How Much Does It Cost to Grow Cannabis at Home in California?
California electricity runs 30.2¢/kWh — we factor that into every calculation below. Spoiler: growing beats buying for most home growers.
Electricity rate
30.2¢/kWh
Highest in the continental US — factor this into your budget
Plant limit
12 plants
per household
Dispensary price
$240/oz
avg. retail
Home-grow cost
~$25/oz
all in, all tiers
Three Tiers of Home Grow Cost in California
Budget (2x2)
2x2 tent · 4 oz/harvest
First-year savings
$2,918
vs $3,840 at dispensary
Standard (2x4)
2x4 tent · 10 oz/harvest
First-year savings
$8,063
vs $9,600 at dispensary
Premium (4x4)
4x4 tent · 20 oz/harvest
First-year savings
$16,525
vs $19,200 at dispensary
What's Different About Growing in California?
Highest in the continental US — factor this into your budget. Your electricity cost is a baseline driver — higher than average states like California and New York mean a few hundred dollars more per year in power costs. Offsetting factors: California's dispensary prices (averaging $240/oz) determine how fast your grow pays for itself.
Proposition 64 (Adult Use of Marijuana Act) allows up to 12 plants per household, which sets an upper limit on how much you can legally grow. Most home growers run fewer plants but bigger — 4 plants in a SCROG yields more than 8 plants crowded together.
Our assumptions (click to expand)
• Electricity: California residential average of 30.2¢/kWh (EIA data)
• Light runs 18/6 in veg, 12/12 in flower — averaged to 15 hours/day
• 30% power overhead added for fans, accessories
• 4 harvests/year (perpetual setup) with autoflowers or photoperiods rotating
• Yield estimates are median — experienced growers hit the high end, first-timers the low end
• Nutrients, seeds, and consumables estimated at $200/year (more if you buy premium seeds)
• Dispensary price: $240/oz average retail in California
• First-year savings assume you use or value everything you grow. Your mileage will vary.
Ready to Run the Numbers Yourself?
Our interactive cost calculator lets you customize every input.
Get Your Free Grow Checklist
Download our free printable checklist covering everything from seed to harvest. Perfect for first-time growers!
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.