Indoor cannabis cultivation Cannabis cultivation

1 indoor cannabis cultivation

1.1 supply of light
1.2 control of atmosphere
1.3 popularity
1.4 housing damage

indoor cannabis cultivation

indoor cannabis cultivation.

cannabis can grown indoors in soil-like medium under artificial light, adding fertilizer when plants given water. cultivating cannabis indoors more complicated , expensive growing outdoors, allows cultivator complete control on growing environment. plants of type can grown faster indoors out due 24-hour light, additional atmospheric co2, , controlled humidity allows freer co2 respiration.

plants can grown indoors through use of hydroponics.

to grow plants indoors, growing medium (e.g. soil or growing substrate), water, nutrients, light , air need supplied plant (with exception of aeroponic cultivation, in case growing medium not required).

supply of light

there several different plant grow lights available. determine appropriate lighting (and best lamp use), specific needs of plant must considered, room size , ventilation. cannabis plants require both dark , light photoperiods, lights need timer switch them on , off @ set intervals. optimum photoperiod depends on each plant (some prefer long days , short nights , others preferring opposite, or in between).

most plants grow under light spectra, prefer full spectrum light. test performed ed rosenthal found when room set using both high pressure sodium (hps) , metal halide (mh) lamps, plants in between 2 lights did better under mh alone not under hps. however, plants (as cannabis) can grown under both types of light. mh used vegetative phase of growth, encourages short inter nodes (distance between sets of leaves), , inhibits cell elongation, creating shorter, stockier plant. metal halide lamps produce more ultraviolet radiation high pressure sodium lamps, may play role in increasing flowering (and plants such cannabis, amount of psychoactive substances thc) of plant. high pressure sodium lamps trigger greater flowering response in plant , used second (reproductive) phase of growth, or used people wish purchase type of single lamp. if high pressure sodium lamps used vegetative phase, plants grow more quickly, have longer inter nodes, , may taller.

recent advancements in led technology have allowed diodes emit enough energy cannabis cultivation. these diodes can emit light in specific nanometer range, allowing total control on spectrum of light. leds able produce of light in photosynthetically active range (par) of spectrum.

reflectors used in lamps maximize light efficiency. plants or lights moved close possible receive equal lighting , light coming lamps fall upon plants. maximum efficiency can obtained creating concave canopy such periphery , center of canopy both @ optimum distance light source. often, distance between lamp , plant in range of 0.6 m (2 ft) high pressure sodium lamps, 10 cm (4 in) other lamps, such compact, large , high-output fluorescent lamps. proper cooling light type can moved extremely close plants combat inverse square law, there reasons keep distance canopy regardless of heat concerns; excessive light can cause bleaching of plant material , total canopy area contacted light decreased source moved closer. maximum efficiency should obtained maximizing average light intensity (measured in par watts) per square foot times number of square feet of plant matter contacted. cannabis cultivators cover walls of grow-room type of reflective material (often mylar or visqueen), or alternatively, white paint maximize efficiency.

one commonly used covering 150 µm (6 mils) pvc plastic sheeting white on 1 side , black on other. plastic installed white side facing room reflect light, , black facing wall, reduce fungus , mold growth. common covering flat white paint, high titanium dioxide content maximize reflectivity. growers consider mylar sheeting effective when lines grow room walls, along astrofoil (which reflects heat), , foylon (a foil-laminated, reinforced fabric).

control of atmosphere

when growing indoors, cultivator should maintain close ideal atmosphere inside grow-room possible. air temperature should maintained within specific range, typically deviations no larger 10 °c (18 °f) cooler night , warmer day. adequate levels of co2 must maintained plants grow efficiently. important promote vigorous air circulation within grow room, accomplished mounting extraction fan , 1 or more oscillating fans.

assuming adequate light , nutrients available plants, limiting factor in plant growth level of carbon dioxide (co2). ways of increasing carbon dioxide levels in grow-room include: bottled carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide generators, milk jug , yeast solution (in yeast grows in container thereby emitting co2), baking soda , vinegar mixture in container, or dry ice.

