Since the Cannabis Act came into effect, more Canadians have embraced the idea of home growing their own cannabis. While recreational users are limited to just four plants per household in most provinces, medical patients authorized by Health Canada can grow far more—legally and safely.

This difference exists because the medical cannabis framework recognizes that every patient’s needs are unique. The amount of cannabis needed for symptom relief varies depending on the condition, dosage, and method of use. That’s why patients can apply for an ACMPR license in Canada, which allows them to cultivate more than four plants—sometimes hundreds—based on their doctor’s daily gram authorization.

Under Health Canada’s Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), your plant count is determined using a simple formula. The higher your daily gram prescription (for example, 10 grams per day), the more plants you can legally grow. The number also depends on whether you’re growing cannabis plants indoors or outdoors—outdoor plants yield more, while indoor grows allow for higher plant counts with shorter cycles. You can check your exact limits using the official Health Canada plant calculator. Many patients are surprised to learn they can legally grow anywhere from 25 to over 400 marijuana plants at home.

For those who need even more cannabis to meet their medical requirements, Health Canada also allows for flexibility. If you have the space, up to four licences can be registered to the same address. This means a patient can grow for themselves and also act as a designated grower for another registered patient—or even share space with two additional patients—allowing a total of four licences assigned to one address. This setup helps multiple patients access their medicine while remaining fully compliant with Health Canada regulations.

It’s important to note that doctors don’t teach you how to grow—they only authorize medical use. From there, cannabis patient educators can help you understand cultivation techniques, compliance standards, and the application process. Veterans managing conditions like PTSD, for example, often receive compassionate assistance through programs like Grow Vets, which guide them through medical cannabis authorizations and grow licence applications.

At GrowLegally, our medical cannabis clinic in Toronto and nationwide network of professionals help Canadians navigate the process of obtaining a licence to grow legally. Whether you’re growing for yourself or as a designated grower, our team ensures your setup is compliant and aligned with Health Canada regulations. If you’re ready to take control of your wellness and grow your own medicine safely, visit our personal grow licence page to get started today.

FAQ

1. How many cannabis plants can I grow for medical purposes?
The number of plants you can grow depends on your daily gram prescription and whether you grow indoors or outdoors. Many patients can legally grow between 25 and 463 plants under an ACMPR licence.

2. How many cannabis plants can I grow for recreational purposes?
Recreational users in most provinces can grow up to four cannabis plants per household for personal use. Some provinces, such as Quebec and Manitoba, still restrict home cultivation.

3. How many ACMPR licences can be assigned to one address?
Health Canada allows up to four ACMPR licences per address, provided the property meets all safety, security, and zoning requirements.

4. How many patients can a person grow for as a designated grower?
A designated grower can grow for two patients. However, if that grower also has their own medical cannabis licence, they can grow for one additional patient, allowing cultivation for themselves and one other patient.