putting plant outside

i've been growing one plant inside a cardboard box. the ventilation in there is kind of insufficient. so i decided about an hour ago (4:00 PM) to put the plant outside since it's nice and sunny outside (71F). i was wondering if i leave the house and don't come back until after it gets dark, would this negatively affect the plant? keep in mind i've been keeping the plant under lights 24 hours a day. i've heard arguments that a period of darkness is actually good for the plant. i was also wondering if i'm keeping the pot outside on a balcony, are pests still a reality?

As long as the temperature outside does not drop too low after sun goes down, you should be fine. Avoid possible frost/freeze.
Unless balcony is screened in, always do a bug check on your plants.
Good luck!

Treat the plant as if it has bugs just to be on the safe side.