Do Deer Eat or Are They Attracted to Cannabis and Marijuana Plants?

For cannabis growers in rural or suburban areas, wildlife interactions can pose significant challenges to cultivation. Among the many potential garden visitors, deer are particularly concerning due to their size, appetite, and prevalence. This comprehensive guide addresses the common question: do deer eat cannabis plants? We'll explore deer behavior around marijuana, prevention methods, and how to protect your valuable crops from wildlife damage.

The Relationship Between Deer and Cannabis Plants

Deer are opportunistic herbivores with broad dietary preferences that change seasonally. When it comes to cannabis, the answer is clear: yes, deer do eat marijuana plants. Cannabis falls into the category of leafy vegetation that deer naturally browse, especially when other food sources are scarce. Young cannabis plants with tender leaves and stems are particularly vulnerable to deer damage.

Unlike some wildlife that may be deterred by the strong aroma of cannabis, deer don't seem particularly repelled by the smell. In fact, the question "do deer like weed" can be answered by observing their behavior in cannabis-growing regions, where growers regularly report deer damage to unprotected plants.

Why Deer Might Be Attracted to Cannabis

Nutritional Value

Cannabis plants contain nutrients that deer naturally seek in their diet. The leaves are rich in nitrogen and other minerals that deer require, making them an attractive food source, particularly in early growth stages when the plants are most tender.

Seasonal Factors

Deer are more likely to eat cannabis plants during certain times of year when their natural food sources are limited. Spring and early summer, when cannabis plants are young and tender, coincide with periods when deer are actively foraging after winter scarcity.

As explored in this article on cannabis and pests, while marijuana's terpenes may repel some insects, they don't seem to have the same effect on larger mammals like deer.

Signs of Deer Damage in Cannabis Gardens

Identifying deer as the culprits of garden damage helps in implementing the right protection strategies:

• Clean, angled cuts on stems and leaves (unlike the ragged edges left by insects)
• Missing tops of plants (deer often eat from the top down)
• Hoof prints around the garden area
• Damage that occurs primarily overnight
• Selective consumption, with deer often preferring younger, more tender plants

Unlike smaller pests discussed in articles about mice and plants, deer can cause extensive damage quickly due to their size and appetite.

Effective Deterrents for Protecting Cannabis from Deer

Physical Barriers

The most reliable method for preventing deer from eating cannabis plants is installing proper fencing. Deer can jump quite high, so fences should be at least 8 feet tall. Electric fencing options are also effective and may require less height. For smaller gardens, individual plant cages can provide protection.

Repellents and Deterrents

Several commercial and homemade repellents can help keep deer away from cannabis plants:

• Commercial deer repellents (typically containing predator urine or egg solids)
• Homemade solutions using garlic, hot peppers, or soap
• Motion-activated sprinklers or lights
• Wind chimes or other noise-making devices that startle deer

Just as we use secure packaging solutions to keep cannabis products away from children, physical barriers are the most reliable way to protect plants from wildlife interference.

Comprehensive Garden Protection Strategies

For cannabis growers concerned about deer damage, implementing a multi-layered protection strategy offers the best results:

Companion Planting

Surrounding cannabis with plants that deer find unpalatable can create a natural barrier. Options include:

• Strongly aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary, and mint
• Plants with fuzzy or prickly textures
• Known deer-resistant flowers like marigolds

Garden Layout Considerations

Strategic garden design can help minimize deer attraction:

• Plant cannabis in areas closer to human activity
• Create tiered gardens that make access more difficult
• Use raised beds with additional protective measures

Understanding natural cannabis growing environments can help cultivators create conditions that balance plant health with protection from wildlife.

Wildlife Management and Future Cannabis Cultivation

As cannabis cultivation expands into more rural and suburban areas, managing wildlife interactions becomes increasingly important. Unlike questions about human consumption of cannabis, deer eating marijuana plants is a straightforward agricultural challenge rather than a health concern.

For commercial growers, the investment in proper fencing and security measures serves dual purposes: preventing deer damage while also meeting security requirements often mandated by cannabis regulations. For home growers, understanding that deer do eat cannabis plants allows for proactive protection measures rather than reactive responses after damage occurs.

The aromatic properties of cannabis, which are often discussed in articles about cannabis smells and aromas, may actually attract deer through curiosity, even if the plants don't become their preferred food source.

By implementing proper protection strategies and understanding wildlife behavior, cannabis cultivators can successfully manage deer interactions and protect their valuable plants throughout the growing season.