Top 9 Best Strains to Grow in Massachusetts: 2022 Comparison

Massachusetts is well-known for turbulent weather and humid, rainy summers. But, it can still be a great place to grow cannabis outdoors. In fact, if you’re growing cannabis in Massachusetts, outdoors is likely the best place to go. Outdoor grows get bigger buds and have a bigger harvest. What more could you want?

Of course, Massachusetts has a varying grow season. Coastal regions can see a frost-free season as long as 240 days. That means you won’t see frost till early November. Hampden and Berkshire (and surrounding areas) counties can have as little as 90 days. Therefore, it’s important to review your local climate. The best strains to grow in Massachusetts heavily depend on which part of the state you live in.

The table below shows a quick comparison of all the best strains to grow in MA that we’ve researched:

Growth and yield will heavily depend on local climate, microclimate, and care conditions. Factors like soil PH, micro and macro nutrition, and sunlight will impact your end grow. Additionally, MA has a lot of different microclimates. Therefore, our research should be used as a starting point for your own.

We’ve listed the results of our Massachusetts strain growing research and the characteristics profiles of each seed below. You’ll be able to see the benefits of their grow and some general information about the bud as well.

*Strains are not ranked in any particular order.

1. Blue Dream

Blue Dream blends Blueberry Ice and Haze to create a dreamy blue plant with an incredible high. This 70% Sativa strain is popular for quality, ease of growth, and high yield.

However, this strain is only a good choice if you live in a warmer area of Massachusetts. She’ll flower beautifully in MA’s hot, humid summers. However, she won’t mature until mid-October. That makes this strain a perfect coastal grow.

Blue Dream is also incredibly high in alpha-pinene terpenes. This terpene is part of what makes strains like OG Kush and Jack Herer so popular. But Blue Dream is easier to grow, faster, and often has a bigger yield.

You’ll also get incredibly purpling leaves as it starts to turn cold, leaving you with a plant that’s almost decorative. Of course, the harvest is still the most important, and Blue Dream will reward with fat buds covered in sticky orange trichomes and crystal.

• THC Levels: 20% (Medium)
• Indica/Sativa: 70% Indica/30% Sativa
• CBD Levels: Under 1% (Low)
• Outdoor Yield (Grams per square meter) 500g, or 700-850g per plant
• Flowering Time: 6-7 weeks, mid-October without light restriction
• Optimal Climate: Coastal Mediterranean
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Genetics: Blueberry Ice X Haze
• Effects: Cerebral, Euphoria, Stress Relief, Body high
• Flavors/Aroma: Sugar, Berries, Lemon, Herbal

2. Mother of Berries

Mother of Berries or MOB might be one of the best strains for growing in MA. In fact, MOB was bred right here in Boston, in 2015. Since then, Mother of Berries has come to dominate home grows on the East Coast. A quick look at the strain and it’s easy to see why.

For example, MOB combines fast growth with good mold and fungus resistance. You get a short, tractable plant that performs well in most regions in the state. However, MOB does like it to be as warm as possible. Luckily, she finishes in late September or early October at the latest, so you mostly don’t have to worry about frost.

Her short stature is also nice for most. While big Sativa-heavy strains can put off more bud, MOB is a better stealth plant. Cannabis may be legal in MA, but your neighbors might still complain. In this case, MOB has you covered.

Otherwise, MOB will reward you with intense pink and green buds and up to 300g per plant. And, her berry heritage comes true. This strain is chock full of rich berry aromas.

• THC Levels: 20% (Medium)
• Indica/Sativa: 90% Indica/10% Sativa
• CBD Levels: Less than 1% (Low)
• Outdoor Yield: 200-400g or up to 300g per plant
• Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks or mid-September
• Plant Size: 80-120cm/36-42 inches
• Optimal Climate: Mediterranean / Coastal
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Genetics: Freezeland X Blueberry x Jerry Berry
• Effects: Relaxation, Sleepy, Uplifted, Euphoric, happy
• Flavors/Aroma: Blueberry, Earth, Fruit, Skunk, Sweet

3. LSD

LSD is a classic, hardy, and fast-growing strain. While originally bred on the west coast, LSD is as adaptable as it comes. Plus, her high humidity tolerance makes this strain a great fit for MA’s warm, damp summers.

