Do Deer Eat Marijuana Plants? And How to Stop Them

Gardeners often find their plants devoured by local wildlife, and deer are frequent visitors capable of causing significant damage. This raises a question for those cultivating cannabis outdoors: are these plants also on the deer’s menu?

Deer’s Appetite for Marijuana

While marijuana plants are not a preferred food source for deer, they will eat them under certain circumstances. The plants produce aromatic compounds called terpenes, which create a strong scent that can deter animals. However, deer are opportunistic herbivores that will eat what is available, especially when their usual food sources are scarce.

Young, tender cannabis plants are particularly vulnerable. In their early vegetative stage, the plants have soft foliage that is easy for deer to chew. As the plants mature, the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes increases, making them less palatable. This means the risk is highest when plants are small and diminishes as they approach the flowering stage.

Identifying Deer Damage

Confirming deer are the culprits behind plant damage is straightforward if you know what to look for. Unlike rabbits or rodents that make clean, angled cuts, deer lack upper incisors and must rip and tear vegetation. This action leaves a ragged and shredded edge on damaged leaves and stems. Deer browsing is often concentrated on new growth and can occur up to six feet from the ground.

Beyond damage to the plants, deer leave other clear evidence of their presence. Look for their cloven tracks, which are typically two to three inches long, in soft soil. Another common sign is deer droppings, which are small, dark pellets scattered near feeding areas. Male deer may also rub their antlers on small trees or woody plants, scraping away the bark.

Protecting Plants from Deer

The most reliable method for keeping deer away is a physical barrier. A tall fence is the most effective solution, as deer are excellent jumpers. Fences made of woven wire, wood, or chain link should be at least eight feet high. For smaller areas, draping and securing bird netting or chicken wire over the plants can also provide protection.

Repellents offer another layer of defense by making plants taste or smell unpleasant to deer. While commercial repellents are available, you can create sprays using ingredients like eggs, garlic, or hot pepper mixed with water. These need to be applied regularly, particularly after rainfall, to remain effective. Some growers also hang bars of strongly scented soap or place rags soaked in diesel fuel around the garden to deter deer.

Scare tactics and companion planting can supplement these other methods. Motion-activated sprinklers or noisemakers can startle deer and discourage them from returning. Planting aromatic herbs like lavender, mint, or marigolds around your cannabis can help mask its scent, making it harder for deer to locate.