Top 5 Cannabis Strains For Beginner Smokers & Growers (2020)

Best cannabis strains for beginner growers and smokers.

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Recreational cannabis use is all about having a good time. That said, weed has gotten really strong, making it a little overwhelming for novice users or those who haven’t gotten high for a while. Growing weed can also be tricky, as some strains are hard to control or take a long time to flower. For these reasons, some may be intimidated by the idea of cultivating or smoking their own cannabis. But there’s no reason to fear cannabis—you just have to go about things the right way.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best strains for beginner smokers and growers, from low-THC varieties and autoflowers right on through to more potent photoperiod strains.

BALANCED THC:CBD STRAINS — IDEAL FOR FOR BEGINNER SMOKERS

THC can produce some unpleasant side effects like anxiety, paranoia, nausea, and more. For people new to cannabis, a single bad experience can be enough to keep them off weed for quite some time, if not forever.

Somewhat unfortunately, most of the strains on the market today have been bred to produce extremely high concentrations of THC. For beginner smokers, this can be very overwhelming. Hence, if you’re new to cannabis or haven’t consumed it for some time, we recommend easing your way back into it with balanced ratios of THC and CBD.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the second-most commonly found compound in cannabis. Unlike THC, it doesn’t produce intoxicating effects. Instead, the effects of CBD appear more holistic. Plus, due to the entourage effect—chemical synergy between cannabis compounds—CBD may also help curb some of the negative side effects of THC.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at Stress Killer Automatic, one of our favourite balanced THC:CBD strains.

STRESS KILLER AUTOMATIC CBD

Stress Killer Automatic CBD is one of our most balanced autoflowers. A cross between Lemon Shining Silver Haze, Juanita la Lagrimosa, and ruderalis, this strain boasts a clear and functional high, an excellent aroma, and super-easy grow traits.

With 11% THC and high levels of CBD, Stress Killer Automatic CBD is anything but overwhelming. Its effects kick in subtly and will leave you alert, focused, and with a clear head. If you’re new to enjoying cannabis, this strain is a great entry point; it also serves as a fabulous daytime smoke that won’t adversely impact productivity.

Stress Killer Automatic CBD’s aroma is very reminiscent of Lemon Shining Silver Haze, featuring big citrus aromas mixed with earthy, spicy, woody, and slightly sweet undertones characteristic of a quality Haze. It’s also a very versatile strain that is super easy to grow both indoors and out, making it a great option for new, inexperienced growers with little to no equipment.

Buy Stress Killer Automatic

WHY STRESS KILLER AUTOMATIC CBD?

• 11% THC, high levels of CBD
• Focused, clear-headed high
• Relaxing without being sedating
• Strong citrus aroma
• Good yields of up to 500g/m² indoors or 160g/plant outdoors

AUTOFLOWERING STRAINS — IDEAL FOR BEGINNER GROWERS

Autoflowering cannabis strains once had a bad rap, mainly because the first autoflowers to hit the market produced poor yields and pretty substandard bud. But thanks to major advances in weed breeding, that has all changed.

Today, autoflowers are giving their photoperiod cousins a serious run for their money, delivering excellent yields of top-shelf bud. Plus, if you’re a beginner grower, autoflowers are hard to beat in terms of ease.

Thanks to ruderalis genetics, autoflowering strains flower automatically based on age, rather than a change in their light cycle. They also reach notably smaller sizes, making them easier to manage and less likely to attract unwanted attention.

If you’re a beginner grower looking for strains that are easy to grow but still capable of delivering a great harvest, check out Haze Berry Automatic and Royal Jack Automatic below.

HAZE BERRY AUTOMATIC

Haze Berry Automatic is an 80% sativa-dominant autoflower that combines the genetics of two legendary strains: Haze Berry and Blueberry Auto. With roughly 13% THC and a complex mix of terpenes—including the forest-fresh pinene—this strain pleases with exceptional flavour and a relaxing high that’s very easy to manage.

