CANNABIS CULTIVATION GUIDE
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CANNABIS CULTIVATION GUIDE
CONTENT OUR PROCESS/WHO WE ARE/WHAT WE DO
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HYBRID & TOTALLY ENCLOSED FACILITIES
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POSITIVE & NEGATIVE PRESSURE COOLING
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HEATING OPTIONS
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DEHUMIDIFICATION
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CO2 SUPPLEMENT
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SHADE & HEAT RETENTION
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COVERINGS
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LIGHT CYCLE CONTROL
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INSECT EXCLUSION
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BENCH SYSTEMS
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Cannabis Cultivation Guide
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WHO
WE ARE
Manufacturers of modern growing technology and innovative agricultural equipment for efficient and high-yield growing systems.
Founded in 1986, Atlas Greenhouse supplies
greenhouse structures and accessories to the green industry across the country. In 2008, Mark Davis took ownership and restructured the company as Atlas Manufacturing, Inc. What started out as a small greenhouse suppler has since grown to over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing and sales under one roof. In October of 2022, Atlas established a partnership with Mangrove Equity Partners, which has allowed Atlas to expand its sales force to better serve our customers throughout the United States. Today, Atlas is a leading national manufacturer and supplier of structure systems for all varieties of growing applications with thousands of structures built across the globe. With over 35 successful years of building greenhouses, our team of experts are experienced and knowledgeable in all field of facility design, environmental factors and high-yield production. The Atlas team of experienced greenhouse designers are dedicated to developing advanced, modern solutions for commercial growers. Our headquarters and advanced manufacturing facility provide unprecedented lead times for structure manufacturing. Atlas structures are designed and built for longevity and engineered for specific high wind and heavy snow climates, providing turn-key solutions for any region. Our team of contractors are fully versed in all aspects of Cannabis facility design.
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ATLAS GREENHOUSE & MANUFACTURING
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ABOUT US
WHAT WE DO
... YOUR DREAM IS GROWN HERE!
From Conceptual Design and Consulting, to Project Development and Manufacturing and Building, our team of experts carefully analyze your specific cultivation needs, create your designs and the final product is carefully constructed in a collaborative package to you — our customer.
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN & CONSULTING
Consultations are provided by our team of experts to determine your cultivation needs. Designs are based on crop, product, region and climate changes.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
Construction plans are developed by our drafting and engineering team with collaboration from our cannabis consultants and general contractors.
MANUFACTURING & BUILDING Production begins in our 120,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and building commences by our teams of professional installation crews. Progress is tracked through our collaborative timeline between customer, engineer and contractor.
proud members of the NGMA
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HYBRID GREENHOUSES & TOTALLY ENCLOSED GREENHOUSES
ATLAS
HYBRID FACILITIES
By utilizing the design concept of a Positive Pressure Greenhouse, the Atlas Hybrid Greenhouse adds one additional and very useful item ... air conditioning. Our Hybrid Greenhouses can utilize dehumidifiers, chillers, coolers, or traditional HVAC systems, allowing the grower to use the greenhouse as a traditional greenhouse most months of the year, utilizing outside air. Then, during those months when the air is too hot, or more likely, too humid, the outside vents close and instead of pulling outside air into the greenhouse, chillers or air conditioners scrub the air free of humidity, mold, pollen, spores, and of course, lower the temperature. Subsequently, this cold air is then pumped into the cooling chamber, where it is pulled into the greenhouse and distributed through the ducts under the crop’s root structure and is forced through the canopy. During this process, the greenhouse remains closed, and the air is returned back to the cooling chamber to be scrubbed of humidity and heat, and then, pumped back into the greenhouse. While this offers incredible control and the most ideal environment, the utility expense during this period can be 10 times as much, or more expensive than the traditional positive pressure methodology of cooling a greenhouse through evaporation of outside ambient air temperature. Many growers contemplate that this is the best option available today by providing them with the ability to utilize many different environmental control options as the seasons change, thus making their operation as efficient as possible.
