For at least the last 50 years, there’s been an ongoing debate on which is better: indoor grown or sun grown cannabis? Like most weed enthusiasts, you might have preference based on quality, brand loyalty or environmental impact, and rightfully so. With legalization spreading and the cannabis industry booming, there’s been an insane amount of growth in the industry, but not all of this growth is good. Both consumers and cultivators have strong arguments about which is better, but it’s important to know all the facts about both growing methods before you make up your mind. 

During the height of cannabis prohibition, indoor marijuana farms grew in popularity as a way to avoid prosecution from law enforcement. In the 80s and 90s, indoor-grown weed was highly favored and consumers opted for indoor cultivated flower. 

Indoor-grown weed is known for its consistency and higher potency. Many weed snobs prefer indoor because of the “bag appeal” which is basically prettier looking and smelling brand name marijuana. Using lamps, humidifiers, and electric fans, cultivators have complete control over the growing conditions. Indoor farmers tend to have more consistent, bountiful harvests year round. This comes in handy in not-so-sunny regions where weather can be unpredictable and detrimental to plants. 

Where do we even start? Indoor cultivation uses considerably more energy and resources, and has a seriously negative impact on the environment. It’s been estimated that the indoor cannabis industry uses more than 1% of all electricity in the U.S.. Not to mention, the CO2 emissions from indoor growing are scary. The growing energy-sucking cannabis factories are predicted to outstrip all California’s wind energy production.

Outdoor-grown weed is growing in popularity as consumers are opting for eco-friendly choices. Even some cultivators have made the transition, acknowledging that sun-grown is best for the future of cannabis and the environment. All outdoor growing needs is sun, air, and water to thrive!

Where do we even start? Sun-grown cannabis has been around for over 5,000 years proving you don’t need all the fancy equipment for weed plants to grow and thrive. Outdoor growing requires less of everything! Less equipment, soil amendments, fertilizers, pesticides and less energy. The carbon footprint from outdoor cannabis farms is minimal. Growing straight from the earth, sun-grown cannabis compliments the plant’s natural life cycle (yay for photosynthesis!) This can help not only preserve but enhance the earth’s soil, helping to offset global warming. Bonus: cultivators love the therapeutic horticulture that comes from soaking in the Vitamin D while working close with Mother Earth. In addition, many consumers appreciate the earthy terpenes from sungrown. 

The biggest downside with sun-grown is the impact weather can have. The risk that comes from growing outdoors is unpredictable weather patterns that can limit the harvest and sometimes cause the plants to look less-appealing. Weather patterns also limit the locations capable of sustaining an outdoor farm. Not all states are as lucky as California when it comes to year-round sunshine and humidity.

When we think of indoor-grown cannabis, we picture a dark room with the bright lamps and fans buzzing, but that’s not always the case. There are greenhouse grow-ops popping up all over that are harnessing natural sunlight while protecting plants from unpredictable environmental conditions. This consistent growing process produces significantly less waste and has a smaller carbon footprint.

Many of these Grow-Ops are using hydroponics which is an alternative growing system using nutrient-water solutions instead of soil. The advantages of soilless growing are less pest problems, the ability to monitor the nutrients and pH, and consistent quality. In addition, hydroponics tend to use less land and water, promoting sustainability. 

As the state and national governments get more involved in industry regulations and legislation, it is becoming increasingly clear that they favor indoor-growing. How could the government not favor Costco-sized, energy-intensive factory farms that they can tax the crap out of? 

Legislation favors indoor cultivation regardless of the environmental damage. Indoor growing is seen as more reliable, consistent and profitable. The government even offers “energy saving” rebates and cheap industrial rates to indoor growers. 

Until drug and environmental policies align, it’s up to growers, cultivators, and consumers to be aware of the CO2 emissions from indoor farming.

It’s clear sun-grown is the most sustainable option, but that doesn’t mean you should shun all indoor-grown brands. Some sun-grown operations are new and inconsistent, while other indoor-grown brands are prioritizing sustainability and making positive changes. The best thing that you, as a consumer, can do is to demand high-quality, transparent brands. Do your research! Look for brands highlighting sustainability, sun-grown cultivation or consistent lab testing. Here at Ecomeds, we love to support and highlight sustainable brands in the industry who are all about the environment!

La entrada Indoor vs. Outdoor: The Great Debate se publicó primero en Ecomeds.