We love Haze Berry Automatic for a number of reasons; first and foremost, it smells and tastes great. Dried and cured, these buds exude an overwhelmingly sweet aroma that combines berry notes with hints of herbs, spice, and incense. Secondly, Haze Berry Automatic produces a nice, calming high that’s great to enjoy at any time of day. Like Stress Killer Automatic CBD, this strain is a nice entry point for beginner smokers or those who haven’t used cannabis in a long time.

Finally, what really sets Haze Berry Automatic apart is its incredible grow traits. These plants are super easy to manage (reaching heights of 90–140cm) and take just 14 weeks from seed to harvest. If you’re a rookie grower, this strain can reward you with some excellent bud, both indoors and under the sun, with minimal effort.

Buy Haze Berry Automatic

WHY HAZE BERRY AUTOMATIC?

• 13% THC
• Relaxing, subtle high for any time of day
• Rich, sweet berry aroma
• Super easy to grow
• Good yields of up to 350–400g/m² indoors or 150g/plant outdoors.

ROYAL JACK AUTOMATIC

Jack Herer needs little introduction. This epic sativa-dominant hybrid, named after the author of the cult book The Emperor Wears No Clothes, has become a favourite smoke the world over. To create Royal Jack Automatic, we crossed an exceptional Jack Herer phenotype with ruderalis, culminating in a variety that boasts simple grow traits and top-tier bud.

Unlike the other strains we’ve listed so far, Royal Jack Automatic features slightly higher THC levels (roughly 16%). But don’t let that scare you; this strain is still very manageable for beginner smokers. Its high is defined by an uplifting, inspiring euphoria—reminiscent of the original Jack Herer—coupled with a nice, relaxing physical stone. Its aroma puts forth big herbal notes coupled with pepper and spices, courtesy of the terpene beta-caryophyllene.

In the grow room or garden, Royal Jack Automatic is an absolute breeze. After vegging for roughly 3–4 weeks, plants automatically enter the flowering phase. After 6 weeks of flowering, they will be packed with big, resinous buds. This strain is easy to feed, doesn’t require trimming or training, and is resistant to pests and plagues, making it ideal for rookie weed gardeners.

Buy Royal Jack Automatic

WHY ROYAL JACK AUTOMATIC?

• 16% THC
• Mild high that combines cerebral euphoria with physical relaxation
• Strong herbal aroma with hints of pepper and spice
• Good yields of 400g/m² indoors or 70–120g/plant outdoors

FEMINIZED PHOTOPERIOD STRAINS — A GREAT STEP-UP FROM AUTOFLOWERS

If you’re new to cannabis, you don’t need to avoid photoperiod strains altogether. There are many photoperiod strains out there that produce moderate effects and are easy enough to grow, even for beginners.

Unlike autoflowers, feminized photoperiod strains flower based on a change in their light cycle. They take longer to flower and usually require some training to reach their full potential.

However, there are many benefits to growing photoperiod strains. Thanks to their longer life cycle, they can recover from stress like over/underfeeding, broken branches, and under/overwatering. Plus, by using training techniques like LST, topping, or FIM, you can push photoperiod strains to produce much larger yields than autoflowers.

If you want more control over your grow, check out the feminized strains below.

PINEAPPLE KUSH

Pineapple Kush brings together some killer genetics. A cross between Pineapple and OG Kush, our Pineapple Kush serves up big tropical flavours and aromas, plenty of THC, and a nice cerebral high.

With 18% THC, Pineapple Kush produces a relaxing effect combined with uplifting euphoria. Unlike its OG Kush parent (regarded for its high THC content and strong sedative-like effects), Pineapple Kush has a much more balanced effect that’s great for enjoying after a long day at work, when relaxing with friends, or while watching your favourite movie. Its aromas and flavours are very sweet and tropical, although you might also detect hints of mint, vanilla, and even caramel.