certain plants (e.g. strains of cannabis) emit distinctive odor during reproductive phase. presents difficulties cultivating in places illegal, or growers may prefer discretion other reasons. common way of eliminating odor pulling odorous air through carbon filter. many cultivators attach large carbon filter air extraction system, thereby filtering smell before air expelled grow-room. way of eliminating odor installing ozone generator in extraction ducting. air forced past ozone generator extraction fan, , odorous air neutralized mixes ozone; cultivator must ensure air thoroughly mixed before expelled outside, lest odor escape. care must taken prevent excessive ozone concentrations in garden itself, or might inhaled grower or his/her family. ozone has distinctive smell , harmful living things, although molecule breaks down (20 minutes hour) in atmospheric conditions.

indoors there numerous configurations people utilize grow quality cannabis. growers convert entire room or closet, making devoted growing cannabis. relatively new configuration involves use of grow tents. these plastic or metal framed tents covered in strong flexible reflective plastic , have light proof zipper doors. tents come in sizes , many have holes exhaust fans/ducting mounts hid lamps.

some growers construct grow cabinets made out of old refrigerator, cabinet, dresser drawer or similar.

popularity

indoor cannabis plant during flowering

indoor growing has become increasingly common on past decade because of increased availability of equipment, seeds , instructions on how cultivate. so-called grow-ops (growing operations, located in grow houses) seen many marijuana enthusiasts cheaper way gain steady, higher-quality supply of cannabis. on larger scale have proven viable commercial venture, law enforcement agencies finding grow-ops large enough yield several kilograms of cannabis. more expansive grow-ops more susceptible detection smaller operations.

because individual grow light power ranges 250 watts 1000 watts or more , because lights remain lit long time each day, differences in utility bill costs significant security issue. not uncommon power companies work law enforcement if see significant increase in power usage relative household s previous electricity costs or if power being stolen bypassing meter. employing energy saving methods common way alleviate this, instance; switching off light bulbs when leaving rooms, purchasing energy efficient appliances, using tvs or computers less, buying lower power light bulbs , forth.

some plants (e.g. cultivars of cannabis sativa subsp. indica), can give off strong odors grow, resulting in detection of illegal growing operations. growers use carbon scrubbers , ventilation control odors. typically involves forcing air grow room through device containing activated carbon, venting outdoors. others use ozone generator. ozone reacts odor molecules in air, permanently eliminating them. however, ozone can build levels may hazardous both grower , plant. last resort, keeping windows firmly shut , using strong air fresheners can control smells. checking outside see if smells emanating indoors necessary precaution, many growers become acclimated smell, , fail realize how pervasive odor may be. many store plants in more isolated areas such basement or attic prevent smell detection. less common solution grow strain weaker odor.

storing plants , lights away windows , areas visitor may see common, keeping plants in attic or basement. growers, finding impractical, may cover windows light-resistant materials. can solve problem of escaping bright light may arouse suspicion amongst neighbors , local residents.

many cultivators face risk of fire. fires originate faulty electrical equipment or wiring. shoddy fixtures , sockets, improperly grounded equipment, , overloaded circuit breakers of prevalent causes. because of large amount of electricity needed large-scale cultivation, old or damaged wiring prone melt , short. commercial growers steal power hide electricity use, , many not ensure wiring safe. many growers adapt light cycles lights on when home , off when away.

another fire hazard plants making contact hot hid bulbs. growers using fluorescent bulbs reasonable air circulation not have problem. word of mouth can threat growers of above issues. often, few sentences of conversation overheard can result in tip-off , speedy detection. reason many growers reluctant talk cultivation.

housing damage

for houses used grow-ops, interiors may have received significant structural, electrical , heating system modifications not in accordance applicable building, natural gas , electrical codes, such overloaded existing electrical system or bypass circuit avoid paying electricity required power high intensity light bulbs , fans, disconnected furnace venting, or holes in floors , walls increased airflow. these changes replicate warm, humid climates hybrid plants flourish , produce high potency cannabis. such modifications may result in considerable structural damage. cultivation on period of time may lead moisture , toxic mold.

one of largest such examples masterminded markham, ontario real estate agent, john trac, turned 54 rented houses grow-ops; convicted , imprisoned.

contractor , television presenter mike holmes said while houses formerly used growing cannabis bought cheaply banks or other owners, repairs , remediation cost around $100,000 cad, may exceed price savings. holmes noted in 1 of past jobs on holmes on homes, , crew gutted entire house after discovering grow-op.

in municipalities, after police raid grow-op house required contact municipality ensure put in condition before being offered sale, while real estate agents , sellers may required law disclose home had been grow-op. home inspectors routinely fail detect tell-tale signs house had been used grow-op.