BENEFITS OF HYBRID FACILITIES ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL & STABILITY MODERATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY INCREASED OPERATING COSTS
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ENHANCED YIELD & QUALITY YEAR-ROUND CULTIVATION PEST & DISEASE MANAGEMENT
ATLAS GREENHOUSE & MANUFACTURING
CONSISTENT PRODUCT QUALITY COMPLIANCE & REGULATION ADAPTABILITY
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TOTALLY ENCLOSED FACILITIES Currently, the ultimate and most controlled environmental option available on the greenhouse market, a Totally Enclosed Greenhouse utilizes the design of positive pressure, along with traditional HVAC heating and cooling to consistently set the temperature and humidity to the exact set points desired and the ability to achieve those set points year-round, regardless of outside temperatures or humidity. With totally enclosed facilities, growers have the results of an indoor growing facility with complete control of temperature and humidity, but the key factor making this an attractive option in today’s Cannabis market is Natural Sunlight! However, this sunlight has also played a major role in limiting the success of year-round cultivation of high-quality flower in other greenhouse ventilation and cooling options previously mentioned. As the sunlight rises above the horizon, it immediately begins creating a solar buildup in the greenhouse. This thermal load from the sun, especially when humidity levels are very high, is less than ideal for Cannabis in flower, making it at times,
almost impossible to maintain acceptable plant health during this period, which can result in crop failure and loss. Day Light Integral (DLI) is a measure of the total light accumulated in a 24-hour period and when growing in a greenhouse, growers can reach a DLI of 40 moles per day per meter squared, which is an ideal light accumulation and is unobtainable in an indoor growing environment with grow lights only. Truly, there is no substitute for the sun when growing plants, but a totally enclosed greenhouse provides growers with a clean, exact condition, while still letting the sunlight in. Finally, although totally enclosed facilities provide the most accurate control, they are an investment, as the ongoing energy usage increases the price to maintain.
BENEFITS OF TOTALLY ENCLOSED FACILITIES ENTIRE ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL & STABILITY ENERGY EFFICIENCY HIGHER OPERATING COSTS
ENHANCED YIELD & QUALITY YEAR-ROUND CULTIVATION MAXIMUM IN PEST & DISEASE MANAGEMENT
CONSISTENT PRODUCT QUALITY COMPLIANCE & REGULATION ADAPTABILITY
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CANNABIS CLIMATE CONTROL
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COOLING POSITIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION
A method of cooling a Cannabis Greenhouse by introducing fresh, cooler air into the greenhouse space to lower the overall temperature, the Positive Pressure Ventilation system strives to maintain a favourable climate for plant growth. By utilizing a technique that involves creating a positive air pressure differential between the interior of the greenhouse and outside environment, growers can anticipate that leaves will be constantly moving, helping to strengthen and cool the plant, as well as fight off any developing disease, including white mold, especially in the flower stage. This process helps to lower internal temperature, improve air quality and maintain a conducive environment for healthy Cannabis plant growth.
BENEFITS
• Effective Cooling
• Energy Efficiency
• Improved Air Quality
• Automation & Control
• Minimized Pests & Diseases
• Compatibility with other systems
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ATLAS GREENHOUSE & MANUFACTURING
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ADDITIONAL COOLING SYSTEMS
FAN & PAD
NEGATIVE PRESSURE COOLING
The most traditional and affordable design on the market, the Fan and Pad Cooling System features Negative Pressure Cooling, which utilizes exhaust fans at one end of the greenhouse to pull or exchange the air in the greenhouse out of the building with fresh outside ambient temperature at least once per minute. The temperature in this system can be lowered through the evaporation of a simple pad system or cool cell. As the air is chilled through evaporation, it is pulled to the opposite end of the greenhouse and forced out of the building through exhaust fans, with this cycle continuing up to 1.3 times per minute. While this is an economical approach, it is the least effective methodology for producing Cannabis in regions with hot and humid months.
NATURAL VENTILATION WITH SIDEWALLS & ROOF VENTS
Many crops perform well in greenhouses with natural ventilation.
Operating on the principle that heat is removed from the greenhouse by wind and temperature differences between the inside and outside of the greenhouse, wind serves as the primary component in the Natural Ventilation system. Even light winds as low as one to two miles per hour are sufficient in keeping the inside temperature within a few degrees of the outside temperature. The ridge vents allow for the hot air in the greenhouse to rise and escape through the roof opening and the greater the difference in temperature from inside versus outside, the greater the results. While affordability is the primary advantage in using natural ventilation versus exhaust fan and electrical options, sidewall vents also provide a lowcost, low-maintenance solution. Cannabis Cultivation Guide
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HEATING OPTIONS
HEATING
What is the best option for your Cannabis Greenhouse?
