There’s nothing quite like growing your own cannabis at home. Watching a tiny seed turn into a beautiful, potent plant that twinkles with trichomes, smelling those first terpenes, knowing you did it all yourself, is unmatched. But for many people, the dream of growing at home hits a brick wall before they even get started. It’s easy to feel like you’ll mess it up and lose a bunch of time and cash. Thankfully, I Love Growing Marijuana (ILGM) is here to help ensure that doesn’t happen. 

A Dutch cannabis seed company operating exclusively in the US market, ILGM was built on a simple, powerful belief: Anyone can grow their own cannabis.

They are dedicated to providing not only top-tier seeds, but also the expert knowledge and a foolproof safety net you can count on. Expect success at every step of your journey.

From a Simple Blog to a Thriving Community

The company’s story started with its founder, Robert Bergman, a Dutch grower who genuinely loved the plant but was tired of the misinformation around it. So, he started a low-key blog to share what he knew so everyone could grow weed at home. He wanted to pull back the curtain on cultivation and show that it wasn’t some big secret for a few pros. His straightforward approach resonated with the canna-curious and amateur cultivators around the world.

“Getting started can feel like the hardest part,” says ILGM CEO Ernst Rustenhoven. “But if you have a knowledgeable friend who guides you through it, that big hurdle turns into a small step. We are that friend.”

That blog turned into a buzzing community. Growers would jump into the comments to ask questions, share tips and celebrate their wins. It was a true collaboration built on trust and a shared love for growing. That’s what eventually led to the launch of a trusted seedbank.

The seedbank is a huge part of ILGM’s DNA—the belief that the best weed is the one you grew yourself and the best way to do that is with a solid community behind you. It’s this grower-first mindset, mixed with a deep understanding of what US home growers actually need, that gives them their edge.

Top-Shelf Seeds, All The Way To Harvest

The heart of ILGM lies in its genetics, as showcased in their cannabis seed bank. All the cultivars that are carefully selected because they’re easy to grow, tough and have killer terpene profiles. ILGM has done the homework for you, so you can pick a strain that’s a perfect fit for your location.

ILGM also does limited drops from some of the best craft breeders in the country. With every single strain, you get the whole backstory—the breeding intent and the best way to grow it.

But a great cannabis seed is just the start. To really succeed, you need to know what you’re doing. That’s why ILGM has built the industry’s best educational support. Every strain comes with a detailed, step-by-step grow guide. It’s like having a cheat sheet for everything from planting to watering to fertilizing.

And if you ever hit a roadblock, the free ILGM Grow Guide Library is a goldmine. It’s packed with expert-written content on everything from spotting pests to mastering advanced techniques. It’s a resource the company is proud of because it shows they’re in this with you, from the first day to the last.

“Learning to grow cannabis, like everything else, begins with the basics,” Rustenhoven says. “Our grow guides are designed to take you through each stage, from your first grow to advanced techniques, one step at a time.”

The Germination Guarantee: Your Safety Net

One of the biggest anxieties for a new grower is a seed that won’t sprout. It can stop a grow journey before it even gets going. That’s why ILGM created its Germination Guarantee. It’s pretty simple: If your seeds don’t pop, the company will send you new ones, no questions asked. This is a game-changer. It takes the fear of failure off the table and lets you start your grow with a ton of confidence. It’s one of the few truly grower-friendly return policies you’ll find in this business, and it’s ILGM’s way of proving they’ve got your back.

The customer support team is legendary for a reason, too. They’re not just some call center reps; they’re real growers who get it. They offer genuine advice and help, not canned responses.

Ready to Get Growing?

If you’re ready to start your own grow adventure, ILGM is making it easy for you. Check out their wide selection of high-quality seeds, from classic strains to exciting new drops. And while you’re there, be sure to visit the deals page for special bundles and offers, especially if you’re just starting out.

Ultimately, ILGM’s mission is making home cultivation easier and way more fun. They combine top-tier genetics with expert guidance and a promise that you’re set up for success every step of the way. Because when it’s all said and done, the best flower is the one you grew yourself.

The post Your Home Grow Journey Starts With I Love Growing Marijuana appeared first on Cannabis Now.

The Vlasic Classic golf tour is growing into a uniquely powerful networking event. Founded by cannabis entrepreneur Willy Vlasic, the annual nationwide charity golf tournament is a movement built on purpose, community and philanthropy, all while spending a day on the green—literally and figuratively.

