Last Updated In February 18th: Massachusetts is known for its frigid, harsh winters, where snow covers the state for most winter months. So growing cannabis outside in Massachusetts can only work if you choose the right, resilient strain for the changing temperatures and unpredictable weather.
This list compiles the seven best strains to grow in Massachusetts because not every cannabis strain is ideal for crazy New England weather.
7 Best Strains To Grow In Massachusetts – Quick Look
| Strain | THC % | Indica/Sativa | Yield | Flowering Time |
| Super Skunk | 14% | Indica | 5-15 Oz Per Plant | 7-10 Weeks |
| Blue Cheese | 19% | Indica | 5-15 Oz Per Plant | 7-10 Weeks |
| White Widow | 19% | Indica | 5-15 Oz Per Plant | 10-14 Weeks |
| Durban Poison | 20% | Sativa | 19 Oz Per Plant | 9 Weeks |
| Northern Lights | 18% | Indica | 5-15 Oz Per Plant | 7-10 Weeks |
Introduction to Growing Cannabis in Massachusetts
As the nation relaxes laws that prohibit cannabis and states begin to legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational use, more and more people are eager to grow their own plants.
Massachusetts legalized recreational marijuana use for adults over 21 in 2016. The laws state you can have a maximum of six flowering plants in your home, exciting cannabis users interested in smoking some homegrown weed.
But the cold and unpredictable weather can make it hard to grow cannabis. Marijuana lovers can rejoice knowing that these fantastic strains thrive in Massachusetts’ climate.
7 Best Cannabis Strains to Grow in Massachusetts
1. Gorilla Glue Autoflower
Gorilla Glue Autoflower is an Indica strain that offers a calming effect, high THC levels, and resilience outdoors.
Growing Information
Gorilla Glue Autoflower grows indoors and outdoors, even in Massachusetts. The strain has a short flowering period, so it will fully blossom over a Massachusetts summer.
In short, the strain is easy to grow as it persists through colder temperatures and has a short, eight-week flowering period and takes a total of 13 weeks from seed to smoking. The main requirement for this strain is lots and lots of nutrients to keep it strong in the Massachusetts climate.
The plant gives an incredibly high yield, so it works great for growers that want as much flower as possible from one harvest but are restricted by the six plant maximum.
Effects and Flavor
This strain has an absolute minimum THC content of 18%, with most containing over 20%. So, thanks to cross-breeding, Gorilla Glue Autoflower gives the user a powerful high, with some strains even reaching 27% THC.
While the strain manages to offer both psychoactive effects and a prolonged, relaxed feeling, its main downside is the harshness of the smoke, which is not ideal for newbies.
Loaded with terpenes, the aroma is marvelous, giving the user hints of lemon, pine, and much more for a complex and distinct scent.
2. Girl Scout Cookies Extreme
Girl Scout Cookies Extreme is an Indica dominant strain that gives a creative, euphoric high and is an easy start for novice growers.
Growing Information
The strain flourishes in warmer climates but turns a delicious purple when grown in a cold climate. It is super easy to grow with no special requirements, so it is often recommended to newbies.
The strain is resistant to mold and plant diseases, making it durable and simple to maintain. It takes about nine weeks to completely blossom, so it will grow over a Massachusetts summer.
Effects and Flavor
Most users report a sweet taste and smell to the strain with earthy, berry qualities reminiscent of dessert, hence the name. The strain even has hints of chocolate and mint that will make you feel like you’re smoking Thin Mints, the best Thin Mints ever.
The fantastic smell and flavor pair with a relaxing and creative feeling that can make the user more sociable and inspired. Despite the dry mouth, the strain is perfect for a joint at a party or a smoke session while painting.
For a bonus, Girl Scout Cookies Extreme has medicinal qualities and can relieve nausea, pain, and loss of appetite.
3. White Widow Autoflower
The White Widow Autoflower is a brilliant orange strain that fosters a happy, creative mood and is a breeze to grow in challenging climates.
Growing Information
This Sativa dominant strain is easy to grow both indoors and outdoors. Autoflowering plants are more flexible to begin with, but the White Widow Autoflower strain is one of the easiest to maintain, wanting only a dry, warm climate.
From seed to smoking, the strain takes around 11 weeks, slightly longer than other auto-flowering, but still a tight window, ideal for an unpredictable climate like Massachusetts.
