Editor's note: This article has been reviewed and updated for accuracy in 2026. The plants' diet is one of the essential aspects of any cannabis crop. Giving your marijuana plants all the essential nutrients it needs is vital for it to not only producing top quality bud but also to withstand diseases and pests, and ensure a happy ending come harvest time. Protecting plants from harvest-ruining pests and disease is essential and should be at the top of every growers list, because dank flower will never materialize if young crops fail before they are able to reach maturity and be harvested. Cannabis plants draw hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen from their water source (whether it be natural or hydroponic) and the atmosphere (or indoor simulated atmosphere), but nutrients must be still obtained through the substrate and, to a lesser extent, from leaves. Like many plants, cannabis planted in a substrate cannot develop properly without certain chemical elements furnished by the soil. Even many natural outdoor grows require additional nutrient supplementation from time to time, especially if not allowing for soil rejuvenation between grows. Understanding Key Cannabis Macro Micronutrients Cannabis plants require three nutrients in large quantities. These macronutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), an