Cannabis: The Gateway to Tomatoes? Our New Survey Says Yes!
Cannabis isn’t just changing laws and lifestyles, it’s also transforming America’s gardens.
In our latest survey of 1,327 home cannabis growers, a surprising trend emerged: two-thirds (66%) of cannabis cultivators said growing weed inspired them to start growing tomatoes. That’s right: cannabis might just be the ultimate “gateway crop” to America’s favorite backyard vegetable.
“We’ve been saying it for years. Once people experience the joy of growing their own cannabis, they can’t stop,” said Jessica Hanson, Co-founder and Managing Director of Homegrown Cannabis Co. “Cannabis isn’t a gateway drug, it’s a gateway crop. Before you know it, you’ve got a backyard full of tomatoes, and maybe even a few zucchinis.”
From Bud to BLT
The survey revealed that cannabis cultivation sparks a broader passion for gardening:
- 66% of respondents grew tomatoes after starting with cannabis.
- Nearly 1 in 4 planted their first tomato years after their first cannabis harvest.
- Popular “gateway crops” after cannabis include basil, strawberries, chili peppers, cucumbers, and lettuce (all staples of fresh, home-cooked meals).
Why the shift? Growers told us cannabis gave them the confidence to tackle other crops. After mastering the patience, attention to detail, and care cannabis requires, food gardening felt like a natural next step. For many, sustainability and reducing grocery bills were added motivation.
Generational Gardening
Our data also revealed some generational differences:
- 62% of millennials grew cannabis before they ever grew tomatoes.
- Only 29% of baby boomers did the same.
- The trend is most common in legal states, but surprisingly, many growers in non-legal states still made the tomato leap. Often after years of discreet cannabis cultivation.
Why Cannabis & Tomatoes Go Hand-in-Hand
It turns out, cannabis and tomatoes make excellent garden neighbors. They thrive in similar conditions, benefit from attentive care, and can share resources like soil amendments and trellising. Plus, there’s something special about walking into a garden that can supply both a fresh salad and a soulful smoke.
“Cannabis teaches patience, attention to detail, and care. The same skills you need to grow healthy tomatoes,” Hanson added. “Plus, they pair perfectly in the garden. One for your salad, one for your soul.”
