Home growers of cannabis used to have to hide their precious plants in a basement and spend a small fortune on keeping the proper lighting, temperature and soil conditions for the plants to grow optimally in secret.
One company, which was among the many that vied for the top prize at Disrupt SF, wants to help weed enthusiasts grow their own plants with Leaf, a plug-n-plant device that will help them grow their own marijuana from seed to bud.
The device is a mini green house that measures 4 feet by 2 feet and connects to a smartphone with the Leaf app to provide real-time monitoring of the growth of up to two marijuana plants. The app is also connected to a weed growers' social network that allows Leaf owners to exchange recipes and experiences growing their own pot.
According to Leaf's official website, different growing conditions will lead to different qualities and flavors of marijuana, so being able to keep up-to-the-minute info on the conditions of a seedling is important for any weed grower.
The Leaf system is currently priced at $1,499, but the company assures a return on investment in just a few months because one growth cycle can yield around four to five ounces of pot, which retail for about $1,200.
Growers will also have to purchase nutrient cartridges and carbon filters for the device, which are priced at $150, but Leaf hopes to be able to drop that price once the units begin shipping out in the summer of 2016.
Potential buyers beware, though: although 23 states, as well as D.C., have legalized marijuana up to a certain extent, growing cannabis is still prohibited in all states.
If that doesn't deter you, preorders are currently being accepted on Leaf's website with a deposit of $100 and the balance to be paid when the units are ready to be shipped.
Be sure to follow T-Lounge on Twitter and visit our Facebook page.
