow op. Remember to keep temperatures in your grow environment below 25°C (76°F) to keep your carbon filters and other parts of your ventilation system working smoothly.

If you’re not ready to invest in a ventilation system and are planning to keep your grow op no bigger than a few plants, a simple household fan and some strategically opened windows should do the trick.

Finally, if you’re growing outdoors, consider planting your cannabis shrubs among other plants that produce strong odours. These include lavender, citrus trees, rosemary, lemongrass, jasmine, and gardenias.

2. MINIMIZE NOISE

This is a tip for growers investing in special equipment like ventilation systems, lighting, multiple fans, hydro systems, and more.

Remember, most of your grow equipment is left running for many hours. And while you’ll probably grow used to the noise, those around you won’t. In fact, the noise from this equipment can be a huge nuisance for neighbours and might warrant a call to the police.

If you’re using specialized equipment like that mentioned earlier, it’s best to keep your grow op away from residential areas where noise could irritate others. If that’s not an option, consider investing in foam floor mats and some acoustic treatment to help soundproof your room as much as possible.

3. DON’T TELL

One of the biggest dangers to discrete growers is their own big mouths. If you're honestly concerned about attracting unwanted attention to your cannabis grow operation, it’s best to keep it to yourself. Rumours travel really quickly and can easily fall on the wrong ears, which can cause you a load of unwanted troubles.

4. DON’T SELL

This goes without saying; if you’re concerned about attracting attention to your grow op, forget about selling your buds. While it’s tempting to line our pockets with a hefty hand of cash after a harvest, doing so can be extremely dangerous.

If you live in an area where cannabis is illegal, selling and cultivating can land you some serious penalties, including big fines and even hefty jail terms. Even in legal areas, the unregistered sale of cannabis is usually punishable by law, which you obviously want to avoid.

5. DON’T BUY FROM A LOCAL GROW SHOP

If you’re investing in equipment such as nutrients, fans, or even pots, try to avoid buying at a local grow shop in your area as you might run into someone who knows you. Instead, consider making the treck to a shop in an area where you have minimal chances of running in to anyone you know.

6. STAY OUT OF SIGHT

This might seem obvious, but it’s an important tip to remember. If you want to minimize your chances of attracting unwanted attention to your cannabis grow project, make sure you stay out of sight.

This obviously includes where you grow your plants; don’t be surprised that your neighbours know you’re growing if you’ve got a 2 metre sativa plant towering out of your downtown balcony or terrace. But it goes deeper than this, too.

Remember that there are plenty of things that can attract unwanted eyes. A 600W grow light, for example, is very capable of shining through your curtains or blinds and attracting the attention of neighbours or passersby. Ventilation systems are also big and bulky and are great at attracting attention, especially when they’re installed on a residential building or house.

If you’re growing outdoors, try to disguise your cannabis plants by keeping them relatively small and planting them alongside other similar looking plants. Some good plants to keep near your cannabis plants include Chaste trees, Kenaf, Cassava, Cranberry Hibiscus and Coral plants.

Finally, simple things like empty nutrient packets, big pots, or cuttings and trim can easily be discovered by an unsuspecting neighbour or passerby. Make sure to dispose of your cannabis-related rubbish thoughtfully and in a way that isn’t as obvious as throwing it in the trash at your apartment complex.

7. DON’T LEAVE ONLINE TRACKS

If you’re worried about attracting unwanted attention to your cannabis grow op, try to avoid leaving online tracks from your weed-related purchases. Wherever possible, try purchasing using cash or systems where you’re not leaving behind card or bank details. Also think about where you’re having cannabis-related products shipped; your neighbours will be quick to get suspicious once they see big grow lamps, pots, and other equipment get delivered to your doorstep.

Most online grow shops and seedbanks usually provide discreet shipping methods. Make sure to check for these before making an online purchase for cannabis-related products.

8. USE QUALITY PRODUCTS

If you’re going to invest in grow equipment like lights, fans, exhaust systems, and more, make sure you’re buying high-quality products. While it’s relatively unlikely, a failure in one of these symptoms can easily cause a fire or similar problem, which is the last thing you need if you’re trying to keep your grow op discreet.

9. CHOOSE THE RIGHT STRAIN

Skunk cannabis varieties got their name for a reason; they produce a very pungent aroma that even your most innocent neighbour is likely to get suspicious about. Some sativa varieties are also known to grow to huge heights, which also aren’t ideal for discreet growers.

To avoid waking up to a 3 metre cannabis plant in your garden or living room, make sure you do some basic strain research before getting started. Most reputable seedbanks will provide accurate information about the grow traits of their strains and specifically cover things like the height, stature, and smell of their plants.

Make sure you read up on this info and go with a strain that suits your needs and will attract as little attention as possible.