Now in its third year, Vlasic Classic supports organizations like the Last Prisoner Project and Freedom Grow to secure the freedom of those unjustly incarcerated for non-violent cannabis offenses. The tour made stops in both Michigan and Missouri, bringing together industry leaders for a weekend of golf, connection and charity.

The Michigan Classic

The first stop was the Cardinal Golf Course at St. John’s Resort in Plymouth, Michigan, on June 28. The venue was a deliberate choice, as the resort itself is a nonprofit, with all funds supporting local and international humanitarian efforts.

As one participant noted, it’s rare for cannabis brands to get to play on such an impeccable course, and the opportunity was not lost on the attendees. The location also holds a key connection to the broader golf world, as the course is a host for the LIV Golf Team Championship, making it a powerful landmark in both the sports and cannabis spaces.

The atmosphere was a unique blend of professionalism and personal touch. The entire event was a family affair, produced with the intimate, hands-on involvement of Willy Vlasic and his team. Willy’s father and nephew even came out to welcome players before the first tee-off. This personal touch extended to every detail, from the laid-back, friendly atmosphere to the generous and thoughtfully curated gift bags.

Beyond the course, the event included a lively welcome party sponsored by Kushy Punch and a culminating after-party at Willy’s home, complete with a live rosin-press demo by Access Rosin, pizza and a DJ. It was a perfect mix of a professional, large-scale event with a personal, communal feel.

Activations at every hole—from a longest-putt contest with a weed stalk putter to a $10,000 hole-in-one challenge—kept the energy high, all while driving donations to the cannabis prisoners’ cause.

The blend of local Michigan brands, such as hardware company Vapin’ Ape, and national companies like Sweed, an e-commerce platform for dispensaries, also facilitated valuable interstate networking opportunities.

“Willy and his team put on an incredible event,” says Kellen O’Keefe, president of Sweed. “What’s really great is that we’re dealing with the decision-makers. We’re going straight to the qualified purchasers and the people that we’re looking to sit down with. To be able to play golf with them for four hours and talk about our product is an amazing opportunity.

Brandy, an account executive for Northern Michigan at Kushy Punch, echoed the sentiment. “This is my second Vlasic event, and business-wise, today went really well,” she said. “There’s a lot of really good possibilities and potentials available, especially for Kushy Punch, just being able to kind of re-establish themselves.”

Alex Sturton, owner of Vapin’ Ape, highlighted the shared values, saying, “We really like the intersection of sports and cannabis of the Vlasic Classic. There are a lot of people who like to smoke and go and participate in something competitive.”

The Missouri Classic

The Third Annual Missouri Vlasic Classic continued the mission August 22-24 with a weekend of golf, fun and philanthropy at Old Kinderhook. The event was a testament to the community’s support, with 124 golfers and 37 sponsors, representing over $1 billion in annual revenue from across the Missouri cannabis industry and beyond.

The tournament’s playful energy, featuring rocket ball launchers, drone drops and a “Beat the Pro” hole, was balanced by its serious philanthropic goals. The event successfully raised over $16,000, with $10,000 going to Freedom Grow, $5,000 to the Last Prisoner Project, and $1,300 to Deshaun Durham to help him start his pre-law degree. The weekend culminated with a huge raffle, including a 3-day golf trip to Kiawah Island.

A Champion’s Perspective: An Interview With Ricky Williams

Among the sponsors in Missouri was Highsman, the cannabis brand founded by NFL legend and Heisman and NFL MVP winner, Ricky Williams, one of the pioneers of the evolving relationship between professional sports and cannabis advocacy.

Williams sees his partnership with Vlasic Classic as more than just a business move; it’s an extension of his life’s work. “I’ve never seen cannabis as just a brand play; it’s always been about healing and making things right after decades of prohibition,” he says.

For Williams, Highsman’s support for the Last Prisoner Project and Freedom Grow isn’t charity, but “justice in action.” He believes in the power of an event like this to create real equity in the industry, and it’s a mission that resonates deeply with him.

The vibe on the course was a perfect representation of Williams’s brand ethos, “Spark Greatness.” He says that the atmosphere was one of “pure competition, but with a lot of laughs and good energy.” He believes this is the “sweet spot” where having fun and pushing yourself can be done for a larger purpose. “As an athlete, I know connection comes from playing together, and when that same spirit fuels philanthropy, the impact is real,” he says.

