Plants like cannabis have been thriving under the sun for millennia, long before humans started cultivating them. These days, though, so much cannabis is grown indoors that some people view outdoor cannabis to be the exception, not the rule. Below, learn which New Jersey cultivators grow their cannabis outdoors and discover how indoor and outdoor cannabis might (or might not) differ.
Outdoor vs. indoor cannabis: What’s the difference?
Outdoor cannabis, also known as sun-grown cannabis, refers to cannabis grown in a yard, garden, or greenhouse under natural sunlight. By comparison, indoor cannabis is grown in facilities engineered and constructed to replicate or approximate outdoor conditions under lights, a ceiling, and within four walls. This results in some significant differences, including the following.
Growing conditions
Outdoor cannabis is often grown in conditions where it gets at least 12 hours of sunlight, including six hours of direct sunlight. Cultivators grow plants outdoors at times of year when the daytime temperature ranges from 70 to 85°F. And with plenty of soil around their roots since the ground is technically infinite, outdoor cannabis plants typically grow larger and yield more flower.
That said, outdoor growth doesn’t insulate cannabis plants from changing weather and soil conditions. Some outdoor cultivators grow their plants in pots instead of in the ground for greater control over conditions. Potted plants are often easier to properly water, and they can be brought inside if outdoor conditions become unfavorable.
Even with the use of pots outdoors, indoor setups allow for greater control over growing conditions. In commercial setups, large grow lights and specialized, high-performing HVAC systems keep lighting, humidity, airflow, and temperature levels just right for cannabis plants’ steady, healthy growth. Similarly, indoor setups are far more likely to prevent cannabis plants from exposure to insects, fungi, and other pests that abound outdoors.
Flavor and aroma profiles
Outdoor cannabis cultivation is associated with more robust aromas and complex flavor profiles. Terpenes, the naturally occurring plant compound that primarily drives cannabis’s flavor, are often more abundant in sun-grown cannabis, as per a study published in Molecules in 2023.
In this study, samples of genetically identical cannabis were divided into groups for growing indoors and outdoors. The study’s authors found that the samples grown outdoors experienced less terpene degradation than the indoor samples. Indoor cannabis can be cultivated in ways that promote and preserve terpenes and flavor, but outdoor cannabis will almost always be richer in terpenes nonetheless.
Potency and cannabinoid content
Some say that the cannabinoid content of outdoor cannabis may be greater than that of indoor cannabis. “Cannabinoid content” entails more than just THC, the cannabinoid that delivers cannabis’s signature intoxicating effects. It also encompasses minor cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, and CBC.
Cannabis with higher cannabinoid content thus typically contains more minor cannabinoids, all of which modulate THC’s effects via a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. The entourage effect may be why cannabis with a broader range of cannabinoids is often more strongly correlated with therapeutic potential.
On the other hand, some say that indoor cannabis is higher in THC, in particular. If you’re looking to primarily experience the effects of THC, you may prefer indoor cannabis.
Environmental impact and sustainability
Indoor growing typically occurs under high-intensity lighting intended to mimic natural sunlight. This setup requires high energy usage, as do the HVAC systems and other specialized equipment involved in indoor cultivation.
By comparison, since outdoor cannabis is grown under actual sunlight and occurs in the open air, cultivators don’t need nearly as much specialized, energy-intensive equipment. This makes sun-grown weed the more sustainable option, so long as the cultivator isn’t using pesticides and the cannabis is grown organically. Pesticide and non-organic compound usage introduces harmful chemicals into the environment, however, making these materials inherently unsustainable.
Cost and availability
Outdoor plants may grow larger due to their ample space and light exposure, and larger plants often yield more flower. When cultivators can harvest more flower from fewer plants, their profitability is generally greater. So, as a consumer, you might pay less for outdoor cannabis. Moreover, outdoor cannabis is grown mostly without high-cost equipment and steep energy bills, and with lower production costs come lower sale prices.
On the other hand, advanced indoor cultivation setups may occur at scales that dwarf outdoor cultivation in terms of flower yield. Yes, outdoor plants may yield more flower per plant, but well-designed indoor setups may accommodate more plants overall. As a result, in some cases, indoor growers can produce so much flower that they can charge less per ounce on a bulk model similar to, say, Costco. And since they can grow cannabis year-round, they don’t have to charge higher prices to make up for months when growing isn’t possible.
Notably, indoor cannabis dominates the market. Look at the cultivators in any state, including High Street Dispensary’s native New Jersey, and you’ll mostly find indoor cultivators. Indoor cannabis tends to be potent and high quality, meeting the needs of most consumers with ease. Sun-grown cannabis often stands as an artisanal alternative grown for its complex terpene profiles and broader spectrum of cannabinoids, suitable for connoisseur consumers and those after specific therapeutic benefits.
Outdoor cannabis brands in New Jersey
With a nickname like The Garden State, you’d think that New Jersey would be a hub for outdoor cannabis cultivation. In reality, though, only the following New Jersey cultivators grow their cannabis outdoors.
North Lake Supply
This woman-owned, veteran-led cultivator sun-grows its cannabis within a 42,000-square-foot greenhouse and processing barn. Its facility is based on a family farm and was built by friends. At High Street Dispensary in North Jersey, our menu includes Sun concentrates and vapes derived from North Lake Supply cannabis.
Nova Farms
In recent years, Nova Farms has expanded from its New England roots into New Jersey, where it grows cannabis under the sun. As Kyle Miklinevich, the brand’s VP of Wholesale, told us for our Nova Farms review, Nova’s outdoor grows require less electricity, thus resulting in lower operating costs. That’s why Nova Farms is able to offer top-quality cannabis at competitive prices — its edibles line, Zzzonked, offers 20 gummies for $30.
Hillview Farms
This proudly New Jersey-based company grows all its cannabis in greenhouses and prioritizes eco-friendliness at every step of the way. When we spoke with Erin Stivala, Marketing Director of Hillview Farms, for our Hillview Farms review, she emphasized that the brand’s growing expertise comes from 75 years of time-tested Dutch approaches. You can taste — and feel — the difference in all Hillview Farms flower and pre-rolls.
In addition to these great sun-grown cannabis brands, New Jersey offers a plethora of excellent indoor-grown brands — read our Garden Greens review for a great example.
Explore outdoor cannabis at High Street Dispensary
Visit High Street Dispensary in Hackettstown to explore New Jersey’s best outdoor-grown cannabis brands and pick up some indoor cannabis too. Or, if you’re short on time, use our drive-thru or delivery to get your hands on indoor and outdoor cannabis sooner. Maybe you’ll find that outdoor cannabis elevates your experience, or maybe you’ll feel that indoor cannabis just as effectively gets you where you want to go. You never know until you try.