Best Cannabis Strains to Grow Indoors: Reviewing The 10 Best High-Quality Indoor Marijuana Strains in 2023

There are three ways in which you can grow marijuana plants. You can choose to grow them indoors, or you can grow them outdoors. There’s a third method too – you can grow them in a mix of indoor-outdoor growth by using a greenhouse. In this article, we are going to focus on the first of the three and we will take a closer look at the best cannabis strains to grow indoors. 

While almost any strain of marijuana can be grown indoors, not every strain delivers a similar level of performance and there’s usually a major disparity in the yield between growing them indoors and outdoors. However, we have shortlisted a set of 15 marijuana strains that provide high yields indoors as well. 

The list contains all the top options for you, selected by a team of experts from our staff. We have chosen the strains on the basis of their taste, smell, quality, yields, and ease of growth – but most importantly, on how they perform when you grow them indoors. The strains have also been collated only from the top three seed banks – ILGM Seed Bank (I Love Growing Marijuana), the Crop King Seeds seed bank, and the Seedsman Seed Bank. These are three of the best and the most trusted names that ship worldwide and provide discreet and safe shipping. 

However, before we head into the list, here’s a very quick look at why some growers prefer growing their marijuana plants indoors?

Why Do People Grow Cannabis Indoors?

People tend to grow their marijuana plants indoors for a number of reasons. Some of them might want to do it because of social taboos. Even in places where it is legal for weed to be grown outdoors, people would prefer growing it indoors because of social stigma. Nobody really wants their neighbors to grow weed in the public. Particularly if they are growing something like a Sativa strain that can shoot up to 12 ft in height at times. The smell also spreads across pretty quickly when growing outdoors.

Other than the social reason, another reason as to why people prefer growing marijuana indoors is because they believe that when you grow your plants indoors, you can provide them with ideal growing conditions. There are too many external factors that you have to depend upon when you grow outdoors. If the weather is overcast and it becomes rainy, you won’t really be able to give enough sunlight to your plants, and besides that rain can also damage them. Indoors, you can control the lights and provide them with as much light as you want and even change the lighting pattern to trigger flowering. 

Humidity and heat are two more factors that need to be kept in mind while growing your marijuana plants. These are two factors that you don’t really have control on when you grow outdoors. The heat levels change depending on the season and you can’t really grow your plants outdoors in the months between November to March because of the cold weather. However, when you grow indoors, you can use a humidifier/dehumidifier to adjust the humidity levels. You can also add a heater to create ideal growing temperatures indoors. 

Furthermore, indoor growers also have another advantage over those who grow their plants outdoors – they can keep them safe from pests, insects, pets, and stray animals. These are elements that tend to damage outdoor plants, but if you are growing them indoors, you don’t need to worry too much about any of them as you can simply seal your grow tents and lock your grow rooms and none of them would bother you indoors. 

10 Best Cannabis Strains for Indoor Growers Reviewed 

Here are 10 of the best available options that we have when it comes to the best marijuana strains that you can grow indoors. All these strains have been selected and handpicked by us based on certain qualities that they exhibit that make them unique. These are all selected from some of the best seed banks out there, which ensures a safe and discreet delivery.

Image Product Features Price
AK 47 Feminized Marijuana Seeds AK 47 Feminized Marijuana Seeds

  • Dominant Strain: 65% Sativa-dominant, 35% Indica DNA
  • THC Level: Usually carries around 20% THC content
  • Effect: Uplifting, Cheerful, Happy High

Check Price on ILGM
Blue Cheese Feminized Marijuana Seeds Blue Cheese Feminized Marijuana Seeds

  • Dominant Strain: 80% Indica-dominant, 20% Sativa lineage
  • THC Level: Carries about 19% THC content
  • Effect: Relaxing, Comforting, Happy

Check Price on ILGM
Super Skunk Feminized Marijuana Seeds Super Skunk Feminized Marijuana Seeds

  • Dominant Strain: 80% Indica-dominant, 20% Sativa genetics
  • THC Level: About 20% THC concentration
  • Effect: Happy, Relaxed, Sleepy

Check Price on CropKingSeeds
White Widow Feminized Marijuana Seeds White Widow Feminized Marijuana Seeds

  • Dominant Strain: 60% Indica dominant, 40% Sativa genetics
  • THC Level: Carries up to 25% THC content
  • Effect: Sleepy, Relaxing, Comforting, Couch Lock

Check Price on CropKingSeeds
Do-Si-Dos Autoflowering Feminized Marijuana Seeds Do-Si-Dos Autoflowering Feminized Marijuana Seeds

  • Dominant Strain: 70% Indica-dominant strain, 30% Sativa content
  • THC Level: Very high THC content, about 30%
  • Effect: Relaxed, Euphoric

