What's new with LED Lighting! With Shane Torpey, from MIGRO

In this episode of High on Homegrown, host Tommy Chong welcomes Shane Torpey from Migro, a leading authority on grow lighting, to discuss the latest advancements in LED technology for home cannabis cultivation. Shane breaks down the evolution of LED diodes, explaining that while Samsung was once the gold standard, companies like Hong Li Tech now offer comparable performance at lower costs. He debunks myths around specialized spectra, variable lighting, and sunrise/sunset effects, emphasizing that for home growers, simple white LEDs with high light intensity are optimal. Shane highlights that modern LEDs deliver double the light output (900–1,000 micromoles) compared to older HPS systems, without the heat issues, enabling higher yields and better quality due to lower bud temperatures. He also discusses the limited practicality of CO2 enrichment for home growers and promotes under-canopy lighting as a cost-effective way to boost yields. Throughout the conversation, Shane stresses the importance of data-driven decisions, citing controlled studies that show LEDs outperform HPS in yield, quality, and efficiency, with payback on energy costs in under two years.