Despite how rewarding the growing of cannabis at home can be, several factors need to be considered before starting. As well as finding the right seeds and a suitable environment, you also need to ensure that you are using the proper lighting.
Like many aspects of growing weed at home, the use of different lighting often delivers similar results, albeit in different ways. Of course, to get the best results you need to ensure that you are purchasing seeds from a reputable provider like Canna Seeds.
However, using high-quality seeds with the wrong type of lighting could still mean that the crop yielded is less than desirable. The following is an overview of some of the different types of lighting used to cultivate cannabis.
Not only does this allow you to get the best value from your cannabis seeds, but also ensures you’re getting the right level of potency.
Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL)
Those starting out growing medical cannabis manufacturing and packaging will often be looking for an affordable lighting solution, and compact fluorescent lights are worth considering in this regard. Also referred to as CFL lights, compact fluorescent lamps are preferred among newcomers as there are no special fixtures needed.
Daylight CFL bulbs are ideal for the vegetive growth stage, while ‘warm white’ CFLs are often used during the flowering phase.
Although not the best bulb for all cannabis growers, those interested can obtain CFL bulbs easily, and offer value for the money in the fact that the expected lifespan of a quality CFL bulb averages 12 months.
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Metal Halide (MH) and High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) Lights
Those who have experience growing weed will often state that High-Intensity Discharge lights are the preferred choice. Both Metal Halide (MH) and High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights fall under the HID banner.
Both lights offer a different function, in that MH lights deliver a cooler light, and HPS lights deliver a more powerful beam. This means that both lights are used throughout the cultivation process, with MH lights being used for the vegetative phase of cannabis growing, and HPS lights being used for the flowering.
The purchase of HID lights is often incorporated into a kit, which will also consist of a ballast and reflector. Although such kits are reasonably priced, it should be noted that the high performance of HID lights means more power is being used, so those using HID lights can expect higher electricity bills.
LEDs
Regardless of what type of lighting you are considering, LEDs are commonplace in several industries. The early days of LEDs meant that they were not suitable for home growing, but a lot has changed over the years.
The advancement of technology has allowed for chip on board technology to be engineered to deliver light of high intensity. However, you need to ensure that you are using the right LEDs. Simply choosing the cheapest LED could mean you are left with an inferior crop.
Those only wanting to grow one plant may find that a low-price bulb is fine, but those looking for professional LED bulbs should expect to pay over $1000. However, a high-quality LED bulb can last as long as ten years, so it can be more cost-effective for experienced cannabis growers.
LEC Grow Lights
LEC grow lights employ the use of a ceramic arc tube as opposed to the quartz variation seen in HID lights. When used in the right way, the use of LEC grow lights allow the crop to develop a natural and early aesthetic and can offer a longer lifespan than other variants of grow lights.
A good quality LEC grow can cost $200 or more but will offer twice the lifespan on HID lights. When working with LEC lights, it is essential to use safety equipment, as the lights will produce UV-B rays.
There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to lighting, you just need to ensure that you’re considering all factors before investing in a light setup.