Check Price on ILGM
LA Vanilla Cake Feminized Marijuana Seeds LA Vanilla Cake Feminized Marijuana Seeds

  • Dominant Strain: 70% Indica-dominant strain, 30% Sativa content 
  • THC Level: Carries up to 25% THC content
  • Effect: Relaxing, Body High, Long Lasting, Comforting

Check Price on Seedsman
Banana Punch Feminized Marijuana Seeds Banana Punch Feminized Marijuana Seeds

  • Dominant Strain: 55% Indica, 45% Sativa genetics
  • THC Level: Carries up to 26% THC Content
  • Effect: Strong High, Relaxing, Euphoric

Check Price on Seedsman
Cherry Pie Feminized Marijuana Seeds Cherry Pie Feminized Marijuana Seeds

  • Dominant Strain: 80% Indica-dominant, 20% Sativa genes
  • THC Level: Up to 23% THC levels
  • Effect: Happy, Relaxed, Euphoric

Check Price on ILGM
Grandaddy Purple Feminized Marijuana Seeds Grandaddy Purple Feminized Marijuana Seeds

  • Dominant Strain: 100% Indica-dominant marijuana plant
  • THC Level: Up to 23% THC content
  • Effect: Relaxing, Calming, Comforting, Happy

Check Price on CropKingSeeds
Northern Lights Feminized Marijuana Seeds Northern Lights Feminized Marijuana Seeds

  • Dominant Strain: 90% Indica-dominant strain, 10% Sativa lineage
  • THC Level: Carries up to 18% THC content
  • Effect: Happy High, Relaxed, Sleepy, Uplifting

Check Price on ILGM

1. AK 47 Feminized Marijuana Seeds

AK 47 Feminized Marijuana Seeds
  • Dominant Strain: 65% Sativa-dominant, 35% Indica DNA
  • THC Level: Usually carries around 20% THC content
  • Effect: Uplifting, Cheerful, Happy High
  • Type of Seeds: Feminized
  • Seed Bank: ILGM Seed Bank
  • CBD Level: Carries insignificant CBD levels; Usually under 1%
  • Flavor Profile: Earthy, Pungent, Sweet
  • Flowering Time: Takes up to 10 weeks to hit peak flowering
  • Yield: Between 5 to 15 oz per square meter

When you hear the name AK 47, you probably think of violence and guns and wars. However, this strain has got nothing to do with all those terrible things. The strain carries 35% Indica DNA but is primarily a Sativa-dominant plant as it carries 65% Sativa lineage. The AK 47 strain offers high THC levels, does not grow too tall – and is an ideal indoor cannabis plant. This is also a much-awarded strain, which has won the Cannabis Cup as well as the Jamaican World Cup in the past. 

When growing the AK 47 marijuana strain, make sure that you are growing these plants in a well-ventilated area. The strain prefers low humidity levels and cool temperatures. Another thing that is important to keep in mind while growing this strain is that you need to provide it with as much light as you can. The plant loves light and can even work on somewhat longer lighting schedules than most other strains. Do keep an eye out for pests, rotting and molds though. 

The AK-47 marijuana strain carries a very earthy and pungent smell, it’s got that skunk-like feeling to it that one typically would associate with marijuana plants. You also get some sweet and sour notes on this strain. It generally takes about 3-4 weeks of vegetative phase and hits peak flowering in about 10 weeks. The yields aren’t too high, as you get between 5 to 15 oz per square meter. Nonetheless, the strain is totally worth it given the kind of buzz that it provides to those who smoke it! Besides, it is one of the most ‘perfect’ indoor marijuana strains out there.

There’s about 20% THC content in this strain – which is pretty high. Those who smoke the AK-47 tend to experience a ‘happy high’ which induces euphoria and uplifts those who smoke it. The strain allows you to relax and unwind and helps you cheer up. Lastly, the AK-47 isn’t really rich in CBD content, so there aren’t many medicinal benefits. However, you can totally use it for improving your mood if you’re dealing with anxiety or depression.

2. Blue Cheese Feminized Marijuana Seeds

Blue Cheese Feminized Marijuana Seeds
  • Dominant Strain: 80% Indica-dominant, 20% Sativa lineage
  • THC Level: Carries about 19% THC content
  • Effect: Relaxing, Comforting, Happy
  • Type of Seeds: Feminized
  • Seed Bank: ILGM Seed Bank
  • CBD Level: About 2% CBD levels
  • Flavor Profile: Cheesy, Berry-like
  • Flowering Time: About 8 to 9 weeks to hit peak flowering
  • Yield: Usually up to 10 oz per square meter

The Blue Cheese strain carries quite a unique look. This is an Indica-dominant plant that has up to 80% Indica genetics and carries about 20% Sativa DNA. The strain features high THC content and also has a little more than the usual amounts of CBD in it. When you consider buying indoor strains, this is one of the best such options for you – as it absolutely thrives in an indoor setup. This is a fast-flowering but low-yielding strain, but the taste and smell are so unique that it more than compensates for the low yields.

