Cannabis Training Techniques: LST, Topping & SCROG Guide

Cannabis training techniques are the bending, tying, and pruning methods growers use to shape a plant so more bud sites sit in direct light. Instead of one tall cola hogging the lamp, training spreads growth sideways and builds a flat, even canopy that makes better use of the light you already pay for. Whether you grow in a tent, a closet, or a greenhouse, a small set of techniques does most of the work.

Which Training Technique Should a Beginner Try First?

Start with low-stress training. Bending and tying branches involves no cutting, so a mistake costs you nothing but a day of recovery. Add topping only after the plant has four or five healthy nodes, and give it a few days to bounce back.

Key Features

• Low-stress training (LST): bending and tying stems outward to widen the plant without cutting anything.
• Topping and FIMing: removing the growth tip to split one main stem into two or more colas.
• Screen of green (SCROG): weaving branches through netting to hold a level, light-hungry canopy.
• Super cropping: pinching and softening a stem so it folds over and knuckles without snapping.
• Defoliation: selectively removing fan leaves that shade lower bud sites.
• Lollipopping: clearing the thin lower growth that never gets enough light to develop.
• Trellis and stake support: holding heavy colas upright through late flower.

Materials and Timing

The supplies are simple and reusable: soft plant ties or coated wire that will not cut into stems, garden twine, a clean pair of bypass pruning shears, and a stretch trellis net sized to your tent. Fabric pots help because they give you anchor points for ties. Timing matters more than gear. Do your heavy bending and topping during vigorous vegetative growth, light tying through the first two weeks of flower, and support work only after that. Avoid major pruning late in flower, when the plant has little time to recover.

Orders, Shipping, and Returns

Training supplies ship discreetly in plain packaging with tracking on every order, and most parcels leave the warehouse within one business day. If a tie roll, net, or pair of shears is not right for your setup, unused items can be returned within the standard window for a refund or exchange.

When Is the Best Time to Train Cannabis Plants?

Train during vigorous vegetative growth, when the plant repairs itself quickly. Stop heavy bending once flowering is well underway and switch to gentle support.

Does Training Stress the Plant?

Low-stress training barely registers; high-stress methods like topping cause a short pause of a few days. Healthy plants in good light and steady humidity recover fast.

Can You Train Autoflowering Cannabis?

Yes, but gently. Autoflowers have a fixed lifespan, so bend rather than cut and finish most shaping before pre-flower begins.