well you should take into account a few things that on this site and in general, that to grow mj you dont NEED as such, but they do a bit better with.
basically what i mean is, you can still get some substancial bud that will last you without things lke the absolute best lights, huge air flow systems, CO2, charcoal filters, big hydro set ups.
plants do best with three main things, light, and nutrients from their medium.
so if your not bothered to do it full scale(who could blame you with the effort and risk), but still are interested in growing, get some dirt stick a seed in it, put it under a few cfls, maybe one oscilating fan, water every now and then, and harvest when you need.
your first grow is always experimental, and i wouldnt worry about all the major expensive stuff. nobody growing can say their interest in it hasnt raised.
to make a long story short, you dont need all the best modern equpment to get your smoke on.