The Impact of Light Intensity and Spectrum-Tuning on Cannabis Yields

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between light intensity, cannabis yields, and profitability. We also look for evidence that spectrum differences across broad-spectrum, horticulture lights and general-purpose LEDs impact the relationship between yield and light intensity. Finally, we discuss the financial return of increasing light intensity in order to increase yields. We find that yields increase linearly with light intensity up to at least 1500 μmols/m2·s, which is at least twice the intensity that is most commonly used by cannabis growers. That relationship did not appear to be influenced by spectrum quality differences across the lamps included in the study. Finally, for all the intensity ranges that we considered, the value of the gain in yields from increasing light intensity far exceeded the cost of using more electricity.