The kind of buzz that you experience when you smoke this strain is very Indica-like. You feel intense relaxation and a strong body high. The strain makes you feel really comfortable and turns you into quite the couch potato, but thankfully does not make you drowsy or sleepy right away, allowing you to enjoy your ‘high’. This strain has been created by crossing the Blueberry strain with the UK Cheese strain which gives it the unique characteristics that it carries. There’s over 19% THC here, and close to 2% CBD. This is also a great strain for pain relief. People seeking relief from mental ailments can also find it in the Blue Cheese marijuana strain.

When growing this strain indoors, do make sure that you keep the temperatures cool. This strain prefers about 65 to 85 Fahrenheit and absolutely detests heat. It usually takes the Blue Cheese strain about 8 to 9 weeks to fully mature, and the resulting buds are very pretty and very juicy. The strain provides up to 10 oz of yields per square meter. It carries a very berry-like taste and a cheese-like smell, which is an extremely unique combination, portraying the classic traits of both the parent strains involved here.

3. Super Skunk Feminized Marijuana Seeds

Super Skunk Feminized Marijuana Seeds
  • Dominant Strain: 80% Indica-dominant, 20% Sativa genetics
  • THC Level: About 20% THC concentration
  • Effect: Happy, Relaxed, Sleepy
  • Type of Seeds: Feminized
  • Seed Bank: Crop King Seeds
  • CBD Level: Under 1% CBD content
  • Flavor Profile: Citrus, Cheesy, Skunk-like, Pungent, Strong
  • Flowering Time: Takes up to 8 weeks to hit peak flowering
  • Yield: Up to 21 oz per square meter

The Super Skunk feminized strain is one of the most popular names in the cannabis community. This is a strain that has been appreciated by generations of stoners, and can be identified by as much as a whiff of the aroma! The strain is heavily Indica-dominant and features 80% Indica genetics, along with 20% Sativa lineage. This is also one of the most easy-growing strains and beginners can benefit a lot from it. This strain was created by crossing the Skunk #1 strain with an Afghani Indica. 

The Super Skunk strain is a great indoor strain, which delivers high yields, and does not take too long to grow. This is why growers absolutely appreciate it.  The time that it takes for this strain to get ready for harvest in about 8 weeks, and at the end of it, you get about 21 oz per square meter, which is a pretty impressive yield. The strain has a very strong and skunk-like smell and provides a rather earthy and cheesy taste. This strain makes sense for indoor growers because it does not grow too tall and can fit your grow tents really well. Furthermore, this strain loves lights, so provide it with as much light as you can to get better yields. 

This marijuana strain is a great option for stoners who want to enjoy a very strong and Indica-dominant high. This strain affects you rather quickly and gives you a very relaxing kind of a high that slows you down and makes you feel sleepy. However, throughout the duration of the strain, you keep feeling very happy and euphoric. The Super Skunk strain has an uplifting and cheering effect on you. It carries almost no CBD content, but it is still a good option for some amount of pain relief, as well as mental health relief.

4. White Widow Feminized Marijuana Seeds

White Widow Feminized Marijuana Seeds
  • Dominant Strain: 60% Indica dominant, 40% Sativa genetics
  • THC Level: Carries up to 25% THC content
  • Effect: Sleepy, Relaxing, Comforting, Couch Lock
  • Type of Seeds: Feminized
  • Seed Bank: Crop King Seeds
  • CBD Level: Carries about 0.5% CBD content
  • Flavor Profile: Lemon, Pine, Fruity, Sandalwood
  • Flowering Time: Takes up to 8 weeks to hit peak flowering
  • Yield: Carries about 400 grams of yield per square meter

What can we tell you about the White Widow strain that you might not have heard of already! This is one of the best marijuana strains out there and among the top-selling names on pretty much every seed bank. The strain gets its name because of the unique color combination that it comes with, as it has a snowcapped peak sort of an appearance. It has a distinct color, taste, and flavor profile. White Widow was created by crossing a South Indian Indica strain along with a Brazilian Indica strain. The strain has been around for a while and won the High Times Cannabis Cup in 1995. 

