Month: July 2021

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What to Look for in a High-Quality LED Grow Light

Veteran growers understand that HPS, MH and CMH lights are the kings of the indoor garden. They offer growers heavy harvests, consistent production and reliable results. In short, HID lighting may always be a standard in the industry that other lighting manufactures must compete against. However, just because HID lighting has dominated the industry in the past, doesn’t mean all growers will continue to rely on older, less advanced lighting technology. LED technology has finally progressed to a point where it can compete directly with HID lighting. Not only can high-wattage LED’s compete directly with HID’s in terms of yield and quality output, but other benefits including energy savings, heat reduction, unique spectrum capabilities, controllability and manufacturer-backed warranties all contribute to the LED phenomena sweeping across the industry. 

Haze, LEDs vs HPS Grow Journal Picture,GrowWeedEasy.com

But what should you look for in a high-quality LED? Let’s take a look at some of the unique features of the LEDs available at GreenPlanet Wholesale. 

Energy Saving Capabilities

Energy savings means cost-effective growth. Unlike HID lighting, LED grow lights use only 30-40% of the power they output. New technologies are continually improving and figuring out new ways to become more efficient. This is the simplest truth about making the switch to LED lighting technology. 

Kind LED, Cost Savings Comparison, KindLEDGrowlights.com

Take Kind LED as an example. The Kind K5 XL1000 Wifi is a full spectrum LED, loaded with features like external command capabilities, unique UV diodes and a fully customizable spectrum. However, just like all other LEDs, Kind’s XL1000 has the potential for amazing energy savings. Because this LED has the equivalent output and intensity of two 600 watt HPS lights and only consumes around 30-40% of its wattage capacity, growers can save an average of $35 dollars a month at an energy cost of 0.13 kWh – that’s savings of over $400 a year! With these energy savings in mind, it’s easy to see why large-scale operators have quickly begun to swap their traditional lighting systems for more advanced LEDs. 

The Kind LED team presented the latest features of their K5 WIFI LED Grow Light at Lift Toronto. Check it out!

Heat Reduction

Compared to HID lights, high-quality LEDs are also extremely low heat. This benefit can mean savings on two fronts: first in the upfront cost of cooling and ventilation equipment, and later in the savings associated with power consumption. For example, a single HPS light requires hundreds of dollars in costs associated with ventilation – fans, ducting, digital monitors are all necessary for managing the heat-load produced by HIDs. This cost, however, can be easily avoided by powering your small garden with high-quality, low-heat LEDs. At scale, these savings are exponentially exaggerated, savings growers not only the upfront costs of buying and installing air conditioners but also the long-term costs associated with powering expensive cooling equipment.

Unique Spectrum Capabilities

A high-quality LED should also have full, or unique spectrum capabilities. A full spectrum LED, like the ThinkGrow LED Model-H, provides plants with a balanced spectrum of blue, yellow and red. It also comes with a control function, allowing gardeners to access unique deep reds in flower at the push of a button. The spectrum tuning feature of the Model-H allows growers to experiment with spectrum recipes for different crops and different stages. It can be achieved by the onboard dimming knob or external controllers.

Controllability 

Some of the best LED manufacturers include both internal and external control functions. The Model-I, for example, can be easily controlled by TrolMaster’s environment controller, the Hydro-X. Not only can this device externally control the spectrum and timing capabilities of individual lights, but it can also control the capabilities of lights at scale. For example, the Hydro-X controller can manage and operate up to 256 ThinkGrow LED fixtures per channel. 

Manufacturer Backed Warranties

The warranties offered by some of the leading manufacturers of LEDs prove that they understand and believe in both their product and their customers. Kind LED, one of the world’s largest producers of high-quality LEDs offers a 3-year limited warranty on their products. Kind LED grow light products are warrantied against defects in materials and/or workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the original date of purchase.  During this warranty period, Kind LED will either repair or replace any covered, defective product.  Within the first 90 days, Kind LED will incur all costs associated with the repair, or replacement, and return of the defective product. In short, these terms essentially guarantee a working LED fixture for a minimum of three years. Click here for more information on Kind LED’s Warranty Information. 

