What is Cannabis Light Pollution and How to Avoid it?

Have you noticed bright purple light covering the sky? It is what North American and European residents are complaining about these days. Well, this is because of Cannabis light Pollution, which has made people think about Night sky preservation.

This Light pollution is due to cannabis greenhouses and now this is a common complaint in nearby counties. However, combating cannabis light pollution is easier. And we are sure that the cannabis industry is going to solve this barrier.

Introduction

In the realm of Cannabis Cultivation- When growing photoperiod cannabis plants, darkness is as important as light. So, when we are growing cannabis, we need to pay attention to proper lighting as it is one of the important factors that helps plants convert nutrients into energy by performing photosynthesis.

If your cannabis plant is getting ample light, you get large potent buds, and vice versa. In the same context, darkness is equally important for Photoperiod plants for healthy growth.

Cannabis are sensitive plants and light pollution from artificial light disrupts their light/dark schedule. This article will help you to protect your cannabis garden from light pollution.

What is Cannabis Light Pollution?

Before knowing what is cannabis light pollution, know about light pollution. Light pollution is a broad term that states a phenomenon when excessive light eradicates natural night darkness.

Most common in urban regions, where artificial lights cover the darkness. Have you ever seen an orange glow in your city from the countryside, that’s light pollution where you miss the natural night with the sky and twinkling stars.

Cannabis light pollution refers to the artificial light escaping from indoor cannabis cultivation facilities, disrupting the natural night sky and potentially impacting surrounding ecosystems and communities. It occurs primarily due to the high-intensity grow lights used in indoor cultivation to mimic sunlight.

But there are two perspectives- One is the large commercial industries opting for large-scale greenhouses that contribute to light pollution in rural regions too. A greenhouse consists of high-intensity lights that pollute nearby areas.

It also disrupts small-scale cannabis growth nearby as it hinders the dark cycle. However, it is a problem in greenhouses or outdoors, even if there are light leaks in grow tents. Cannabis, being a sensitive plant, uses light and cannot judge the light/dark period and alters its behavior.

It is a potential threat to cannabis growth during vegetative and flowering phase. As we know, a cannabis photoperiod plant requires a 12/12 cycle for flowering and an 18/6 light cycle for vegetative cycle. If it gets altered, plants do not produce the desired outcome. After all, they are living beings and require sound sleep. This disruption stresses plants.

There are two types of Cannabis Light Pollution. They are-

1. Indoor Light Pollution

Indoor light pollution primarily refers to the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial light within enclosed spaces. While it doesn’t directly impact the night sky, it can significantly affect human health, energy consumption, and the environment.

Sources of indoor light pollution:

• Office buildings: Excessive and insufficient lighting can lead to eye strain, headaches, and decreased productivity.
• Residential homes: Overuse of bright lights can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to energy waste.
• Commercial spaces: Poorly designed lighting can create glare, reduce visibility, and increase energy consumption.

2. Outdoor Light Pollution

Outdoor light pollution is the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial light outdoors. It’s a major concern due to its impact on wildlife, human health, energy consumption, and astronomical observations. 

Sources of outdoor light pollution:

• Streetlights: Poorly shielded or overly bright streetlights can contribute to skyglow and glare.
• Commercial lighting: Brightly lit billboards, signs, and building facades can disrupt the night sky and impact wildlife.
• Residential lighting: Outdoor security lights, landscape lighting, and porch lights can contribute to light pollution if not properly controlled.

Both indoor and outdoor light pollution share similar concerns about energy efficiency and human health, but their environmental impacts differ significantly. 

Outdoor light pollution directly affects the night sky, wildlife, and ecosystems, while indoor light pollution primarily impacts human well-being and energy consumption.

Also Read: Why Proper Lighting is Crucial for Cannabis?

Understanding Cannabis Light Sensitivity

The whole conversation today is about photoperiod plants as autoflowering plants are not reliant on light cycles. Cannabis plants are highly sensitive to light. They use light as a primary cue to regulate their growth and development. This phenomenon is known as photoperiodism. 

When there is illumination for long periods, it prompts plants to go in the Veg. Stage and utilize its energy in developing strong roots and branches. With reducing light (12/12), it gears up for reproduction.

What are the Effects of Cannabis Light Pollution?

