A Complete Guide to Cannabis Training Techniques

Training cannabis plants is an essential skill for any grower who wants to increase yields, control plant height, and maximize light exposure. Whether you're growing indoors in a small tent or outdoors in the backyard, applying the right training methods can turn a basic grow into a bountiful harvest. In this complete guide, we'll break down the most effective cannabis training techniques - both low-stress and high-stress - so you can choose the ones that best suit your setup and experience level.

Why Train Cannabis Plants?

Cannabis naturally grows like a Christmas tree - tall and narrow with one main cola. But with proper training, you can manipulate that shape to:

• Expose more bud sites to light
• Increase airflow within the canopy
• Prevent mold and pests
• Control height in small grow space
• Boost final yield per plant

Now, let's explore the top techniques.

Low-Stress Training (LST)

What It Is
Gently bending and tying down branches to shape the plant without damaging it.
Why It Works
Redirects growth hormones (auxins) to multiple bud sites, not just the main cola.

How To Do It

• Start when the plant is young (3-4 nodes).
• Use soft plant ties or garden wire.
• Bend the main stem sideways and secure it to the pot.
• As the plant grows, tie down new branches to keep the canopy even.

Pro Tip: Combine LST with topping and defoliation for even more control and output.

Topping

What It Is
Cutting off the main growing tip to promote two new colas.
Why It Works
Forces the plant to redistribute energy to side branches.

How To Do It

• Wait until the plant has at least 4-6 nodes.
• Use sterilized scissors or snips.
• Cut about the 3rd or 4th node.

Recovery Time: About 3-7 days. This is a form of high-stress training, so be sure your plant is healthy before topping.

Screen of Green (ScrOG)

What It Is
Using a mesh screen or net to spread branches horizontally for even light distribution.

How To Do It

• Install a net 8-12 inches above your pots.
• As plants grow, weave branches into the screen rather than letting them grow through it.
• Prune lower growth that won't reach the canopy.

Best For: Indoor growers with limited vertical space. This technique is often combined with LST and topping.

Super Cropping

What It Is
Pinching and bending stems to create knuckles that redirect growth and increase strength.

How To Do It

• Identify a healthy, flexible branch.
• Gently squeeze the stem until you feel it "crack", then bend it sideways.
• Tie it down if necessary.

Why Use It: Increases bud protection and helps control plant height. This is another high-stress technique, so allow recovery time.

Mainlining (Manifolding)

What It Is
A more advanced technique that involves topping, defoliation, and training to create a symmetrical plant structure.

How To Do It

• Top the plant at the 3rd node.
• Remove all other growth below it.
• Split the two new growth tips and train them outward.
• Continue building symmetrical colas from each new growth point.

Best For: Experienced growers who want maximum yield from fewer plants.

Defoliation

What It Is
Removing large fan leaves to allow better light penetration and airflow.

When To Do It

• During early veg to shape the plant.
• During flowering (selectively) to expose bud sites.

Why It Helps

• Reduces humidity.
• Prevents mold.
• Improves light access for lower buds.

Caution: Don't overdo it - only remove leaves that block light or inhibit airflow.

Training cannabis plants takes time, patience, and a little practice - but the payoff is huge. Whether you're gently guiding your branches with LST, creating an even canopy with ScrOG, or getting surgical with mainlining, each technique has its place in a grower's toolkit. Start small, stay consistent, and don't be afraid to experiment as you learn what works best for your plants and space.