Hydroponics, robotics, high-powered lights — growing weed on an industrial level is a serious business. But according to one local independent grower, getting cannabis to flower is as simple as tending to a house plant.

Tom Neumann, who has a medical licence to grow and consume on his farm in Ardrossan east of Edmonton, thinks anyone who is curious should give growing a shot when it becomes legal on Oct. 17. Each household is permitted to grow four plants.

“It’s no different than growing any other plant,” Neumann said. “My parents managed apartments when I was a kid, and my brother used to grow (marijuana plants) in the hallway.”

Neumann, who recently left the construction business, got a federal licence three years ago to treat arthritis and back pain. His wife also got a growing licence after she was diagnosed with cancer, and the couple started experimenting with oils that helped her through chemotherapy. She has since finished her treatments and recovered.

– Read the entire article at The Star.