Cannabis and hemp have gone mainstream, and with that, plants are needed for the material to create a world of cannabis/hemp. Whether cultivation is needed on an industrial level or medicinal level, cultivation of cannabis/hemp is needed. Many have a passion for gardening and want to get into cannabis cultivation, and with that, trying to decide the best way to cultivate: indoor, outdoor, or hydroponics. Below, we get into the pros and cons of them all, with the hope that aspiring cannabis cultivators arrive at the decision best suited for them.
Cannabis Cultivation By Way of Hydroponics
There are some cannabis cultivators, usually with advanced growing skill sets, that may choose to grow their cannabis using methods not associated with soil, like hydroponics. Hydroponic growing is a form of growing plants using oxygen, a water-based system, and a nutrient-filled solution.
This method of growing doesn’t use soil; it requires the plant to have direct access to the nutrient-filled solution. Any water not consumed by the root (remember- this is a water-based system) is recycled through the system for consumption at a later time.
Pros and cons of hydroponic cannabis cultivation as described by the Hydroponics Planet:
Pros: no soil, less water, controlled nutrient feeding/application, better growth rates, plants don’t have to search for nutrients because the nutrients are delivered right to them, no weed problems, fewer pests, and fewer pesticides/insecticides are needed.
Cons: hydroponics costs more to set up, so the initial investment can be costly, takes more time than other grow methods, water-borne diseases, system failures, and plant nutrient deficiencies.
Cannabis Cultivation By Way of Outdoor Cultivation
Outdoor cannabis cultivation is the most natural way to grow any kind of plant, including cannabis. Outdoor is soil and sun-grown, and the main way that cannabis is grown in Northern California and Southern Oregon.
Pros and cons of outdoor cannabis cultivation as described by Cannabis License Experts:
Pros: most natural and least expensive way to grow cannabis, plants grown by sunlight reach their full genetic potential, sun-grown means natural terpene profiles, and outdoor cultivation is more sustainable- using much less energy.
Cons: exposure to all of the elements (weather, pests, animals, etc.) and having to work around the changing climates. 
Cannabis Cultivation By Way of Indoor Cultivation
Indoor cannabis cultivation is very popular. Indoor cultivation is where cultivators utilize equipment to mimic outdoor conditions. Pros and cons of indoor cannabis cultivation as described by Cannabis License Experts:
Pros: cultivators have complete control of the environment and process, some strains are better for indoor cultivation, and indoor cultivation allows cultivation to take place all year.
Cons: start-up costs are expensive because of the lights and other equipment needed, contaminants and toxins can enter grow spaces, and there are no natural predators such as ladybugs, which help deter mites.
In Closing
It’s important to check the laws in your state to ensure that all compliance requirements are followed prior to launching a grow. For those in legal states like California, services such as weed delivery Sacramento make it easier to access regulated cannabis products responsibly. It’s also important to keep in mind that research for each strain grown is a great idea. Depending on the strain(s), your method may have to be one that works for that strain, not so much for your situation.
For more cannabis and hemp education, check out the Plain Jane blog.
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