The exact purpose and role that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD have in cannabis plants is still not entirely understood. Research, however, suggests that cannabinoids are a type of natural defence mechanism. It is believed that cannabis plants produce cannabinoids to ward off and defend against pests, diseases, and ultraviolet radiation. As such, recent studies have theorised that increasing UV exposure could cause more cannabinoid production in cannabis as a defensive measure – increasing potency and resin production.
We know that the most potent weed that grows naturally can be found in elevated mountainous areas around the world. Worthy to mention here, would be the growing hashish production areas in the Rif Mountains of Morocco, the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon, and the Hindu Kush. These areas have several noteworthy things in common: they are all close to the 30 °N latitude on the globe, they have the perfect marijuana-growing climate, an abundance of sunshine, and most importantly, they are located at high altitude. This means that plants receive substantially higher amounts of UV radiation – they higher you go, the greater the exposure. UVB is a part of the sun's natural light, so all outdoors plants get it to some degree.
Growers who want to increase the potency of their cannabis may consider adding ultraviolet (UV) light to their grow setup. UV light is radiation with wavelengths between 100 – 400 nm and it’s not visible to the human eye. Outdoors, about 10% of the sun’s light is ultraviolet. Furthermore, UV light is broken down into several subtypes, including UV-A (315 – 400 nm), UV-B (280 – 315 nm), and UV-C (100 – 280 nm). Most lighting technology provides little UV light. So, to match the intensity of the sun, you would need a light that produces at least 32 W of UV radiation. A quick Google search shows that it’s not easy (or cheap) to find a light that can deliver this much light! And so this may make growers wonder: Are these lights worth the price? And — do cannabis plants even need UV light? A quick Google search shows that it’s not easy (or cheap) to find a light that can deliver this much light! And so this may make growers wonder: Are these lights worth the price? And — do cannabis plants even need UV light?
UV Light May Increase Trichome Density and THC Content
When UV light hits a leaf, the plant makes “sunscreen” to protect itself from damage. Plants produce many different types of sunscreen. Some of these sunscreens are physical, like trichomes, and some of them are chemical, like anthocyanins and beta-carotene. Trichomes are hair-like growths found on the skin (epidermis) of plants. They protect the plant by reflecting away the harmful UV rays. In cannabis, these trichomes are the site of THC and CBD storage. For this reason, scientists wondered whether adding UV rays could increase THC content in cannabis plants.
Scientists surveyed cannabis strains that originated from different places around the world. They looked in places that had high UV levels (like near the equator, or on tall mountains) as well as places with low UV levels (away from the equator and in shady spots). They found that strains from the equator and high-altitude regions had more THC.
UV Light May Decrease CBD Content
Unfortunately, UV exposure is also connected with lower CBD levels. This is likely because there is a tradeoff between THC production and CBD production. To increase THC in the flowers of a cannabis plant, at least 1.34 Watt-seconds/m2 of UV-B light is necessary. It should be given for 6 hours per day, for at least 40 days. Research shows that doing this increases Δ9-THC content from 2.5% to 3.2%.
Much of the scientific information we know about UV wavelengths and trichome development in cannabis was conducted more than 20 years ago! This is important to keep in mind because the technology for developing UV lights and for measuring cannabinoid content has drastically improved since then.
UV Light may Defend Against Insects
UV wavelengths can also help plants defend against insects. UV wavelengths, and to some extent, other wavelengths of light, can trigger plants to release defence compounds. Some examples of these defence compounds are volatiles (smells that deter insects), hormones (alert defence responses in other parts of the plant), secondary metabolites (change the colour and taste of a plant) and trichomes. These compounds make a plant more distasteful or toxic to insects. As a result, plants with increased levels of these compounds get eaten less!
Combining UV-B light with high amounts of PAR produces even more fighting power than either UV-B or PAR separately. When both high PAR and UV-B irradiation is applied to plants, a greater concentration of defence compounds is produced. This is especially true in older plant leaves. The fact that older leaves experience increased amounts of defensive compounds is particularly interesting. Some insects, like whitefly and thrips, show a preference for older leaves than young ones. Therefore, scientists are speculating that UV-B light might be especially effective for these types of pests.
