The short answer: YES

The long, anectodal answer:
With my current crop (first time growing)...
On Jan 22 I soaked seeds overnight in small jars, then sowed them directly in soil in red plastic beer cups, about as deep as my fingernails. Soil was and still is an unmeasured blend of Supersoil, Perlite, worm castings, and a trace of charcoal chips. I placed them 2 feet under a 400W hps on an 18/6 cycle. All 8 of 8 sprouted, most within 3 days, and all within 7. My temps were very high at first, and not intended, ranging from 82 - 92F in a closet with sliding doors ajar (70+ degree January/February weather in CA compounded with bulb temperature). I poked serveral small holes along the bottom of ziplock bags and slipped them loosely over the cups to trap moisture. I spray-misted the soil to maintain constant moisture and removed the bags the first two round leaves unfolded. Off and running, I soon switched to a MH conversion bulb and over time as the plants grew and strenghthened, moved them up and down within 18" to 12". If the plants looked "stretchy" I moved them closer. If the leaves folded like tacos, I lowered them. Now on April 7th, I have 4 females with calyxes starting to swell. Until sexing, it was a constant battle between heat management and maximizing 400w light intensity. In other words, getting as close as possible to the bulb without burning the leaves...I could go on and on, and it looks like I already have.

So yes, sow WITHOUT FEAR under bright light, at least 400w anyway. Just baby them every step of the way.

Hope my experience can help you.