Pineapple Kush is a great entry point for growers looking to crop their first photoperiod strain. Plants reach heights of about 70–120cm indoors and up to 180cm outdoors. They respond extremely well to training and LST, and, with a flowering time of about 8 weeks, they also have the ability to recover from stress should you make any mistakes during your grow. Come harvest, Pineapple Kush will reward you with large, dense buds covered in a frosty layer of trichomes. If you’re looking to step up your game both as a smoker and grower, this strain is perfect.

Buy Pineapple Kush

WHY PINEAPPLE KUSH?

• 18% THC
• Sweet, tropical fruit aroma and flavour
• Relaxing yet euphoric, mainly cerebral high
• Big, dense, resinous buds
• Great for inexperienced growers looking to move beyond autoflowers
• Good yields of up to 550g/m² indoors and 550g/plant outdoors

LEMON SHINING SILVER HAZE

Haze varieties are treasured by cannabis smokers and growers all around the world. Unfortunately, they can be hard to manage due to their size, propensity to stretch, and extremely long flowering time. Luckily, our Lemon Shining Silver Haze takes some of the hassle out of growing a Haze.

The effects of this strain are by far the most intense on this list. You can expect a sudden onset of cerebral euphoria coupled with a rise in motivation, creativity, and alertness. If you like to smoke in the morning or while doing something creative, this strain is a great choice. The effects of Lemon Shining Silver Haze tend to last 2–3 hours, and its THC level is around 21%. Its terpene profile—fronted by the citrusy limonene—delivers a strong and sweet citrus aroma with hints of spice, earth, and herbs.

In the grow room, Lemon Shining Silver Haze likes a little extra TLC. Nonetheless, it is still very easy to grow, especially for a Haze. LSSH flowers in just 8–9 weeks, reaches heights of 80–140cm indoors and up to 170cm outdoors, and, come harvest time, will reward you with yields of up to 475g/m² indoors and 500g/plant outdoors.

Buy Lemon Shining Silver Haze

WHY LEMON SHINING SILVER HAZE?

• 21% THC
• Long-lasting, uplifting, creative high
• Short flowering phase for a Haze
• Dank, sweet citrus aroma
• Great step up for intermediate growers and smokers

QUICK TIPS FOR BEGINNER CANNABIS USERS

Whenever you use weed recreationally, the goal should be to enjoy yourself. Below, you’ll find some simple tips to optimise your cannabis experience, whether you smoke, vape, or use edibles.

SMOKING

For beginners, we tend to recommend smoking from a joint first, rather than moving over to blunts and bongs. Start with a single hit and wait about 15 minutes to see how you feel. There’s no need to hold the smoke in your lungs like in the movies; just inhale and exhale, and gauge how your body reacts to that particular strain.

After 15 minutes, provided you’re feeling great, take another toke and work your way up from there. Also, if you don’t smoke cigarettes, don’t mix your weed with tobacco as it can leave you feeling dizzy and nauseous. Another good entry point for new smokers is to use a small pipe or one-hitter. Unlike bongs, these hits aren’t as big and overwhelming.

VAPING

Vaporizers preserve a lot more cannabinoids and terpenes because they operate at lower temperatures. When vaping, draw in the vapor slowly and consistently for about 5–10 seconds, depending on the model. Inhale and exhale normally, and gauge your reaction. Wait roughly 15–20 minutes before taking another hit.

EDIBLES

Edibles can be tricky to handle for beginners because they often take over an hour to take effect. If you live in an area where cannabis is legal, always buy edibles with clear dosing information, and stick to doses of around 5–10mg of THC per session.

If you can’t buy your edibles from a dispensary, make them yourself and start low and slow. If you’ve baked cookies, for example, eat half a cookie and wait at least an hour before eating more. Edibles need to pass through your digestive tract in order to take effect, so don’t be tricked into eating more just because you don’t feel high 20 minutes after eating a brownie.

Remember, the keys to enjoying weed are to know your strain, your body, and to start low and slow. For more details about how to properly dose your weed, check out our article on dosing methods.