Vermont's climate, characterized by cold winters and short, warm summers, presents some challenges for outdoor cannabis cultivation.
However, growers can still achieve success by selecting hardy strains suited for the region's climate and utilizing techniques like greenhouse growing to extend the growing season and protect plants from harsh weather conditions.
Taking this into consideration, here are 10 of the best strains to grow in Vermont.
10 Best Strains To Grow In Vermont
1. Northern Lights
Northern Lights, a legendary strain with a rich history, is renowned for its fast growth, high yield, and relaxing effects. Originating from Afghani Indica and Thai Sativa genetics, this classic strain has made its mark on the cannabis world.
Growing Northern Lights in Vermont
Northern Lights is an excellent choice for Vermont growers due to its hardy genetics and ability to thrive in colder, damp climates.
Its relatively small stature and bushy nature make it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
With a flowering time of only 8 weeks, this fast-growing strain allows Vermont growers to harvest multiple times throughout the year, maximizing their yield potential.
Moreover, its resistance to mildew makes it a perfect candidate for growing in the region's humid conditions.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Northern Lights offers a delightful aroma and taste profile, boasting notes of honey-musk, wild juniper, and Afghani.
As the buds are dried and cured, these flavors and scents become even more pronounced, creating an enjoyable and memorable sensory experience.
The effects of Northern Lights are predominantly physical, providing a deeply relaxing and calming experience.
Its potent Indica characteristics are known to induce feelings of relaxation, calmness, and even sedation, making it an ideal strain for unwinding after a long day.
Users should be mindful of potential side effects, such as dry eyes and mouth, which can be easily remedied by staying hydrated.
2. Blue Dream
Blue Dream, a Sativa-dominant hybrid originating from California, has quickly become a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts for its unique blend of high THC content and the alluring flavors derived from its Blueberry Indica heritage.
Growing Blue Dream in Vermont
Blue Dream is an excellent choice for Vermont growers, as its ease of cultivation and high yields make it ideal for both beginners and experts alike.
Vermont's temperate climate provides the perfect conditions for this strain to thrive, particularly during the warmer summer months. Its resilience to pests and mold further adds to its suitability for the region.
As a tall plant, Blue Dream can reach impressive heights of 2 to 3 meters outdoors, which makes it well-suited for Vermont's spacious rural landscape.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Blue Dream's aroma and taste are truly captivating, offering a delightful mix of sweet blueberry and zesty lemon notes, with hints of vanilla and mango.
This rich and complex flavor profile can be attributed to its Blueberry genetics and the presence of the terpene Myrcene, making it a treat for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
The high from Blue Dream is nothing short of remarkable, with a perfect balance between cerebral stimulation and full-body relaxation.
Its Sativa-dominant traits deliver an uplifting and euphoric mental buzz that eventually gives way to a soothing Indica-induced body stone.
This strain's high THC content (21%) ensures a potent and long-lasting experience that appeals to both recreational and medicinal users, providing relief from pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
With minimal adverse side effects, Blue Dream remains a popular choice for those seeking a versatile and enjoyable cannabis experience.
3. White Widow
White Widow, a classic Dutch strain originating in the 90s, is a highly popular and award-winning cannabis variety with powerful genetics and numerous benefits.
Growing White Widow in Vermont
White Widow is an ideal strain for growing in Vermont, as its low-maintenance nature and adaptability make it suitable for both beginner and advanced growers.
The strain can thrive in the Northern European climate, although it prefers warmer temperatures. Vermont's cool climate and the shorter growing season still allow White Widow to produce impressive yields, especially if grown outdoors during the warmer months.
The strain's medium-high yield and versatile growth make it an excellent choice for Vermont growers.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
White Widow's sharp and present taste is complemented by a sweet and sour smell that is highly appealing. The earthy and herbal flavors are balanced with a slightly spicy aftertaste and subtle notes of wood, creating a unique and enjoyable blend of organic flavors.
White Widow is known for its fast, powerful high, and euphoric effect, which makes it perfect for social occasions or creative endeavors.
It relaxes the body while stimulating creativity, but be cautious of higher doses, as they can lead to couch lock or sleepiness. The strain also offers numerous medical benefits, such as relief from chronic pain and insomnia.
With minimal side effects, White Widow is a popular choice for both recreational and experienced users.
4. Chemdawg
Chemdawg is a popular Sativa-dominant strain with a storied past, believed to have originated from Nepalese or Thai Sativa, and used to create iconic descendants like OG Kush and Sour Diesel.
Growing Chemdawg in Vermont
Chemdawg's robust nature and impressive yields make it a fantastic choice for growing in Vermont's climate.
