Written by Joshua Sosin

Cannabis cultivation is both an art and a science, and growers use many different techniques to get the best plants they can possibly grow.

One of the best ways to improve the way cannabis plants grow is called topping. Here's what you should know about topping cannabis and how it affects the plant's growth.

Learn more fascinating facts about cannabis plants from the Mood Blog.

Table of Contents

• What Is Topping Cannabis?

• Why Do Growers Top Their Cannabis Plants?

• How to Top a Cannabis Plant

• Best Time to Top Cannabis Plants

• Pros and Cons of Topping

• Other High-Stress Training Techniques

• Final Thoughts

What Is Topping Cannabis?

Topping is a pruning technique that's basically cutting off the top of a cannabis plant’s main stem to encourage the plant to produce lateral growth instead of focusing on a single dominant cola.

This technique is a form of high-stress training (HST) that forces the plant to redistribute its energy, resulting in a bushier structure with multiple bud sites and more side branches instead of just vertical growth.

When a plant is left untopped, it naturally grows in an apical dominance structure, meaning one main cola (the topmost bud) will receive most of the plant’s resources. This so-called "Christmas tree shape" is not always good for the plant.

By topping, growers can create a more even canopy, making sure that more parts of the entire plant receive light, which ultimately leads to higher yields.

Why Do Growers Top Their Cannabis Plants?

Growers use techniques like topping for quite a few reasons. Here are a few of the most common:

1. Increased Yield

The main reason growers top their cannabis plants is to boost yield.

By removing the top of the plant, growers encourage a tall, skinny plant to grow multiple colas instead of just one. More colas mean more bud sites, which translates to higher overall production.

2. Better Light Distribution

In an indoor growing setup, light is one of the most important factors for a solid harvest.

A single tall cola can cast shadows on lower branches, preventing them from getting enough light. Topping evens out the canopy so that more bud sites receive the light exposure that they need. Using indoor grow lights and other techniques can help as well.

3. Stronger Branches

Topped cannabis plants tend to develop thicker and sturdier branches that can support the weight of heavy buds. This helps prevent branches from breaking under the pressure of dense flowers later in the flowering stage.

4. Better Control Over Plant Height

Some cannabis strains naturally grow tall and lanky, which isn’t ideal for all growing environments, especially indoor setups with height restrictions. Topping helps keep plants shorter and bushier, making them easier to manage in confined spaces.

5. Improved Airflow and Disease Prevention

A bushy plant with a well-spaced canopy allows for better airflow between branches, reducing the risk of mold and other diseases. Proper airflow is a must, especially in humid environments where moisture buildup can lead to fungal issues.

How Growers Top Cannabis Plants: The Process

Topping a cannabis plant is a simple process, but it requires precision to ensure the plant responds well to the stress. Here’s how growers do it:

Step 1: Choose a Healthy Plant

Growers only top plants that are in the vegetative stage and have at least 4–6 nodes. Young plants need to be healthy and strong enough to recover from the stress of topping.

Step 2: Sterilize Your Cutting Tool

An expert grower uses a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears and sterilize them with rubbing alcohol. This prevents the spread of bacteria and infections that could harm the plant.

Step 3: Identify the Topping Point

Growers find the main stem and locate the node where they want to make the cut. Most growers top their plants above the 4th or 5th node to make sure the plant has a strong foundation.

Step 4: Make a Clean Cut

The next step is to carefully cut the main stem just above the chosen node. The remaining lower branches will now grow into multiple colas instead of a single dominant one.

Step 5: Allow Recovery Time

After topping, the plant will need a few days to recover. This may mean slower growth for a short period, but soon, the new branches will start developing vigorously.

When Is the Best Time To Top Cannabis Plants?

Topping should only be done during the vegetative stage when the plant is actively growing. Growers always avoid topping during the flowering stage, as this can cause unnecessary stress and hinder bud production.

It’s best to top when the plant has at least 4–6 nodes but is still early enough in the vegetative cycle to allow time for recovery. Many growers choose to top multiple times, but the first topping is the most important.

Other High-Stress Training Techniques

While topping is a highly effective method, it’s not the only way to manipulate cannabis growth. Growers often combine topping with other training techniques for maximum results.

1. FIMming

FIM (short for “F**k, I Missed”) is a variation of topping where the grower removes only part of the new growth instead of cutting it completely. This can encourage even more branches to form.

2. Low-Stress Training (LST)

LST involves bending and tying down branches to create a more even canopy without cutting the plant. It’s a great alternative for growers who want to avoid the recovery time associated with topping.

3. Super Cropping

Super cropping is another high-stress technique that involves gently crushing stems to increase bud production and resilience. When done correctly, it strengthens the plant’s structure and encourages more efficient nutrient uptake.

4. Mainlining

Mainlining is a structured version of topping that involves topping multiple times and training the plant into a symmetrical shape. It’s a great way to maximize yield but requires more time and patience.

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