White Widow carries a very strong mental buzz. It carries about 40% Sativa genetics and 60% Indica lineage. The THC concentration here is pretty high, standing in at almost 25%. When you smoke this strain, it has a rather quick effect and gives you a very relaxing buzz. You get a very light-headed feeling at first, and then as you take a couple of more puffs, you would soon find yourself moving towards the nearest couch. This strain puts you in a couch lock and helps you get a better night’s sleep. Another thing that makes this strain so popular is that it carries quite a few medicinal benefits as well, with pain relief being on top of the list. 

The strain has a lemony, pine-like, and fruity smell. You can also find some notes of Sandalwood when you smoke this strain, as it has a South Indian strain as a parent. When you are smoking this White Widow strain, make sure that you’re going slow on it, or you’ll find yourself facing nausea or paranoia. The strain provides about 400 grams per square meter worth of yields and usually gets ready for the harvest in about eight weeks, which is also pretty quick.

5. Do-Si-Dos Autoflowering Feminized Marijuana Seeds

Do-Si-Dos Autoflowering Feminized Marijuana Seeds
  • Dominant Strain: 70% Indica-dominant strain, 30% Sativa content
  • THC Level: Very high THC content, about 30%
  • Effect: Relaxed, Euphoric
  • Type of Seeds: Feminized, Autoflowering
  • Seed Bank: ILGM Seed Bank
  • CBD Level: About 1% CBD content
  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, Pungent, and Earthy
  • Flowering Time: Usually takes up to 10 weeks to hit peak flowering
  • Yield: Up to 15 oz per square meter

Do Si Dos is a strain that is known particularly for the intense THC levels that it carries. The strain has been created by crossing the OG Kush Breath strain with the Face Off OG strain. Both the parent strains, too, are rich in THC content. This is the Autoflowering variant of the Do-Si-Dos plant, which is a pretty easy-growing plant that can be grown very well in an indoor environment. The strain carries about 70% Indica genes and 30% Sativa genetics. Even when it comes to yields, you won’t really be disappointed. 

When you are growing this marijuana strain, make sure that you are providing it with warm and somewhat humid conditions. However, make sure that you don’t make it hot and humid, as the plant won’t perform well in that. It prefers temperatures ranging between 21 to 26 C. Also make sure to lower the temperatures once the flowers start to bloom. The plant is quite green, but when it is fully mature, you will find a number of purple hues every now and then. It provides about 15 oz of yield per square meter and takes about 10 weeks to fully mature. These yields are considered average to under-average in the case of regular plants, but in the case of this autoflowering Do-Si-Dos, this is a pretty good number. 

Let us now talk about the thing that truly makes this strain so special. It carries up to 30% THC content. This is an Indica-dominant strain and carries enough potential in it to absolutely knock you out for the whole night if you smoke it in excess. The strain needs to be taken in slowly and is best smoked at night time because it helps you ease into a good night’s sleep. Do-Si-Dos also carries 1% CBD content, which is great for people who are looking for weed for social anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The strain tastes of earthy and sweet notes, and leaves behind a pungent aroma.

6. LA Vanilla Cake Feminized Marijuana Seeds

LA Vanilla Cake Feminized Marijuana Seeds
  • Dominant Strain: 70% Indica-dominant strain, 30% Sativa content 
  • THC Level: Carries up to 25% THC content
  • Effect: Relaxing, Body High, Long Lasting, Comforting
  • Type of Seeds: Feminized
  • Seed Bank: Seedsman Seed Bank
  • CBD Level: Up to 2% CBD content
  • Flavor Profile: Sweet and Fruity
  • Flowering Time: Can take as many as 9 weeks to mature
  • Yield: Usually up to 600 grams per square meter

A strain that carries a great look, a great taste, a good THC number, and decent CBD levels, the LA Vanilla Cake does not disappoint at all! Created by crossing the Ice Cream Cake strain with the Wedding Cake strain, this one is a 70% Indica-dominant hybrid marijuana strain, which also carries about 30% Sativa DNA. The strain grows indoors as well as outdoors, and while more people choose to grow it outdoors, we’ve chosen to have this listed here because it adapts really well to an indoor setup too!

When you grow this strain indoors, it grows to almost half the height of what it would grow outdoors – about 120 to 150cm. The LA Vanilla Cake strain carries about 25% THC content in it, which gives you a very strong hit. The kind of high that you experience initially feels that it is affecting your head, but very quickly, that moves on to your body and you experience a pretty strong body high. When you’ve smoked this strain for a few drags, you will notice that the effect is pretty long-lasting. In addition to the impressive THC numbers, there’s also 2% CBD content here, which allows you to feel the therapeutic benefits of this strain as well. It is a good option for those seeking pain relief, as well as relief from insomnia and restlessness.

