Indoor grow or outdoor grow – which one should I use for my cannabis business? This question certainly comes up frequently in the cannabis industry and often provokes a debate amongst professionals and subject matter experts. When it comes to cannabis, there’s no such thing as the “best” way to grow. There are many factors that play a role in which growing method you prefer, and consumers will often choose a particular product based on their own preference or desired experience. So, you may be wondering what some of the pros and cons of indoor grows vs. outdoors grows are. Well, look no further – Cannabis License Experts is here to break it down for you.
Indoor Grow
Pros:
- Growers have complete control of the production process and environmental conditions. This includes the growing substrate, light, temperature, humidity and air circulation. With conditions exactly how you want them, plants are more likely to grow to maturity and be pristine.
- Some cannabis strains may be better equipped for indoor growth where conditions are monitored heavily. You can take advantage of these types of strains and produce large yields of healthy plants.
- You can grow at any time of the year. We all know how long and harsh Canadian winters can be, so this point is extremely important for the success of your cannabis business.
Cons:
- The start-up cost of an indoor grow can be extremely high depending on the size and complexity of your site. You will certainly need a lot of capital to get your facility up and running.
- If contaminants or toxins enter one of your grow rooms, it may be difficult to detect and eliminate. This could result in you having to destroy the entire batch.
- There are no natural predators (e.g. ants, ladybugs, and wasps) to keep mites away indoors. Pests can flourish, and growers will often need to use pesticides on their plants.
Outdoor Grow
Pros:
- Growing cannabis outdoors is the most natural and least expensive way to grow cannabis. All you need is a plot of land, sunlight and some good soil!
- Plants grown outdoors with natural sunlight will grow to their full genetic potential and will have a full and natural terpene profile. This is a major reason why some consumers prefer outdoor-grown cannabis.
- Growing outdoors is both sustainable and environmentally friendly. Much less energy is required (no lights, no cooling/heating) and nutrients can be regenerated and recycled.
Cons:
- Plants grown outdoors are exposed to all of the elements, all the time. This includes the environment, weather, pests and animals, which can have a very big effect on the final cannabis flowers. There is also the chance the entire grow can be completely destroyed because of the outdoor elements.
- The spring and summer seasons are short in Canada – that means outdoor growers have to work around the climate and seasons and ensure work is conducted quickly and efficiently.
As you can see above, each type of grow has its pros and cons. Both a personal and business decision should be made when it comes to choosing between indoor grow vs. outdoor grow. Ultimately, no matter what kind of grow you choose, it’s important to stay informed and educated and have a solid plan in place so that your cannabis business can succeed!
How we can help you
At Cannabis License Experts, we provide you with the guidance to plan your indoor or outdoor cannabis business, acquire funding, navigate the legal requirements, and acquire the appropriate licence for your operations. As the Canadian cannabis industry develops, more and more licensed producers will be needed to meet the demands of consumers.
Cannabis License Experts offers support from day one of starting your cannabis business, including strategic planning, floor plan preparation, site audits, SOPs, and more.
Our Edibles Compliance division can provide you with a solid plan for your edibles business to help get your products on store shelves.
Contact us today to discover how we can license and legalize your cannabis business to meet federal or provincial regulations.
