Outdoor Cannabis Cultivation Offers Superior Wellness Benefits Over Indoor Grown
Outdoor cannabis cultivation is gaining recognition for its superior wellness benefits compared to indoor-grown varieties, thanks to its diverse chemical composition and environmental advantages
Key Points
- 1Outdoor-grown cannabis offers superior chemical diversity and wellness benefits
- 2Regulatory efforts focus on THC, but cultivation methods are crucial
- 3Studies show outdoor cannabis has higher terpene and cannabinoid levels
- 4Environmental and flavor benefits favor outdoor over indoor cultivation
- 5Advocates suggest a wine industry model to enhance cannabis market access
The conversation around cannabis wellness is increasingly centered on the cultivation methods rather than solely on cannabinoids like THC. While THC has been demonized in the political arena for its psychoactive effects, experts argue that the true potential of cannabis lies in how it is grown. Outdoor cultivation, in particular, is gaining recognition for its ability to produce a diverse chemical composition that enhances the plant's therapeutic benefits
Historically, the federal definition of legal hemp focused on THC content, limiting it to less than 0.3% by dry weight. However, the realization that other cannabinoids can also be intoxicating has led to regulatory efforts to control their legality. Recently, the Biden Administration has been examining the rescheduling of cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act, a move initially prompted by former President Trump's executive order. This regulatory environment highlights the ongoing debate about the medicinal value of different cannabinoids
Eli Melrod, CEO of Solful, advocates for outdoor-grown cannabis, emphasizing its superior chemical diversity compared to indoor-grown counterparts. A study published by the National Institutes of Health supports this claim, showing that outdoor cannabis contains higher levels of unusual cannabinoids and terpenes. Melrod likens the benefits of sungrown cannabis to the nutritional density found in organic produce, suggesting that natural cultivation methods yield a more complex and beneficial product
Nate Hayward of Higher Heights adds that the flavor profile of outdoor-grown cannabis is unmatched by indoor-grown varieties. He points out that outdoor plants interact with their environment, leading to a richer terpene and flavonoid profile. Despite these benefits, much of Europe's regulated medical cannabis market restricts outdoor cultivation, favoring indoor methods that may not provide the same therapeutic benefits
Environmental concerns also favor outdoor cultivation, as indoor cannabis farming demands significant energy resources for artificial lighting and climate control. The lack of interstate commerce exacerbates this issue, as cannabis must be grown locally, often in less than ideal conditions. Advocates like Melrod believe that a model similar to the wine industry, where consumers can access products from different regions, could enhance the cannabis market and promote more sustainable practices