Indoor vs. Outdoor Grown Cannabis

Cannabis Cultivation Past and Present

Cannabis cultivation is the planting, growing, harvesting and processing of cannabis to harness and potentiate the medical and recreational benefits of the plant for human consumption. Although not identical in modern THC-based classification terminology, medicinal cannabis and hemp are essentially the same species of plant, but with different functions. Both have been used extensively by humans for millennia. The growing of hemp for medicinal purposes, fiber for practical uses and religious rituals dates back to early Chinese civilization, around 2700 B.C.^(1.) Cannabis cultivation then spread to Europe 2000-2200 years ago, and advanced throughout countless other regions of the world. Fast forward to the present day, and the full range of cannabis benefits are investigated and exploited in indoor and outdoor grow operations worldwide. But, the jury may still be out on whether indoor or outdoor grown cannabis is the superior choice.

Nowadays, in the United States, the most common use for medical cannabis is pain management, ^(2.) In addition to this, the discovery of the endocannabinoid system 30 years ago has led to further scientific testing of cannabinoids and their efficacy in the treatment of disease.^(3.) Cannabis products are sometimes used by patients as an accompaniment to the treatment of a long list of ailments, including:

• Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
• Nerve pain
• Epilepsy
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Mental health issues (depression, anxiety, PTSD)
• IBS

There are, of course, many other reasons to use cannabis.  Those of us that use cannabis products on a purely recreational basis do so under a number of premises, including feeling relaxed, becoming more creatively inclined, increasing sociability with friends, or relieving the stresses of day-to-day life. Everyone’s experience with cannabis is deeply personal and unique. Whatever your reason for using cannabis, it is important to keep abreast of your local options and find the finest quality products at the most competitive prices in your area. At Medallion Wellness, we offer a wide inventory of indoor and outdoor-grown cannabis products at your convenience. Our dispensary services in Modesto, Merced, Atwater, and Waterford, CA are ready for all of your cannabis-related queries. Call us now on (888) 354-0139 or browse our bestsellers and place your personalized cannabis order online today. 

Good news, Fresno residents! We are now offering quality cannabis delivery services to our Fresno customers. Inquire now at (209) 635-5983 or select from our menu here to place your order.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Grown Cannabis

Whether you are new to cannabis or a seasoned bud buyer, you can discern your own favorite method of cannabis consumption (smoking, concentrates, edibles, tinctures) and your preferred strains of cannabis (indica, sativa, hybrids). But many cannabis consumers, experienced or otherwise, are either uninformed or divided when it comes to indoor vs. outdoor-grown cannabis. Factors in choosing cannabis products include:

• Cannabinoids (THC, CBD, among many others)
• Potency
• Terpenes affecting taste and smell
• Method of consumption
• Desired effects 

So which grow type is better? Indoor or outdoor? What does “better” even mean in the context of growing cannabis, and how can I decide what cannabis product is the right choice for me when there are so many products to choose from?

To enable you to find answers to these questions and more, the experts at Medallion Health outline some of the pros and cons of indoor and outdoor grown cannabis. There are a surprising number of factors that dictate the quality, appearance and wider roles of growing cannabis products, and these begin with the very environment that the plants have been cultivated in. We hold your individual opinions and preferences in the highest regard at Medallion Wellness. Our customers are the most crucial and influential judges of the standard of our cannabis products, and we strive to make your satisfaction our primary concern. To read real customer reviews of the highest quality services and cannabis products in Central California, click here.

Indoor Grown Cannabis: Pros & Cons

Not all cannabis plants are created the same. Seed quality, soil choice, grower skill, and key nutrients all play a pivotal role in the production of high-quality cannabis plants. Moreover, the level of adaptability of an indoor growing environment is quite different when compared to its outdoor counterpart. Because of these reasons the terpenes and trichomes are more potent in THC and other cannabinoids with indoor strains.

Talking Tech

Proponents of indoor-grown cannabis are quick to point out the obvious advantages of shielding their plants from the elements. In addition, there are a number of other beneficial outcomes of growing cannabis indoors. The most striking of these is the use of the latest technology to optimize growing conditions. State-of-the-art LED lighting in an indoor growing environment can be adjusted remotely according to the height of the plant canopy, which enables growers to closely manage the growing variables for cannabis plants. Sensors that detect real-time changes in soil water content can also be used to ensure plants are happily hydrated. Additional instrumentation can also be installed to monitor climate, CO₂ levels, and irrigation, for a more closely controlled environment for cannabis cultivation.

Quality Control

The reality of growing cannabis outside is that the chances of getting unwanted pest infestations and diseased plants are higher. A clear advantage of growing indoors is that plants can be closely monitored in an easily adjustable environment. Growers may opt for pesticide-free mists to rid the air of harmful pests, pathogens, and fungi, and may even invest in cleanroom technology, providing a safe, highly effective way of ensuring plants are growing in an optimal environment.

Is Your Green Green Enough?

