When it comes to growing cannabis successfully, light is a key factor for healthy growth and dense, yielding buds. Although natural sunlight is optimal for cannabis growing, many cultivators prefer to grow indoors and not worry about the rainy or cloudy days. As a grower indoors you will be able to give your plants high intensity lighting, and maintain control over all aspects of the environment your plants will be living in.

Choosing the right light can be confusing decision to a beginner grower. There are many types of lights for indoor cultivation available on the market today. Not all types of grow lighting are equal when it comes to their effectiveness and cost. 

The type of light that I recommend for new cultivators are the HID (High-intensity Discharge) grow lights. Metal Halide (MH) are one type of light that has a green and blue spectrum light, making it ideal for the vegetative stage or grow stage. High Pressure Sodium (HPS) bulbs have higher levels of yellow and red spectrum light, which is ideal for flowering or bud stage. These lights range from 250 watt through 1000 watt. HPS lights can be used during both grow and flower stage, so they're perfect for growers trying to save a little money or get bang for buck.

A lighting ballast is used to control the current flow of electricity when starting and operating your lights; a hood with a ballast and light bulb forms a complete light system. I don't promote any brands; you will have to do your own research on which one is best for your needs (read the reviews or ask at your local grow store). But remember: always buy a digital ballast. These types of ballasts use less electricity and operate at cooler temperatures. 

Having a good ventilation system is required when using HID lights because they do emit a lot of heat. The ideal temperature range for cannabis is between 70 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit during the day (at night it can get cooler, but it is best to stay in the low 70’s). As you gain experience as a grower you will be able to see what the best temperature your plants desire.  Many growers from commercial operations too hobby cultivator believe proper lighting, when paired with effective ventilation, ensures the biggest and best yields from a crop.

T5s, vented hoods & optimal strains for your space, plus many more wonderful tips next time in Rubio's Recommendations.