This is only a brief list of the benefits of investing in a high-quality LED. Want to learn more? Contact one of GreenPlanet Wholesale’s representatives, or your local garden supply store for more information on the products and benefits listed above. 

Works Cited

  • Haze, N. (2008). ViparSpectra LEDs vs HPS Grow Journal. Retrieved May 4th, 2021 from GrowWeedEasy.com
  • KindLED. (2020). LED Grow Lights: Cost Savings Comparison. Retrieved May 4th, 2021 from KindLEDGrowlights.com

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Terpenes, Genetics and the Entourage Effect

As the industry has advanced, talented gardeners have fine-tuned their skills to produce some of the most desired varieties of cannabis. Depending on the grower, the type of garden, and the skill possessed to produce a wide variety of genetics, the list of new, old, or challenging strains is essentially endless. There is massive variation in the types of cannabis plants people might want to cultivate; and, as any experienced gardener knows, these variations can result in a wide spectrum of products to satisfy any set of tastes, preferences, or medicinal concerns. However, among the most important variations that determine genetic quality, a wide, and desirable spectrum of terpenes is arguably the most relevant aspect of strain selection, cultivation and consumption. To learn more about terpenes, the entourage effect, and desirable genetics, follow the passages below: 

What are Terpenes?

Trichomes produce cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis plants.

Terpenes are a class of hydrocarbons that exist in over 30,000 forms and typically occur naturally in perennial land plants. Even more numerous than terpenes are terpenoids – functional molecules that are modified by oxygen: fruiting or seeding plants use terpenoids to attract pollinators, defend against disease and deflect predators. Terpenoids have over 55,000 specific forms and usually produce powerful or pleasant odours in nature

We interact with terpenes and terpenoids in countless ways throughout our daily lives. In naturally occurring settings, like in fruit and food products, terpene and terpenoid profiles can be easily identified. Oranges and orange peels, for example, contain a wide variety of terpenoids like limonene, pinene and myrcene; these, among others, are largely responsible for the sweet-smelling oils and odours produced by oranges (Rodriguez et al, 2011, para. 11). Additionally, terpenes and terpenoids have been synthesized into household products, enhancing the taste and smell of perfumes, cosmetics, cleaning products and consumer goods like food and drink. 

Also found in Lemon Rind, Orange Rind and Juniper
Also found in Pine Needles, Rosemary and Basil
Also found in Thyme, Lemon Grass and Mango

Common Terpenes in Popular Genetics

A wide spectrum of terpenes can be found throughout the industry’s most popular genetics. However, much like naturally occurring fruit and flowers in our environment, terpenes can do more than just produce pleasant smells – they can also perpetuate feelings of well-being, promote energy, or induce relaxing medicinal properties. Read more to find out which terpene profiles are found in the industry’s most popular genetics!

Terpinolene

Typically producing sweet, sharp and piney floral notes, terpinolene is commonly found in sativa dominant strains like Dutch Treat, Jack Herer and Golden Pineapple. Terpinolene is often described as having a fresh, vibrant and warm scent, and occurs naturally in fruit and flora like lilies, lilacs, cumin, nutmeg and apples. Giving the user an uplifting and energetic wind, strains high in terpinolene are usually high in cannabinoids like THC and have a natural resistance to pests and predators.

Caryophyllene

Strains with dominant terpenes like caryophyllene immerse its audience with high-profile scents of pepper, cloves and woody spice. Other flowers and seed pods, like hops or star anise, carry a high concentration of caryophyllene; in cannabis, however, strains like Purple Punch or Pineapple Express are among the most popular with high levels of caryophyllene. You can expect relaxing, calming, body-numbing effects or stress-release from strains with this terpenoid profile. 

