The long debate if cannabis is better grown under the sunlight or under artificial light is as old as indoor growing and both parties can discuss rather harshly in favour of their preferred method. In fact, there is a chance that this discours will never come to a satisfying answer, because there will always be people who favour one way over the other.

The real question, though, is what suits your style and circumstances of growing better. So, lets concentrate on the major differences of the two techniques, instead of bashing on one of them. Maybe we will even find a kind of compromise since either practice has its benefits and flaws.

OUTDOOR

Growing outdoors is the most natural way you can produce Marijuana - it is more like farming. Cannabis is actually one of the oldest agricultural crops we have and it has been cultivated under the sun for thousands of years and still is. You usually only need some seeds that you can plant in an appropriate site. Depending on the climate, you only have to look after the plants once in a while - nature will do the rest. This method can save you money and time if done right.

Pros

1) It is the easiest way of growing. With the right environment, you will only need some quality seeds to use. Really, mother nature is the grower here.

2) You will harvest huge yields outdoors because your plants can grow and stretch to their likings, growing almost to the size of trees with the power of the sun.

3) It is also the cheapest way of growing with nature delivering air, sunlight and soil. Sometimes you have to invest in nutrients and stuff like fences to protect your ladies but this is nothing compared to indoor growing costs.

4) Many outdoor growers claim that the achieved cannabinoid profile in their marijuana can not be replicated indoors, resulting in more flavourful buds.

5) Once you get a hold of it, very little maintenance for your plants is needed which saves time for other things in life.

Cons

1) The required climate to grow outside is something that not many growers have access to. Also, a place where their plants are hidden but accessible is kind of difficult to get for most people, especially if you live in the city.

2) You should have access to a water source nearby your crop which can be quite tricky to find.

3) Huge yields can be achieved but nature is uncontrollable. You can lose your entire crop to drought or heavy rain, early frost, deer, bugs and thieves.

4) Outdoor buds tend to look a bit rough and rather leafy. They also catch dust, prickles, insects and all kind of other stuff that floats around in the air.

5) Unless you live somewhere tropical, you can only harvest once a year.

INDOOR

Indoor growing on the other hand is the most unnatural way to do it - it is more like science. It came to existence because of cannabis prohibition. Growers had to hide their precious plants away; nevertheless, the outcome of this workaround are great innovations and progressions in both technologies and growing methods. If you choose to grow your weed indoors, you have to invest money, that is for sure, yet you will be rewarded with beautiful dank buds.

Pros

1) This practice is more discreet. If you don't tell someone of your grow and prevent conspicuous odors to be released, the chances are good that you can grow undisturbed.

2) The grow time of your plants is much shorter, so you can harvest several times a year. You can start every time you want and are not dependent on spring season to start.

3) All aspects of the grow environment can be controlled by you which results in high-quality marijuana if done correctly. It further makes your grow more predictable.

4) Many growers think the overall quality of the buds is superior to outdoor cannabis. The buds usually have a nicer bag appeal and are more potent because of higher THC levels. Medical states even charge higher prizes for indoor grown medicine.

Cons

1) The initial costs are much more expensive than with an outdoor grow because you have to create the entire growing conditions yourself. That means, you have to produce light, ventilation and buy a growing medium and nutrients.

2) Depending on the number of plants and the power of lights, your electricity bill can get quite expansive.

3) You have to keep your grow area clean and look after your plants more often, so the level of maintenance is much higher than with outdoor growing.

4) If you get caught with an indoor tent, it is almost impossible to get out of the situation.

GREENHOUSE

Lately, greenhouses celebrate a kind of rediscovery and renaissance. With this style of growing you get the best of both worlds, producing very high quality marijuana. This option is not really suited for countries where cannabis is still illegal, albeit when you can use a greenhouse without fearing the law, this method presents a great alternative. Your plants are covered and secured from unwanted outdoor conditions while still getting the power of the natural sunlight and natural air conditioning. Growers have full control over the grow parameters, they can even add an extra grow light if the sun is hidden behind clouds. This option is the future of growing for both industrial cash-croppers and the gardeners at home (yes, you can have a greenhouse behind your house or share one if you live in an apartment).

The best method depends on you

After our little examination of the major differences, the pros and cons of indoor vs outdoor growing, it should be obvious to producers and consumers alike, that the best marijuana can be grown anywhere with every technique. It lies in the hands of experienced growers and their preferred methods to give the world some good smoke. As an example, the power of the sunlight can be achieved with the newest wave of LED's that compete in spectrum and energy, so that is no longer an argument for outdoor growing.

Otherwise, you can use a combination of indoor and outdoor modes when you keep your plants inside for the vegetative stage and put them outside for flowering. There are a lot of possibilities!

Moreover, the way you choose is dictated by where you live climate-wise, if you have space for a grow box in your home and so on. All styles have their negatives and positives - growers will have to educate themselves, stay open minded and always be willing to try something new. As we saw, greenhouses might be an important alternative that unites the best of both worlds for the future.