Last Updated December 20th, 2022: As the first state to legalize the recreational use and sale of cannabis, Washington has a reputation as one of the most weed-friendly states in all of America. But how friendly is the region’s climate to growing cannabis? In this article, we’re gonna break down cannabis in Washington as well as the top 5 best strains to grow in Washington based on Washington’s climate!
Washington is a pretty gloomy state with, on average, half or more of the year not getting sunlight. While cities closer to the Pacific Ocean stay relatively mild in temperature, the northern and eastern regions of Washington experience prolonged winters that often dip below freezing temperatures.
However, this doesn’t mean that cannabis can’t grow in the region. Here are 5 of the best strains to grow in Washington.
Best Strains To Grow in Washington at a Glance
We’ve selected each of these strains for its ability to grow in The Evergreen State. Let’s dig deeper into each.
1. Northern Lights
Northern Lights is an Indica dominant strain that is incredibly popular due to how easy it is to grow and smoke. Many argue that this strain’s American roots originated in Washington, so this plant is definitely Pacific Northwest friendly. Overall I would say this is one of the best strains to grow in Washington!
The Northern Lights strain came from crossbreeding an Afghani Indica strain with a Thai Sativa. So while Northern Lights is Indica dominant, it still contains some of the heady, euphoric effects of a Sativa.
Though the strain prefers sunny climates, it is also great for growing indoors. Because of its small size – the plant is generally 24 inches tall – it makes an indoor grow operation space-effective. Couple its compact size with a 56-day flowering period makes Northern Lights great for small indoor growers.
Smoking Northern Lights is a soothingly euphoric high that users associate with a dream state. It’s a positive and uplifting high that helps with physical and mental relaxation.
2. White Widow
White Widow is a popular strain of cannabis that has had name recognition for over thirty years. The 60/40 blend of South Indian Indica and Brazilian Sativa is so popular that it has become the parent of modern favorites like White Russian and White Rhino.
A big part of White Widow’s appeal to a Washington grower is how resilient the plant is and how easy it is to grow. The strain does well in cooler climates, withstands environmental changes well, and consistently generates high amounts of the flower.
The hybrid quality of White Widow gives it the best of both worlds. It’s a relaxing smoke that won’t lock you in the couch, which is great for smoking during the day. However, it still helps with physical relaxation like an Indica. The Sativa component helps create a light head buzz and energy, making it a fun social smoke that won’t knock you out.
3. Girl Scout Cookies Extreme
Girl Scout Cookies Extreme is a hybrid of Durban Poison and OG Kush that gets its name from its sweet and slightly minty taste. Beware, this isn’t the regular Girl Scout Cookies strain. This slightly sweet and earthy strain is an extreme and immediate high best for the end of the day.
Girl Scout Cookies Extreme is an easy strain for beginners because it requires little maintenance. The plant is able to thrive and produce high THC flowers even in cold climates and small spaces. When grown in Washington’s cooler climates, the plant’s purple buds can become covered in beautiful crystals.
This strain lives up to its extreme name. The high THC level produces an immediate euphoria followed by a couch locking body high, making Girl Scout Cookies Extreme a great smoke after a long day at the office or before bed.
4. Zkittlez
The 70/30 Indica dominant Zkittlez strain comes from a hybrid of the strains Grape Ape and Grapefruit. The Zkittlez name comes from its likeness candy — with beautifully vibrant green, purple, and orange buds yielding its fruity-tasting smoke with a high concentration of THC.
Zkittlez, like most strains, does well with heat and humidity. However, due to its Grape Ape ancestry, the plant requires cool temperatures at night — ideally fifty degrees. This makes Zkittlez a good option for indoor growers in Washington. Given the state’s generally temperate climate, keeping a Zkittlez plant on the windowsill will keep temperature control needs to a minimum.
Zkittlez provides a well-balanced high with an uplifting and euphoric feeling. Its hybrid nature keeps a smoker from being overly buzzed or paranoid. The mellow high of the strain is accompanied by its unique taste, which is reminiscent of fruity candy.
5. Blue Cheese
The European 80/20 Indica dominant hybrid Blue Cheese strain provides a unique tasting smoke from a plant that is easy to grow. With its bold fruity flavor, beautiful deep purple buds, and potent high, Blue Cheese is a popular strain amongst all smokers.
While Washington isn’t the easiest place to grow cannabis, Blue Cheese is a resilient and hands-off strain, making it great for Washingtonians and beginners. The plant takes up very little space and does well in cooler climates, with buds that produce beautifully deep colors from the cool temperatures.
The high from Blue Cheese is euphoric and cerebral while maintaining the classic Indica trait of relaxation. Many people smoke Blue Cheese to help them sleep. The strain’s unique creamy flavor comes from its parent strains, Blueberry and Cheese. The bold flavor is one of the strain’s most desirable attributes.
Final Thoughts On Cannabis Strains to Grow In Washington
Though Washington can be difficult to grow cannabis in due to its lack of sunlight, there are still many strains that can grow successfully in this weed-friendly state. Any of those listed above are considered some of the best strains to grow in Washington, and you can’t go wrong with any of them!
The Washington cannabis strains we’ve recommended will all grow well indoors, which is an essential quality to consider when growing in the Pacific Northwest. By picking out plants that autoflower, growers should have no problem getting their desired high from one of these strains.
Nothing is more satisfying than getting your smoke from your own green thumb. Whether you grow Northern Lights, White Widow, Girl Scout Cookies Extreme, Zkittlez, or Blue Cheese, they’ll be sure to brighten up a gray Washington day!
Other Climates:
- Outdoor Strains For Oklahoma
- Outdoor Strains For Massachusetts
- Outdoor Strains For Arizona
- Outdoor Strains For New York
- Outdoor Strains For Pacific Northwest
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