Signify and Wur Expand Ongoing Research to Determine Effects of Philips LED Lighting on Medicinal Cannabis Crops

LDS 7 CS Signify 400

July 12, 2019

Signify announced a new long-term research collaboration with Wageningen University & Research (WUR) to investigate how LED lighting can influence compound production, quality and plant characteristics of cannabis crops grown for medicinal purposes. The research’s results will support growers in creating the ideal growing conditions for medicinal cannabis. This project continues the partners’ long and successful collaboration to develop unique, crop-dedicated light recipes that help growers improve crop results.

In the last few years there has been a surge in the legalization of medicinal cannabis in several regions around the world. This has led to growers to seek out more controlled and energy-efficient methods of cultivating these crops in greenhouses, including the use of LED lighting and tailor-made light recipes.

“This is a new, rapidly evolving area that presents unique opportunities,” said Udo van Slooten, Business Leader Horticulture at Signify. “Growers have to meet strict quality standards to ensure the highest grade possible for patients who depend on the medicine produced by their crops. Based on our long experience with other crops, our LED lighting solutions can help growers improve the quality, predictability and sustainability of their medicinal cannabis crop production, so they can step confidently into this market.”

The project lead is Prof. Dr. Leo Marcelis, Chair of Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, WUR. He is an expert in cultivation techniques for greenhouses and vertical farms and has worked on various LED lighting research projects with Signify for over 10 years. “The most challenging aspects of growing medicinal cannabis are controlling the flowering time, the compound composition and the consistency of each crop,” said Prof. Marcelis. There are over 100 cannabinoids or active compounds found in cannabis, which give the plant its medical properties. “Being able to control the content of specific cannabinoids could give growers an enormous advantage in their market.”

“In our past projects with Signify, we have already successfully used LED lighting and other growing conditions to influence for example nitrate levels in leafy greens, shelf life in lettuce and vitamin C in tomatoes. By tuning the color and intensity of LED lighting, we are confident that we can greatly influence the composition of CBD, THC and other key cannabinoids in the plants and the consistency of the quality. These critical criteria enable growers to produce medical-grade crops. At the same time, we can use LED lighting to improve plant characteristics, such as stronger rooting, branch and flower development to make the process as efficient and productive as possible,” Marcelis added.

The research project will last two years and is being set up in a climate-controlled chamber at WUR in Wageningen, the Netherlands. Plants will be grown in a single layer in four compartments under  Philips GreenPower LED production modules, controlled by the Philips GrowWise Control System so colors can be tuned and light levels adjusted dynamically. GrowWise Control system is an efficient way to test different timing and color of the lighting in each compartment and determine the ideal light spectrum for different growth phases. The project team includes researchers and students from the WUR, as well as Signify Plant Scientists Dr. Céline Nicole, PhD, and Dr. Sabrina Almeida de Carvalho, PhD.

Source

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Contact Delage & Solvic Announce New Representation Partnership

    New Collaboration – A New Solar Lighting Manufacturer Joins Contact Delage’s Offerings

    Contact Delage is excited to announce the addition of a new trusted partner to their lineup: Solvic, an innovative manufacturer specializing in solar lighting. This new partnership reflects Contact Delage’s ongoing commitment to offering sustainable, high-performance solutions tailored to real-world applications. With Solvic, they are expanding their range of autonomous solar products—perfect for lighting streets, parks,… Read More…

  • July 10, 2025 - Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies Announces Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce that Drazen Jerkovic will be joining their Project & Specification Sales team in the Lighting Division later this fall. With over 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, Drazen is a highly respected consultant known for his technical knowledge and deep understanding of project delivery. His recent role… Read More…


Design


New Products

  • Dals: Radiance Pro 12″ Smart Flush Mount

    Dals: Radiance Pro 12″ Smart Flush Mount

    Modern design meets intelligent lighting with the Radiance Pro, a 12″ smart flush mount that combines ultra-slim elegance with advanced smart control. Crafted with a sleek metal trim and available in white or black finishes, this fixture effortlessly complements any ceiling while offering scene grouping, customization, and timer options. With the Dals Connect app or… Read More…

  • Cooper Lighting Solutions: Metalux CZL Cruze Linear Bay

    Cooper Lighting Solutions: Metalux CZL Cruze Linear Bay

    The CZL Cruze is a Linear Bay LED Lighting System that comes in various lumen packages and configurations, offering customer-focused features and benefits such as integrated controls, uplight, several lensing options, louvers and adjustable mounting. The high performance, lighting distribution and linear design allows the CZL to fit a broad range of open-ceiling or suspended… Read More…