When discussing the impact of the Vlasic Classic, Ricky Williams emphasizes that “impact is what matters.” He finds it deeply meaningful to see tangible results from the event’s fundraising efforts. “When I see real dollars going to free people and support equity in this industry, that’s when advocacy earns respect,” he says. “It’s powerful to watch change actually happen. That’s what keeps me grounded in the work.”

Williams believes that the cross-state unity on display at the Vlasic Classic is “absolutely essential” for the future of the industry. “It’s how we create scalable change, shift public perception, and level the playing field,” he says. “When industry players join forces across borders, we’re not just growing revenue—we’re rewriting the rules for equity, access and innovation.”

For a man who has constantly challenged norms, from his football career to his personal life, being an advocate in the cannabis space is a natural fit. “I’m not here just to put my name on things, I’m here to disrupt, to empower and to be real,” Williams says. “It’s about paving a new path so the next generation doesn’t have to fight the same battles.”

The Power of the Green

The Vlasic Classic is about so much more than a golf tournament. As Willy Vlasic stated, their mission will continue “until everyone is released from prison for non-violent cannabis offenses.” It’s a bold promise that is being backed up by real action, one swing, one sponsor and one freed prisoner at a time.

The event is a celebration of the power of the cannabis community, showing that when the industry comes together for a purpose, it can make a tangible difference that resonates far beyond the green.

The next round of the Vlasic Classic gold tournament tees off again on November 8 at  Vegas Vlasic Classic with Nuwu. Expect a day filled with golf, good causes and a whole lot of green at the The Wolf Course at Paiute Resort.

The post A Summer on the Green With Vlasic Classic Charity Golf Tour appeared first on Cannabis Now.

Cannabis Ruderalis

Although it’s not nearly as popular as indica and sativa, ruderalis has become a more prevalent species in more recent years. Originating from Central Russia, it has a similar chemical profile to hemp and contains very low levels of THC.

Classification

The name ruderalis comes from the word ruderal, a term used by botanists to describe hardy, non-domesticated plants. So any breed of cannabis that has the ability to adapt to extreme environments and avoid human cultivation has been classified as ruderalis. Only recently have indoor growers begun to utilize the characteristics of the ruderalis plant to influence new hybrid varieties.

Plant Characteristics

This stalky species of cannabis only grows to a height of 1 to 21⁄2 feet tall (30.5cm to .75m) and produces small, chunky buds. But what really differentiates the ruderalis from indica and sativa is its flowering cycle. Unlike the other cannabis species, ruderalis’s flowering cycle is induced according to its maturity and not by the photoperiod (seasonal changes in night length), a process known as auto-flowering. This auto-flowering can begin in as little as 21 days.

Hybrids

Over time, growers have combined their top indica, sativa, or ruderalis strains to create strains with the best aspects of both parents, known as hybrids. One well-known hybrid is Afghanica. This strain, once erroneously identified as indica, is an indica-predominant strain with a potent and sedating high. Great for indoor or outdoor growing, the plant can grow between 5 and 6 feet (1 and 2m) tall, depending on the setting.

Another well-known type of hybrid is an auto-flowering strain. As you might expect, this comes from cross-breeding a strain with ruderalis. Very popular with growers, this hybrid is easy to grow due to the short time from seed to harvest and its ability to flower when mature rather than when seasonal changes happen.

Reprinted from “Idiot’s Guides: Growing Marijuana” by permission of Alpha Books, an imprint of DK, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2016 Dorling Kindersley Limited. All rights reserved.

Originally published in Issue 26 of Cannabis Now. LEARN MORE

TELL US, ruderalis is very rare, have you ever seen a ruderalis strain?

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In November 2012, my Colorado neighbors and I voted to legalize adult-use cannabis.

The following month, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed Amendment 64 into the state constitution, immediately legalizing the cultivation, possession and use of marijuana – though the legal sales would take more than a year to begin.

Shortly after Hickenlooper’s historic signature, I found myself wanting to grow cannabis for the first time. I hardly have a green thumb, but how many times have I heard the adage, “It grows like a weed?”

But does it really?

There seemed to be a disconnect. If cannabis sprouts as automatically and wildly as the lovely-but-noxious morning glory vines growing along the side of my house, why is there a need for a multimillion-dollar nutrients market? Why are we still arguing about light spectrums and growing mediums when, let’s be real, we see weeds surviving and even thriving in the most unlikely and impossible of places?