How you Can Take advantage of These Findings
Since we now know UVB radiation could greatly increase the potency of our crops, we can take advantage of this knowledge. With supplemental light bulbs that generate UVB radiation similar to natural UV light, we can supply greater amounts of UV light to our plants for increased potency.
Small and affordable UVB-emitting "reptile lights" can often be found in pet stores, as some reptiles need UV light. You can also do an internet search for those types of supplemental UV lamps. Some newer grow lights may even come with an integrated UV light. For the average micro or mini grow-op, those supplemental UV lights don’t have to be large. A single reptile light (or “desert light” as they are sometimes called) can be sufficient if you want to supplement some UV light to boost your crops’ THC content. Outdoors, there is little you can do to boost UV, other than grow up a mountain! Either way, the fact that UV could play an important role is an interesting discovery, showing just how much we still have to learn about this wondrous plant!
Best UV LED Grow Lights for Cannabis
ECO Farm 30W UV & IR Supplemental Lighting Bar
ECO Farm 30W LED Grow Bar is designed and refined to maximize yields, space and versatility while minimizing costs. Ideal for clones, veg growth, microgreens, leafy greens, herbs, succulents, side lighting, and more!
The spectrum and size are ideal for low/no-sunlight growing in virtually any vertical farm, growth chamber, propagation system, tower garden and more. Exceptional efficiencies and light delivery potential, along with long, low maintenance lifespans provide long-term sustainability.
Including ultraviolet (UV) as well as infrared (IR) and far-red waves. These wavelengths don’t factor significantly into photosynthetic rates, but they do affect plants, and in some very interesting ways. It’s important to note that UV and IR lights should generally be operated independently from primary lights, and run for short intervals in your garden.
UV grow lights can also produce changes/increases in phenolic compounds, flavonoid pigments, resins and oil production, etc. As plants are exposed to UV light, they produce such compounds to protect themselves, similar to the way you might put sunscreen on so you don’t get sunburn. While these effects are highly desirable for many crops.
The far red frequency will encourage young plants to develop larger leaves and will also affect photoperiodism (Flowering phase) of short day plants. When short day plants are exposed to far red light, it will encourage them to flower. So, many growers will use far red lights like a 730nm LED light bar for a few minutes up to two hours before the lights off phase. Doing this will speed up flowering, meaning you will see flowers develop quicker than without far red light.
ECO Farm 30W LG UV395nm Supplemental Lighting Quantum Board
Grow with 395nm enhancing wavelengths. Proven to grow bigger, fatter more colorful buds and help your canopy absorb the white light at higher intensities, resulting in significantly higher yields.
This ECO Farm enhancer is comprised of quality components from the Driver to the LG high-efficiency LED arrays.
Engineered to be the best on the market for bloom enhancers in efficiency, spread, and spectrum. Imagine what this ECO Farm Enhancer can do for your grow!
Including ultraviolet (UV) waves. These wavelengths don’t factor significantly into photosynthetic rates, but they do affect plants, and in some very interesting ways. It’s important to note that UV and IR lights should generally be operated independently from primary lights, and run for short intervals in your garden.
UV grow lights can also produce changes/increases in phenolic compounds, flavonoid pigments, resins and oil production, etc. As plants are exposed to UV light, they produce such compounds to protect themselves, similar to the way you might put sunscreen on so you don’t get sunburn. While these effects are highly desirable for many crops.
Conclusion
According to some weed growers, the use of UVB grow lights can help in increasing THC production by as much as 30%, although such claim is still a subject of debate these days. It allows the development of a protein molecule, which the weed develops as a way to defend itself from the damaging heat of the sun.
The findings indicate that those that have been exposed to UVB radiation showed a higher level of THC, which is enough reason to believe that such supplementation is beneficial in growing marijuana.
This post discussed some of the best options that are worth considering if you are looking for the best UV LED grow light for weed. The options are quite limited, but still, this does not mean that they are all the same. Take the time to evaluate the products mentioned above and it will be easier for you to reach the right decision.
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