LED Grow Lights for Cannabis: The Importance of Light Quality

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the importance of light quality for growing cannabis and the types of light you can choose for indoor growing.

Why Is Light Quality Important When Growing Cannabis?

Cannabis plants require a certain type of light to grow and thrive. This type of light is called photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), which refers to the wavelengths of light required for photosynthesis. PAR includes light in the 400-700nm range, which corresponds to the visible light spectrum.

When the cannabis plant receives enough PAR, it can convert light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, which is critical for its growth and development. However, different wavelengths of light have different effects on the cannabis plant, and it is very important to provide the right kind of light for each stage of growth.

The best quality and most efficient one of the three types of light options we will list now is LED lights. It is a better choice both for your product yield and because it is a more economical investment in the long run.

Different Types of Light for Growing Cannabis

Light Emitting Diode (LED) Lights

LED lights have gained popularity in recent years due to their energy efficiency and versatility. They emit a broad spectrum of light that can be customized to suit different growth stages. LED lights are available in different colors, including red, blue, and white, which can be adjusted according to the needs of the facility.

LED lights are cooler than HID lights and don't generate as much heat, making them a great option for smaller growing spaces. However, they can be expensive, to begin with, and cheaper models may not provide sufficient light intensity for the cannabis plant.

High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lights

HID lights are a popular choice for indoor cannabis cultivation. They contain two types of lamps: metal halide (MH) lamps and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. MH bulbs emit blue light, which is suitable for the vegetative stage of growth, while HPS bulbs emit red and orange light, which is ideal for the flowering stage.

HID lights are highly efficient and can produce a lot of light, making them a great option for larger growing areas. However, they produce a lot of heat and require proper ventilation to avoid burning the plants.

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL)

CFL lights are a cost-effective and energy-efficient option for growing cannabis. They emit a balanced spectrum of light, suitable for both vegetative and flowering stages. CFL lamps are available in different wattages, making them suitable for small to medium-growing areas.

However, CFL lights are not as efficient as HID or LED lights and may require more bulbs to provide sufficient light intensity for the cannabis plant.