Dave Hawley
R&D and Horticulture Services LeadFluenceDr. David Hawley
Research & Development Lead; Science and Hort. Services, Fluence
Dr. David Hawley leads Fluence’s global Cannabis Crop Sciences program, driving innovation in photobiological research, data analytics, and cultivation consultation. With several studies published in peer-reviewed journals, Dr. Hawley champions evidence-based lighting strategies designed to align plant biology with commercial production goals. His research forms the foundation for Fluence’s dynamic lighting systems, helping growers enhance yield, quality, and consistency across every crop cycle.
Dispelling the Hype: A Data-Driven Reassessment of Cannabis Lighting
Lighting is one of the largest line items in any cultivation budget, yet much of the spectrum advice circulating today rests on marketing claims rath
Lighting is one of the largest line items in any cultivation budget, yet much of the spectrum advice circulating today rests on marketing claims rather than evidence. As operating costs climb, growers are shifting from broad-spectrum white light tow
Lighting is one of the largest line items in any cultivation budget, yet much of the spectrum advice circulating today rests on marketing claims rather than evidence. As operating costs climb, growers are shifting from broad-spectrum white light toward dynamic spectra, layering in UV, blue, and far-red to chase potency, yield, and energy savings. The question is which of those moves actually pay off, and which simply add cost.
This session cu
Lighting is one of the largest line items in any cultivation budget, yet much of the spectrum advice circulating today rests on marketing claims rather than evidence. As operating costs climb, growers are shifting from broad-spectrum white light toward dynamic spectra, layering in UV, blue, and far-red to chase potency, yield, and energy savings. The question is which of those moves actually pay off, and which simply add cost.
This session cuts through the noise with findings from a seven-year research program spanning North America and Europe, drawing on both university studies and commercial facility trials. Grounded in photobiology rather than product pitches, it offers a brand-agnostic look at what the data really shows. We'll separate hype from reality on the claims you hear most: UV for potency, far-red for yield, and sunrise-sunset transition effects. You'll also see repeatable results on inter-canopy and under-canopy lighting, including where supplemental placement earns its keep and where it doesn't.
Best for intermediate to advanced cultivators, facility operators, and researchers who make capital decisions, this discussion connects plant science directly to economic return and repeatability. Expect practical, evidence-based guidance you can apply to optimize lighting systems heading into 2027. As one of the more rigorous sessions tracking cannabis industry trends, it's built for professionals who'd rather act on data than assumptions.