The LA Vanilla Cake strain, as the name suggests, is very cake-like and sweet. The sweet undertone can be felt across almost every drag that you inhale and exhale. There’s also a fruity touch to it, and you will feel various fruity notes from time to time. There’s obviously a vanilla-like and a ginger-like touch to the taste of this strain which comes from the two parent strains that it has been created. LA Vanilla Cake takes about 9 weeks to fully mature, and when you harvest it, it gives you close to 600 grams of usable bud indoors. Lastly, this is a pretty easy-going strain for beginners as well.

7. Banana Punch Feminized Marijuana Seeds

Banana Punch Feminized Marijuana Seeds
  • Dominant Strain: 55% Indica, 45% Sativa genetics
  • THC Level: Carries up to 26% THC Content
  • Effect: Strong High, Relaxing, Euphoric
  • Type of Seeds: Feminized
  • Seed Bank: Seedsman Seed Bank
  • CBD Level: Under 0.5% CBD content
  • Flavor Profile: Banana-like, Berry-like, Fruity, Sweet
  • Flowering Time: Takes up to 9 weeks to fully mature
  • Yield: Provides up to 650 grams of usable bud when grown indoors

The Banana Punch strain is one of the most unique-looking strains out there, as you see a burst of colors on it. It also carries a very distinct taste and flavor profile which makes it really special. The strain is pretty much evenly split when it comes to its genetic profile, only slightly tipping towards Indica, as it has 55% Indica and 45% Sativa genes. This strain has been created by the breeders at Barney’s Farm by crossing the Banana OG Strain with the Purple Punch strain. The strain is known for its high yields, as well as for the kind of THC content that it carries in it. 

The Banana Punch strain, at its full maturity, is quite the sight to look at! There is obviously a dominant green overtone to it, but then there are loud splashes of yellow which add to the charm of the strain. Thanks to the Purple Punch lineage, you can find a strong purple overtone on a number of the leaves as well. This combination of green, purple, and yellow gives this Banana Punch strain a very unique appeal. The strain also carries a strong banana and berry-like taste, which comes from the parent plants. Furthermore, it is ready for harvest in about 9 to 10 weeks and provides above-average yields of about 650 grams per square meter indoors.

There’s up to 26% THC content in the Banana Punch strain. Given that it has a well-balanced lineage, it gives you effects from both sides. Like an Indica plant, it helps you relax and unwind and helps you feel a body high. However, much like a Sativa, it also gives you a very euphoric and happy sensation. Thanks to the strong Sativa presence, the strain does not make you a couch potato and you will be able to move around with ease and won’t feel sleepy when you smoke it. The strain carries under 0.5% CBD content and doesn’t really have any medical or therapeutic properties.

8. Cherry Pie Feminized Marijuana Seeds

Cherry Pie Feminized Marijuana Seeds
  • Dominant Strain: 80% Indica-dominant, 20% Sativa genes
  • THC Level: Up to 23% THC levels
  • Effect: Happy, Relaxed, Euphoric
  • Type of Seeds: Feminized
  • Seed Bank: ILGM Seed Bank
  • CBD Level: Under 1% CBD levels
  • Flavor Profile: Earthy, Sweet, Berry-like
  • Flowering Time: Takes up to 8 weeks to hit peak flowering
  • Yield: Provides up to 17 oz per square meter

The Cherry Pie strain is one of the best options for stoners who are looking forward to growing a fast-flowering marijuana strain that delivers above-average yields. This is a strain known for its rather sweet taste and flavor profile, as well as for its Indica-dominant high. The strain carries about 80% Indica content, as well as 20% Sativa genetics. In terms of ease of growing, it is a moderate-level strain, and you need to have grown at least for a few seasons in order to get this strain growing. 

There’s about 23% THC content in this marijuana strain – which gives those who consume it a very powerful high. Since this is an Indica plant, you get to experience a very relaxing and soothing buzz. It gives you an intense body high, which makes you feel like you’re weightless and floating. This is a very happy high as well and helps you deal with mood swings, stress, anxiety, and depression. Those who smoke this strain can also feel some amount of pain relief, especially in the case of neuropathic pain. 

When you are growing the strain, keep an eye out for your humidity levels. This plant doesn’t really enjoy humidity and would prefer growing in a less humid environment, almost a semi-arid one. However, sunshine and warmth are more than welcome – just make sure you don’t make it too hot. One good thing about the Cherry Pie marijuana strain is that it is pest-resistant. Lastly, the strain has a very sweet and berry-like taste and leaves behind a cherry-like aroma in the air. Stoners feel pretty relaxed and refreshed after smoking this strain. The strain takes about 8 weeks to mature and provides about 17 oz of yield per square feet in an indoor setup.

