So what's hot in cannabis cultivation? Sustainability - but how to achieve it? That was discussed during a panel at the Cannabis Summit last week in Netherlands. The panel, moderated by Sonny Moerenhout with Cultivators, provided insights in what's improving cannabis operations at the moment and made clear that while AI and LEDs might seem unmissable, the knowledge on how to actually grow with these new techniques might be just as important as just having them.
The panel included, Isabelle Francois, Alexandre Gauthier, Sabrina Carvalho, Xavier Gaya, and Celine Nicole-De Groot.
AI, tissue culture
Sabrina Carvalho from Signify, brand Fluence, emphasized the role of AI in precision fertigation, irrigation, and nutrient optimization. According to Sabrina, the industry is seeing increased use of AI to collect, correlate, and integrate data into cultivation systems. The challenge remains in securing and managing the information while ensuring teams are specialized enough to maximize the potential of these technologies. "We see more growers tracking the plants as they are growing, and thanks to the techniques, they can make decisions faster during the cultivation: steer while growing."
Xavier Gaya, Avitas Consulting, highlighted the developments in cannabis genetics and seed production. "The ways of creating source material is shifting and operators are able to have a more uniform crop from the beginning, resulting in improved growth rates from germination to flowering."
Advancements in tissue culture and uniform starting material are reshaping cultivation strategies, with some operators achieving seed-to-flower cycles in as little as three weeks. The early stages of plant development were noted as critical, impacting post-harvest results and overall product consistency.
Extraction
Isabelle Francois of Chromes Scientific addressed post-harvest challenges, particularly in extraction processes. The importance of solvent selection and recycling was emphasized, with sustainability considerations becoming more relevant in decision-making. AI has potential in optimizing post-harvest steps, but current processes remain fragmented. Developing intelligence around best practices in extraction and processing is seen as a key area for improvement. "What is your solvent, and how will you recycle it? Those decisions are important now."
LED technology adoption
Celine Nicole-De Groot, Continuums, discussed LED technology adoption in cannabis cultivation. While energy savings have been achieved compared to HPS systems, LED lighting remains costly and requires optimization. Research indicates that tunable spectra can improve energy efficiency by 10–20%. Spectrum adjustments in response to different crop phases, along with irrigation and fertigation adjustments, are being explored to enhance yield, quality, and terpene production. However, further industry-wide adoption of these optimization techniques is needed. "Revolutions on LED is just starting - the knowledge gaining is now to pay back." She emphasized to define your needs in growing before investing in an LED system.
Also Alexandre Gauthier of Canadian cannabis grower Origine Nature provided insight into LED adoption in Quebec. With electricity costs at approximately three cents per kWh, the economic incentive to switch from HPS has been lower. Despite this, operators recognize that LED technology is the future, with expected energy reductions of 30–35%, and is switching to a new lighting system now. He emphasized the importance of selecting the right integration partner rather than relying solely on specification sheets or manufacturer claims. "Any LED can be reverse-engineered. We pay for the partnership we have, for the support, the integration, the relationship. The expert you talk to makes the difference when moving forward with innovation."
The discussion also covered the transition from HPS to LED lighting, with Xavier Gaya stressing the need for adjustments in environmental controls, particularly fertigation strategies. "Plants grown under LED lighting exhibit different nutrient demands, often requiring higher levels than traditional HPS-grown plants. Unfamiliar deficiency symptoms can arise, necessitating a learning curve for growers accustomed to older systems."
Alexander Gauthier pointed out that technological advancements alone are insufficient without proper workforce training. The company is currently diving deep into AI and working on new technologies, but he emphasized efficient team management and accountability structures are foundational to successful technology implementation. "AI is knowledge, human is wisdom. AI has no power without the wisdom to use it."
Celine Nicole-De Groot referenced research on starting material selection, noting the impact of seed or cutting choices on uniformity, growth cycles, and final product quality. Some operators are reducing vegetative growth phases from four weeks to two, increasing annual production cycles and reducing overall energy use. While these findings have yet to be fully implemented across the industry, they represent potential efficiency gains.
Isabell Francois concluded with considerations for sustainable post-harvest operations. The choice of extraction method, regulatory compliance (GACP vs. GMP), and equipment selection at the outset influence long-term sustainability and cost-efficiency. Selecting the right partners and understanding production goals from the beginning were identified as key factors in optimizing post-harvest processes.
Click here for the event report on the Cannabis Summit 2025.