Anyone can grow tasty weed thanks to this tech
Cannabis legalization brings people regulated pot products and sometimes the right to grow weed at home. With pesticides and recalls abundant in many markets, at-home cannabis cultivation is an attractive option for many who are hoping to avoid any laced weed.
Unfortunately, not all Americans live in weed-friendly zones. These prospective home cultivators may seek to take their flower cultivation inside, and tech companies seek help. Those with the space or the need for multiple plants may get a classic, large grow tent, but others might desire a more compact setup.
Cannabis tech companies hope to help these home growers out with all-in-one grow systems. These are small, self-contained one-plant boxes or tents with lights, air filters, and all the Bojangles it takes to safely grow delicious weed plants.
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Hey Abby
Growers, engineers, designers, and developers set out to create the “ultimate grower’s dream box” for Hey Abby. The team tackled the problem of mass-producing a grow box at affordable prices, finally putting out five models ranging from $420 to $1600.
Hey Abby units use Samsung horticulture LED, pulse width modulation airflow, and a deep water culture (DWC) system to deliver oxygen and nutrients. The system can grow from clones and any seed. At the end of the growth process, the units promise up to eight ounces of flower.
The Armoire
Engineers spent decades designing and bringing The Armoire to life. Now, the Green Goddess Supply grow box helps even the most beginner cultivator grow a prolific plant in as little as two months.The Armoire uses a soil system with a specially built light that harnesses the power of ultraviolet light and infrared radiation for a low-energy, mold, and pest-free solution.
This grow box comes with an available concierge service. An actual person responds to weekly photos and notes on the plant, helping to tweak the operation for higher yields. They can also help with the Armoire-specific yield maximizing combo of high and low-stress training methods.
The Armoire works best with autoflower seeds and has produced as high as 13 ounces per plant. Higher yields come with a larger price tag; an Armoire goes for just under $1900. This system is meant to seamlessly fit into a living space, though the whirring of the machines is noticeable. The sound level is comparable to having an air filter running in the room.
Vivosun
As far as affordable grow boxes go, the Vivosun Smart Grow Tent Kit is high on the list. The brand has nine tent sizes available, ranging from $320 for a one-plant setup to $1050 for one that accommodates up to 12 plants.
The smart tent uses a specialty Vivosun light with an optimized spectrum that the brand finds ideal for efficient plant growth in soil. This system is shrouded in a lightproof, tear-resistant Oxford fabric on the outside and reflective, thickened, plant-friendly mylar on the inside.
Inside, growers also have access to the command center, which controls the light, powerful clip fan, and air filter. It takes up a two-by-two-foot space. Grow from clone or seed using this powerful box in a tiny package, or upgrade to the hard shell automated version for $600. The brand does not explicitly state how much their box yields, but some have reported up to 14 grams per plant.
AC Infinity
Comparable to the Vivosun, AC Infinity comes grower-recommended. The one-plant, two-by-two-foot tent system starts at $399, growing to $1500 for a six-plant, wifi-controlled setup. This grow solution comes with The Complete Kit, which covers fans, carbon filters, airflow, ducting, and everything else a cannabis plant needs to thrive.
AC Infinity comes with a controller to automate the LED light and fan systems. One cultivator reported getting about six to eight ounces per run using this option with clones or seeds.
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Gorilla Grow Tents
Gorilla Grow cabinets give growers options between a hydroponic or soil system but run pricier than most others. A one-plan-sized two-by-two foot soil cabinet costs almost $2000, with the hydroponic version priced around $2275. This price hike is most likely because the systems claim to run four plants at a time.
Like The Armoire, Gorilla uses infrared radiation and ultraviolet light, which is believed to develop more robust terpenes, cannabinoids, and other vital compounds. The company also recommends using a trellis and is outfitted with grommets for easy low-stress training.
This all-in-one growing system is meant to hide in plain sight, appearing like a cabinet. Much like The Armoire, it probably has a slight whirring due to the fans, carbon filter, and other mechanisms keeping the plants happy.
Boundless Robotics Annaboto
Bringing hydroponics and robotics together, Annaboto promises great plants for any level cultivator. This system looks like a floor lamp, but at its base sits a weed-growing robot. Parent company Boundless Robotics has a few options available, including the Annaboto Lite ($695), Custom ($1295), and Premium ($995).
Annaboto is the only at-home hydroponic system utilizing The Robotanist technology capable of using sensors to manage plant stalk strength, gather phenotypic data, and help a person autonomously navigate plant health. In the Annaboto, this technology adjusts the machine to each phenotype, so even a beginner cultivator can dial in any variety.
The lamp is outfitted with a 200-watt max power LED focused to 38 degrees. It can dim from 40 to 100 percent. Sensors sweep the air temperature, humidity, and water levels and report back via their app. It is available in iOS or Android and allows users to adjust their grow space from anywhere with cell service. An HD camera is also in there so a cultivator can monitor their girl. It can also create a cool time-lapse after harvest.
Promises of automation are a huge draw to Annaboto. The company claims that it is ok to leave the weed unattended for short travel as long as the water tank is full. This is a stellar option for those without toddlers, cats, bunnies, dogs, or any other creature who might want to chew on the leaves or turn the plant into an art project. Having the leaves, and, eventually colas, out in the open at home may prove problems–put this one in a safe place.
All-in-one grow solutions are great for beginners
Growing cannabis can feel hard for someone who has never sprouted a seed, but it may seem less daunting with the right grow system. Those hoping to cultivate for personal consumption should scope out these one-plant solutions automated to acclimate the most beginner growers.
Price, grow medium, and lifestyle all come into play when selecting the appropriate grow box, but luckily, there’s something for everyone.