Last Updated December 22nd, 2022: On January 1st, 2020, Illinois legalized marijuana, opening the doors of the cannabis industry to all Illinoisans. Illinois can be a tricky place to grow cannabis because of its weather, which can be rainy and humid or hot and dry.
5 Best Strains To Grow In Illinois:
| 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 |
Cannabis strains with shorter flowering times do very well growing in Illinois. This is because winter can come early in the state. If you are growing in Illinois, the best time to start growing is during early spring, when the cold has faded away.
In this article, we’ll talk about the five best strains to grow in Illinois and why each is the best for growing in this state.
These strains are the best strains to grow in Illinois. These strains do well in varied climates when grown outside, and most do well in controlled climates if you’re planning to grow indoors.
Illinois Cannabis Strain Recommendations:
Strain 1: AK-47
AK-47, despite its name, this strain is a mellow bud to grow and perfect for Illinois. The plant is easy to grow and fast to flower, making it one of the best Illinois cannabis strains. It’s a compact plant, so you can grow it inside your home or in a greenhouse.
AK-47 also does well during Illinois’ hot and dry seasons, making it a versatile strain to grow. It is best to grow AK-47 outside as it needs plenty of ventilation, but growing it inside is still a good option.
AK-47 is a 65% Sativa and 35% Indica hybrid, with THC values that can get up to 20%. It has a unique taste and smell as it’s earthy, sour, and sweet. Euphoria, happiness, relaxation, and upliftment are some of the effects of this hybrid strain.
This strain is best when engaging in social activities or when you want to do something creative.
Strain 2: Zkittlez
Zkittlez is a sweet and colorful strain of cannabis. It’s also an easy-growing strain for outdoor and indoor growth in Illinois. Zkittlez seeds thrive in heat and humidity during the daytime. At night these plants need cool weather. To protect your harvest, make sure it stays around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Zkittlez plants are compact and are resistant to mold, mildew, and humidity. These factors make it one of the more durable strains mentioned in this article and one of the easiest to grow.
The Zkittlez plant is a hybrid strain that is 70% Indica dominant and 30% Sativa. This strain can get up to 23% THC.
More than anything, Zkittlez is well known for its fruity smell, hence its name. Zkittlez has noticeable but weak cerebral effects despite being Indica dominant.
Zkittlez can provide euphoric, happy, relaxed, uplifted, and sleepy effects. This makes it a perfect strain for relaxing and chilling out at home after a long day.
Strain 3: Girl Scout Cookies Extreme
Girl Scout Cookies Extreme is extreme in the fact that it’s incredibly relaxing. These plants are easy to grow because they require little to no maintenance. This is because it has high resistance to mold. It’s also very resilient to pest and bug infestations.
Girl Scout Cookies grows well outdoors or indoors. It thrives in hot and dry weather or calmer, warm weather. But this extreme version can grow in almost any climate. This versatility makes it great for growing this plant anywhere, including in Illinois.
Girl Scout Cookies Extreme is an 80% Indica and 20% Sativa hybrid plant. It’s a small plant that has a variety of tastes and smells, such as:
- Diesel
- Earthy
- Herbal
- Spicy
- Sweet
People also report many effects such as creativity, euphoria, happiness, relaxation, and upliftment. It’s a great strain to put you right to sleep after a long day.
Strain 4: White Widow
White Widow is an easy-to-grow plant that originated in the Netherlands. It’s a widely popular strain that can be grown pretty much anywhere. White Widow is resistant to disease and thrives in hot and sunny climates. It can also do well in cooler climates.
White Widow is one of the most consistently high-yielding plants. This is because it can withstand a variety of environmental changes. This makes it a very good plant to grow in the temperamental Illinois climate.
White Widow is a 60% Indica and 40% Sativa hybrid, capable of having up to 19% THC. It provides cerebral effects with a sense of relaxation. Some people describe the effects of this strain as creative, euphoric, happy, relaxed, and uplifting.
Strain 5: Amnesia Haze
Amnesia Haze is a strong strain of cannabis that has become very popular. This plant is small and perfect for hot and dry climates. If you want to grow Amnesia Haze in Illinois, then it does well indoors and outdoors.
Amnesia Haze is a Sativa dominant hybrid with an Indica and Sativa ratio of 20/80. This plant can contain up to 18% THC. Amnesia Haze has a few flavors and smells, including:
- Citrus
- Earthy
- Lemon
- Sweet
People praise this plant for its energetic and uplifting effects. It’s the perfect choice for social gatherings as it provides a happy, relaxed, and creative mood.
Final Thoughts On Growing Cannabis In Illinois
These are the best strains to grow in Illinois as all are suited for the state’s climate. These Illinois cannabis strains should be grown during spring or summer when the heat is at its best. These are also easy plants to grow and maintain, so they’re great options for beginner growers.
Remember, you need to make sure you have a license to grow in Illinois. Growing cannabis in Illinois can be a very rewarding experience so give it a try. But be sure to read up on your state’s laws before you start growing anything. There can be serious legal repercussions if you don’t have all the qualifications.
Other Climates To Consider:
- Best Strains For Pennsylvania
- Best Strains For Texas
- Best Strains For Ohio
- Best Strains For Ontario
- Best Strains For Nova Scotia
Resources:
https://www.isws.illinois.edu/statecli/frost/growing_season.htm