Is Outdoor-Grown Organic Hemp Superior To Regular Hemp?

With the legalization of hemp cultivation in the United States, companies and manufacturers have found various ways on how best they can cultivate their hemp. Hemp can be cultivated in a house in greenhouses, or others can cultivate it outdoor on large farms for commercial purposes. This article looks at the differences between indoor and outdoor grown hemp.

Different consumers have different beliefs concerning hemp farming. Some have an incredible demand for organic hemp, while others argue that most benefits are achieved from regular farmed hemp. Organic farming practices deliver more sustainable, higher-quality products. On the other side, regular farming methods get the most hemp to the most people as it is widely used. To get a deeper understanding of these two methods, this article will educate one on organic hemp farming, its benefits, and the differences between organic hemp and regular hemp.

What Is Organically Grown Hemp

Hemp is a specific variety of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Hemp has been grown for hundreds of years for different uses. Hemp has been used to make rope, clothes, food, and oils, among other things. Hemp plants contain another cannabinoid that can be extracted and used. They include THC, CBD, and CBC, among others. The word organic means any item that is grown or produced without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. Zheljazkov & Maggi (2021) explained that organic CBD oil could be regular hemp harvested from the farm and subsequently processed without any use of chemical additions.

What To Know

Organically grown hemp is good for overall health. The cannabis plant is quite good at absorbing every nutrient and contaminant in the soil it is grown in. Due to this, it might remove toxins like pesticides and heavy radioactive elements from the soil and carry them to the end product. Xabadia et al. (2021) stated that organic hemp farming takes thorough measures to ensure it lowers the chances of ingesting hazardous substances from the soil. Organic pest treatment also uses less harsh chemicals than normal pesticides. Through an organic logistic approach for the cultivation of organically grown hemp, flavonoids and terpenes are developed, resulting in a more colorful and appealing bud of cannabis. Organic farming has also been praised for its benefits to the environment. Organic farming uses low-impact approaches such as natural soil additives to help preserve the soil. Through the availability of commercial organic fertilizers and additives, it is possible to increase yield while growing organic hemp. There has also been a new development of a super soil product that contains organic potting soil mixed with worm castings and other additives that allow one to give the plant water and achieve good yields. The cannabis plant has specific and highly complex requirements to achieve its full potential. Organic nutrient systems contain traces of different elements that give the cannabis plant an extra boost. Organic cannabis growers report that organically- grown cannabis is superior in potency and general effects due to the use of these different elements.

Main Differences Between Organic and Regular Hemp

Bodwitch et al. (2019) explained that organic hemp is inspected to verify that it meets certain organic guidelines and standards. It is not the case for normal hemp. A person is guaranteed a good hemp product if they choose organic hemp rather than regular hemp. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers used in regular hemp farming contaminate the cannabis plant and are also terrible for the environment. The compounds have effects on water supply and air quality. Using organic farming practices help in the conservation of the ecosystem by creating less waste and helping the soil to heal by getting rid of toxic substances in the soil through a process called phytoremediation. Through this process, organically grown hemp ensures an end product safe from contaminants; unlike regular hemp, most suppliers grow in soils contaminated by chemicals. Some farmers will plant hemp just to heal compromised soil. Organic hemp is better than regular hemp as it is more environmentally- friendly than regular hemp, among other benefits discussed above.

How Is Organic Hemp Certified?

Several strict guidelines must be followed to grow cannabis organically for certification. Manu et al. (2021) explained that hemp producers whose work is to grow hemp have to undergo different certification processes involving full inspection of cannabis crops. The crops can only be certified if the land grown has not been contaminated by hazardous material for the last three years before the crop is harvested.

Should Hemp Be Grown Indoors or Outdoors?

Different factors affect hemp that is grown indoors and hemp that is grown outdoors. Indoor-grown hemp growers control temperature, light, CO₂ production, water, and humidity as they want. Outdoor-grown on the other side, outdoor hemp can enjoy natural contact with sunlight, natural water, and fresh air and, therefore, might have a stronger bud than indoor-grown hemp. Most people think that indoor and outdoor hemp are similar in terms of quality. When growers in indoor hemp farming completely control the conditions, the hemp will likely have a different appearance in comparison to hemp that has been naturally grown. Most CBD enthusiasts prefer the appearance of outdoor hemp as they consider indoor-grown hemp too "perfect" in appearance. However, most people prefer to grow hemp indoors due to its legality issues.

Conclusion

If an individual is to select from a regular hemp product or an organic hemp product, pick the latter. As discussed above, organic hemp has to undergo different levels of scrutiny before its use is allowed. Besides its added advantages to the environment through the conservation of soil, water, and air, it is clean with no contaminants and is safe for the consumer. When it comes to indoor or outdoor hemp, the preference is up to the consumer. Most people find the outdoor one to be better as it is grown through natural nutrients.

References

Bodwitch, H., Carah, J., Daane, K., Getz, C., Grantham, T., Hickey, G., & Wilson, S. (2019). Growers say cannabis legalization excludes small growers, supports illicit markets, and undermines local economies. California Agriculture, 73(3), 177-184.

Manu, E., Douglas, M., Ntsaba, M. J., & Tarkang, E. E. (2021). Perspectives of illicit marijuana growers and traders on commercial legalization of marijuana in South Africa: considerations for policy formulation. Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy, 16(1), 1-13.

Xabadia, A., Esteban, E., Martinez, Y., & Ortuzar, I. (2021). Contaminants of emerging concern: a review of biological and economic principles to guide water management policies. International Review of Environmental and Resource Economics, 15(4), 387-430.

Zheljazkov, V. D., & Maggi, F. (2021). Valorization of CBD-hemp through distillation to provide essential oil and improved cannabinoid profile. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-11.