In the past, the cannabis plants were grown in an outdoor environment. However, most farmers discovered that with modern farming, it is possible to control environmental factors by planting marijuana seeds in the indoor environment. There are numerous differences between indoor and outdoor marijuana, and the article below will outline them.
Size
The marijuana plant is adaptable to grow in an outdoor environment under direct sunlight and rainfall. In such an environment, the plant’s buds flourish to their maximum, and the final result is chunkier and weightier buds. The stem will also be thicker than that of the plants grown under moderated conditions in an indoor environment.
The indoor cannabis plants are grown under regulated conditions. The plants don’t obtain natural necessities from the sun and tend to have smaller and lightweight buds.
Control
In the indoor environment, it is possible to manipulate the levels of light, water, and temperature. The ability to control enables your plant to grow under favorable conditions, and may produce more healthy plants. In the outdoor environment, you will have to deal with uncertainties of the weather. Factors such as high temperatures and heavy rainfall might negatively affect the plants’ growth. The outdoor plants may have tarnished leaves and flowers.
Trichome density
Trichome density is the ratio of hair numbers to the leaf size on the cannabis plant. It is essential in the differentiation process of an indoor and outdoor marijuana plant. The plants grown in an enclosed environment are small and close to the light source and will have a higher trichome density. The outdoor plants are more extensive and far from the source of light, and their trichome density will be lower. Also, the harsh conditions in the outdoor environment will damage the trichome density.
Quality
The indoor plants will have higher quality as they are grown under regulated conditions and not prone to harsh atmospheric conditions. There are fewer chances of the plant being damaged by harsh weather conditions or external factors in the indoor environment. In the outdoor environment, the plants are prone to damage. However, an experienced farmer can reduce the chances of damage, but the plants will still be of lower quality.
Color
Color is the most prominent visual characteristic that differentiates the indoor and outdoor plants. Outdoor cannabis has a significantly darker hue and will be dark green for the green flowers, while the indoor plants will have a bright green color. The darker hue is due to exposure to the sun, which plays a significant role in the plant’s vegetative stage.
The bottom of the flower also tends to have different colors. The outdoor plants are usually light brown, while the indoor plants are either purple or bright green.
Trimming
The outdoor growers will spend a significant time trimming their plants than the indoor growers. The primary reason is due to the number of buds harvested. Outdoor plants tend to be leafier and have numerous buds. The grower will have to spend a significant amount of time trimming to ensure the final product is a clean and sleek bud. The indoor plants produce fewer buds and are less leafier, meaning the trimming process will be fast.
Attention
Outdoor cannabis plants are grown under natural conditions that don’t require constant monitoring. Since the farmer does not control the environmental conditions, the plants will not require much attention. The farmers may only have to water the plants regularly. For indoor plants, the farmer needs to regulate light intensity, water, and temperature daily.
Cannabinoids
Natural sunlight and overall conditions help a plant to grow to its full potential. Research has shown that most cannabis plants grown in the outdoor environment have high CBD and THC levels. The indoor plants may appear healthy and have attractive flowers and buds, but the regulated atmosphere leads to lower levels of the plant’s essential components.
Terpenes
The levels of terpenes are also affected by the condition under which the cannabis plant is grown. The outdoor plant tends to have high levels of terpenes due to the presence of the sun. It means the outdoor plants will produce a much flavorful and beautiful aroma when smoked.
However, there is a need to note that the terpenes are volatile, and if proper curing and drying are not done, the levels will be tremendously low. If an outdoor grower is not keen to conduct the drying and curing process correctly, the terpenes’ levels will be lower.
Time
Most commercial farmers want plants that have a shorter maturation span. Such plants will be more profitable to the farmer as they will sell after a short time. The indoor plants will have a shorter growth phase as it is possible to manipulate many factors. Controlling all the factors will ensure the plants grow faster.
The growth phase is static for the outdoor plants, and it is not possible to manipulate it. The plants will delay its phases, such as the flowering stage, vegetative stage, and maturation stage. So if you want a fast turnaround on your plants, then an indoor environment is the best.
However, some types of marijuana seeds available at Homegrown Cannabis Company have a shorter growth phase; despite the environment they are grown.
Cost
The outdoor cannabis plants have minimal requirements; the farmer will only plow the farm, plant, pluck out the weed, and water the plants. The overall cost of planting and maintaining outdoor plants is significantly low. For the indoor plants, the farmer is expected to set up costly temperature control systems, light systems, water systems, among other elements. The plants also require regular monitoring on an occasional basis. It means the overall cost of planting and maintaining indoor plants is relatively high.
Bottom Line
The following factors are essential when differentiating between indoor and outdoor marijuana plants. Although the outdoor plant may have a visual appearance of low quality, it contains high levels of THC, CBD, and terpenes. If proper drying and curing are done on the outdoor plant, it will be of high quality. The indoor plants will grow faster, and the final plant will have high quality and larger trichome density.
