1oz or 2oz Special: Cake Batter EXOTIC DEPS

$120.00$220.00

In the cannabis industry, “DEP” stands for “light deprivation” or “light dep.” It’s a cultivation technique used to control the light cycles that cannabis plants are exposed to, simulating shorter days and triggering the flowering phase of growth earlier than it would naturally occur.

Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

What Light Deprivation Means

  • Manipulating Light Exposure: By using tarps, blackout curtains, or automated greenhouses, growers reduce the amount of light plants receive each day. For cannabis, a shorter light cycle (typically 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness) signals the plant to start flowering.
  • Mimicking Seasonal Changes: Cannabis is a photoperiod-sensitive plant, meaning its flowering is triggered by the changing light cycles in nature, particularly shorter days as summer turns to fall.

Why Growers Use DEP

  1. Faster Harvest Cycles: Light dep allows for multiple harvests in a single season by inducing flowering earlier.
  2. Higher Quality Product: Some growers use this method to improve cannabinoid and terpene profiles by avoiding stressors from harsh seasonal conditions.
  3. Maximizing Yields: It helps control timing to get ahead of outdoor harvests, reducing competition in the market.
  4. Market Advantage: Products grown with DEP can often hit the shelves sooner, making them more profitable during certain times of the year when outdoor-grown cannabis isn’t ready yet.

DEP Setup

  • Outdoor or Greenhouse: Most DEP grows happen in greenhouses or outdoor settings with removable coverings. Automated systems are common for consistency and efficiency.
  • Cost-Effective: It’s less expensive than full indoor grows, as it uses natural sunlight, but still offers a degree of control over the environment.

DEP vs. Outdoor/Indoor Grows

  • Outdoor: Fully dependent on natural light cycles and seasons.
  • Indoor: Fully controlled environment with artificial light.
  • DEP: A hybrid approach that uses natural sunlight but adds a layer of environmental control.

Light dep cannabis is often considered high-quality and more sustainable than purely indoor cultivation due to the reduced energy consumption. It’s a popular choice for commercial operations looking to optimize costs while still producing premium buds.