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New York's 1st legal marijuana crop sprouts under the sun

New York's recreational marijuana market is beginning to sprout, literally, with thin-leafed plants stretching toward the sun in farms around the state.

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Cannabis grown outdoors can often have lower THC than plants grown indoors under lights. That makes it less desirable to some consumers, though others appreciate its nuanced characteristics, comparing it to garden-grown tomatoes. "It's called sun-grown marijuana," said grower Moke Mokotoff of Claverack Creek Farm in the Hudson Valley. "And a lot of aficionados just like the way it smokes better." Growing weed under the sun with sustainable practices also requires far less energy than electricity-hungry indoor grows. Bridge West Consulting chief executive officer Ari Hoffnung said that could translate into lower prices. Aside from pests and bad weather, a big challenge to growing weed outdoors is the threat of thievery. Homestead's half acre is not only surrounded by an electrified fence, but it has motion detectors and other security features.