While LSD takes 8-9 weeks to flower, you can get a head start by planting her inside in April. Move her outside after the last frost and let her work her magic. This plant will stay small and compact. She also benefits from a sunny location with some wind protection.

Then, wait 9-10 weeks, and you’ll get up to 500g of heady, thick green buds per plant. You’ll have minimal fuss, so long as you give her enough sun.

Additionally, LSD doesn’t need much in the way of stress training or pruning. Remove some top leaves, and you’ll otherwise be good. If you don’t have support, you might want stakes to protect her from bay area wind. Otherwise, LSD is easy.

• THC Levels: 24% (high)
• Indica/Sativa: 45% Indica/55% Sativa
• CBD Levels: Under 1% (Low)
• Outdoor Yield (Grams per Square Meter) 500g/ 500g per plant
• Flowering Time (Weeks) 9-10 weeks or early-to-mid September
• Plant Size: 70-120 cm / 28/47 inches
• Optimal Climate: Temperate and Sunny
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Genetics: Skunk #1 x Mazar
• Effects: Cerebral, Psychedelic, Relaxing, Body High
• Flavors/Aroma: Sweet, Citrus, Earthy

4. Super Silver Haze

Super Silver Haze is as classic as weed strains come. It’s also a good choice for outdoor growing in Massachusetts. Why? Super Silver Haze loves humidity. She’s also incredibly resistant to mildew and fungus. Plus, with good temperature tolerance, this strain is ideal for most parts of MA.

That, plus incredibly easygoing growth make Super Silver Haze a great choice almost anywhere. Of course, you will have to stake or trellis. That’s especially true if you don’t have an area to block wind. But, you’ll have to anyway, because Super Silver Haze gets massive central colas that can snap branches.

For the best results, plant her indoors in April and move her outside after the last frost. You can keep her in buckets just in case frost hits early. Just, make sure they’re big. Otherwise, you’ll get a decent harvest of her white-coated buds in mid-October.

• THC Levels: 18% (Medium)
• Indica/Sativa: 10% Indica/ 90% Sativa
• CBD Levels: Less than 1% (Low)
• Outdoor Yield (Grams per Square Meter): 450-500g or 425g per plant
• Flowering Time (Weeks): 9-11 weeks or Mid-October
• Plant Size: 170-230cm / 67-90 inches
• Optimal Climate: Moderate and humid
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Genetics: Northern Lights, Haze, Skunk #1
• Effects: Creativity, Energy, Euphoria, Happiness, Uplifted
• Flavors/Aroma: Earthy, Herbal, Lemon, Skunk

5. Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel was bred in and for the Pacific Northwest’s climate. The hybrid, which originates from Shiva, Hawaiian, Northern Lights, and Diesel, is well-adapted to most climates. But, the fact that it’s popular across the world doesn’t change that it excels in sunny summers and cool falls of the west coast.

Sour Diesel is also well-loved for its flavor, high CBD and THC content, and moderate highs that deliver relaxation and focus. The plant is also tall growing, should be pruned back, and will smell (a lot) thanks to its Skunk heritage.

Sour Diesel is most beloved for its flavor. However, this beauty excels in nearly every climate the U.S. has to offer. Of course, you’ll get a higher yield in a warm, sunny summer. Luckily, Massachusetts offers plenty of those.

Sour Diesel is fast and tall. In fact, some growers report getting heights in excess of 10 feet. You will have trouble hiding this one from the neighbors. Especially when flowering hits.

However, you can keep that somewhat in control by using 30l pots. That’s also ideal in case frost strikes early because Sour Diesel doesn’t normally finish before the first week of November.

