As the weather gets heated, so does the tenacity among the smokers. There is something so musical about the summer that it wakes our inner urge to feel high and furthermore; sometimes, it brings out the green thumb too (Especially as legalization approaches!).

All marijuana lovers who have an MMJ card or grower’s license would love to pick up their spade, and go green by growing cannabis in their own premises. This would allow the user to grow these plants, not only to feel high; but also to, avail its incredible medicinal value.

However, new growers have many questions about cannabis cultivation. The main question that worries novices the most, is the use of lights in the indoor cultivation. Furthermore, one of the most crucial factors, is the installation of proper lights and adjustments in the light cycles.

Example of great all-in-one kit:

Just like every other plant; cannabis is also dependent on either, natural or artificial light, to produce photosynthesis. In natural circumstances, cannabis growth depends on the changing seasons, in a specific environment.

These changes also include exposure to the light, temperature, and humidity; particularly, in cycles in which light occurs. So when you are growing cannabis indoors, you need to take particular care of the indoor lighting process and its mechanism.

The artificial lighting method is the best alternative to sunlight; however, lighting should be properly rated and installed in a professional manner, in order to maximize yield.

Moreover, the most important reason to install high quality and highly rated lights is to ensure the safety of the people and the buildings involved. These lights can cause large amounts of heat and if installed incorrectly; they can cause damaging fires and catastrophic loss.

The 3 Most Common Types of Modern Grow Lights:

Traditional indoor cannabis cultivation depends on any one of the three light sources: HID, CFL and LED. Growers generally use different types of grow lamps. Generally, there are other types of lighting technologies also like “Betamax” lamps. We will talk here about those lights which are generally used by consumers, like HID.

High-Intensity Discharge Light |(HID)

Farmers are using these HID or High-intensity discharge since the 1990’s. As the years have passed, these lamps have become more technologically advanced; ballasts have gone digital and become much bigger and much better.

Furthermore, in the HID segment, lumens are the preferred choice among the farmers. Now ceramic metal-halide (CMH) are getting popular and 315W CMH bulb also gives proper and accurate light.

Example of 315W CMH Bulb:

Although it is an expensive upgrade, it usually is not high performer; unlike its counterparts 600W HPS or high-pressure sodium lamp. Within the different types of HID lights, we can use mercury, metal halide, and the sodium vapor variety.

Light Emitting Diodes (LED)

LED is also upgrading itself with high-end technology; which is, resulting in the growth of superior quality marijuana. LED generates photosynthetically active radiation, which is best for the plants.

Example of Technologically Superior LED Grow Lights:

Firstly, these lights generate less voltage, which means you end up spending less money on its upkeep and electricity (this is especially important in Canada where hydro tends to be inflated).

The best part about this technology, is that it generates far less heat; which means, no overheating (and less risk of fire!). It also reduces the need for ventilation and fans, resulting in energy savings, discretion and reduced costs.

For novice growers, LED lights are a bonus. These lights do not require as much investment as professional setups; but are, way better than some of the other, cheaper options out there (some make you afraid to turn the system on).

We also cannot ignore their efficiency; LED lights waste much less energy and even lasts longer. Many companies advertise up to 100,000 hours of life in their LED bulbs (that’s a lot of ganga!).

Examples of LED Grow Light:

Metal Halide Lights (MHL)

Metal Halide Lights generate light, by passing an electric current through mercury gas; mixed with metal iodide. The light generates a perfect color spectrum; which contribute to, the growth output of the plants.

Moreover, it is best for generating a large amount of foliage. Besides, it is also flexible. 1000 Watt Metal Halide Lights are used typically during the flowering period. The majority of the growers in the United States are using these types of lights and the resultant strains have better growth and output.

How to Position the Plants?

Growers have to make sure that all the plants get the same amount of light, even though they are of different sizes. Also, remember to position the lights horizontally so that the reflection is maximized. If the lights are vertical, they will tend to lose more light than the horizontal ones.

Additionally, the most commonly used material for the reflector is aluminum, which helps to diffuse the light. If you paint the walls of the grow room, while using linoleum paneling, both are good reflectors.

One mistake that a novice grower can make, is that they position the plant very far or too near to, the lighting fixture. Naturally, if the plant is very far from a light; it will put all its energy into reaching that light. The cannabis plant will not have the needed energy it requires; causing stunted growth, lack of flowers, little to no trichome development; not to mention, its overall healthier growth.

Plants that are exposed to improper lighting tend to grow up very thin and will lack the capacity to bear a heavy yield. On the contrary, if the lighting is very near to the plants; they can whilt, bleach, dry out and/or die. In addition, make sure that the temperature is no more than 27℃ or 80℉.

In fact, the cycle and period of time in which your plant receives light is also very crucial for its growth. When the plant is growing, it requires 18 hours of light for every 6 hours of darkness. And when it is a time to flower, it should be switched to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.

One of the best things about indoor cultivation is that you are in complete control of the light, but you need to be very careful while installing the lighting system to ensure safety and the proper growth of the plants.

About the author:

James Harper was born and raised in California. He loves reading books and blogs. The reading habit generates many ideas in his mind and he started writing. He started his own blogs and soon become a famous Blogger. Visit the blog at Medical Marijuana Orange County for more information and how to get your MMJ card.