With marijuana finally legal for the first time in modern history, and with cannabis surpassing alcohol as my personal intoxicant of choice, it was time to grow my first plant. But instead of reaching out to my master grower pals or seeking the advice of cultivation experts, I wanted to do this on my own terms.

I wanted this plant to serve as an experiment of sorts in my own home laboratory, and I wanted to answer the age-old question: Does weed legitimately grow like a weed?

Finding the Plant

There’s a modest, no-frills medical marijuana shop near my home that I sometimes frequent. The staff is always friendly; you’re met with a cold beverage of your choice upon check-in and I appreciate their edibles selection.

When I stopped by early this last summer and noticed their empty clone counter I asked where all their plants were.

“They always sell so fast,” the budtender replied.

On my next visit a month later, I noticed their picked-over selection of clones, the baby plants that are almost unrecognizable as cannabis. I asked the woman behind the counter about her favorite sativa-dominant strain, and a few minutes later I was walking home with a replenished edibles supply and a fragile little plant that seemed as if it might snap in half in the light afternoon wind.

A few hours later I went to the backyard with purpose. I gently took the plant out of its plastic flat. I dug a shovel deep into a random patch of soil and merged the plant and the soil into a disposable Solo cup.

After feeding it some water from the kitchen faucet, I set the tiny clone on the south-facing kitchen windowsill alongside a houseplant that has thrived in that spot for years.

When my wife came home later that evening, she immediately commented on our new house plant and named her Shelby.

And just like that we became marijauna farmers.

Details of the Experiment

One of my favorite things about musician Jack White — and there are many — is his penchant for limiting himself in the name of art. He intentionally avoided guitar solos entirely on one White Stripes record, while another recording session had him using only antique instruments and gear. He famously created the oft-imitated Seven Nation Army bassline, not with a bass guitar, but with a heavily modified semi-acoustic hollow body guitar.

With Shelby, I too played by my own set of rules: I would plant her in soil dug up from my backyard, I would feed her only water and she would exist on whatever sunlight we could manage – mostly what she took in from the windowsill, though sometimes we’d set her out back to soak up more direct rays.

No special soil or compost tea. No nutrients or grow lights.

This hyper-basic construct was more than enough to fuel the growth of weeds throughout my yard. But was it enough for this particular weed?

Shelby did grow in those first weeks and months. When I first carried her home that afternoon she stood a proud 3 inches tall. Soon her stalk changed from a light green to a sturdier brown, and her size had doubled. Teeny flowers started to develop as she started pushing 9 inches, warranting a bigger pot, and her buds became more defined when she reached the 12-inch mark.

And while observing her evolution was incredibly gratifying, it was also clear to me – and painfully, hilariously clear to my friends who cultivate professionally – that Shelby was wanting for more. She wanted a more consistent light source. She wanted better food and vitamins. She was happy and green and flowering, sure, but she was far from thriving, as evidenced by her stunted size.

As fall began to settle in, Shelby felt the seasonal changes more than I did. She almost drooped with seasonal depression as her excursions outside became less frequent and as the days became shorter. At 13 inches tall, she was but a shadow of the magnificent plants I’ve seen in legal indoor cultivations throughout the legal world. When compared to the giant 12-footers in Humboldt and Mendo, she was merely an ant.

Weed does not grow like a weed, as it turns out, but there’s something more important to be learned from my experience.

An Unexpected Lesson

Something unexpected happened in those months of caring for Shelby. As I was sticking a knuckle into the soil each morning – sometimes watering her and sometimes not, sometimes taking her out to sunbathe and other times leaving her in the kitchen window – I connected with her, and with cannabis, on a different level than I ever had before.

Instead of identifying myself as a consumer of marijuana products, I was now growing the plant itself. I was planning a modest harvest and thinking about how I’d grow my next crop differently.

I was a marijuana farmer.

Of course it makes sense. If you grow anything, you develop a deeper relationship with it. The pride of eating and sharing the cucumbers and tomatoes from your own garden exists for a reason, and that pride is of course shared by professional cannabis cultivators and home-growers alike.

While I didn’t expect this deepened relationship with cannabis from growing only one plant, I’m embracing it. It’s a powerful reminder of this being a product of nature, and even if marijuana doesn’t grow as simply as a weed, its simple complexity is something that will surely make this a future hobby in my home.

Originally published in the print edition of Cannabis Now. LEARN MORE

TELL US, have you tried your hand at marijuana farming?

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