At Atlas, we focus on providing our Cannabis growers with heating systems specifically designed for their location and requirements. By offering a full line of Modine Unit gas fire heaters in LP or Natural Gas and equipped with spark ignition and power vented exhaust, all standard with a Stainless Steel heat exchanger and 10-year warranty, we also offer the Effinity High Efficiency unit heaters, which can dramatically reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions.
EFFINITY WITH BUILDING MGMT SYSTEM INTEGRATION
LOW-PROFILE POWER VENTED (PTP/BTP)
Ideal for heating a commercial workspace, such as a warehouse, workshop or studio, the horizontal Power Vented PTP unit heater line delivers up to 83% thermal efficiency in a small business-friendly package. The blower BTP model allows customers to add ductwork onto the unit to better distribute heat and air. Offering up to 83% thermal efficiency, this unit is an excellent fit for greenhouse applications and other situations requiring better and more flexible air movement. 8
ATLAS GREENHOUSE & MANUFACTURING
Operating at up to 93% thermal efficiency, Modine’s Effinity™ condensation unit heater features the highest efficiency available in North America for commercial and industrial gasfired unit heaters, which will dramatically lower energy costs and CO2 emissions. This industry-leading efficiency is a result of the coupling of our secondary heat exchanger technology with our robust tubular primary heat exchanger design. The Effinity™ guards against mold and maintains uniform wallto-wall temperatures with consistent air circulation. All units are equipped with Building Management System (BMS) integration capabilities, allowing them to be added to existing BMS easily. atlasgreenhouse.com
HYDRONIC HEATING With the methodology of Hydronic Heating in your Cannabis Greenhouse, you will achieve maximum heating efficiency and experience even control of your soil temperature. During the hydronic heating process, hot water is circulated through rubber tubing placed at the root zone, resulting in direct and even distribution of radiant heat bringing the soil to the desired temperature. Ultimately, the primary benefit of a hydronic heating system is that the grower can specifically target the heat to its most useful location - the root zone of the plants. Applying heat to the plant roots means the grower is not directly heating the foliage or the air above the plants, as a forced-air heating system does. Other benefits include less heat stratification, with all the hot air rising to the ceiling, and better plant growth, especially since many plants prefer warm roots and cool leaves.
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DEHUMIDIFICATION
As a Cannabis greenhouse grower, we understand that you are faced with the challenges of moisture control and humidity management. In trying to eliminate humidity by ventilating, growers experience massive heat loss and huge energy costs needing to reheat the greenhouse, but with dehumidification, you can reduce your energy usage and improve plant growth since you don’t need to raise the heat and ventilate the greenhouse in the traditional way. Atlas Greenhouse offers you a line of high-performance, energy-efficient, freestanding dehumidifiers that are designed to control damaging moisture and humidity, utilizing the latest heat transfer refrigerant technology to drastically improve performance, while providing you with the most economical solution in the industry.
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ATLAS GREENHOUSE & MANUFACTURING
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ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
CO2 SUPPLEMENT Uniform, Stress-Free Cannabis Greenhouse Environment
JOHNSON CO2 GENERATOR As a Cannabis greenhouse owner, you know that carbon dioxide is one of the essential ingredients in green plant growth. Controlling the impact the outside environment has on the inside of your greenhouse helps balance the limiting factors for optimal plant growth. A Johnson CO2 Generator automatically provides ideal carbon dioxide level when plants need it most, year-round to maximize plant growth-efficiently & economically.
