Last Updated 2 years by Shariful Alam Pavel
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Indoor Hemp Farming for CBD
At the top of the world of cannabis, hemp stands at its apex. Hemp has become an exceptional choice for the extraction of CBD. But growing the best quality CBD-rich Hemp needs a proper environment. In this article, we dive deep into the various distinctive styles of farming. We also try to understand what prompted indoor farming into the most favored system for hemp cultivation.
Indoor Hemp Farming
History of Indoor Hemp farming
The relationship between hemp and human goes back to 8000BCE.
Though hemp can grow in diverse environments, the first hemp prospered in the region of Asia. As our precursors moved west, they carried hemp along with them. Thus making it to New World in 1606.
But towards the 20th century, there was a gradual shift in perspective with hemp. As people got more inclined toward religion. The consumption of substances with mental health consequences became more of a taboo.
These acts were often disgraced prompting the ban of liquor. Which also drained its way into the business of cannabis. Abusing the country’s anxiety toward corrupt behavior.
By 1937, California was the first to place a heavy duty on substances with hemp. Which led to the foundation of the Marihuana Act. By 1970, the controlled substance act substituted the Narcotics Control Act of 1956. This resulted in several drug-related arrests. During this time, individuals consuming hemp or cannabis were no different from those who were into heroin, LSD, and cocaine.
By 1964, researchers could characterize the difference between THC and CBD. Dr. Raphael Mechoulam was able to understand that plants like weed had a high amount of THC. The chemical was responsible for causing mind-numbing responses. While plants like hemp had low degrees of THC and an expanded amount of CBD in them. It was Dr. Mechoulam who could identify the countless benefit revolving around CBD.
In 1998 the very state banning the consumption of hemp was quick to resume it. California imposed regulations on clinical marijuana. Thus paving the way for other states to day the same by 2012. It was the 2014 Farm Bill that called for a demo cultivation initiative for hemp under President Obama. Towards the end of 2018, a more revised Farm Bill made its way to congress, with Mitch McConnell finally uplifting the ban on hemp farming.
But it wasn’t government legitimization of hemp that led to different avenues of hemp farming. In actuality, it was a ban on hemp, not hemp legitimization that catapulted indoor cultivation. During the 80s, the conflict on drugs was at its most hike and severe. Several constraints due to the ban, low yield motivated cultivators to adjust to indoor cultivation. Thus being able to produce hemp all year long away.
What is Indoor hemp cultivation?
To develop the best form of cannabis, it is vital to establish the right sort of environment. A type of climate which permits ideal command over light, fogginess, and temperature. Indoor farming involves the cultivation of hemp in a controlled environment indoors. It despite involving explicit obligations and care, can be an exceptional choice. Through indoor farming, you can cultivate good-quality hemp at any time of the year.
What is Outdoor hemp cultivation?
Outdoor cultivation is the most natural and oldest form of cultivation of hemp. Although this method is not perfect. The first bits of hemp farming took place under natural light, soil nutrients, and rainwater. Still given its exceptional straightforward execution and cheap price. Hemp seed cultivation under the canopy of sweet nature still has its craze today.
indoor CBD farming better vs outdoor farming
Why is indoor farming better than outdoor farming?
Hemp has always been grown following the traditional method of outdoor farming. This happens to be not only cheap but also produces a large quantity of hemp on a small plot of land. But relying on nature for temperature and sunlight affects the quality of hemp produced. Thus making indoor farming a viable option.
In contrast to open-air farming, indoor cultivation has a plethora of benefits. In an isolated environment, you can control the intensity of light and temperature. Hemp requires a significant amount of light during the vegetative and flowering state. While the seeds sprout in complete darkness. Temperature controlled environment is also mandatory. A high temperature can result in root decay and the growth of fungus. While a temperature too low can slow down or halt the growth process, even causing death.
| Indoor farming | Outdoor farming |
| The tedious controlled environment can help you alter according to plants’ needs. This provides an ideal atmosphere for harvesting hemp rich in a wider dose of CBD.
| The concentration of hemp above 10% is quite unusual. But there are times when CBD can go above 20-25%.
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| If you harvest hemp indoors. The terpenes in the bloom remain liberated from pollutants. This results in fine flavor and gentle smoke. | To compensate for the pressure that outdoor farming goes through. The plant often lacks terpene which gives it a sweet exotic flavor. Bit of terpene produced often gets obliterated during handling.
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| Indoor hemp has thick and succulent buds. The plant receives the best supplement and substrate to ensure healthy growth.
| Energy is scarce during the hemp development process. As a result the flower that bloom are of lower density.
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| Bits of hemp that are grown in a controlled environment do not have to rely on changes in sunlight or climate to reach their full potential. | As Hemp growth depends on sunlight and the temperature, condition of the soil. Somewhere between May and June happens to be an ideal month for cultivation.
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arrangements to launch your cultivation of hemp for CBD
The best set of arrangements to launch your cultivation of hemp for CBD
Some tips that can be implemented during indoor farming to get the best fruit out of your cultivation:
- There has to be an ample amount of space to support the healthy growth of hemp. Most hemp is quite a towering figure growing up to 3 feet tall. The space should be able to accommodate the height of the plant.