9. Grandaddy Purple Feminized Marijuana Seeds

Grandaddy Purple Feminized Marijuana Seeds
  • Dominant Strain: 100% Indica-dominant marijuana plant
  • THC Level: Up to 23% THC content
  • Effect: Relaxing, Calming, Comforting, Happy
  • Type of Seeds: Feminized
  • Seed Bank: Crop King Seeds
  • CBD Level: Carries under 1% CBD content
  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, Berry-like, Fruity, Grapes
  • Flowering Time: Takes up to 9 weeks to hit peak flowering
  • Yield: Provides up to 17 oz per square meter in yields

If you are looking for a pure Indica experience, then things can’t get any better for you than the Granddaddy Purple strain. This is a 100% Indica-dominant strain, which features a pretty high level of THC content, is an easy-growing strain, and thrives in an indoor environment. The strain has a great taste and provides above-average yields too. Granddaddy Purple is an award-winning strain that was created by crossing the Purple Urkle strain with the Big Bud strain. It also carries quite a few therapeutic properties.

There’s about 23% THC content in Granddaddy Purple. Since this is a 100% Indica strain, it delivers a very strong hit, the effects of which can be felt almost instantly. It helps you relax and calm down and provides a comforting buzz. The strain provides a happy high to those who smoke it, and also has a healing touch, especially when it comes to ailments dealing with mental health, such as anxiety and depression. Granddaddy Purple is also a great option for people who have a hard time sleeping and often face restlessness, as it helps you ease your way into a good night’s sleep.

If you are an indoor grower, make sure that you are maintaining the humidity levels between 48 to 55%. This is the ideal range for the Granddaddy Purple strain which dislikes any higher or lower levels. The strain prefers bright lights and provides somewhat higher-than-normal yields. Another great thing about this strain is that it generally does not grow taller than 60 inches in height, which would fit well inside most average sized grow tents, leaving about 1 to 2 ft of headroom above it. When it has fully matured after about 8 to 10 weeks of growing, it provides about 17 ounces of bud in yield.

10. Northern Lights Feminized Marijuana Seeds

Northern Lights Feminized Marijuana Seeds
  • Dominant Strain: 90% Indica-dominant strain, 10% Sativa lineage
  • THC Level: Carries up to 18% THC content
  • Effect: Happy High, Relaxed, Sleepy, Uplifting
  • Type of Seeds: Feminized
  • Seed Bank: ILGM Seed Bank
  • CBD Level: Under 1% CBD levels
  • Flavor Profile: Lemony, Pine-like, Citrus, Pungent, Skunk-like
  • Flowering Time: Usually takes up to 9 weeks to hit peak flowering
  • Yield: Provides between 12 to 16 oz of yields

The Northern Lights strain is a popular marijuana strain and among the hottest selling names on the ILGM Seed Bank. This is a strain that carries 90% Indica genetics and only about 10% Sativa DNA. The strain thrives in brightly-lit indoor setups and provides decent THC levels, as well as a good yield. The strain has been around since the 1980s and was created by crossing an Afghani strain with a Thai strain, the exact origins of both these strains remain unknown. Beginners would have a good time growing this strain as it isn’t a particularly difficult one to grow. 

This plant loves a moderate and sunny climate. It doesn’t need to be too hot or too cold for the Northern Lights to thrive. The strain takes about 7 to 9 weeks to fully mature and gets harvest-ready. Upon providing ideal conditions, expect anywhere up to 18 oz per square meter of yields. It carries a very refreshing taste that is quite lemony, pine-like, and rich in citrus. The strain carries a pungent and skunk-like smell, which is often called the ‘classic’ marijuana smell. Expect the smell to be even stronger when you’ve kept the strain out to dry.

When you compare it with most other strains on our list, the Northern Lights strain does not carry as high a THC content. However, even at 18% THC, it is good enough to give you a very strong buzz. Given that this is a 90% Indica-dominant plant, the strain has a very strong and potent effect upon those who smoke it. This is a strain that gives a very relaxed and easy-going sort of a high. Chances are that if you’re smoking it alone, you’ll end up being couch-locked, get the munchies, and snack yourself to sleep. Not only is this a perfect indoor strain, it also makes you feel very indoorsy and comforted in your couch.

Editor’s Pick: Which is the Best Indoor Strain?

When we talk about indoor strains, there are a number of factors that have to be considered. We would like to give priority to ease of growth as one of the biggest factors as you don’t really want to struggle with a plant that you are growing in a limited space. For that reason, we would like to rank the Super Skunk strain as one of the best names on our list. If you are a beginner, or if you are someone who doesn’t want to grow a difficult strain, this is totally one of the best options for you. 