JOHNSON CO2 FEATURES & BENEFITS • • • • • • • • • • • • •
100% recirculation Heating Cooling Dehumidification Fresh air blending Air ventilation Adiabatic cooling Fresh air cooling Pest and pollination prevention Positive pressure Easy Installation Durability Efficiency Safety
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COVERING OPTIONS
SHADE & HEAT RETENTION
When the goal is to maximize yield and quality, as well as lower energy costs, light management and temperature control are extremely important. Intense sunlight and solar heat gain in the greenhouse can quickly create an environment detrimental to a healthy plant, as well as worker production. The solution is an automated retractable shade system. During the greenhouse heating cycle, these systems are designed to keep heat from rising to the top of the greenhouse and away from the plants, resulting in reduced heating costs. While your specific climate control needs will vary depending on your geographic location, the numerous climate screens we have available make it easy to find the screen or combination of screens to best fit your crop. Designed with a rack and pinion drive system that moves from truss to truss, our Retractable Shade Systems feature multiple bay greenhouses that can be operated as a single growing zone, or separated into smaller zones to allow for more intensive management of different growth stages. 12
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COVERINGS
Selecting the right covering for a Cannabis greenhouse doesn’t have to be complicated. We believe the key is finding the right balance of light transmission, light diffusion, and light blocking capabilities. While light blocking materials are most often utilized on the end and side walls of the greenhouse, clear materials are utilized on the roof and gables of the greenhouse. By combining materials, the Cannabis grower can achieve the right amount of light transmission and security. Our coverings are equipped with light blocking materials, including white/black/white multi-layer polycarbonate, and black/white poly film. Additionally, clear, light transmitting coverings also include multi-wall polycarbonate, diffused corrugated polycarbonate and clear poly film. While the highest priority is high light transmission, light diffusion percentage, anti-condensation properties and insulation value also play a role in choosing the right covering for your greenhouse, and while polyethylene films are, by far, the most affordable covering option, poly film is clear and can include additives aiding in sheeting condensation and light diffusion.
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LIGHTING OPTIONS
LIGHT CYCLE CONTROL
RETRACTABLE LIGHT DEPRIVATION CURTAINS Commonly utilized in commercial greenhouses to control day length, Retractable Light Deprivation Curtains foster a controlled environment for the growth and flowering of photo-periodic plants, which means plants detect light from any holes or gaps. Typically, proper blackout systems are combined with light traps, covering the exhaust fans and cooling systems to create an area completely void of light. In summary, a high quality light deprivation system is a crucial component to successful cultivation.
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HPS & LED LIGHTING Emitting light in the red spectrum (600-700nm approximately), the HPS Lighting System stimulates top growth, creating longer internodes and encouraging flowering. A more affordable option with high output, light emitting diode (LED) lamps are offered with full spectrum lighting that ranges from blue to red and can also run cooler than HPS and MH lights, generating less greenhouse heat build-up, which allows light fixtures to be positioned closer to the plants.
BREATHABLE LIGHT TRAPS Utilized to cover exhaust fans, evaporative cooling systems, and air intake shutters, light traps feature a unique design allowing air to flow freely, while blocking all light from entering the greenhouse. In mechanically ventilated greenhouses, light traps are necessary to control day length and keep your growing and cultivation on schedule. Our Cannabis Cultivation structures are designed with light traps and the required housing to cleanly and effectively block light without obstructing the air flow. atlasgreenhouse.com
INSECT EXCLUSION
INSECT SCREEN
INSECT EXCLUSION FACILITY DESIGNS
DOUBLE-ENTRY ROOMS
Designed by mesh size based on the target pest to be excluded, tight mesh insect screens target thrips and other small insects, which can greatly reduce air flow and cause the greenhouse to overheat. In order to prevent the greenhouse from overheating, screens and cooling equipment must be properly sized to function correctly. Be assured that our team of professionals will design your greenhouse for the best results. Features include Lean-To with Kneewall, Greenhouse Extension, and Boxes over Fans design.
Serving as a pre-entry room before personnel enter into the greenhouse, double-entry rooms are designed to create an extra layer of defense. When designed with positive air flow blowing against the outside door opening, double-entry rooms are the most effective. In addition, fans or air curtains can be used to create the positive pressure for double-entry rooms.
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FERTIGATION
FERTIGATION SYSTEMS
WHAT IS FERTIGATION?
OUR PARTNERS
A combination of the words “fertilization” and “irrigation,” fertigation is a technique that involves delivering nutrients to plants through the irrigation system. When it comes to growing a healthy Cannabis crop in a greenhouse, fertigation systems play a crucial role in optimizing plant growth, yield, and overall health.
BENEFITS OF IRRIGATION • • • • • • • •
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Precise Nutrient Delivery Nutrient Absorption Efficiency Uniform Distribution Optimal Growth and Yield Management of pH Time and Labor Efficiency Reduced Environmental Impact Data-Driven Precision
ATLAS GREENHOUSE & MANUFACTURING
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ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS
CONTROLLING YOUR SPACE Environmental Control Systems play a vital role in ensuring the optimal growth, health, and productivity of Cannabis plants within a greenhouse environment. They allow growers to finely tune and manage various environmental factors to create a controlled and consistent growth environment.
OUR PARTNERS
BENEFITS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS • • • • • • • • • •
Temperature Regulation Humidity Management Lighting Optimization CO2 Enrichment Air Circulation and Ventilation Irrigation and Fertigation Pest and Disease Prevention Data Monitoring and Analysis Consistency and Reproducibility Resource Efficiency Cannabis Cultivation Guide
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MAXIMIZE YOUR GROWING SPACE
BENCH SYSTEMS
MAXIMIZE YOUR GROWING SPACE
Atlas benches allow you to maximize the use of your growing space and improve the efficiency of your greenhouse. With proper bench designs, you will minimize wasted space and in turn, increase your profits. Whether you’re looking to maximize production space in a commercial greenhouse, efficiently accommodate customers in a retail greenhouse, or create an environment conducive to learning in an educational setting, allow Atlas to help you design a bench layout customized to fit all your needs.
ROLLING BENCHES Designed with the grower in mind, Atlas rolling benches are available in width options of 4, 4.5, 5.5, and 6-foot, all maximizing the efficiency of your growing space. Our benches are designed to accommodate our molded polystyrene Ebb and Flow trays or troughs, or our three-quarter-inch 13-gauge expanded metal tops. With welded bench frames built from one-inch-square galvanized steel tubing, cross support ribs are spaced every 18 inches to support even the heaviest crops. While threaded height adjustment allows approximately 4 inches of leveling, our extruded siderails are designed to accept optional trellis support arms and legs can be mounted in concrete piers or attached to your concrete foundation.
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PORTABLE & CONTINUOUS BENCHES
PORTABLE BENCHES Available in various sizes and easy to move around inside the greenhouse, our portable benches allow for flexibility with the bench arrangement as your needs change within your greenhouse.
CONTINUOUS BENCHES Permanently fastened together to create a continuous bench of any length, our continuous benches are an excellent option for commercial production, and are available in width options of 3, 4, 5, and 6-foot. Key features of both Portable and Continuous Benches include: • 1” x 2” rectangular legs • 1” x 2” rectangular cross support ribs • Heavy aluminum extrusions create the top perimeter support edge • Available with expanded metal top or ebb and flow trays
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BENCH SYSTEM DIAGRAMS
20’-0” BENCH SYSTEM 20'-0"
4'
4'-6"
5'
5'-6"
6'
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ATLAS GREENHOUSE & MANUFACTURING
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BENCH SYSTEM DIAGRAMS
24’-0” BENCH SYSTEM 24'-0" 4'
4'-6"
5'
5'-6"
6'
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BENCH SYSTEM DIAGRAMS
30’-0” BENCH SYSTEM
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ATLAS GREENHOUSE & MANUFACTURING
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BENCH SYSTEM DIAGRAMS
36’-0” BENCH SYSTEM 36'-0" 4'
4'-6"
5'
5'-6"
6'
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BENCH SYSTEM DIAGRAMS
41’-6” BENCH SYSTEM 41'-6"
4'
4'-6"
5'
5'-6"
6'
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ATLAS GREENHOUSE & MANUFACTURING
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LET US HELP
BOOST YOUR CANNABIS ENVIRONMENT
CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS IS KEY Our quality customized service and installation is unlike any other. You’ll experience one-on-one attention from your sales team member from planning your Cannabis Greenhouse to quality installation, start to finish, and a continuous partnership with Atlas to ensure your growing environment last for years to come.
Let’s Grow Together!
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CONTACT US 9596 U.S. Hwy 82 Alapaha, Georgia 31622 800.346.9902 Sales@AtlasGreenhouse.com Cannabis Cultivation Guide Revised November 2023