Greenhouse, Green Fields, or Indoors? A Short History of Cannabis Cultivation

From traditional outdoor methods to modern indoor and greenhouse technologies, cannabis cultivation has come a long way from its humble beginning. And while some growers still choose to cultivate cannabis outdoors, it’s important to question whether a more ‘traditional’ approach is really the best choice for quality medicine production?

Ancient Origins (4000 BCE): The Seeds of Cultivation

As early as 4000 BCE, Chinese farmers cultivated cannabis outdoors using natural elements1. Interestingly, they may have unknowingly also practised selective breeding, favouring plants with desired traits like stronger fibres or potentially, medicinal properties.

Open Fields (Pre-20th Century): Natural Challenges

Early modern cultivation was at the mercy of seasons and unpredictable weather patterns. Open fields were susceptible to infestations and diseases, making consistent quality for medicinal purposes a significant challenge heavily influenced by climate.

Early Shelters (13th Century): A Glimpse of Greenhouses

While rudimentary greenhouses date back to Roman times, 13th-century Italy further developed greenhouses, then called "giardini botanici" (botanical gardens). These basic structures with translucent roofs  allowed sunlight in and protected plants from the elements. While there's no direct evidence of cannabis cultivators using early greenhouses,  the technology's existence pre-20th century makes it an interesting possibility.

Technological Advancements (20th Century): Indoor Evolutions

The 20th century saw a rise of fully enclosed indoor cultivation facilities as a viable alternative to traditional outdoor methods and greenhouses. These facilities offered control over environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and light through artificial lighting systems. This resulted in higher-quality, more consistent yields of medicinal cannabis.

Modern Marvels (21st Century): Optimising Indoor Cultivation for Peak Quality

In the 21st century, cultivators can take advantage of new technologies designed to optimise fully enclosed indoor cultivation facilities. Cultivators like Avant exemplify this cutting-edge approach. Their facilities utilise a suite of advanced technologies to create a meticulously controlled environment, including, light deprivation systems, automated climate control, and advanced monitoring and adjustment systems ensure consistent temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels.

Quality Over Quantity: Redefining "Natural" in Medical Cannabis

While outdoor cultivation holds historical significance, cannabis grown in controlled environments often surpasses its outdoor-grown counterparts in terms of medicinal quality, consistency and safety. The meticulous control within indoor facilities allows for denser buds, higher cannabinoid concentrations, and more complex terpene profiles – all factors essential for producing standardised and effective medical cannabis.