Consumers may now select from a broader range of cannabis strains, ingestion methods, and even growing environments as the cannabis industry expands.
Even though individual cannabis strains have different terpene and cannabinoid content, as well as effects, how the strain is grown also does make a difference.
The effects of different cannabis strains are determined by their terpene and cannabinoid content, but how the strain is grown also plays a role.
The three more common types of cannabis cultivation methods are - Indoor, Outdoor, and Greenhouse (Light Deprived)
With so many choices of where to source their cannabis from consumers are wondering what the difference is between indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse-grown options - and which would be best for them..
It's simple to judge the alternatives after reading them, but there is no "best" choice. Each developing environment has certain advantages and disadvantages.
In this blog article, we'll look at the advantages and disadvantages of each one so you can make an informed decision about which is best for you.
Table of Contents
- Brief Introduction to Indoor, Outdoor, and Greenhouse
- Indoor Grown Cannabis
- Outdoor Grown Cannabis
- Greenhouse Grown Cannabis - (Light Deprived)
- Indoor Vs Outdoor Vs Greenhouse Grown Cannabis
- Cost
- Physical Appearance
- Aroma
- Trichome Density
- Cannabinoid and Terpene Profile
- Environmental Effects
- Indoor Challenges
- Outdoor and Greenhouse Challenges
- Conclusion
A Brief Introduction to Indoor, Outdoor, and Greenhouse
The cannabis plant can be used to grow a diverse range of products, including those containing CBD or THC. Although cannabis can be cultivated outdoors, many farmers prefer to regulate the growing conditions for their plants by cultivating cannabis indoors.
Indoor Grown Cannabis
Indoor cannabis plants are nurtured in controlled surroundings where temperature, humidity, and illumination may be tightly controlled. This allows for ideal conditions that are perfect for cannabis growth.
Although it tends to be more costly, growing cannabis indoors allows growers to maintain complete control of their environment and product.
Outdoor Grown Cannabis
Unlike indoor grown, outdoor grown is much more affordable and doesn't require special equipment. Just be sure to pick a spot for your plants that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-drained soil.
The suns rays provide a broader spectrum of light than indoor grow lights. This can lead to healthier plants and the development of a greater variety of cannabinoids and terpenes in the cannabis plants.
Nevertheless, it's crucial to remember that outdoor growing is entirely dependent on the cooperation of nature. Be prepared for any eventuality.
The challenge with outdoor cultivation is that it can be more difficult to maintain control of the growing environment, which may in turn produce a lower-quality product. However, it has the advantage of being less expensive than indoor or greenhouse methods.
Greenhouse Grown Cannabis - (Light Deprived)
Greenhouses have all the perks of indoor growing, plus they let you take advantage of natural sunlight.
Greenhouses are a hybrid method of growing that lies somewhere between indoor and outdoor cultivation. They give greater control over the climate than outdoor farming but require less effort than growing indoors.
Here are some differences between growing cannabis indoors and outdoors.
Indoor Vs Outdoor Vs Greenhouse Grown Cannabis
We have made distinctions on the bases of: cost involved, physical appearance, aroma, trichome density, cannabinoid, terpene profile, and finally, the environmental effects of the 3 types.
Let’s dive right in.
Cost
It is often more cost-effective to grow crops outside rather than inside. When dealing with big farms, outdoor development almost always costs less than indoor growth would. Rain does the majority of the work for you if all circumstances are ideal and neither is there any need for expensive lighting or ventilation.
Physical Appearance
Compared to cannabis grown outdoors, indoor-grown cannabis typically looks fresher because it's protected from weather conditions like wind and rain.
Growers can optimize the growing conditions in their homes to produce the best plants. Some people, on the other hand, enjoy cannabis that has been cultivated outdoors and has an organic look and feel.
Aroma
The primary difference between indoor and outdoor cannabis is its aroma. Outdoor buds tend to have a more natural, earthy aroma as a result of their exposure to the elements. Cannabis grown indoors has stronger scents due to the fact that growers have more control over lighting and other variables.
Trichome Density
The trichome density is another way to distinguish between indoor and outdoor cannabis. Indoor buds are generally smaller since they are closer to the light source and are in a controlled environment, so they tend to have a higher trichome density.
Outdoor cannabis buds have bigger nugs than their indoor counterparts. This implies that the trichomes on an outdoor bud would need to spread out more in order to cover the entire surface. Furthermore, harsh conditions such as bad weather can damage and restrict trichome growth on outdoor plants.
Cannabinoid and Terpene Profile
The cannabinoid and terpene content in cannabis plants grown outdoors is often lower than that of Cannabis plants cultivated indoors because the former are exposed to a greater variety of environmental dangers. Some people will refute this, saying that cultivating outside in the plant's natural habitat allows it to reach its full potential.
More studies are required to determine the effect of growing cannabis outdoors on its cannabinoid and terpene profile.
Environmental Effects
The most significant environmental impact of indoor cannabis cultivation is the use of electricity to power lights. Indoor grown can also use a lot of water, which can strain local resources.
Cannabis grown outdoors has a much smaller footprint than indoor grows. Outdoor cannabis cultivation does not require electricity or water, and it can actually help improve the local environment.
These are the key ways that these three types differ from each other, but each also comes with its challenges.
Let's go over them briefly.
Indoor Challenges
A common issue that arises with indoor Cannabis cultivation is when the plants become root-bound. This occurs when the roots of the plant fill up the pot entirely and have nowhere else to expand.
If a cannabis plant isn't fed enough nutrients, it will have problems like ceasing growth or death. Another widespread issue is when the plants don't receive vital minerals from the soil and become smaller than they should be, or have yellowing leaves.
Outdoor and Greenhouse Challenges
Not only do indoor cannabis cultivators have to contend with their own set of challenges, but outdoor greenhouse and cannabis cultivators face different difficulties. In areas with large temperature and humidity fluctuations, greenhouses are vulnerable to developing mold and mildew on their plants.
A greenhouse can be set up with coolers, heaters, and traps to regulate both day and night temperatures. To increase humidity, humidifiers or foggers may also be installed. And for light regulation during different times of the year, artificial lighting, as well as light deprivation sheets can be added too.
Conclusion
So, what’s the verdict? Indoor grown cannabis is king when it comes to potency and yield. Greenhouse-grown cannabis can come close to indoor yields but often lacks in potency. Outdoor grown cannabis production is great for sustainability, but the lower yields and lack of control over environmental conditions means that the product usually isn’t as potent or consistent as indoor or greenhouse-grown buds.
What have you found to be your preferred method of growing cannabis? Let us know in the comments below!