Cannabis light pollution occurs when artificial light interferes with a plant’s natural light cycle. It can have several negative consequences:

• Disrupted Growth Cycles: Light leaks during the dark period can trick the plant into believing it’s still daytime, preventing it from entering the flowering stage.
• Reduced Yield: Plants that don’t flower properly produce fewer buds, reducing overall yield.
• Hermaphroditism: In extreme cases, light pollution can cause plants to develop both male and female reproductive organs, affecting the harvest quality.
• Stunted Growth: Consistent light interruptions can hinder vegetative growth, resulting in smaller plants.
• Increased Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases: Weakened plants due to light stress are more prone to infections.

How do I manage light pollution?

Fortunately, it is easy to manage light pollution. Here are the following steps to avoid cannabis light pollution
( indoors and outdoors):

How to avoid light pollution in indoor growing?

Opt for Light deprivation techniques in Indoor growing, like:

• Use a timer: Pairing lights with a timer is the best decision as you don’t have to switch on and off every time. Also, it is efficient in long-term plantations indoors for small space.
• Efficient Lighting: Always use energy-efficient LED bulbs which consume less power and produce less heat, and opt for dimmers and motion sensors to reduce light usage when not needed. Use warm-white or amber-colored lights as they produce less blue light, which is more disruptive to wildlife and sleep patterns. Also, maintain proper lighting levels for different activities to avoid excessive brightness. 
• Proper Insulation & Motion Sensors: Ensure good insulation to prevent light leakage from indoor spaces. Blackout curtains or blinds are ideal for blocking light from escaping windows. You can also install motion sensor lights for security purposes to reduce light pollution when not in use. Set timers for outdoor lights to ensure they are only on when needed.
• Seal growing space: Make sure the curtains, doors, and windows are closed tightly. You can use duct tape in the corners of the grow tent so that light does not peep out.

How to avoid light pollution in outdoor growing?

For outdoor light pollution:

• Choose Best Growing Space: Choose a space where your marijuana gets at least eight hours of sunlight and darkness at night. When flowering outside, it is tough to manage the natural cycle, but you can pick a dark spot where there is no direct light.
• Use Plant Cover: Utilize trees and shrubs to block light from spilling into neighboring properties.
• Container Cultivation: Use containers for flexibility outdoors. Keep them in sunlight during the day and back in the container for dark time. It is feasible for a small garden.
• Growing in Pots: If you are growing plants in pots, you can keep them in direct sunlight and then move inside at night or somewhere where there is no light. It is workable with small to medium plants.

If you cannot do all this, invest in greenhouse cultivation.

Also Refer to: Choosing the Right Container for Growing Cannabis: Maximizing Quality and Yield

Greenhouse Light Pollution

Greenhouse light pollution is a growing concern due to the increasing use of supplemental lighting in agricultural production. While these lights are essential for plant growth, they can also contribute to light pollution if not managed properly.

Causes of Greenhouse Light Pollution:

• High-Intensity Grow Lights: Modern greenhouses often use high-intensity discharge (HID) or LED grow lights to supplement natural sunlight, especially during shorter days or in regions with less sunlight. These lights can be extremely bright and cause light pollution if not properly shielded.
• Large Greenhouse Structures: The size of modern greenhouses can contribute to light pollution. Larger greenhouses emit more light, increasing the potential for light escape.
• Lack of Light Containment: Inadequate light containment measures, such as insufficiently opaque walls or roofs, can allow light to escape the greenhouse and into the surrounding environment.
• Extended Lighting Periods: Some crops require extended lighting periods, which can increase the likelihood of light pollution.

How to avoid light pollution in greenhouse growing?

To avoid Greenhouse light pollution, opt for:

• Efficient Lighting: Implementing energy-efficient lighting systems and optimizing light schedules can minimize light pollution.
• Site Selection: Careful selection of greenhouse locations can help reduce the impact on surrounding areas.
• Use a Blackout Tarpaulin: Get an opaque tarpaulin whether you are growing outdoors or indoors. Screens or curtains that block light can be effective in reducing light egress. Also, it is easily manageable.

Also Refer to: What is the Best Soil for Growing Cannabis?

What are the Causes of Cannabis Light Pollution?

