Top 5 Strains For New Growers
Ak-48
Sometimes confused with Ak-47, Ak-48 emerges victorious from this battle between similarly named strains for being easier to grow, and for providing an incredibly social high.
Genetics: Jock Horror x Ice (Afghani, Skunk, Northern Lights and Shiva)
Effects: Though this strain is a hybrid, the effects tend to be more like a sativa. Relieves stress and anxiety for many people, though does have higher reports of dry mouth. More uplifting and energizing than many strains.
Growing Conditions: Grows great indoors or outdoors, in soil or hydro. Reacts well to growth control methods like being topped and has resistance to root problems. However, does not like high temps and doesn't do well above 85 °F (30 °C) . Strong, pleasant sweet odor starts ramping up towards end of flowering stage as harvest time approaches.
Yields: Above average.
Northern Light
Genetics: Legendary Strain of Unknown Origins (Leans toward Indica)
Effects: Euphoric, a great "enhancer" for other activities, and often used to relax or relieve stress. Does cause higher levels of dry mouth compared to other strains.
Growing Conditions: Hardy, tends to stay short and quick to harvest (usually ready to harvest after only 2 months of flowering). Dense buds don't usually give off a strong odor and the plant reacts well to low stress training and other growth control techniques. These traits makes this strain especially suited to indoor and/or stealth growing, though many have reported great results growing outdoors.
Yields: Average to Above Average. Considering that plants tend to stay short, she grows above average yields.
Aurora Indica
Genetics: F1 (first generation) hybrid of Afghan x Northern Lights
Effects: "Stoney," couchlock, ultra potent indica. Great for treating nausea. High THC levels, tested at 19.7% from last batch.
Growing Conditions: First generation hybrids often tend to be tough and resistant to problems, and Aurora Indica is no exception. Easy to train, she can handle higher temperatures and still thrive. Stays on the short side, though there are some reports that occasionally a seed of this strain grows more tall and leggy, like a sativa, and needs to be trained stay short (though the buds produced are still amazing). Quick 7-9 week flowering period then she's ready for harvest. Heavy odor, especially as harvest approaches.
Yields: Big yields with fat colas.
Jack Herer
Jack Herer and Jock Horror are two similarly named strains with similar genetics and effects. However, Jack Herer is the original, and almost everyone agrees that it's better.
Genetics: Unknown, though we speculate haze, sativa, and indica
Effects: Euphoric, uplifting and creative. The effects of the buds are somewhat like a haze strain. Relieves stress or anxiety, but also used to provide relief for pain, headaches and muscle spasms.
Growing Conditions: Medium to tall height, she'll double in height or more after she begins the flowering stage unless you use growth control methods to keep her short. Despite the haze genetics, this strain actually finishes relatively quickly, I've had best results harvesting 2.5 months into flowering. Buds tend to grow with "foxtails" which give the buds a unique appearance. Does best indoors, though can be grown outdoors in a sunny, mediterranean climate over a long summer. She's not super picky, but she does need for you to pay close attention to her needs, and cannot stand too-hot temperatures.
Yields: Average
Super Lemon Haze
Genetics: Lemon Skunk x Super Silver Haze
Effects: Surprisingly strong, energetic and creative, perfect for daytime use. Doesn't usually cause 'couchlock'. You may want to avoid this strain if you've experienced anxiety or paranoia in the past, as the effects come on fast and hit you like a ton of bricks. Tends to cause dry eyes/dry mouth.
Growing Conditions: Needs 2.5-3.5 months in the flowering stage, and can get tall, growing in a Christmas tree shape, unless you top or FIM her (she responds well to growth control methods).
Yields: Very, very high yields