Cannabis cultivation has a rich history and involves specific techniques that might surprise you. While it shares some similarities with other types of agriculture, the process has its own unique characteristics. Knowing these details can offer a new appreciation for the plant and the industry. Here are three interesting facts you didn’t know about cannabis farming.
Lighting is a Key Factor
The growth cycle of a cannabis plant is heavily influenced by light. Growers use precise lighting schedules to control when the plant flowers. During the vegetative stage, plants are often exposed to long periods of light to encourage growth. To trigger the flowering stage, the light exposure is reduced. This manipulation mimics the natural change of seasons, telling the plant it is time to produce buds. The type and intensity of light also play a significant role in the plant’s development and final quality.
Male and Female Plants
Cannabis plants can be male or female, and this distinction is crucial for farming. Female plants are the ones that produce the resinous buds that are harvested. Male plants produce pollen, and if they pollinate the female plants, the females will start producing seeds instead of focusing their energy on bud growth. For this reason, growers often remove male plants from the crop as soon as they are identified to ensure a high-quality, seedless harvest, which is often referred to as sinsemilla.
Cultivation Environments
Cannabis can be grown in different environments, including indoors, outdoors, and in greenhouses. Each setting offers distinct advantages and challenges. Outdoor farming relies on natural sunlight and soil, which can influence the final product’s characteristics. Indoor cultivation allows for complete control over environmental factors such as light, temperature, and humidity, leading to a consistent product. Ag technology has changed through the ages, and today, many growers use advanced systems to optimize their growing conditions.
These are just some of the interesting facts you didn’t know about cannabis farming. The strategic choices made in identifying and separating plant genders, combined with the deliberate selection of indoor or outdoor growing environments, profoundly influence the final quality and characteristics of the cannabis product.