Pinene

Common in strains like Skywalker, Critical Mass and Blue Dream, pinene is a terpene profile favourited by growers in the Pacific Northwest. Smelling of basil, dill, pine needles and tree sap, pinene is one of the most common terpenoid products in the world and is useful for relieving pain and promoting anti-inflammatory agents. 

Ocimene

Ocimene is a terpene responsible for promoting sweet, herbaceous and floral scents in many popular strains of cannabis, and also has a high concentration in flora and food such as honey, parsley, orchids and mint. Because of its almost soapy sweetness, ocimene is used in high levels in the production of cosmetics and perfume, but can also be found in fragrant strains like Strawberry Cough, Space Queen and Sour Diesel. 

Myrcene

Another common terpenoid, myrcene is abundantly found in products like lemongrass, thyme and cardamom. It is also noted as being one of the most desirable terpenoid profiles, not only in its ability to promote sedation, anti-anxiety and pain relief but also in myrcene’s scent, which overwhelms receptions with notes of musky earth, leather, peat and sweet oak. Common myrcene strains include OG Kush, Grape Ape and Granddaddy Purple. 

Terpenes and the Entourage-Effect 

The entourage effect is a theory that describes the synergistic effect of THC, flavonoids, cannabinoids and terpenes contributing to the overall “experience” of cannabis consumption (Russo, 2019, para. 17). While most growers focus on cannabinoids like THC and CBD to determine the success of a garden, the presence of terpenes in flowers is also a major contributor that determines a crop’s desired effect. For example, growers and consumers alike may select specific strains, not just for characteristics, cannabinoid ratios, and output, but also on the distinct and specific terpenoid profile they possess.

Purple Punch

Strain Profile Example for Purple Punch:

  • THC – Aids Sleep, Relaxation, Pain and Inflammation
  • Myrcene – Aids Sleep and Relaxation
  • Caryophyllene – Aids Pain and Inflammation
  • Pinene – Aids Pain, Inflammation and Anxiety

Many of the terpenes that we have discussed above have medicinal properties; for example, myrcene, a terpenoid that is known for its ability to relax or mildly sedate an individual has been used for centuries in teas, oils and salves to promote relaxation and overall well-being. Lemongrass, for instance, is a plant with high levels of myrcene and has continually been used in eastern medicine as a way to relieve stomach cramps, aches, pains and fevers. Knowing that some of the industry’s most popular strains possess the same therapeutic terpenoids, it’s easy to understand why growers flock to a certain set of desired genetics. 

True Blue Terpenes allow you to add birthday cake flavour to your extractions!
If you are looking for something more fruity, try blueberry!
Want a particular cannabis flavour for you extractions? look no further that True Blue’s strain profiles!

Enhance Your Terpenes

Adding certain flowering additives to your nutrient regime can enhance the natural processes within flowering plants that these flavours and aromas. For example, if you are growing a strain with a dominant terpinolene terpene profile, then certain supplements can help bring out the fresh, floral notes during flower. GreenPlanet Nutrients Rezin and Rhizoflora Terpinator improve the terpenoid profile of a strain to deliver an unmatched final product.

Want to access some of the best-synthesized terpenes on the market? Talk to your GreenPlanet representative about our entire list of True Blue products and terpene enhancing additives! For all other inquiries, contact a member of the GreenPlanet sales team, or your local garden supply store for product information and purchasing inquiries. 

Works Cited

  • Rodríguez, A. (2011). Terpene down-regulation in orange reveals the role of fruit aromas in mediating interactions with insect herbivores and pathogens. Plant Physiology, 793–802. Retrieved February 8th, 2021 from US National Library of Medicine. 
  • Russo, E. (2019). The case for the entourage effect and conventional breeding of clinical cannabis: No “strain,” no gain. Frontiers in Plant Science. Retrieved February 8th, 2020 from US National Library of Medicine.

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