• THC Levels: 19% (Medium)
• Indica/Sativa: 40% Indica/60% Sativa
• CBD Level: 3% (High)
• Outdoor Yield (Grams per square meter): 450-600g, 450g per plant
• Flowering Time: 10-12 weeks, early November
• Plant Size: 254-304cm / 100-120 inches
• Optimal Climate: Coastal continental (sunny)
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Genetics: Shiva x Hawaiian x Northern Lights x Diesel
• Effects: Relaxed, Cerebral, Focused, Energetic
• Flavors/Aroma: Diesel, Bitter, Sour, Herbal

6. Cheese

Cheese is another classic. But, Cheese is also a great fit for short, humid summers. It’s also incredibly popular for aroma, relaxation, and high yield.

Plus, with mid-0ctober harvests, most MA residents can easily grow this strain. However, you might want to keep her in pots to ensure you can bring her inside, just in case.

Cheese is also one of the few strains that really loves humidity. That’s perfect for MA’s warm, humid summers. Make sure you put her in the sun for maximum yield.

Otherwise, this strain has little to worry about and a lot of reward. You’ll get dense buds covered in crystal. Plus, with an average of 20% plus THC, this is an ideal strain for anyone looking for a heady high.

What else? Cheese smells, a lot. She’s nicknamed “Stinky socks” for a good reason. Therefore, if neighbors might be an issue, pick something else.

• THC Levels: 20% (medium)
• Indica/Sativa: 50% Indica/50% Sativa
• CBD Levels: Less than 1% (Low)
• Outdoor Yield (Grams per square meter): 500-600g or 600-1000g per plant
• Flowering Time: 9-10 weeks or mid-October
• Plant Size: 100-200cm / 39-80 inches
• Optimal Climate: Humid coastal
• Grow difficulty: Easy
• Genetics: Skunk #1 x Afghani
• Effects: Balanced high, cerebral, body high, euphoria, happy
• Flavor/Aroma: Cheese, Skunk, Fruit, Nuts

7. Early Skunk

Early Skunk is a great choice for Northeast U.S. growers. The strain was bred for northern Europe, which normally has very similar climates. Plus, it’s easy, adapts to the cold, and matures fast. What more could you want?

Of course, Early Skunk isn’t ideal everywhere. For example, this plant smells a great deal. Your neighbors might complain on a balcony or in a close urban setting. Otherwise, this plant is an ideal starter for beginning growers.

While Early Skunk will finish in Late September, she really only needs 7-8 weeks to flower. That means you can start her late. Therefore, Early Skunk is a great late starter if you don’t think about growing outdoors until later in the year. On the other hand, this is a great strain to grow indoors as well, just because of the speed.

• THC Levels: Medium
• Indica/Sativa: 65% Indica/35% Sativa
• CBD Levels: Less than 1% (Low)
• Outdoor Yield (Grams per Square Meter): 400-500g or 500g per plant
• Flowering Time (Weeks): 7-9 weeks or Late September without light restriction
• Plant Size: 215-304cm / 85-120 inches
• Optimal Climate: Temperate
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Genetics: Early Pearl x Skunk #1
• Effects: Focus, relaxation, happy, euphoria, creativity
• Flavors/Aroma: Skunk, floral, earth, wood,

8. Blueberry

With world renown for her flavor, Blueberry would be popular if she had nothing else. But, this beauty is hardy and adaptable as well. In fact, Blueberry loves nothing more than a hot, humid summer, followed by a cool autumn.

That makes her perfect for the Massachusetts climate. Of course, she finished in mid-October, so you might want to use pots just in case. However, Blueberry can be somewhat sensitive to moisture. Humidity is fine but try to keep her covered in case it rains.

Additionally, this strain grows short and dense. You’ll want to use topping or pruning to ensure enough light gets through. Some pruning also reduces the chances of mold and mildew because it allows more air circulation.

Otherwise, Blueberry rewards with 400g of bud. You’ll get dense, crystal-coated buds with incredible flavor that makes her a grower’s favorite.