Although it is recommended to grow this strain indoors or in a greenhouse due to its increased risk of mold and mildew, Vermont's short summers still allow for outdoor cultivation with proper care.
Chemdawg can produce up to 600 grams per plant outdoors under ideal circumstances, making it a rewarding endeavor for growers in the region.
Implementing techniques like Screen of Green can maximize the plant's potential, resulting in even better performance and harvest.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Chemdawg has a pungent aroma and offers a unique combination of flavors. The smell and taste intertwine notes of pine, sour diesel, and citrus, creating a truly delightful sensory experience.
With THC levels reaching up to 21%, Chemdawg provides a powerful high that instantly lifts your mood and frees you from stress, anxiety, and worries.
Alongside its cerebral effects, it also generates a heavy physical stone, relieving chronic pain and offering a boost of motivation.
Many users find Chemdawg to be a sociable strain, making it perfect for sharing with friends during a night out. However, novice users should exercise caution as high doses may cause paranoia, dizziness, or anxiety.
5. OG Kush
OG Kush, a mysterious yet legendary strain originating from California, is highly recognized and cherished by the cannabis community for its unique taste and impressive growth characteristics.
Growing OG Kush in Vermont
OG Kush is a suitable strain to grow in Vermont due to its robust growth and generous harvest potential.
Although it prefers indoor cultivation, outdoor growers in Vermont can achieve success by closely monitoring the growing conditions to avoid potential issues with mildew, mites, or other diseases.
Additionally, the region's climate supports the plant's growth, but it's crucial to provide adequate space for its development, as it can reach heights of over 2 meters outdoors.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
OG Kush boasts an enticing aroma that combines woody and earthy notes with a fiery splash of lemon freshness and a hint of pine oil.
This aromatic strain offers a slightly earthy taste with undertones of pine and wood, accompanied by a subtle petroleum aroma that leaves a pleasantly pungent aftertaste.
The strain's high potency, with THC levels up to 26%, delivers a balanced experience between Sativa and Indica effects.
Users can expect a relaxing Indica bliss accompanied by Sativa-driven euphoria and happiness, making it perfect for winding down in the evening or kickstarting a productive day.
However, it's essential to consume OG Kush responsibly, as high doses may cause dry mouth, dry eyes, paranoia, or anxiety.
6. Green Crack
Green Crack, a delightful strain with origins in Afghan X Skunk #1 cross, is known for its potent Sativa effects and intense fruity aroma and taste.
Growing Green Crack in Vermont
Green Crack is an excellent choice for growing in Vermont due to its sturdy and open structure, which can withstand the region's climate.
Its relatively large distance between nodes and long, thin leaves allow for good airflow, reducing the risk of mold and mildew.
The plant's rapid flowering cycle of just 8 to 9 weeks is also advantageous for Vermont growers who experience shorter growing seasons.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Green Crack boasts an intoxicatingly sweet and fruity aroma, with a flavor profile to match. Its earthy undertones are complemented by notes of citrus, tropical fruit, exotic wood, and frankincense, making it a true delight for the senses.
The strain's high THC content of 25% delivers an uplifting, energizing, and creative high that is perfect for social gatherings or focused activities.
While it may cause a slightly dry mouth, side effects are generally mild and easily manageable.
7. Gorilla Glue #4
Gorilla Glue #4, a highly potent and balanced hybrid strain, was masterfully developed by Joesy Whales and Lone Watty through the combination of Chem's Sister, Chocolate Diesel, and Sour Dubb.
With an impressive THC content of up to 28%, this strain is sought after by growers and consumers alike.
Growing Gorilla Glue #4 in Vermont
Gorilla Glue #4 is an excellent choice for growers in Vermont, as the strain thrives in sunny and warm climates typically experienced after April.
This versatile plant is suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation, with its resilient indica genetics resulting in bushy, voluminous plants.
By utilizing the SCROG method, growers can expect impressive yields, making Gorilla Glue #4 a desirable strain for Vermont cultivators.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Gorilla Glue #4 is a true delight for the senses. During the flowering phase, growers will notice an intoxicating earthy aroma reminiscent of freshly roasted coffee.
This rich fragrance carries over into a flavor palate that is both versatile and unique. With strong diesel notes, earthy pine undertones, and a tangy-sweet aftertaste, this strain leaves a lasting impression on the taste buds.
The effects of Gorilla Glue #4 are equally extraordinary. The equal balance of Sativa and Indica genetics creates a harmonious blend of euphoric mental stimulation and uplifting energy, along with the calming sedative effects typically associated with Indica strains.