The two main drawbacks of indoor-grown cannabis are its cost and environmental impact. Running an indoor grow with a collection of energy-draining devices 24 hours a day seven days a week is expensive! Factoring in up-front costs and equipment upkeep and maintenance, indoor growers should be prepared to invest heavily in their plants to reap the rewards. To add to this, all this electricity and heat may not be the greenest option. In 2011, indoor cannabis production in the United States was found to use 1% of the nation’s energy supply, which equates to a staggering $6 billion worth of energy every year.^(4.)

Maximum Strength

Indoor-grown cannabis is cultivated in a precisely controlled environment, which enhances THC strength. For experienced “cannasseurs” interested in experiencing the full effects indoor flower has to offer and to find out more about growing techniques, check the Medallion Health blog back catalog to immerse yourself in the latest cannabis trends, tips, and products.

Outdoor Grown Cannabis: Pros & Cons

The Economical Choice

For many, the cost-effectiveness of growing their cannabis crop outside is the deciding factor when it comes to their initial setup. Natural sunlight, water, and organic soil nutrients and compounds, unsurprisingly, don’t put a strain on your budget! Outdoor growing can be a great choice for people who lack the initial capital to explore indoor cannabis cultivation.

Harnessing the Sun

Many growers observe that young cannabis plants love natural sunlight. A recent study indicated that light intensity, quality, and duration of the flowering period all affect flower and cannabinoid yield,^(5.) so the role UV light plays in cannabis cultivation really is pivotal for successful plant growth. Although you may not harvest as regularly as an indoor grow, outdoor cultivation leads to higher yields. Combining this factor with the low maintenance costs of an outdoor grow can mean larger profit margins in the long run.

As Nature Intended?

Some strains of the cannabis plant may appear to grow in a less regimented way outdoors than indoors, but they can still produce the same levels of cannabinoids and terpenes as their indoor counterparts. However, a more natural cultivation environment does have its drawbacks, and they often come with six legs! Spider mites, root aphids, and fungus gnats are three of the most notorious gatecrashers to unwary outdoor grow parties. The mighty ladybug notwithstanding, the threat of pests and pathogens is higher outside. Because of this, some growers may find themselves paying more for preventative measures such as pesticides and fungicides.

Order premium cannabis products and peruse our menus here for an extensive list of both indoor and outdoor-grown cannabis strains.

Trusted Cannabis Delivery in Central California

Discerning cannabis consumers with a taste for the highest quality products and an eye on sustainability are increasingly interested in where their product originates from and how it was produced. In a market that has seen colossal growth since the enactment of Proposition 64 in 2016, it is more important than ever for us to know where our products come from and how effective they are for our individual needs. 

For advice on the pros and cons of both indoor and outdoor-grown cannabis, and for professional cannabis delivery service to your door, you can rely on Medallion Wellness. Contact us at (888) 354-0139 for authoritative cannabis expertise and the highest standard of customer care or use our website resources to find out more.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Cannabis: What’s the Verdict?

The most important outcome of comparing indoor and outdoor grown cannabis is that it encourages a discourse within the cannabis industry. Whether they are a heavy hitting company or a boutique producer, cannabis growers seek to maintain the most stringent standards and strive for even higher quality cannabis products. When it comes to controlling every aspect of your crop, indoor growing clearly has the upper hand, however, in many climate-friendly places such as the Emerald Triangle in Northern California, outdoor cultivation still reigns supreme. Ultimately, the differences between the final products on show in dispensary display cases may not matter to many people. After all, if it’s good product, it’s good product! 

Everyone’s personal goals and experiences when using cannabis are unique, which is why a definitive answer as to whether indoor or outdoor-grown cannabis is better remains elusive. If you’re new to the world of cannabis, or if you have many years of experience, what matters to the staff at Medallion Wellness is finding the right product for your individual needs. It is our pleasure to impart our experience and knowledge to you and keep you informed of the very latest developments in cannabis culture. For links to our locations in Central California, click our interactive map to find your nearest Medallion Wellness cannabis dispensary and order your personal favorites online today!

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Rupasinghe, H. P. V., Davis, A., Kumar, S. K., Murray, B., & Zheljazkov, V. D. (2020). Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa) as an Emerging Source for Value-Added Functional Food Ingredients and Nutraceuticals. Molecules, 25(18), 4078. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25184078 
2. Grinspoon, P. (2018, January 9). Medical marijuana – Harvard Health Blog. Retrieved from Harvard Health Blog website: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/medical-marijuana-2018011513085 
3. Rožanc, J., Kotnik, P., Milojević, M., Gradišnik, L., Knez Hrnčič, M., Knez, Ž., & Maver, U. (2021). Different Cannabis sativa Extraction Methods Result in Different Biological Activities against a Colon Cancer Cell Line and Healthy Colon Cells. Plants, 10(3), 566. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10030566 
4. Mills, E. (2012b, July). The carbon footprint of indoor Cannabis production. Retrieved from ResearchGate website: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254408509_The_carbon_footprint_of_indoor_Cannabis_production 
5. Backer, R., Schwinghamer, T., Rosenbaum, P., McCarty, V., Eichhorn Bilodeau, S., Lyu, D., … Smith, D. L. (2019). Closing the Yield Gap for Cannabis: A Meta-Analysis of Factors Determining Cannabis Yield. Frontiers in Plant Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.00495