It is the proper way to grow weed.
J/k, basically it is one or more pots that make up grow sites which is plumbed to a central pot called the reservoir or res. Pump(s) circulate the water from the res to the plant sites and it flows back via gravity.
It requires parts and plumbing up front, but the benefits are higher level of control, faster problem fixing, and higher yields if done correctly.
The roots dangle in the water, which if properly oxygenated, is an incredibly healthy environment for roots.
Since this is "unnatural" the question is can it possibly be as good in terms of quality (smell, taste, etc) as organic soil? Could an expert pot smoker pick out the difference? I would like to know