- Hemp has the benefit of adapting to a diverse environment. But keeping the temperature at a range that best favors efficient yield is mandatory. Hemp seedlings would perform best in a humid environment that extends between 65-70%. Soil needs to sink water as hemp doesn’t need to be served with plenty of water. You can use a drainage system and a water resistance tray to manage water for cultivation.
- You may choose to use a mirror, white surface, or anything that can reflect light. This could help plants make the best use of it resulting in limited waste of energy. You should also seal the hemp cubicle. This is to prevent outside light from penetrating the system which may hamper yield.
- There need to be at least two vents one at the top and the other at the bottom for ventilation.
Differences between Seedling, Vegetative, and flowering states
Differences between Seedling, Vegetative, and flowering states
| Seedling | Vegetative | Flowering |
| This is the point where the seed is dug a few inches deep into wet soil which sprouts into a plant. You need to change the pot once the roots reach the lowest surface.
| It is the point when the plants grow until it reaches a stage when the flowers bloom. This state usually lasts for 30-60 days. | This is the point when the plant blooms flowers, from where the CBD content is extracted. |
| State | Seedling | Vegetative | Flowering |
| Temperature | 22 and 25 degrees | 20 to 30 degrees | 25 to 26 degrees |
| Photoperiod | 20-24 hours | More than 14 hours | 12 hours |
| Humidity | 80-90% | 45-65% | 45-55% |
benefit of Indoor Agriculture
What is the benefit of Indoor Agriculture?
- Can grow more crops within a small plot of land
Through the process of vertical farming, you can grow more plants within a limited space indoors. Vertical cultivation is when you harvest plants in levels that involve one or the other. This form of indoor farming can be useful in places where land is scarce.
- More healthy plants can be grown
Being able to control and keep proper track of everything enhances growth. Which ranges from light to nutrients provided at a specific point of a growth cycle. This results in better and more plentiful yields.
- Urban framing & Reduces cost of transportation
Indoor farming makes it possible to grow crops in urban areas. This eliminates money spent on transportation. Rather than transporting vegetables into dry, ungracious, or cool areas. It is conceivable to develop the food not too far off.
Why is ventilation important for Hemp cultivation?
It is important to ensure proper airflow within the system. A system that removes toxic air out while letting in fresh air. This constitutes the growth of crops in the following ways.
Using an exhaust fan that draws in warm and humid air to the cubicle. This creates an isolated chamber that draws in cooler, and drier air. Unlike humans, plants take in Carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen. Without ventilators, the system will be bombarded with Oxygen with limited Carbon dioxide.
How does Photoperiod help in Hemp flowering?
Subjecting the crop to proper light is mandatory for cultivation. Photoperiod is the measure of the range between light and darkness. To provide the right climate for germination, fluorescent light may come in handy. You should adjust the light above the crop to make the best use of the energy. It is ideal to provide an even amount of light and darkness to encourage the blooming of a flower. The part of the plant where the extraction of CBD takes place.
How does a sterilized indoor environment benefit hemp?
Indoor hemp farming takes care of a large part of the issues as you can control every part of it. Being isolated in a chamber, the plants have limited exposure to adjoining plants. As a result, aren’t splashed with a harmful chemical that may affect hemp growth. Moreover, if a parasite shows up on one plant, you can remove and isolate it. This can prevent the parasite from making other plants.
indoor hemp farming benefit the soil
How does indoor hemp farming benefit the soil?
Hemp drains toxins out of the soil which is a good thing. But along with eliminating toxins, hemp is also notorious for sucking vital nutrients. Whenever soil loses such vital nutrients, it can take ages for them to recover. As a result, growing several bits of hemp in the same soil can have a huge strain. This may make it unfit for growing other plants. Indoor-developed hemp is generally filled in little pots of dirt. This leaves lots of farmland completely unblemished.
How does indoor farming prevent disturbing impacts due to monocropping?
Monocropping is the horticultural act of growing the same yield for years on the same piece of land. Without revolving around different harvests for the sake of the soil.
As we know hemp is quite effective at sucking nutrients out of the soil. This makes monocropping with this specific kind of harvest particularly unsafe. Developing hemp with a closed door is a reliable form of monocropping. Since indoor hemp doesn’t filter nutrients out of the soil. As a result, makes it the same heaven for hemp farming. Plus it also leaves more space for farming other crops in rural networks.
How does indoor hemp farming prevent contamination due to pesticides and herbicides?
The cultivators rely on pesticides and herbicides to obstruct bug and weed growth. This destructive compound is not only harmful to the crop but also to the environment. As it stays in hemp, this can also make its way to the consumer.
Indoor hemp cultivation takes place in a controlled, airtight environment. This makes it hard for obtrusive species to prosper. Assuming the parasite still manages to make its way onto the plants. You can separate and treat it in utter isolation. Which eliminates any chance of contamination. This also makes sure, pesticides don’t wind up in hemp items expected for the consumer.
Conclusion: Indoor Hemp Farming
With the increasing benefit of CBD with very limited side effects. Tides are shifting away from the taboos of marijuana. Though farming hemp can be a rigorous yet exhilarating process. But with the right setup can yield healthy hemp production. This involves monitoring elements affecting growth at various stages of the growth cycle.
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