guest post by Zaroon Khan

Whether you have been a lifelong weed aficionado or enjoy the occasional toke for the benefit of CBD, you might consider growing your own ganja from home. As decriminalization and legalization efforts take hold in states across the country, more people are gaining the opportunity to experiment with cannabis cultivation. Though you should check with your own state laws to be certain, it is likely that you can plant some pot in your garden plots for safe, sustainable and fun access to premium weed.

But what strains should you start with? At last count, there are over 770 unique weed strains, all of which with their own terpene and cannabinoid profiles. There are feminized cannabis seeds, high yield seeds, and seeds that are especially suited for folks who are new to growing cannabis. If you are a beginner at home growing, here are some of the best strains for you:

Northern Lights

Despite being one of the most widespread and popular true indicas in dispensaries today, Northern Lights has mysterious origins. First appearing in the 1970s, Northern Lights is claimed by breeders in both the Seattle area and Northern California, and in the decades since, the strain has lent its fantastic genetics to a huge number of beloved strains around the world. Northern Lights is deeply relaxing, effectively knocking out users with pain relief and euphoria.

Perhaps the reason Northern Lights became so prolific is its extremely speedy growth and minimal demands. Beginner growers can produce a flowering plant from seed in a matter of about six weeks. The strain prefers warmth and sun and thrives in outdoor gardens during the summer season.

Durban Poison

In contrast to Northern Lights, Durban Poison is a true sativa. Discovered in South Africa by a cannabis activist in the 1970s, Durban Poison has since become a staple of cannabis genetics and present in basically every dispensary around the globe. As a sativa, the strain is remarkably energizing — excellent for the wake-and-bake, when you need to be productive but want the rose-colored-glasses of a marijuana high.

Because of its high cannabinoid content and large resin glands, Durban Poison is mold- and pest-resistant, making it a dream crop for a first-time grower. Plus, Durban Poison seeds are relatively easy to find. This is a late-summer, early-autumn strain that likes to flower in September or October.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream descends from Blueberry and Sativa Haze, making it an impeccably balanced hybrid. Hailing from Santa Cruz around the turn of the new millennium, Blue Dream is another strain that has rapidly become a favorite, particularly amongst medical marijuana users. The strain relaxes the body while stimulating the mind, providing a calm euphoria that never feels overwhelming.

Though Blue Dream takes a few weeks longer to flower (around 10), its yields tend to be enormous. The plant itself can grow over 13 feet tall, so it isn’t an easy crop to hide. Still, Blue Dream develops the best flavor when grown in soil, making it an ideal garden addition.

LSD

Named for the drug derived from ergot, LSD is indeed powerfully psychoactive — though it doesn’t provide the psychedelic experience of its namesake. Rather, LSD offers an intense cerebral high, which lends profound euphoria and creativity to users. LSD is another strain that is often found in medical marijuana dispensaries, often suggested to those suffering from mood disorders like depression.

Like other strains on this list, LSD is hardy and can thrive in both outdoor and indoor environments. The plants take between eight and nine weeks to flower, and they develop extremely stinky and oily buds — perfect for making your own concentrates at home.

OG Kush

Rounding out the list with one of the most popular American strains of all time, OG Kush was created by accident in the early 1990s but has very intentionally become one of the grandfathers of dozens if not hundreds of other strains, like Bubba Kush, Girl Scout Cookies, SFV OG and many more. Another balanced hybrid, OG Kush has a high that begins with strong euphoria but mellows out into full-body relaxation over time.

OG Kush plants are small, and they don’t like to grow in intense heat or high humidity. Because it flowers in about nine weeks, this strain thrives in the spring and early summer or autumn in areas that don’t experience harsh winter. You might consider growing OG Kush in a container, so you can move it indoors if the weather becomes too extreme.

Even if you don’t smoke weed at all, cultivating cannabis can be a fun, new gardening exercise. As long as growing marijuana is legal in your state, you should find the hobby exciting and rewarding — especially once your bud is trimmed and tried.

Zaroon khan is a content writer by day and a reader by night