Effects and Flavor
The White Widow Autoflower is bursting with terpenes and has a pungent, citrus smell that is very pleasing. It is relatively low in CBD and THC, so it is ideal for those looking for a low-level high or people just getting into cannabis.
4. Northern Lights Autoflower
Northern Lights Autoflower is a strain that delivers a calm, sleepy high with prominent flavors of nature and a massive harvest.
Growing Requirements
The plant flowers in just eight short weeks and prefers a slow-releasing plant food as loads of nutrients can harm the growing process. It doesn’t get much easier than growing Northern Lights Autoflower outdoors as it will endure varying temperatures and still grow to immense size with a high yield.
Effects and Flavor
This strain is very forward, with natural flavors serving up a piney, earthy scent reminiscent of the forest, hence the nature-inspired name. There are subtle notes of citrus, flowers, and sweet berries for a well-rounded aroma that is pleasing as it grows.
Northern Lights Autoflower is ideal for an evening after a long day as it provides a relaxing, euphoric, sleepy high that will take the edge off just when you need it. It tends to cause dry eyes and dry mouth, but it isn’t too bothersome if you’re asleep.
5. Amnesia Haze
This strain can be grown outdoors if given enough attention. It offers an energetic, happy high that lasts.
Growing Requirements
Amnesia Haze requires a warm environment that may not seem ideal for Massachusetts, but its quick flowering period makes it perfect for growing outdoors during the hot months. This strain is susceptible to pests, so it needs to be monitored to ensure it isn’t being attacked.
As far as strains for Massachusetts go, this one is not the easiest but yields a high harvest that gives the user a powerful, lasting high. If you are brand new to growing cannabis, you may want to wait a bit before tackling Amnesia Haze.
Effects and Flavor
Amnesia Haze has an uplifting effect that energizes the user and a euphoric feeling. It helps with stress and depression but sometimes can instigate paranoia. The strain is super sour and lemony in the smell with a citrus, earthy taste. Some report dry eyes and dry mouth when smoking this strain.
6. Purple Kush
Purple Kush is a pure Indica strain that grows in most climates and offers full-body relaxation for a stress-free, sleepy high, and is often considered one of the best purple strains available!
Growing Requirements
This strain’s main requirement is that it needs to be in a dry place; humidity is the enemy. Other than that, Purple Haze is a resilient strain that can flower in varying temperatures and is not prone to pests or parasites.
Usually ready for harvest in mid-late September with an 8-week flowering period, it is the perfect strain for quick summer growth before the cold months come. But because of its tolerance to lower temperatures, it is one of the best strains to grow in Massachusetts.
Effects and Flavor
Purple Kush gives the user a prolonged feeling of sleepiness and peace, making it perfect for the end of a long day. It gives you both a strong body high while blanketing your mind with a stress-free euphoric feeling.
The strain has a sweet, earthy flavor punctuated by a strong grape smell, which is how it got its name.
7. Sour Diesel
A popular strain on the east coast, Sour Diesel is a pungent, tall-growing cannabis strain that delivers an energetic, full-body high that will knock you over if you are not prepared.
Growing Requirements
Sour Diesel can tolerate moderately cold weather, so it can be grown through the spring and autumn months in Massachusetts. The strain grows super tall and thin, so it needs pruning often but benefits from growing outdoors because it has more space to flower.
From seed to smoking, it takes about 11 weeks to blossom and needs attention throughout this time. If not maintained properly, the plant will overgrow and overwhelm itself, producing a lower quality bud or none at all.
Effects and Flavor
The strain absolutely smells like diesel gas which is how it got its name. The sour taste it has is the reason for the other half of the name. The strain is commonly used for medicinal use because the effects are powerful and relieve symptoms like body pain, mental stress, and depression.
Sour Diesel gets you high fast and keeps you high with a dream-like high that is great for watching movies or enjoying nature.
Final Thoughts On Strains To Grow In Massachusetts
So there are definitely strains out there that grow well in Massachusetts compared to other strains that require balmy climates. These are the top seven best strains that grow in Massachusetts because they are resilient and tough.
These seven strains can survive and thrive outdoors in Massachusetts’ unpredictable climate, so there’s no need to rely on California for quality cannabis. All of these strains can produce an exciting harvest despite Massachusetts’ chaotic climate. Growing cannabis in different climates can be difficult but thankfully we have you covered!
Resources:
https://resilientma.mass.gov/sectors/agriculture
Other Climates: