Often consumers hear about sun-grown and indoor-grown hemp, but what does it mean, and why does it matter to you? Let’s take a deep dive into the history of these two growing methods and the advantages and disadvantages of both.
What is Sun-Grown Hemp?
Sun-grown hemp, also known as outdoor-grown, is hemp that has been cultivated outside. It is the traditional way of growing hemp. The buds of outdoor plants tend to be larger and fluffier, as well as darker in color with a thicker stem.
What is Indoor-Grown Hemp?
Indoor-grown hemp is hemp that has been grown within a structure, like a greenhouse. Hemp that has been cultivated indoors generally produces smaller, denser buds, and they tend to be more appealing to consumers because of their thinner stems.
Advantages
Advantages of Indoor-Grown Hemp
One of the advantages of growing hemp indoors is that growers are able to completely control the environment, which ultimately can lead to less damage to the plants overall. Though ventilation systems are needed when growing indoors, the trichomes, which hold the valuable cannabinoids and terpenes, are not damaged because the fans are not directed at flowering plants. Additionally, cultivation of indoor plants is not dependent on the seasons, so growers can produce multiple harvest per year.
Advantages of Sun-Grown Hemp
Hemp that is grown outside is more environmentally friendly, as it doesn’t require electricity for lighting and ventilation. Sun grown hemp also allows farmers to have a larger hemp operation than they would indoors.
Disadvantages
Disadvantages of Indoor-Grown Hemp
There is a lot that goes into growing hemp indoors, leaving many farmers to prefer growing their hemp outdoors. Growing indoors requires expensive equipment, such as lighting, humidity control systems, and ventilation; all of which utilize a lot of electricity to operate. Growing hemp indoors can be a costly endeavor that can outweigh profit depending on maintenance that may be needed on the equipment.
Disadvantages of Outdoor-Grown Hemp
One of the disadvantages of growing hemp outdoors is the elements. Hemp plants are at the mercy of mother nature and can be damaged from bad weather. Trichomes are delicate, and wind and rain can damage them causing a loss of cannabinoids and terpenes. Because of the changing seasons, outdoor hemp can typically produce only one harvest per year. Additionally, the seasons can be fairly unpredictable, so weather conditions like colder temperatures and rainstorms can lead to growers harvesting early, resulting in underdeveloped hemp flowers.
Both indoor grown hemp and outdoor grown hemp can be beneficial to those who consume. When choosing your hemp flower, it is important to always purchase it from a trusted manufacturer that has third party lab testing and a Certificate of Analysis available to ensure you are getting quality hemp flower.