Sunset Controlled Outdoor growers can use light-deprivation setups to protect their plants from ash and other contaminants. Photo Courtesy of Fotmer Life Sciences light-deprivation system can be as good if not better than indoor-grown marijuana, as the plants receive extra UV rays from the sun, which helps them develop terpenes and cannabinoids. SET SCHEDULE Light-deprivation ensures that outdoor growers maximize the amount of time available for sun-grown cannabis and don't fall victim to the weather, said of Humboldt, California-based Kristin Nevedal, chair of the International Cannabis Farmers Association. She pointed out that a lot of cannabis growers in the mountains of Northern California get only one crop per year, so it's important that it comes in on time. The set schedule offered by light deprivation also means that growers can plan around a definite harvest date and adjust their operation accordingly. Proponents of light deprivation say the technique doesn't have a negative impact on overall flower quality. Photo Courtesy of Fotmer Life Sciences She agreed that cannabis grown with light-deprivation techniques can yield superior flower. " It gives you an opportunity to produce very high-quality material, " Nevedal said. 66 Marijuana Business Magazine | January 2021 She also prefers the way light deprivation allows growers to finish plants at a consistent size, say 3-4 feet, meaning workers aren't struggling to take down much larger plants.