In the marijuana world, the argument over indoor vs. outdoor weed has raged for ages. According to tradition, planters grew the weed in the open air.
Because of restrictions and the Drugs War, indoor weed had become widespread. Many marijuana fans feel that indoor cultivated buds are on the next level. They decided to plan all their crops indoors.
These days, the argument continues. What is your opinion? If you have no idea, this article will give a side-by-side comparison.
Indoor vs outdoor weed: which is better? Are you ready for the battle?
Let’s dive in!
Indoor vs Outdoor Weed: Which Is Better?

Indoor marijuana produces denser crops, larger trichome quantities, and a stronger high. Outdoor-grown marijuana contains fewer thick crops and fewer trichomes. It results in a lower pot height, although some people swear by the flavor.
That doesn’t imply the argument over indoor vs. outdoor marijuana highs is over. Other factors influencing the power of a pot still exist.
So, if you need gorgeous nugs with a thick sprinkling of trichomes, go for indoor cannabis. On the other hand, you may want something more organically produced and less pricey. In this case, choose the outdoor plants.
Whatever you pick, keep in mind that good marijuana will keep you high. And, very good weed will get you even higher.
What’s The Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Weed?
At first, you may easily notice the difference in their growing location. From the location, it may lead to the distinction in the quality of your crop. The way you cultivate also depends on the location a lot.
Now, let’s browse all the aspects that make indoor and outdoor weed different.
Potency
Indoor crops are often simpler to create quality potency owing to the regulated surroundings. On indoor cultivated buds, the opportunity for a bigger trichome size also implies a greater richness of THC crystals.
In practice, though, it is not simple like it sounds. Some people have been raising crops from the same clones both outdoors and indoors for several years. The results are surprising.

When compared to marijuana cultivated indoors, they discovered that marijuana grown outside had a larger percentage of all terpenes and cannabinoids.
It makes sense that weed species would reach their full potential in the vast surroundings if the soil and the sun conditions were ideal.
There’s a catch: ideal surroundings. For the most part, a monitored indoor crop will probably lead to better outcomes than one in the yard. Outdoor effects, on the other hand, depend vastly on where you plant the crop.
Size
Buds are often generally bigger outside. Furthermore, as compared to the same plants cultivated inside, the plants outside generate harvests of up to ten times the quantity. This is one of the most huge benefits of marijuana raised in the sun.

Outdoor marijuana, on the other hand, has its problems. The volume of trichomes is not relative to the amount of the buds.
As a result, the buds seem rather duller than indoor marijuana and have a weaker flavor when consumed.
Discretion
If you dwell in a hot environment and want to cultivate a marijuana plant, remember that these plants may get rather tall. You do not really want the rest of the neighborhood to know you’re raising cannabis at home, right? So, choose the indoor option.
Also, when your plant begins to bloom, the odor might expand. People nearby or strolling close to your yard are likely to notice the newly growing plant. Even in states where home cultivation of cannabis is acceptable, most people like to keep their crops private.
Although many areas allow marijuana planting, some people remain strongly opposed to marijuana. Indoor growing is definitely your best choice if you don’t want to have any enemies.
Cost
The expenditure of raising marijuana indoors may be rather high. You have to invest in soil, lights, and tents. Moreover, as the weed grows, the bills increase too.
The cost of energy appears to be growing all the time. This is one of the reasons why many farmers prefer to cultivate marijuana outdoors instead.
Your energy expenses will not rise if you are developing outside under natural light. You won’t even need any lights or tents. When growing marijuana outdoors, the most significant expenditures are the seeds and nutrients. They ensure high-quality marijuana.
You have to devote your time to cultivate strong marijuana.
Marijuana may grow organically outside. Yet, you still need to take care of it and give it frequent attention.
Color
The hue is one of the most prominent visual features that may distinguish sun-grown marijuana from indoor-grown one.

Outdoor marijuana has a deeper color. Outdoor seeds will be a darkish green, potentially going towards brown if not treated properly. Meanwhile, indoor buds are brighter, more vibrant green.
Outdoor flowers will develop a strong, brilliant purple. On the other hand, the indoor buds still remain gentler tones of purple.
You can also look at the flowers’ bottom to distinguish.
The hue of the bottom of the blooms is another visual clue. Buds grown outdoors usually have a medium brown tint bordering the stem at the bud’s bottom. The little bracts are usually medium brown as well. But, indoor flowers are consistently vivid green (or purple).
High
When contrasted to indoor marijuana, outdoor marijuana offers a more relaxing and natural high.
However, this is not always the situation. In the end, the processes that take place inside the plants are the same regardless of their locations. It is the growing manner that influences the results.
Flavor
The flavors are typically stronger in the indoor weed. However, the strain itself is the most essential element in terms of flavor. A marijuana plant’s terpene will not vary as a result of its growing conditions.
Cannabinoids
There is a popular misconception that marijuana grown outdoors is less effective than marijuana cultivated indoors.
However, this is not the case. Some farmers have been comparing two clones harvested from the same parent plant, one from outdoors and the other planted indoors.
They’ve tried on some strains. Each time, the marijuana grown outside in the sun produces larger overall cannabinoids. That implies greater in THC, larger in CBD, and richer in THC.
Their study has discovered that the light unlocks the plant’s entire potential and enhances its therapeutic effectiveness.
Trim Job
A trim job is a subjective factor that is not always applicable. Outside farmers have historically spent less time harvesting their final product than indoor plants. This is usually due to the number of buds taken.
Outside producers often collect from five to twenty pounds per plant. On the other hand, indoor farmers harvest no more than two pounds per plant.

