These days, the hemp scene is evolving for consumers and growers alike. It is now branching out with an impressive choice of products, strains, consumption methods, and growing techniques. No wonder there’s an ongoing debate on the pros and cons of each and how one compares to another.
But when it comes to greenhouse-grown hemp flower, it is harder to generalize the differences between this type of cultivation and other farming practices. It isn’t even easy to pinpoint whether greenhouse buds should qualify as outdoor or indoor cannabis because this method allows for various levels of control over the growing cycle and the factors that are otherwise determined by nature.
So, let’s clarify it straight away!
Can greenhouse THCA hemp flower be considered indoor?
In a way, yes. Though it’s more like a category of its own, balancing between indoor and outdoor cultivation. The distinguishing factor here is the relativity of environmental control.
THCA greenhouse gardening can range from using no-frills constructions and basic tools to investing in complex ones, plus advanced irrigation and climate control technology. Besides, most greenhouses have access to outdoor resources and are not airtight or waterproof. So, they provide only partial protection from the elements, contamination, infestations, and plant diseases compared to fully-enclosed cultivation.
That’s why greenhouse THCA buds are not considered the same as indoor flowers. Still, they are often referred to as indoor-grown since the quality gap between these two categories is smaller than between greenhouse and open-field buds.
How does outdoor growing compare to greenhouse cultivation?
When growing cannabis the traditional way, you are all set to enjoy some well-appreciated benefits:
- No artificial light can compete with the full spectrum of sunlight for efficiency and optimized photosynthesis to enhance terpene and cannabinoid profiles.
- Outdoor weed is the cheapest to buy and grow since light, heat, water, and even some nutrients are provided by nature for free.
This results in potent THCA buds and awesome resource savings but comes at the cost of consistency of your crops and the uniformity of the final product. Here’s why:
- Open-field plants are believed to produce bigger yields (or bigger buds, to be precise). But those tend to be worn by the elements and darker, less appealing in color.
- Seasonal weather patterns, average temperatures, and hours of daylight will define the growing cycle and the quality of your cannabis, which can vary from one crop to another.
- Even with years of experience, there’s little you can do about sudden or extreme weather changes inhibiting plant growth or wreaking havoc on your THCA flowers.
Greenhouse THCA flower cultivation reduces such risks and puts control in the grower’s hands at a much lower expense than indoor methods. You can spend as little or as much on your greenhouse setup as you see fit while sticking to the bare basics or using tons of gadgets and automated solutions. Most local growth cycles won’t require additional lights or heating, but if they do, even partial use of sunlight offers huge savings compared to the energy costs of indoor cultivation.
Will outdoor cannabis get you higher than THCA in greenhouse flower?</h2>
The quality, consistency, and intensity of a high depend more on the genetics of a THCA strain and the drying/curing process than a cultivation method. The interaction between its cannabinoid profile and terpenes with your endocannabinoid system determines the feelings and effects you are going to experience, such as sedation or euphoria.
Given that, the potency difference between greenhouse THCA hemp flower and its outdoor-grown equivalent is not particularly wide. The same genetic variety is likely to have similar cannabinoid profiles, whether grown outdoors or in a partially controlled greenhouse environment.
Open-field cannabis may have a higher percentage of terpenes that bring out or enhance certain sensations for a fuller high. However, outdoor growers tend to invest less time and effort into caring for their plants, proper harvesting, drying, and trimming – which often ruins that high-terpene profile.
When it comes to the subtle nuances of aroma and flavor, known as terroir (the same term is used to describe the distinctive character of wine), these mostly depend on the soil composition. So, outdoor and greenhouse-grown hemp flowers may boast a richer nature-enhanced taste and flavor than indoor buds.
The downsides of the greenhouse cultivation method
With nearly indoor-level consistency of growing conditions, a greenhouse setting is a balanced mix of indoor and outdoor benefits. It is also an environmentally friendly solution. However, it requires an initial investment and setup efforts.
To grow greenhouse THCA flowers, you will need to fork out thousands of dollars to ensure growth stability, improved control, and plant protection. Other investments include supplies and chemical solutions to reduce the risks of pests and diseases.
While greenhouse growers are not as restricted by seasonal patterns as outdoor cultivators, they are still bound by local light cycles and soil conditions. Unlike indoor growers who can adjust them easily to maximize plant performance, greenhouse enthusiasts can’t alter those except for light deprivation.
Confused about this technique? To fit more growing cycles of photoperiod varieties into one season within a greenhouse, you can block the sunlight with tarps or shades to stimulate the flowering stage.
Which growing environment is the best?
If you’re pondering the differences between THCA products and methods, you may want to see your options ranked in a particular order. But there’s no best way to fit everyone’s preferences, needs, and local conditions (remember, all cannabis may be required to be indoors by law in certain areas).
Some hobby growers prefer to be in full control of their greenhouse THCA flower, whereas others believe that outdoor-grown buds have a more flavorful profile. Or, you may find it more satisfying to spend time outdoors around your plants. Anyway, it’s up to you to decide.
Both consumption and growing methods are more about your experience than the result. Try to explore different techniques and strains, whatever your gardening or taste-refining ambitions are.
