Growing Cannabis Outdoors in Thailand: What’s best – Indica Vs Sativa
Fellas, imagine basking in the sun, surrounded by lush greenery while cultivating top-notch herbs. This dream can become a reality when growing cannabis outdoors in Thailand. As an ex-cannabis manufacturer and distributor, I’ll guide you through choosing between indica and sativa strains for your outdoor garden. Get ready for a double naughty adventure that’ll have your taste buds tingling and your green thumbs eager to begin!
The Glorious Green
Thailand, the land of smiles, where the sun shines bright and the soil is ripe. Growing cannabis outdoors in Thailand couldn’t be easier. It’s a lush 513,000 km² of agricultural paradise, home to nearly 69 million people and a biodiversity that’d make David Attenborough’s heart flutter. Right now, this country is transforming from an agricultural export powerhouse to a cannabis cultivation hub, and it’s no surprise why.
See, cannabis ain’t just a plant, it’s a marvel of nature. It gives us medicine, fiber, food, oil, and a bit of fun, all wrapped up in a leafy green package. But, like us, she’s a bit picky about her living conditions. Thailand’s climate and soil have got what it takes to make our favourite plant feel right at home.
Growing Cannabis Outdoors in Thailand – The High Points
Alright, let’s break this down into nice, digestible nuggets of knowledge.
Climate and Cannabis
Temperature
Thailand’s temperature averages around 26°C, but it’s hottest from March to May (30-36C) and coolest from December to February (26-31C), and that will be at the higher or lower end depending if you’re farther north or south. For our green lady, the sweet spot is between 20°C and 28°C. Too hot, and she’s under stress; too cold, and she’ll freeze her buds off.
Humidity
Humidity here swings from 60% to 90%, with the rainy season (May to October) being high and the dry season (November to April) being low. Cannabis prefers it a bit more middle-of-the-road, around 40% to 60%. Too damp, and you’ve got a mouldy mess; too dry, and spider mites will have a field day.
Rainfall
Rainfall varies from 1,000mm to 5,000mm, with the rainy season drenching the place and the dry season leaving it parched. Cannabis likes a drink, but not too much – about 500mm to 1,000mm should do it.
Sunshine
Sunlight in Thailand ranges from 6 to 9 hours a day. But our plant loves her sunshine and craves 10 to 12 hours a day. Without it, she could suffer from photoinhibition or sunburn.
Soil and Cannabis
Thailand’s got a smorgasbord of soils – lateritic, sandy, alluvial, peat. But here’s where the Indica vs Sativa debate gets interesting. Both these strains can grow in this soil, but they each have their quirks.
Hybrid Highs – A Quick Nod
Just a quick nod to our hybrid pals. These are cross-breeds of Indica and Sativa, offering a cheeky blend of both parents’ traits. It’s the best of both worlds, making for some truly double naughty strains.
However, today, we’re focusing on the pure Indica and Sativa strains, the true classics of the cannabis world. These are the strains that’ll help you navigate the delightful dance of outdoor cultivation in Thailand. Let’s dive deeper into understanding these beauties, shall we?
Reds and Whites of Cannabis: The General Picture
Now, comparing Indica and Sativa strains in general is a bit like chatting about red and white wines. Yes, they’re both wines, but a Merlot is a world away from a Chardonnay, isn’t it? Each has its own bouquet, body, and finish – much like our cannabis strains. So, while we’re painting broad strokes here about the general traits of Indica and Sativa, remember there’s a whole cellar full of unique strains, each with its own distinct notes and nuances. But fear not, we’ll be uncorking the bottle on the wonderful world of specific strains in future posts. So, keep your glass at the ready for more double naughty adventures in cannabis cultivation! Lets get on with growing cannabis outdoors in Thailand.
Indica vs Sativa – The Battle Outside
Alright, let’s delve a little deeper into the peculiarities of our two star strains, Indica and Sativa.
Indica – The Chilled-Out Charmer
- Indica plants are the Danny DeVitos of the cannabis world – short, stocky, and full of character. They grow quickly and yield some seriously chunky buds, even in cooler conditions. Their cold-resistance comes from their roots (pun intended) in the harsh climates of Central Asia.
- However, like a bloke in a suit on a hot summer’s day, they can get a bit uncomfortable in high humidity. Excessive moisture can lead to mold or mildew, and who wants that? And, while Indica’s lush foliage is a sight to behold, it’s also a bit of a magnet for pests.
- But let’s talk about the bud, the real fruit of your labour. Indica buds pack a punch, with high potency and a rich, earthy flavour that’s as comforting as a Sunday roast. They provide a full-body relaxation effect, perfect for unwinding after a long day or getting some much-needed shut-eye.
- And for medical use? You bet it’s double naughty. Indica strains are known for their relief from chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, stress, muscle spasms, and even loss of appetite. They provide a relaxing and euphoric sensation, like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold night.
