Last Updated On February 21st, 2023: Nova Scotia, in the northeastern part of Canada, is not known for its Mediterranean climate. Yet, the province is actually the warmest in the country. On average, Nova Scotia has milder temperatures in the winter because of its location right next to the Atlantic Ocean.
So what are the best cannabis strains to grow in Nova Scotia?
When growing cannabis outdoors, your plants will produce higher yields with plenty of sunshine. Nova Scotia has warm, humid summers moderated by the Atlantic Ocean. With average temperatures between 14° and 25°C, the climate is perfect for growing certain strains.
With the northern climate in mind, let’s take a look at the best strains to grow in Nova Scotia.
Best Cannabis Strains To Grow In Nova Scotia
| 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 |
Most cannabis strains enjoy warm, humid conditions not common in northern Canada. But, there are exceptions to the rule.
Strain 1: Girl Scout Cookies Extreme
- Indica:Sativa ratio: 80:20
- THC: 19-21%
- Flowering time: 9-10 weeks
- Flavor: Earthy, spicy, mint
- Effects: Relaxation, euphoria, happiness
Girl Scout Cookies Extreme is a hybrid of Durban Poison and OG Kush. It is an indica-dominant strain that delivers a euphoric sensation followed by extreme relaxation.
It is an effective strain for relieving stress with a potent THC level upwards of 21%.
Variations of Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) include Platinum GSC and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. GSC Extreme has the highest indica to sativa ratio. The strain is used medicinally to treat pain, nausea, and loss of appetite.
The name of the strain reflects the pleasant taste it produces. GSC is both pungent and earthy, with a minty-spice finish on the palate.
This strain has an average flowering period of 9-10 weeks. It will produce purple-green buds with orange hairs throughout. As Nova Scotia temperatures get cooler, GSC Extreme will develop a dense layer of crystals.
GSC seeds are particularly hearty for the Nova Scotia climate and are resistant to mold and pest infestations. With its warm summer weather, Nova Scotia is an ideal location to expect a high yield of Girl Scout Cookies Extreme.
Strain 2: White Widow
- Indica:Sativa ratio: 60:40
- THC: 17-19%
- Flowering time: 8-9 weeks
- Flavor: Earthy, spicy, sweet, woody
- Effects: Happiness, euphoria, creativity
White Widow is a hybrid strain with a close to equal balance of indica and sativa properties. Origins of this strain are from a South American sativa and South Indian indica. It has been a staple of Dutch coffee houses since it arrived in the Netherlands in the early 1990s.
The indica-sativa balance gives you a creative, euphoric mental rush with a relaxing body buzz. The taste is a blend of earth and spice with a pleasant, sweet finish.
This strain is an easy plant to harvest indoors or outdoors. White Widow is a disease-resistant strain that flourishes in plenty of sunlight.
Warm summers with cooler temperatures in the fall toward harvest time will result in a large yield. White Widow’s white, crystal-covered buds make it one of the best strains to grow in Nova Scotia.
Strain 3: Amnesia Haze
- Indica: Sativa ratio: 20:80
- THC: 19-21%
- Flowering time: 9-12 weeks
- Flavor: Citrus, spicy, lemon
- Effects: Creativity, uplifting, energetic
Amnesia Haze is an award-winning sativa-dominant strain. Its genetics trace back to South Asian and Jamaican roots. Also popular in Amsterdam, Amnesia Haze has won many awards, including the Sativa Cup and the Cannabis Cup.
Sativa strains have a more cerebral effect than indicas, which tend to relax the body. Amnesia Haze is 80% sativa, giving you an energetic, creative rush on your way to an uplifting buzz. THC levels are high, averaging over 20%.
Amnesia Haze has hints of lemon-citrus with earthy overtones. The taste leaves a hint of sweetness on the tongue, making it a popular choice among cultivars.
Outdoor harvests can yield over 20 ounces per plant, so enough space allows the plants to spread out. Amnesia Haze is not as pest-resistant as other strains. So you need to protect your plants if not growing indoors.
The warm, humid climate of Nova Scotia summers is ideal for growing Amnesia Haze. The greatest sun exposure produces the best yield. With temperatures within the 21° and 25°C range, Nova Scotia has ideal growing conditions.
Strain 4: Northern Lights
- Indica: Sativa ratio: 90:10
- THC: 16-18%
- Flowering time: 7-9 weeks
- Flavor: Lemon, pine, spicy
- Effects: Relaxed, calm, sleepy
Northern Lights is an indica-dominant strain with Afghani-Thai origins. The purple and green crystal-coated buds reflect the name. It’s one of the most popular strains around.
At 90% indica, you can expect a mellow, full-body relaxation. Northern Lights relax the muscles while comforting the mind. It’s often used to treat insomnia, pain, stress, anxiety, and depression. It has a spicy pine profile with a sweet citrus aftertaste.
Northern Lights is a resilient strain with a short flowering phase, making it popular with novice growers. Harvests can be ready in as little as seven weeks. The short flowering period makes it a perfect strain of cannabis to grow in the Nova Scotia summer climate. If you’re looking for even quicker, there are 45-day flowering strains!
Strain 5: AK-47
- Indica: Sativa ratio: 35:65
- THC: 18-20%
- Flowering time: 7-9 weeks
- Flavor: Sour, sweet, skunky
- Effects: Happy, relaxed, uplifted
A hybrid that leans towards sativa, AK-47 is a popular strain for its cerebral and mellow effects. The AK-47 genetics originate from Mexican, Colombian, Afghan, and Thai varieties. AK is a complex cannabis strain that is very popular.
With AK-47, a creative buzz and mental alertness are accompanied by the desire to relax. Euphoria is long-lasting with this strain, making it the perfect stress-reliever. The taste is a combination of a pleasantly earthy, sour-sweetness.
AK-47 is another strain that is not the most resilient in all conditions, so it must be grown with care. You can prevent mold and rot by growing outdoors with plenty of ventilation.
Harvesting occurs in 7-9 weeks, ideally by the end of October. When conditions in Nova Scotia are sunny and cool, it lends to the ultimate climate for growing AK-47.
Final Thoughts On Nova Scotia Cannabis Strains
One would think that the climate in Nova Scotia would not be compatible with growing cannabis. Yet, with the right Nova Scotia cannabis strains, you can produce a large yield whether grown indoors or outdoors.
Nova Scotia is known for its rather harsh weather systems that occur throughout the year. Being next to the Atlantic Ocean brings ideal spring and summer conditions for cannabis cultivation. All you need are the best strains to grow in Nova Scotia to get started.
Resources:
https://novascotia.ca/thinkfarm/documents/fsheets/02-climate-soil-considerations.pdf
Other Climates: