Myths and Truths
In the field of hemp production, many myths exist and need to be debunked to ensure an accurate and factual understanding of the cultivation practices and product qualities. Among the most common are misinformation regarding the superiority of indoor versus outdoor production, as well as the size and consistency of flower buds. Here is a more detailed breakdown:
Myth 1 - Superiority of Indoor Growing Contrary to popular belief, there is no hard and fast rule that says growing cannabis indoors is inherently superior to growing it outdoors. This myth stems from the idea that because growing indoors can produce larger, more resinous flowers, they are of better quality. However, the quality of a product is measured by the components of the resin, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. More significant is the taste of the product: natural flowers offer more authentic and delicate flavors, without causing throat irritation.
Indoor cultivation requires the use of fertilizers, which in 99% of cases are of chemical origin to follow the logic of maximizing profits. Although the most experienced growers can obtain a final product without traces of these fertilizers, the use of chemicals stimulates an unnatural growth of the plant, similar to an athlete who uses doping substances to increase muscle mass, which does not necessarily reflect greater strength or quality.
Myth 2 - Flower bud size Flower bud size is not a reliable indicator of quality. Both large and small flower buds can come from the same plant and have similar quality characteristics. It is important to note that, as with other agricultural products, size does not necessarily determine quality; often, forced-cultivated plants can produce flowers that are less flavorful than those that follow a natural growth cycle.
The choice and preparation of flower buds also plays a crucial role. Intentionally large flower buds tend to include a greater amount of branches, thus reducing the volume of actually consumable material. They are also more difficult to clean of excess leaves, increasing the likelihood of including unwanted material in the final product.
Myth 3 - Flower Bud Firmness The preference for firm flower buds over softer ones is subjective and depends on the specific cannabis strain. Indoor growing tends to favor strains that produce firm flowers to maximize yield, considering the high production costs, following a logic of maximizing profits in terms of grams per kilowatt. However, this choice does not necessarily imply a better quality of the final product. Each genetic has its own unique characteristics, and flower firmness should not be a criterion for evaluating quality.