Seize the Opportunity of Legal Cannabis Cultivation with LED Grow Light

This month, Thailand has decriminalized cannabis (also known as marijuana), which made it the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize cannabis. It is expected that the legalization of cannabis production can boot the economy. It is estimated that the market values of cannabis-related business will grow to 70 billion baht by 2024. Many growers see this legalization as a big opportunity.

Cannabis cultivation, particular industrial and commercial cultivation, requires appropriate lighting. There are multiple types of artificial grow light in the market, LED grow light is the most effective one to help growers seize the opportunity of cannabis legalization, achieving better quality, higher yields, and more profits.

Today, we would like to talk about the legal cannabis in Thailand and why LED grow lights are beneficial for seizing this opportunity.

What is legal cannabis in Thailand?

Thailand legalized medical cannabis in 2019, while personal uses were prohibited. Since 2020, cannabis leaf, root and CBD from certified sources are exempted from being part of narcotics. Since from June 9, 2022, all cannabis plants was fully removed from a list of narcotic. The government gave away one million cannabis plants to households across the country on June, 10, 2022. These cannabis plants were used for medical purpose only, and they had a THC level lower than 0.2%.

Any Thai can grow cannabis at home after they register a government app. Industrial and commercial growers have to obtain the licenses from the Food and Drug Authority for cannabis cultivation. THC-infused food and drinks such as cookies, Thai dishes, and coffees are allowed in Thailand only if the THC level is below 0.2%. Although cultivation and possession of cannabis is legal in Thailand, recreation uses of cannabis or smoking in public is still prohibited.

Why LED grow lights?

Well, among various artificial lights in the market, LED grow light is the best one for commercial and industrial cannabis cultivation.

Why?

Traditionally, growers grow cannabis outdoors. But the harsh environment and serious pets threaten the survival of cannabis plants. Therefore, most commercial cannabis are grown indoors now. Grow tents, greenhouses, and vertical farms are common ways for indoor cannabis cultivation. All of them require the addition of artificial grow lights.

Grow tents are compact and convenient for indoor growing. But the lighting uniformity is critical for the even growth of cannabis in these limited space. In a greenhouse, artificial lights provide the supplemental lighting. Generally, they illuminate the cannabis from high ceiling of the greenhouse. This requires the artificial lights are powerful enough to offer adequate lighting on plant canopies over the long distance. In a vertical farm, cannabis are grown on vertically racks. Vertical farms are ideal for developing seeds and propagating young plants. Artificial lights are on the top of cannabis. The light is much, much lower than the greenhouse’s. Thus, a ‘cold’ light source is needed to protect plants from overheat.

Except for the requirements as mentioned, spectrum and operation cost of artificial lights are also important.

In short, growers have the following requirements of artificial lights:

• Artificial fixtures that have uniform lighting distribution.
• Artificial fixtures with compact design that can minimized shades
• Artificial lights that have optimal spectrum for their plants to reach higher levels of cannabinoids.
• Artificial lights that do not emit excessive heat to protect plants from the tipburn and remain the balanced growing environment.
• Efficient artificial lights that can cut down electricity cost and gain higher ROI.

It goes without saying that LED grow lights can meet all former needs. It has proven that LED lighting is effective in growing healthier, better, and higher THC cannabis plants than HPS lights. Besides, some LED grow lights are fitted with the dimming function. Growers can dim the intensity simply by rotating the knob. This allows grower to adjust the light intensity for cannabis during different growing stage. It also reduces energy consumption effectively.

In conclusion

Of course, with the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis cultivation, demands for cannabis in Thailand will increase. It brings a business opportunity can’t be missed. But growers are also facing rising competition. In order to reap more profits, growers should offer sufficient and effective artificial lighting for indoor cannabis.  LED grow light is the best type of artificial light for growing cannabis. It is also a big opportunity for horticultural lighting retailers and distributors. The customizable spectrum, low heat radiation, high efficiency, low energy consumption, and long lifespan make it becoming the ‘go-to’ for most growers. How can you fall behind?

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