Not all cannabis is grown the same.

And how it’s grown? That matters more than most people think.

Whether you’re new to cannabis or a long-time connoisseur, understanding the difference between hydroponic and soil-grown cannabis can help you make smarter choices—especially when it comes to consistency, cleanliness, and overall experience.

At The Memo, we use precision hydroponics for one reason: control.

But first, here’s what makes these two cultivation methods different.

What Is Soil-Grown Cannabis?

This is the traditional method. Cannabis plants are grown in natural or enriched soil, either outdoors or indoors. The soil provides nutrients, holds water, and mimics how the plant would grow in the wild.

Pros:

• Lower startup cost for growers
• Easier for home cultivation
• Often associated with “earthy” terpene profiles

Cons:

• Soil can carry pests, mold, or contaminants
• Harder to control exact nutrients and pH
• Inconsistent results from batch to batch

Soil-grown cannabis can be great—but only if done under strict, clean conditions (which many large-scale ops don’t always follow).

What Is Hydroponic Cannabis?

Hydroponics means growing cannabis without soil. Instead, plants get their nutrients directly from water. At The Memo, we use a high-tech version of this called recirculating deep water culture, or precision hydroponics.

The result? Cleaner, more consistent cannabis, grown in a fully sealed indoor environment.

Pros:

• No soil = no pesticides or contaminants
• Full control over nutrients, pH, water, and oxygen
• Better consistency and faster growth
• Smooth smoke, vibrant flavor, high potency

Cons:

• More complex and expensive to set up
• Requires experienced growers with attention to detail

So, What’s the Real Difference?

It all comes down to control vs. variability.

• Soil: You’re at the mercy of the medium. Quality can vary from grow to grow.
• Hydroponics: You’re in full control of the process. That means cleaner, smoother, more reliable flower every time.

Why The Memo Chooses Precision Hydroponics

We didn’t choose hydroponics because it was easy.

We chose it because it was better—for us, for our customers, and for the quality of every single harvest.

Our sealed, indoor facility allows us to:

• Eliminate pesticides and soil-borne diseases
• Grow in pharmaceutical-grade rooms with exact nutrient profiles
• Deliver small-batch cannabis with zero guesswork and maximum purity

“We built this to feel proud of what we grow—and confident in what we share with others.”

— Kyle Masterson, Co-Founder, The Memo

How to Tell the Difference as a Consumer

Here’s how you know you’re getting precision-grown cannabis:

• The flower feels sticky, not dry
• It burns clean and even—no harsh hits or dark ash
• The high feels clear, not foggy or unpredictable
• The brand is transparent about how it grows

Bottom Line: Soil Can Be Good. Hydroponics Can Be Better.

Not all hydroponic cannabis is great—but when done right, it’s the cleanest, most consistent way to grow. That’s why we do it. Every strain we produce at The Memo is made in-house with control, care, and clarity at the root of everything.

Ready to experience cannabis grown without compromise?

Shop Our Memo Cannabis Products

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