What the other folks say:
“Sustainable Practices In The Cannabis Industry. … • Outdoor Growing. Growing outdoors allows cannabis farmers to harness the sun’s natural power, saving them money on electricity bills and reducing their carbon footprint.” – Sustainable Cannabis Coalition, Forbes, Feb 2, 2021
– “Outdoors, most cannabis thrives in climates akin to the Mediterranean region. This climate can be described as warm to hot in the summer followed by mild fall weather with minimal rainfall. Cannabis plants love the hot days followed by warm nights.” – General Hydroponics, Leafly, May 3, 2021
– “Sativas are also fairly versatile. They can thrive in hot, rainy environments, such as tropical rainforests, but also adapt to colder temperatures.” – I Love Growing Marijuana, Apr 30, 2021
Sativa – The Sun-Kissed Socialite
- On the flip side, we’ve got Sativa plants, the lanky supermodels of the cannabis family. These beauties can reach for the sky, growing tall and thin with long-flowering, high-yield buds. Hailing from the warm climates of Southeast Asia, they’ve got a natural tolerance for heat and humidity.
- Sativa plants are the sun worshipers of the cannabis world, soaking up all that tropical sunlight and turning it into glorious greenery. And when the heavens open, they take it in stride, using that rainfall to fuel their growth.
- But, just like a supermodel might struggle in a strong breeze, Sativa plants can be wind-sensitive. They also require a bit more time and space than their Indica counterparts, so you’ll need to be patient and give them room to strut their stuff.
- Sativa buds are a treat for the senses, with lower potency levels balanced by a zesty, citrusy flavour that’s as invigorating as a cool sea breeze. They offer an energizing and uplifting effect that’s perfect for shaking off the blues, sparking creativity, or just having a laugh with your mates.
- Medically, Sativa strains are fantastic for relieving depression, fatigue, nausea, migraines, and even creativity loss. They provide a stimulating, alert, and creative sensation, like a shot of espresso on a sluggish morning.
So there you have it, fellas. Whether you’re after the chilled-out charm of Indica or the sunny disposition of Sativa, there’s a strain that’s just right for you and the Thai climate. Just remember, every plant’s a bit unique, just like us. So, give ’em the love they need, and they’ll reward you with some double naughty bud.
A Bit of Personal: Location, Location, Location
Alright, fella, let’s factor in the different growing locations for your personal choice between indica and sativa. Whether you’re growing on a balcony, in a back garden, or any other outdoor space, ol’ Gonzo’s got you covered.
If I had to pick between indica and sativa based on growing outside as opposed to inside and the Thai climate, I’d personally lean towards indica, and I’ll tell you why. Indica plants are generally more compact and bushier, which can be a real advantage if you’re working with limited space like a balcony or a small back garden. They also have a shorter flowering time, which helps in dealing with Thailand’s humidity and rain.
Now, don’t forget to provide ample airflow and do some pruning to keep those indica plants healthy, especially in confined spaces where mold and pests could be a concern. With proper care, you’ll end up with some relaxing, top-notch bud that’s perfect for a laid-back evening, just like a fine glass of red wine.
Sativa plants, on the other hand, can be more challenging due to their taller, lankier structure and longer flowering time. They might be a bit trickier to manage on a balcony or in a tight space, and they’ll definitely need some support from the wind – bamboo works a treat and some scrogging. However, if you have a bit more room in your back garden and you’re up for the challenge, growing sativa can reward you with an uplifting, cerebral experience, akin to sipping a crisp glass of white wine.
So there you have it, mate. Personally, I’d opt for indica in most cases, given its manageable size and shorter flowering time. But at the end of the day, it’s all about your personal taste, the space you have, and the experience you’re after. No matter what you choose, just remember to keep an eye on your plants and adapt to their needs.
Wrapping it Up
There you have it, fellas. The choice between Indica and Sativa in Thailand really boils down to your personal preferences and the specific conditions you can provide. Both strains have their strengths and weaknesses, but with a bit of love and attention, both can thrive in Thailand’s climate.
– “Because of indica’s shorter flowering periods and smaller stature compared to sativas and hybrids, they’re ideal for growing indoors.” – Leafly
Best time in Thailand to plant cannabis outdoors
So, go ahead, start planting, and let’s bring more green to this world. And remember, the best time to plant is at the start of the dry season, around November. This way, your plants will have ample time to grow and flower before the rainy season sets in. But, regardless of what you choose, always remember – the plant doesn’t make the grower, the grower makes the plant.
And now, over to you, fellas. Got any double naughty stories or experiences growing in Thailand? Leave a comment below or share this post with your mates. Let’s keep this green conversation going!
Marijuana users and producers in Thailand have some legal rights and obligations that they should know and respect, such as the age limit, public consumption ban, purchase and possession limits, cultivation and distribution limits, driving and traveling restrictions, and respect and responsibility. Users and producers in Thailand should be informed and respectful of the laws and norms of cannabis use and activities in Thailand, and be responsible for their own health and safety when using cannabis products.