Cannabis light pollution is primarily caused by the improper use of artificial lighting in indoor cultivation facilities. Here’s the main causes:

1. High-Intensity Grow Lights: The high intensity of grow lights, especially those used in the vegetative phase (18 hours of light, 6 hours of darkness), is designed to mimic sunlight. However, this intense light can easily escape the growing space if not properly contained. Some growers might use lights with a broader spectrum than necessary, increasing the amount of light emitted and potentially escaping the growing area.
2. Inadequate Light Proofing: Poorly constructed grow rooms with gaps or leaks around doors, windows, and ventilation systems can allow light trespass. Materials used in grow room walls and ceilings might not be sufficiently opaque, permitting light to pass through. Exhaust fans and intake vents can become sources of light leakage if not properly sealed.
3. Light Scheduling Errors: Accidental light exposure during the dark cycle, even for short durations, can disrupt a plant’s photoperiod and lead to hermaphroditism or reduced yield. Changing lights or performing maintenance during the dark period can cause unintentional light pollution.
4. Grow Facility Location: Grow facilities located in densely populated areas have a higher potential to impact neighboring properties with light pollution. Facilities near residential areas, parks, or wildlife habitats are more likely to cause disturbances.

Also Read: How Can Automation Benefit Your Cannabis Cultivation Process?

Importance of Preventing Cannabis Light Pollution

Preventing cannabis light pollution is crucial for several reasons:

• Ecosystem Disruption: Nighttime artificial light disrupts wildlife’s natural rhythms and affects their behavior, reproduction, and migration.
• Energy Consumption: Excessive use of high-intensity grow lights contributes to increased energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Optimal Growth Conditions: Maintaining consistent light and dark cycles is essential for cannabis plant health and development. Light pollution can disrupt these cycles, leading to reduced yields, hermaphroditism, and stunted growth.
• Preventing Disease and Pests: Plants exposed to light stress are more susceptible to diseases and pests, increasing the need for chemical treatments.
• Neighbor Disputes: Light pollution can cause annoyance and conflicts with neighbors, leading to potential legal issues for cannabis cultivators.
• Local Ordinances: Many jurisdictions have regulations regarding light pollution to protect the environment and community well-being. Compliance with these regulations is essential for avoiding penalties and maintaining legal operations. 

Also Refer to: Identifying and Treating Common Cannabis Pests and Diseases

FAQs:

1. What is light burn in cannabis?

Light burn, or light bleaching, occurs when cannabis plants are exposed to excessively high light intensity. This can cause leaf discoloration, browning, and even tissue damage. It’s common in indoor grows using high-intensity lights placed too close to plants.

2. What are light issues with cannabis?

Light issues in cannabis cultivation primarily involve light intensity, duration, and spectrum. Problems include light burn, light stress (where plants receive too much light but not to the point of burning), and light deprivation (when plants don’t receive enough light). Additionally, light pollution, where artificial light interferes with the plant’s dark period, is a significant concern.

3. Cannabis light pollution: What is it and how does it affect cannabis growth?

Cannabis light pollution is the escape of artificial light from indoor grow facilities into the environment. This can disrupt the plant’s natural light cycle, preventing it from entering the flowering stage, reducing yield, and increasing susceptibility to pests and diseases. For outdoor grows, it can interfere with the plant’s natural photoperiod and affect its overall development.

4. What happens if cannabis gets too much light?

Excessive light can lead to light burn, where leaves turn brown or white and can become crispy. Plants may also exhibit signs of stress, such as slowed growth, reduced yield, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

5. What contributes to light pollution? How to avoid light pollution?

Light pollution in cannabis cultivation is primarily caused by high-intensity LED grow lights, inadequate light proofing of grow rooms, and improper light scheduling. To avoid it, use light-tight grow rooms, efficient lighting, proper ventilation, and light-blocking materials. For outdoor growth, consider growing location, light shielding, and community engagement to minimize impact.

6. Does street light affect photoperiod cannabis?

Yes, street lights can affect photoperiod cannabis, especially during the flowering stage. The artificial light can disrupt the plant’s dark period, preventing it from flowering correctly or causing irregular growth patterns.

7. Do light leaks disrupt cannabis growth?

Absolutely. Light leaks, even small ones, can significantly disrupt a cannabis plant’s growth cycle. Plants rely on precise light and dark periods to transition between vegetative and flowering stages. Any interruption can cause issues like hermaphroditism, reduced yield, and delayed flowering.

8. Cannabis Light Pollution- What to do if it is unavoidable?

While preventing cannabis light pollution is ideal, there are situations where it might be challenging to eliminate. In such cases:

Grow Autoflowering Cannabis Plants!

Autoflowering plants are much easier when you are a beginner or don’t have time to check on cannabis plants. Autos do not depend on light schedules throughout the life cycle.

They bloom at their respective time, and no light or dark schedule can hamper them from entering the flowering stage or bud production. You can easily grow autoflowers in 24-hour daylight. They are easier and faster, which is why growers generally pick autos over photos.

With a few steps, you can eliminate cannabis light pollution. Just be vigilant because Responsible cannabis growing requires effort!