Apart from that, another factor that we consider is the THC levels. If you are looking for a good marijuana strain that can get you ‘high’ or ‘stoned’, you might want to check out the White Widow strain. We recommend you to go slow on this one because it delivers a pretty strong punch and can totally shake you up if you’re not careful with it. While THC-rich strains are more for recreational stoners, those looking for medical marijuana should look for high-CBD strains. Talking of high-CBD strains, we strongly recommend checking out the LA Vanilla Cake strain from our list, which carries quite a bit of CBD content and has strong therapeutic benefits.

There are some marijuana plants that are known for their taste and smell. If we were to select one of the best indoor cannabis plants based on the kind of flavor profile that they offer, we’d totally go with the Banana Punch strain as it has such a unique smell and taste that you can identify it even without checking out the name of the strain. 

Lastly, autoflowering plants also matter a lot for indoor growers, as you don’t have to manually change the lighting here. When it comes to the best indoor autoflowering marijuana strains, we would recommend you to check out the Do-Si-Dos strain from our list. This is an easy-to-grow strain that performs pretty well in an indoor setup. 

Buyer’s Guide to the Best Cannabis Strains for Indoor Growers

There are a large number of growers who prefer growing their marijuana plants indoors rather than growing them outdoors. This is largely for two reasons. Firstly, they fear the social taboo if someone sees them growing it outdoors. This can also attract unwanted attention from law enforcement, even if you are doing it legally. The second reason is that when you grow your plants outdoors, you don’t have enough control over climatic factors such as light, heat, etc. 

However, when you choose to grow your plants indoors, there are a number of factors that you need to keep in mind. Here is a closer look at some of them – 

  • The height of the plant

One of the very first things that indoor growers need to consider before they decide to buy a set of marijuana seeds to grow on their own is to check for the height of the plant. Check the reviews, or ask your friends who might have grown these strains to get a fair idea about how tall they might grow. Indoor growers generally fall short of space compared to outdoor growers, and would therefore require strains that don’t grow too tall.

Generally speaking, Indica strains tend to grow shorter and bushier compared to Sativa strains, wihch can grow very tall but aren’t as densely packed or bushy as Indica plants. However, this is a general observation and not something that happens in 100% of the cases. Make sure you check out the height of the plant at peak maturity before you decide on the seeds that you buy.

  • Choosing the right grow tent

If you are looking for marijuana strains specifically for growing indoors, you might want to give a thought to the kind of grow tent setup that you have. The grow tent that you have will impact your choice of indoor plant. When you are buying a grow tent, make sure you buy one which is as tall as possible otherwise taller plants will have a hard time growing in it. They will need to be tied and bent and inexperienced growers might have a hard time doing that. 

Choosing the right grow tent is also important for a number of other reasons – the better the grow tent, the better your odds of getting a high-quality plant. By a ‘better’ grow tent, we mean one which carries a high-quality reflective layer, as well as waterproofing and does not have any places from where light can leak out. There also need to be appropriate air pockets for ventilation. This is critical for indoor plants because grow tents provide the sandbox in which you replicate the outdoor climate. 

  • Getting the lighting setup right 

Lighting is another factor that you need to get right when considering growing a marijuana plant indoors. There are two aspects to it that need to be considered – firstly, when choosing the lighting, make sure that you are choosing a kind of grow light that covers the entire set of plants pretty well. Secondly, you need to make sure that you are getting the right spectrum of lighting. 

In their early stages of growth, marijuana plants require more lights from the blue end of the spectrum, while in the flowering phase, lights from the red end of the spectrum are needed. Furthermore, you also need to check the heating mechanism on the grow light of your choice, as well as dimming, the quality of ballasts, timers, etc. Before you begin growing your marijuana plants indoors, getting the lighting setup right is a big factor that needs to be considered.

  • Controlling temperature and humidity

Now that you’re done with the lights and the grow tent, the next thing that you have to check is the temperature and humidity controls. Given that growing indoors gives you a huge amount of control over all the environmental factors, you can tweak the lighting and the heat in a way that suits your plants the best. In order to adjust the temperatures in a grow tent, you might need to get a mini AC or a small-scale heater that will ensure that the temperature does not get too hot or too cold. 

Similarly, you might also need to get hold of a dehumidifier or a humidifier depending on what kind of a climate your room has. When you are considering growing a marijuana plant indoors, temperature and humidity are two factors that you’ve got to keep in mind.

  • The THC and CBD levels of your plant

One factor that you need to keep in mind, be it an indoor or an outdoor marijuana plant, is the THC and CBD levels present in the plant. The higher the THC concentration in a plant, the stronger the ‘high’ will be that you are going to experience. THC is the primary component responsible for the psychoactive properties of the marijuana plant. If you are a recreational stoner who wants to smoke weed to get high, you might want to choose a marijuana strain that carries a high amount of THC in it.

