The Best Strains to Grow in Maine

There are a few factors to consider when growing cannabis outdoors in Maine. The biggest is Maine’s humid continental climate and its humidity and temperature shifts that limit your options. It's a difficult climate, so it’s essential to understand which cannabis strains grow best.

During the summer, Maine experiences warm and occasionally humid conditions, with daytime highs reaching 75 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit in July and the high 50s overnight. Winters are harsh in the Pine Tree State, with cold and snowy weather in the North and West parts. However, the coastal areas tend to have slightly less severe winters due to the Atlantic Ocean.

Despite Maine being particularly hot in July, the state tends to significantly cool down in the lead-up to fall, making outdoor cannabis cultivation difficult for many strains. Our best strains to grow in Maine list feature cultivars with hardy genetics that will withstand colder temperatures.

This 80% indica strain, created by South California Labs, is a Los Angeles favorite. LA Confidential is the child of OG LA Affie and Afghani. Due to Afghani genetics, this strain has the resilience to withstand colder temperatures with maintenance and care.

Photoperiod seeds will start flowering when they receive less light per day. LA Confidential can flower in as little as 6 to 8 weeks. This strain produces a decent yield of around 14 - 17 oz per plant, making it a great grow for beginners who want a low-maintenance plant with a good yield. 

Our list of the best Maine cannabis seeds wouldn’t be complete without the Granddaddy Purple strain. Purple phenotypes are genetically prone to produce more of the hormone Anthocynin, which gives it its purple hue. It may also help as a natural defense against cold weather. Additionally, Granddaddy Purple is a 100% indica strain; Indica strains are generally more resistant to the cold than sativa strains.

When growing Granddaddy Purple outdoors, expect THC levels of around 20% and flowering in as little as nine weeks. Granddaddy Purple is particularly easy for beginners to grow, too, so whether you’re just starting as a cannabis cultivator or an expert, GDP is an excellent cannabis strain. 

Similarly to Granddaddy Purple, Purple Kush is a hardy strain that can produce more Anthocynin than other cultivars, which may contribute to cold temperature resistance and a beautiful purple appearance when growing this strain's marijuana plants.  Purple Kush is also part of the Kush family. It contains genetics originating from resilient strains of the Hindu Kush mountains, making it ideal for growing in Maine.

Purple Kush is best for the experienced cannabis cultivator, as the bushy nature of the plants can be challenging for new growers. With THC levels of around 20% and up, alongside yields between 9 - 15 oz per plant, Purple Kush is one of the best marijuana strains to grow in Maine.

Blue Cheese is an 80% indica strain that can flower in as little as seven weeks. With around 19% THC and potent effects that make you feel euphoric and relaxed, Blue Cheese is a popular choice amongst cannabis consumers and growers. If you’re looking to grow cannabis in Maine, Blue Cheese is a great option. It has natural resistance, and because it’s an indica pheno, it can be grown in colder climates.

The Blue Cheese strain tends to produce around 9 oz of yield per plant and flower early, allowing you to begin harvesting around the end of September.

Due to its hardy Afghanistan and Thailand genetics, this 90% indica strain is easy for beginner cultivators. The indica lineage of this strain makes it a top choice for growing in Maine because of its resilience to pests, molds, and colder temperatures.

When cultivating Northern Lights plants, expect to yield up to a whopping 16 oz per plant when cared for correctly. All-in-all, Northern Lights is one of the best strains to grow in Maine due to its high yield, low maintenance, and ability to withstand colder temperatures. 

Pure Indica is a rare strain loved by cannabis consumers and growers. The strain’s effects offer a sense of deep relaxation alongside floating sensations. As the name suggests, this strain is 100% indica and contains THC levels of around 14%.

This sturdy and strong strain can be grown indoors and outdoors. If you want to grow this strain outdoors, its indica genetics provide sufficient cold-temperature resistance. Despite only yielding around 6 oz per plant, Pure Indica is still one of the best cannabis strains to grow in Maine due to its effects and ability to grow in cooler climates. 

This legendary strain offers a rich history and powerful buzz. This strain supposedly derived from the infamous Chemdawg strain. Other theories suggest Hindu Kush and Old World Paki Kush may be co-parents.

OG Kush can be problematic to grow outdoors due to pests and mildew; therefore, it is best for the seasoned cannabis cultivator. However, its 75% indica genetics, THC around 20%, and ruderalis genetics make it a solid strain for growing outdoors in Maine. 

Mango Kush is a 65% indica strain with a tantalizing flavor and aroma like no other. This Indica-dominant hybrid strain contains THC levels of around 20% and delivers a positive boost of energy that keeps you energized with good vibes. According to cannabis experts, this strain is most likely a cross between Mango indica and Hindu Kush, giving it a strong balance between strength and natural resilience for cultivators.

When growing Mango Kush, expect a flowering time of around eight weeks. The standard yield is between 14 - 17 oz per plant. Please note; Mango Kush can withstand cooler temperatures at night, but your plants will suffer if they come into contact with rainfall during the flowering period.

Gushers is a 60% indica strain that’s easy to grow indoors and outdoors, making it the perfect cultivar for cannabis growers of all levels. This strain is packed with flavor. If you love Zkittlez or Runtz, you’ll love Gushers’ sweet taste and uplifting effects.

This strain performs well in almost every growing condition and can withstand cooler temperatures like Maine's. However, Gushers plants should be kept dry to maximize their potential. An ideal environment can produce  20%+ THC and yield up to 14 oz per plant.

Godfather OG is a 60% indica strain that boasts big yields for both indoor and outdoor growers. With impressive THC levels of over 20%, Godfather OG is a powerhouse with potent effects building up to whole-bodied, serene bliss.

The Godfather OG strain may be more suited to Northern Maine, as high humidity levels can detrimentally impact your plants. Furthermore, exposure to extreme temperatures, such as too much daytime heat or nighttime cold, can affect THC levels. When cared for properly, the Godfather OG strain will yield between 12 - 23 oz per plant, making it one of the highest-yielding cannabis strains to grow in Maine.