However, due to its high THC content, first-time users should exercise caution when consuming this powerful strain. On the other hand, increased appetite is the only notable side effect, making it a popular choice for both medical and recreational users.
8. Girl Scout Cookies
Introducing Girl Scout Cookies, a cannabis strain with origins in San Francisco Bay, California, resulting from a cross between Durban Poison and OG Kush.
This popular strain has a fantastic taste, an easy growing experience, and impressive medicinal benefits. In this review, we will focus on growing Girl Scout Cookies in Vermont and the strain's distinct smell, taste, and effects.
Growing Girl Scout Cookies in Vermont
Girl Scout Cookies thrive in regions with mild night-time temperatures, making Vermont an ideal location for outdoor cultivation.
Thanks to its adaptability and resilience, this strain can also be successfully grown indoors, offering flexibility to Vermont growers.
With a flowering time of 7-9 weeks, expect to harvest in autumn if growing outdoors.
Girl Scout Cookies is an excellent candidate for various growing techniques like the "Screen Of Green method" or LST, and its long, winding branches make it easy to shape and manage.
When grown in optimal conditions, this medium-sized plant can yield between 550 and 650 grams per plant outdoors, while indoors, it can produce up to 500 grams per m².
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Girl Scout Cookies boasts an aroma reminiscent of freshly baked cookies, living up to its namesake. The smoke is smooth, soft, and pleasant, minimizing excessive coughing.
The strain offers a spicy, sweet taste with hints of mint and earthy undertones, making it an absolute treat for the palate.
The effects of Girl Scout Cookies are pronounced, providing a delightful balance of physical and mental stimulation. Users experience a cheerful, relaxed, creative, and soothing high, while physically feeling an immense sense of relief from chronic pain.
Be prepared for the "munchies" as a common side effect, so having snacks on hand is a good idea.
9. Purple Kush
Purple Kush is a stunning Indica strain, originating from a cross between Purple Afghani and Hindu Kush, offering an enchanting blend of potent effects and alluring colors.
Growing Purple Kush in Vermont
Vermont's climate is suitable for growing Purple Kush, as the strain can thrive even in cooler climates. The plant's high mold resistance makes it a great choice for novice growers in the state.
While Purple Kush prefers low humidity and a dry environment, its resilience allows it to adapt to Vermont's varying conditions.
Keep in mind, though, that Purple Kush requires ample sunlight, so make sure your plants receive plenty of light, whether grown indoors or outdoors.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Purple Kush is renowned for its enticing aroma, which combines sweet, earthy notes with fruity undertones. As you savor its smoke, you'll experience a spicy grape flavor with hints of fruity sweetness.
The strain's high THC content of up to 27% provides a powerful, long-lasting effect that delivers a full-body stone and the classic couch-lock sensation.
At lower dosages, users can enjoy slightly hazy mental effects accompanying the body stone. Be cautious with higher dosages, as Purple Kush can produce psychedelic effects when consumed in excess.
10. Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a renowned cannabis strain that pays tribute to the famous activist and author, originating from the Netherlands in the mid-1990s.
Known for its excellent stability, impressive yields, and therapeutic potential, this strain offers a balanced blend of Sativa (55%) and Indica (45%) genetics.
Growing Jack Herer in Vermont
Vermont's climate is suitable for growing Jack Herer, thanks to its relatively compact size and adaptability. While it thrives in warm, dry climates, this strain can also be grown successfully in a greenhouse if you're located in a cooler, wetter region.
Although Jack Herer is nutrient-hungry, it rewards growers with large buds and outstanding yields under the right conditions. The strain's discrete odor profile also makes it an ideal choice for discreet cultivation in Vermont.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Jack Herer is celebrated for its complex, pleasant flavor profile.
Users often detect a blend of sweet, fruity notes combined with earthy, skunky undertones. Hints of lemon, sandalwood, and pine forest may also be present, offering a delightful sensory experience.
When it comes to effects, Jack Herer delivers a well-balanced combination of a full-bodied stone and a cerebral high.
The potent stone is dominant but won't induce couch-lock, making it suitable for daytime use. This strain is perfect for social gatherings, movie nights, or when you need a mood boost and relaxation without compromising productivity.
Despite its relatively low CBD content (0.8%), Jack Herer is highly praised for its therapeutic potential. Users often find relief from stress, anxiety, depression, pain, fatigue, migraine headaches, and appetite issues.
Keep in mind that this strain may cause dehydration, particularly in the mouth and eyes, so be sure to have fluids on hand to combat this side effect.