While THC is for those who want to get high, CBD is for those who want to make use of the medical benefits of the marijuana plant. High-CBD strains are generally chosen by people who want to experience medical effects such as relief against pain and inflammations, or against ailments such as dystonia, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, etc. where muscles are affected. Similarly, people who suffer from ailments like IBS and IBD where the gastric system is affected can also feel relief by consuming medical marijuana.

  • The flavor profile and the visual appeal

Another set of major factors when it comes to choosing marijuana strains is the flavor profile and the visual appeal. Flavor profile matters a lot because every stoner has their own preference when it comes to smoking weed. While some people prefer the classic ammonia-like and pungent smell that marijuana plants carry, there might be others who prefer sweeter and more fruit-like tastes. There are many taste combinations available, and flavors including chocolate, citrus, coffee, and many others that you can choose from.

Similarly, the visual appeal also matters to some stoners, especially for those who want to grow their marijuana plants to celebrate a special occasion or they grow their strains to gift the buds to their friends and family. There can be blue, green, pink, orange, white, yellow, or green colored marijuana strains – so keep an eye out for the visual appeal of the strains as well. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Indoor Cannabis Strains

Here are the answers to some of the most common and frequently asked questions about indoor cannabis strains. We have collated them together and put them in this one section so it becomes easier for you to access all the information about it in one place.

1. Can indoor cannabis strains be grown outdoors too?

Yes, indoor cannabis strains can easily be grown outdoors as well. Pretty much any plant can be grown anywhere and they will still grow if you provide the bare minimum of water, light, and nutrients to it. However, the kind of growth would be different. If we know that a plant provides the best yields when grown indoors, those numbers would be affected outdoors. Similarly, sometimes growing in a different environment can affect other factors too, such as THC and CBD levels, or the color of the plant. However, if we aren’t considering the best-case scenario, and looking purely from a growing standpoint, yes, it is possible to grow indoor strains outdoors, and outdoor strains indoors. 

2. Are all indoor cannabis strains autoflowering strains? 

No, all indoor strains are not autoflowering, and all autoflowering strains aren’t best suited for indoor growth too. However, you can find a lot of autoflowering strains that perform well indoors. Indoor growers tend to prefer autoflowering plants because in this case, they do not have to manually adjust the lighting pattern and reduce the lighting hours to trigger flowering. The only difference between autoflowering and regular indoor strains is that autoflowering strains bloom on their own after a few weeks. However, these same strains can be grown outdoors as well and there is no specific association of autoflowering plants with indoor growers.

3. Which of the two grows better indoors – Indica or Sativa cannabis plants? 

While both these strains can grow pretty well – be it indoors or outdoors, generally speaking, growers prefer growing Indica or Indica-dominant plants indoors. This is because if you look at their genetics, plants that are Indica-dominant always tend to have a shorter height compared to Sativa or Sativa-dominant plants. This difference is pretty significant as well, as Sativa plants can often grow as tall as 12 to 14 ft which isn’t feasible for an indoor grower who wants to grow it in a grow tent, and usually has an upper limit of about 6 to 6.5 ft, where they also have to accommodate space for grow lights and other equipment. Hence, Indica plants are preferred by Indoor growers.

4. Are there any side effects associated with smoking these indoor marijuana strains?

There are no side effects specifically associated with smoking marijuana strains that are grown indoors. However, weed does carry its own side effects in general. If you are smoking marijuana, you are likely to develop cottonmouth and will need to drink a lot of water. Then there are other symptoms such as having an altered sense of time and reality, and also a slow response time. This is why it is discouraged to drive while high on weed. Red eyes are another feature of weed that almost everyone is aware of. Lastly, another common symptom is increased hunger, popularly known as ‘the munchies’. However, none of them are specific to indoor marijuana but are common weed-related side effects. 

5. Can I grow medical marijuana strains indoors?

Yes, medical marijuana strains can also be grown indoors. There are a number of these strains which respond pretty well to the use of grow lights instead of using the natural light of the sun. Many people even prefer growing medical strains indoors because they can provide them with the perfect conditions for growth, and can get big and juicy buds that they can use to create extracts and concentrates. However, always make sure to consult with your doctor before you decide to self-medicate using medical marijuana strains. Furthermore, you can also buy medicinal marijuana strains from dispensaries.

Conclusion

We hope that by the time you reach this section, you’ve got a much better idea about the best indoor marijuana strains out there than you had heading into this article. Indoor marijuana strains are a pretty good option for home-based growers. If there are any strains that you’ve tried and liked, or if there are some strains that you would like us to review later, feel free to drop a comment below and let us know, we shall get back to you as soon as we can. Till then…

…Happy Growing! 🙂

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