Cannabis Training Methods are a total game-changer if you’re planning to grow cannabis — whether it’s your first time or your tenth.
Training your plants not only helps you maximize your harvest, but it also makes them stronger, healthier, and way easier to manage.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the best cannabis training methods, share easy tutorials to help you get started, and answer all those little “wait, should I be worried?” questions that pop up when you’re caring for your green babies.
Why Cannabis Training Methods Matter for Better Growth
Imagine if you let your hair grow wild without brushing it for a year.
That’s what untrained cannabis can look like — messy, uneven, and not living up to its full potential.
Training helps because:
- You maximize light exposure to all parts of the plant.
- You encourage bigger, denser buds.
- You prevent mold and pests by improving airflow.
- You can control plant size for discreet or indoor grows.
Whether you’re growing indoors under grow lights or outside in the sunshine, a little training goes a long way.
Getting Your Plants Ready: Basics Before Starting Cannabis Training Methods
Before you even get into bending and topping, you need strong, happy plants. Here’s what they need:
Good genetics — Start with high-quality seeds or clones.
Healthy soil or hydroponics — Choose what fits your grow style.
Right environment — Keep temps between 20–28°C (68–82°F) and humidity around 50–70% during early growth.
Proper lighting — Full-spectrum lights are best for lush growth (Check out our guide on using purple light for a cool trick!).
Balanced nutrients — Not too much, not too little. Think Goldilocks.
Ready? Let’s dive into training!
5 Popular Cannabis Training Methods You Should Know
| Training Method | Best Growth Stage | Difficulty | Pros | Cons | Little Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LST (Low Stress Training) | Vegetative stage (4-6 nodes) | Easy | Better light exposure, promotes bushier growth | Requires regular adjusting, gradual shaping | Use soft ties and gentle hands |
| HST (High Stress Training) | Mid vegetative stage (strong plants) | Medium | Bigger buds, increased yield | Longer recovery time, risk of stress | Always sanitize your scissors |
| ScrOG (Screen of Green) | Early to mid veg stage (stretching begins) | Medium | Maximizes light use, even canopy | Takes time to set up and weave | Keep screen 8–12 inches (20–30cm) above plants |
| SOG (Sea of Green) | Early seedling stage (2–3 weeks) | Easy | Fast harvests, efficient space use | Smaller yield per plant | Clones work best |
| Mainlining | Early veg stage (3–6 nodes) | Advanced | Symmetrical growth, equal nutrient distribution | Longer grow time, needs precision | Patience and clean cuts are key |
1. Low Stress Training (LST)
LST = gentle guidance.
You bend and tie down stems to encourage sideways growth without hurting your plant.
How to Do LST Step-by-Step:
- Pick the right time: Start when your plant has 4–6 nodes (about 3–4 weeks old).
- Use soft ties: Garden wire, plant Velcro, or soft string are perfect. Avoid harsh materials!
- Bend the main stem: Gently pull it sideways and tie it to the pot’s edge.
- Adjust weekly: As new branches grow up, bend and tie them too. Make a nice, flat “canopy”!
Pro Tip:
If you combine LST with a little topping, you can seriously boost your yields!
2. High Stress Training (HST)
HST = controlled chaos.
You deliberately damage your plant a little to push it to grow stronger.
Popular HST Techniques:
- Topping: Cut off the main stem’s top to encourage more main colas.
- Fimming: Slightly different — you pinch instead of fully cutting.
- Super cropping: Squeeze and bend branches until they slightly snap internally (don’t worry, they heal fast!).
How to Do HST Step-by-Step:
- Sterilize your tools — Alcohol wipe those scissors!
- Topping: Cut the main shoot right above the 4th or 5th node.
- Super cropping: Gently squeeze a stem between fingers until it softens, then bend it 90 degrees.
Pro Tip:
After HST, support your branches with soft ties if needed — the plant will bounce back stronger!
3. Screen of Green (ScrOG)
Stretch your plants across a screen to create a flat, even canopy.
Perfect for small grow spaces!
Key point: Install the screen early, then weave branches through as they grow.
4. Sea of Green (SOG)
Grow many small plants close together and flip them to flowering early (around 2–3 weeks).
SOG is great when you want fast, consistent yields.
Key point: Start from clones if you can — they’re uniform and fast.
5. Mainlining and Manifolding
This is more advanced! You top your plant early, then split growth into two, four, eight even branches — all evenly spaced.
It looks super tidy and symmetrical, like a pro grower’s dream.
Common Questions About Cannabis Training Methods (FAQs)
Q1: How do I know if I’m bending too much during LST?
If the stem folds instead of just flexing, you’re pushing too hard! Go slow and steady.
Q2: Can I use training on autoflower plants?
Yes, but gently! Stick to LST. And be careful when transplanting, because autos hate root stress.
Q3: How soon after topping can I start LST?
Give your plant 3–5 days to recover from topping before you start bending.
Q4: Should I do HST on outdoor plants too?
Totally! Outdoor plants often grow huge — HST helps manage their size and increase bud sites.
Q5: What’s the biggest mistake beginners make with training?
Being too rough (snapping branches) or not being patient. Always remember: plants need recovery time too!
Cannabis Training Methods Timeline: When and How to Train
| Growth Stage | Recommended Training | Key Points to Remember |
|---|---|---|
| Seedling (Week 1–3) | No training yet, focus on healthy growth | Warm temps, gentle humidity, don’t overwater |
| Early Vegetative (Week 3–5) | Start light LST, first topping | Make sure stems are strong enough |
| Mid Vegetative (Week 5–8) | Continue LST, start ScrOG, second topping if needed | Regularly check and adjust ties/supports |
| Late Vegetative (Week 8+) | Super cropping, final shaping | Allow plants to fully recover before flowering |
| 1 Week Before Flower | Stop any heavy training | Let the plants prepare for blooming |
Final Thoughts on Using Cannabis Training Methods for Maximum Yields
Training your cannabis isn’t just about getting monster yields (although that’s a nice bonus 😎).
It’s about connecting with your plants, learning their rhythms, and having fun in the process.
Don’t stress if you don’t get it perfect the first time — cannabis is a tough little warrior.
Each grow is a lesson, and every harvest is a win.
If you want more insider growing tips,
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Keep growing, keep glowing! ✨
