A Focus on Quality

It’s still tough out there. The past several years have been marked by supply chain issues, product surpluses, inflation, rising energy prices and complex regulations. But the cannabis industry continues to weather the storm with dogged determination. This spirit resonates strongly with us at Fluence. From our inception, Fluence has been committed to innovating alongside growers to maximize their success at every stage of production.

This year’s “State of the Cannabis Lighting Market” report, produced by Cannabis Business Times and made possible with support from Fluence, highlights the industry’s adaptability in the broader context of oversupply, consolidation, and the rapidly increasing importance of operational efficiency. For the second year in a row, at least 70% of study participants used LEDs in vegetation and/or flowering. Last year’s research showed 74% of participants used LEDs in propagation. During the past eight years that CBT has conducted this study, LED usage has grown steadily across the board, suggesting that LEDs have become a permanent fixture during each stage of commercial cannabis production.

And while quantity always is important, quality is king. Sixty-two percent of respondents ranked “crop quality” as the most important factor for using LEDs in cannabis production. Compared to “yield” at 16% and “energy efficiency” at 12%, the importance of quality has never been greater.

This year’s respondents cited energy costs, consistency of lighting, and lighting’s impact on plant growth as their top three challenges in 2023. And less than half of respondents reported exploring utility rebates and incentives despite these programs being offered in multiple states. With so many different factors to consider, working with a trusted, knowledgeable and quality partner has never been more important. That’s why Fluence has teams of horticultural scientists, rebate specialists and field application engineers to provide growers unparalleled guidance and support in every facet of their operation.

This year’s report, and the industry-leading research performed by Fluence’s global team of horticulture experts, affirm the critical role of lighting in an ever-changing landscape. Being led by science means we’re dedicated to delivering technology, data and support that improves the interaction between light and life and to help our cultivation partners drive operational efficiencies in every growth cycle.

To helping the world grow smarter, together,

Steve Graves, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, Fluence