Cannabis Training Techniques: Step-by-Step Guide

eco LST (Low Stress Training)

No major damage or wounds to the plant, mostly leaf, branch, and plant arrangement.

• Leaf Tucking: Tuck fan leaves under trellis netting or branches to expose bud sites. Can be done at any stage.
• Screen of Green (ScroG): Train branches horizontally to maximize bud density. Best during late vegetative and early flowering stages.
• Sea of Green (SoG): Multiple plants arranged to fill canopy space, often combined with Mainlining.

grid_on Trellis Net

A simple yet essential tool for even canopy distribution and structural support.

Available at local garden centers. Some grow tent kits come optimized with trellis nets, helping spread out branches evenly for better light exposure.

double_arrow Stem Bending Devices

Available for purchase or can be 3D printed. These clips train branches to bend at a 90-degree angle, helping distribute plant energy.

Similar to Supercropping, this technique allows gradual adjustments to reduce stress on the plant and could be considered Medium Stress Training (MST).

linear_scale Soft Garden Wire

An inexpensive tool for guiding branches and helping spread them horizontally around the pot edge.

Use wire to tie down branches, encouraging more verticals. Some fabric pots come with pre-installed grommets for easy use.

healing HST (High Stress Training)

Targeted damage techniques for training cannabis plants, such as defoliation, topping, and supercropping.

• Bending/Rolling Stems (Supercropping): Bend branches until the tissue snaps, promoting horizontal growth and forming a sturdy “knuckle.”
• Topping: Clip the apical meristem to reroute energy to lower branches. Best for late veg stages, but avoid with autoflowers.
• Defoliation & Pruning: Remove leaves and branches that don’t receive adequate light. Improves airflow, light penetration, and reduces risk of mold.

spa Mainlining or Lollipopping

A high-stress pruning technique that removes lower growth to focus energy on top bud sites, creating a lollipop-like appearance.

This is often used when growing for high-quality flower, though lower bud sites can be left intact if growing for hash or concentrates.