• THC Levels: 16% (Low)
• Indica/Sativa: 80% Indica/ 20% Sativa
• CBD Levels: Less than 1% (low)
• Outdoor Yield (Grams per Square Meter): 450-550g per square meter/ 400 grams per plant
• Flowering Time (Weeks): 9 weeks or mid-October without light restriction
• Plant Size: 100-150cm / 39-59 inches
• Optimal Climate: Moderate and dry
• Grow Difficulty: Medium
• Genetics: Purple Thai & Thai
• Effects: Euphoria, happiness, relaxation, sleepiness
• Flavors/Aroma: Berry, earthy, fruity, pine, sweet

9. White Widow

This Dutch classic is a favorite for just about anywhere. But, this Dutch-bred strain is uniquely suited to MA summers, because the Netherlands climate is remarkably similar. However, this hardy plant normally finishes in late October. Unfortunately, some parts of MA will already have frost by that time. Therefore, you should check your expected first frost before choosing this strain.

Otherwise, White Widow is the strain everyone loves. For example, this plant loves humidity. Outdoors, she’s a manageable 150-190 cm. And, she puts off good yields with or without high exposure to sun.

You’ll get up to 900g of orange-coated buds with very little effort. However, you definitely want to use topping to get maximum yields.

• THC Levels: 20-24%
• Indica/Sativa: 60% Sativa/40% Indica
• CBD Levels: Less than 1% (Low)
• Outdoor Yield (Grams per Square Meter): 450-500g/900g per plant
• Flowering Time (Weeks) – 8-9 weeks/End of October without light restriction
• Plant Size: 150-190cm / 59-60 inches
• Optimal Climate: Temperate and sunny
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Genetics: Brazilian Sativa landrace/South Indian indica
• Effects: Uplifting, Relaxation, Energy, Happy
• Flavors/Aroma: Fruit, Pine, Pungent, Sweet

Massachusetts Climate for Growing Cannabis

The Massachusetts climate is split into four distinct zones. However, all of them are warm in summer, humid, and relatively windy. Some areas of the state also have a shorter growing season.  While the state averages 121-180 days of frost-free per year. On the other hand, Plymouth, Bristol, Dukes, and Barnstable can see up to 240 days a year.

This means there is no perfect strain for Bay Staters. You’ll have to research your own micro-climate. However, outdoor growing in Massachusetts is relatively predictable. For example, you need a strain that deals well with high humidity. You’ll also need to look for a fast strain. If it takes longer than 12 weeks, it is not for you. And, even 12 weeks to flower is pushing it in most of the state.

Of course, none of that applies if you’re growing indoors. There, you’ll need a light setup. That means you can create perfectly controlled environments and grow whatever you want.

Massachusetts Marijuana Growing Laws

It’s legal to grow marijuana in Massachusetts, providing you stick to legal limits. For example, current state law allows 6 plants per person, or up to 12 per household. That means if you have 2 residents, you can have a maximum of 12 plants, but if you have 4, the limit is still 12.

• You must be 21 years or older. Younger growers face fines of up to $100 and seizure of the marijuana. If you are over 18 but under 21, you will also have to complete a drug awareness program.
• Each household may have up to 12 plants or a maximum of 5 per person. Growing more plants results in fines of up to $300
• If you are a Registered Qualifying Patient of the Medical Use of Marijuana Program Online System, you may have up to 10 ounces of useable marijuana
• Your landlord cannot restrict marijuana growing
• Your plants cannot be visible from a public place without optical aids. Failure to comply results in a fine of $300 and seizure of your plants

You can learn more on the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission. This organization is set up by the state to provide all information to growers. Additionally, you can view all Cannabis-related laws here.

Next Steps

Growing cannabis in Massachusetts can be challenging. The wrong strains definitely won’t survive the humidity or the cold. However, the best strains to grow in Massachusetts are easy, popular, and delicious. Chances are, you’ll have no trouble finding a great strain for your grow. If you want to look at other options, we recommend choosing Amnesia and Haze strains, especially “Early” varieties.

Related: Best Outdoor Strains for New England

Harry Williams

Harry is a cannabis growing veteran, recognized marijuana seed cultivation expert and founder of GrowReporter. Harry has spent the last 20+ years educating thousands of people about his techniques and methods.