Trimming enormous amounts of marijuana would not only take weeks. This task would also need a big-sized workforce.
As a result, the final cut is generally looser and leafier. It is especially right for outdoors because the outdoor weeds are leafier. You may tell the difference between indoor and outdoor trim just by looking at them.
Terpenes
Terpenes are really similar to cannabinoids, especially in the way they get amplified by the sun.
When you cultivate two similar plants side by side — one outdoors and one indoors- the plant outside has a larger proportion of terpenes. In certain cases, the plants even expose terpenes that were entirely unavailable.
When people smoke the two plants, the difference is clear. The outside plant is far more fragrant. Terpenes, on the other hand, are volatile. It means they will dissolve if not dried and treated properly.
Indoor planters yield much less. Their product moves from one indoor chamber to another. Hence, many indoor farmers take extra care in the final phases of curing and drying. This provides them more control over the system.
When comparing new outside producers to experienced outdoor producers, it’s possible that new outdoors will skip the stage of complete curing. As a result, they might lose their high terpene content.
Trichome
When trying to distinguish indoor and outdoor gardening, trichome density is a crucial visual clue.

Indoor buds are thinner and are closer to the source of light. Farmers keep them in a highly regulated environment. As a result, they usually have a very great trichome density.
When analyzing a perfectly grown indoor seed, all you can see is glistening crystals with very little exposed plant material.
Because outdoor seeds are often bigger, the trichomes will have to work significantly harder to fill the whole area of an outside bud.
Outdoor plants also get exposed to the weather.
Smell
Indoor-grown marijuana has a more concentrated terpene content than outdoor-grown marijuana. Due to its natural habitat, marijuana cultivated outside has a very natural flavor. Some people describe its smell as an earthy scent.
Time
If you’re short on time, you might consider starting indoor cultivation. Marijuana plants take a little longer to develop outdoors than they do inside.
The reason for this is because the plants follow their natural cycle and develop in accordance with the seasons.
You have complete control over every component of your indoor crop. It enables you to have complete control over the seasons and the plant’s life cycle.
That means you have greater control over your timeframe. Furthermore, you can determine when to adjust the lighting plan to stimulate blooming.
Outdoor plants will likely grow bigger and provide more harvests than indoor plants. However, it takes you longer to harvest.
Pros And Cons Of Growing Cannabis Indoor
Many people, particularly those who live in cities, assume that growing marijuana indoors is far more economical and inconspicuous.
To grow plants inside, you’ll need a space with running water and electricity. You also supply enough room to cultivate one or two seedlings.
An inside grow’s aim is to raise a controlled and stable growth environment.

Greenhouse gardening is a hybrid of outdoor and indoor growth. The planter enjoys the source of positive light and the day/night routine. Moreover, they also get more influence over their environments.
In comparison to outdoor crops, pests, humidity, and temperature are considerably easier to handle in greenhouses. However, greenhouses have more control over humidity and temperature for plants without a substantial setup.
Pros
- The ability to control the environment is the biggest advantage of indoor planting. It’s also a lot simpler to keep pests and illnesses out of the growing area.
- Because you have control over the lights, you can cut down on the time it may take for your plants to bloom.
- Indoor plants enable you to have more discrete crops.
- You can plant your crop anytime around the year.
- Indoor marijuana has higher quality and potency.
Cons
- Indoor growing often requires large start-up expenses. You need to purchase all of the equipment needed.
- Electrical bills are always a headache.
- Sometimes you cannot supply nutrients and moisture. Hence, indoor plants need a lot more maintenance and care than outside grows.
- To keep the discretion, you have to ensure proper ventilation and filtration.
Pros And Cons Of Growing Cannabis Outdoor
In a freezing climate, outdoor crops may be a smarter option. Because the planting season lasts about three months, there may be only one crop possible.
The harvest per acre is low, and the crops have modest THC levels. To those growers, though, none of these concerns.
They can profit with little expense if they purchase 200 acres of cheap farmland and sell concentrates instead of flowers.
When growing marijuana outside, remember to cultivate in an area where the seedlings will be unnoticeable, get 8 hours of full sunlight, and be adjacent to water supplies.

Outdoor-grown marijuana is much more likely to withstand the environment and diseases over its existence.
Sun-grown buds suffer more from pesticides than indoor ones. As a result, it’s not organic simply because it grows outside. Exposure to sunlight and its phases, on the other hand, has its positives.
Pros
- It is the most simple way of cultivating marijuana. The growth environment provides and replenishes a large portion of the necessary moisture and nutrients.
- Plants grown outdoors tend to be bigger, leading to much higher yields.
- It is affordable! You only need water and seeds to get started. There are no lighting or cooling systems to purchase. There is no need for power maintenance either.
- Many people feel that buds cultivated in the sun have better taste than buds grown inside.
Cons
- Your marijuana is prone to weather disasters.
- For someone who lives in a populated region, outdoor gardening is hard to carry.
- If you cannot find a water source, you’ll have to physically bring water to the location during dry times.
- If you cannot plan the location well enough, your crop may get caught by passers-by or thieves.
- Marijuana planted outside is more vulnerable to disease and pests.
- The growing time depends on the length of daylight. Hence, it may take longer.
- The quality of your crop is contingent on where you live.
Conclusion
Indoor vs outdoor weed: which is better? There is no correct answer for all of us. We are the ones that decide the answer.
Planting indoors or outdoors has its own benefits. Before starting your crop, remember to consider all the factors.
Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you need any further information, please feel free to ask.