Is there really a difference between cannabis grown indoors vs. outdoors?

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.

Cannabis plants grow in many sizes and shapes. They also come in different colors, contain different cannabinoids, and are made into a variety of products. Plants are generally differentiated by their strains, cultivation methods, and even methods of consumption. There are three methods of growing cannabis plants, namely indoor, outdoor and greenhouse cultivation.

One of the fundamental questions for cannabis users is the distinction between indoor, outdoor and greenhouse cannabis. There are a few differences between each plant, although some are more obvious than others.

Photo by Remedy Pics via Unsplash

New operators on the growing scene are asking what form or method yields the best yield. There is no straight answer as each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The simple truth is that there is no universal best growing option.

Here are full details on the three cannabis growing methods and the differences between them. We will also review the effects of each cultivation method on the plants.

Outdoor cultivation

This includes the production of cannabis in open spaces. These growing methods tend to produce huge cannabis plants. These plants have a broader and taller appearance with larger buds. However, this does not necessarily mean that they have better cannabinoid content. This method has been around since the beginning of agricultural cultivation.

Farmers who live in environments with perfect weather conditions for cannabis plants grow beautiful plants that flower throughout their growth cycle. Cannabis plants are unique plants whose optimal growing environments are rarely inhabited. Breeders have perfected the practice of growing cannabis plants in the most inhospitable areas. They supplement existing nutrients in the soil with fertilizers and compensate for the lack of water with irrigation systems. Cannabis farming communities in California and Oregon grow the best outdoor marijuana plants thanks to consistently sunny and dry climates.

Outdoor cultivation gives the plants direct access to the sun. As you know, until now no artificial light source has been able to match the efficiency of the sun. Plants grown outdoors have better terpene profiles due to their development under the full spectrum of sunlight. The terpenes are full. Cannabinoids also possess better properties than cannabis plants grown using other methods.

Not all cannabis plants grown outdoors look good. They are sometimes worn down by the elements (sunlight, wind, rain, etc.). This causes the plants to develop darker colors and thicker stems to adapt to the conditions.

Outdoor marijuana can reach incredible heights and sizes. They are often tougher and tougher than indoor marijuana plants.

Outdoor cultivation is the easiest and cheapest way to grow cannabis. It is also best suited for large-scale cannabis production. Some of the best strains for growing outdoors include Sour Diesel and Killer Queen. Both strains are popular for their heat resistance and high yield potential.

Photo by CRYSTALWEED Cannabis via Unsplash

indoor cultivation

Growing cannabis indoors started out as a secret way of growing cannabis for the illegal sector. Through this covert cultivation, breeders discovered that the growth of the plant could be controlled.

One scientist described growing cannabis indoors as a “manual” means of growing weed. The whole process of plant growth depends on how the farmer treats it. Unlike outdoor cannabis, where nature dictates the growth rate of the plants, here the grower controls the environmental conditions to achieve the optimal yields from the plant.

RELATED: Outdoor Vs. Indoor Grown Cannabis: Which To Choose?

Plants grown indoors are fine-tuned for better flavor and potency. However, they do not grow as large as outdoor weeds. A lot of work goes into the production of indoor cannabis. The advantage of this method is that the plants have a high trichome density. They are also less exposed to wind, sunlight and rain. They tend to have a more even coloration that stays fresh throughout the growing season. Growers prefer indoor cultivation as it is not dependent on the seasons.

The downside is that these plants are expensive to grow and care for. The running costs of energy to run lightbulbs, water pumps and fans must be considered. Strains that perform best when grown in these controlled environments include Strawberry Haze, Big Wreck, and Skunk #1.

Cultivation in the greenhouse

Greenhouse growing is a combination of indoor growing and outdoor growing. It costs more than growing outdoors, but less than growing indoors.

Cannabis grown in greenhouses has access to outdoor resources, especially sunlight. They are also in safe and secure housing facilities free from pests and extreme climatic factors. This method is best suited to growers who live in locations unsuitable for growing cannabis—especially those who cannot afford to fund an indoor grow space.

RELATED: What’s the difference between sun-grown and indoor-grown marijuana?

Cannabis seeds are grown in large clear glass plants. The sun can shine through these glass materials to increase the temperature inside. The advantage of this method is that plants can thrive all year round. Energy costs are also significantly reduced, since electronic devices are mainly used in the darkest and driest time of the year.

Cannabis plants grown in greenhouses are often free of mould, mildew, disease and pest infestations. Also the susceptible plants. Not all strains can thrive in a greenhouse. Some of the strains best suited to this plant are Northern Lights, Jack Flash, and Tahoe OG.

Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

Summary

The debate about outdoor, indoor, and greenhouse marijuana will always be inconclusive. All three cannot have one winner, as they are all winners in their own right. Experts have stressed that there is no single best number of plants produced from the three options.

Growing your cannabis outdoors will result in larger sizes but not higher cannabinoid levels. Plants grown outdoors are often cheaper than indoor and greenhouse plants due to lower production costs. To get the best results here, make sure the farm area has good soil and adequate rainfall. Also use effective pest and disease prevention measures.

If you grow your cannabis indoors, you will get plants with higher THC levels. However, the cost is something to consider. These crops are more expensive due to the rising cost of energy, nutrients, and effective fertilizers. At the same time, greenhouse cultivation also produces medium-sized plants with decent THC levels. Ventilation, temperature regulation, and power sources are some of the important factors to consider for the best indoor cannabis plants.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.