How to lollipop cannabis

Adam Parsons

Cannabis Journalist & Staff Writer at Zamnesia

Adam Parsons

Last updated: September 11, 2025

If you're chasing high yields, lollipopping might be your new favorite training trick. This simple yet effective pruning method helps cannabis growers focus their plant's energy where it matters most: the top colas. By removing excess growth from the lower branches, you'll improve airflow, boost light penetration, and encourage your plants to produce nothing but dense, high-quality buds.

In this guide, we'll explain what lollipopping a plant is, why it works, and walk you through a step-by-step process so you can apply it successfully to your next grow. Whether you’re cultivating photoperiod strains or experimenting with lollipopping autoflowers, you'll learn everything about timing, common mistakes to avoid, and more.

What is lollipopping?

Lollipopping is a cannabis pruning technique that involves removing the lower growth from your plants (small branches, leaves, and even bud sites) so that only the top canopy remains. The result is a plant that looks a bit like a lollipop, complete with a long bare stem and a round, bushy crown.

The primary purpose of lollipopping cannabis is to redirect the plant's energy towards the buds that receive the most light and airflow. Instead of producing many small, airy “popcorn buds” along the lower branches, the plant can focus on developing fewer but larger flowers at the top.

This method is especially useful for indoor growers, where space and light penetration are often liited. However, it's also a prized technique among outdoor cultivators, as the goal remains the same: namely, creating a stronger, healthier structure that maximizes yield potential.

The benefits of lollipopping cannabis

Lollipopping offers several advantages, including:

• Better airflow: By clearing out lower growth, you reduce humidity buildup and the risk of mold or pests.
• Improved light penetration: By lollipopping your plants, energy doesn’t get wasted on shaded, unproductive branches.
• Higher yields of usable bud: Instead of trimming piles of underdeveloped popcorn nugs, you'll harvest dense, resin-rich colas that are a breeze to trim (and smoke!).
• Healthier plants: Lollipopping encourages more efficient nutrient distribution and reduces the risk of stress during the flowering stage.

Can you lollipop autoflowers?

Yes, but with extra care and selectivity. Autoflowers follow a fixed life cycle, meaning they have far less time to recover from stress than photoperiod plants. While lollipopping autoflowers can still improve light penetration and airflow, going too far may reduce overall yields instead of boosting them.

When handled correctly, lollipopping can help autoflowers concentrate energy on their top colas. When in doubt, however, leave a plant as it is, and check out our top 10 Autoflowering Cannabis Strains to kick off your next grow with the best auto genetics.

When to lollipop cannabis

Just like other training techniques, timing is everything when it comes to lollipopping. Prune too early, and you risk stunting your plant's growth; too late, and your plant may waste valuable energy on lower bud sites before you clear them away. Below, we explore when to lollipop autoflower and photoperiod strains.

Photoperiod strains

The best time to lollipop photoperiod strains is during the late vegetative stage (ideally a week or two before switching to a 12/12 light cycle). This gives the plant plenty of time to recover before flowering.

Alternatively, some growers also like to lollipop photoperiod plants within the first two weeks of bloom (the “stretch” period). During this stage, plants are still building structure and can handle light pruning.

Autoflowering strains

Autoflowers grow and bloom on a fixed schedule; lollipopping them is a little more complicated. Since they typically move into flowering 3–4 weeks after germination, there’s little room for error.

If you plan on lollipopping autoflowers, remember:

• Prune autos lightly, selectively, and around week three (when their first pistils appear).
• Never strip more than 10–15% of an auto’s foliage.
• Avoid heavy pruning once flowering is established, as autoflowers don't have enough time to recover from the stress this causes.

Signs your plant is ready

Before you pick up the scissors, look for these indicators that it's the right time to lollipop your plants:

• The plant has a healthy, established structure with several strong upper branches.
• Lower leaves and bud sites are shaded and get little light.
• The canopy is bushy enough to sustain upper bud production after pruning.
• The plant is either just about to enter bloom (photoperiod) or at the early pre-flower stage (autoflowers).
• The plant’s stems are flexible and green (not woody), making them easier to prune without causing stress.

How to lollipop your cannabis plants (step-by-step)

Lollipopping might seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and a careful approach, it's simple and highly effective. Follow these steps to lollipop your plants safely and get the best results.

Tools you'll need

Fortunately, lollipopping only requires a few standard household tools:

1. Sharp, sterilized pruning scissors or shears
2. Gloves
3. Rubbing alcohol or disinfectant wipes (for cleaning tools between cuts)
4. A small tray or bag to collect trimmed foliage

Step 1: Identify lower growth

Start by examining your plant from top to bottom. Look for:

• Small branches and bud sites towards the bottom of the plant that receive little to no light.
• Foliage that feels soft, spindly, or unlikely to develop quality flowers.
• Crowded inner growth that blocks airflow.

Mark these areas mentally (or lightly using garden ties or colored tape) as the first candidates for removal.

Step 2: Use clean tools

Always sterilize your scissors before you begin lollipopping. Dirty or dull blades can:

• Spread diseases or pests from one plant to another.
• Tear instead of cut, causing unnecessary stress and damage.

Wipe your blades with alcohol between working on different plants, or even between big cuts on the same plant if you want to be extra safe.

Step 3: Trim carefully

Now, it's time to prune:

1. Starting from the bottom of your plant, remove small branches and leaves that won't receive light once the canopy fills in.
2. Leave the top 2–3 nodes of each main branch intact; this is where your biggest colas will form.
3. Step back often to assess the shape of your plant. The goal is to create a plant with a clean, open lower stem and a healthy, bushy crown.

Remember: don't strip the plant bare. You want to channel energy upwards, not shock the plant into survival mode.

Autoflower warning: Don't over-prune!

When it comes to lollipopping autoflowers, less is more. Autoflowers have short life cycles and a fixed, short amount of time to recover from the stress of pruning.

Lollipopping vs other pruning techniques

While lollipopping weed plants is a powerful way to boost airflow and direct energy towards its top buds, it isn't the only pruning method available. Here’s how it compares to other popular cannabis training/gardening techniques:

Lollipopping vs defoliation

Defoliation focuses on removing large fan leaves that block light from reaching bud sites, while lollipopping targets the removal of entire branches and bud sites from the bottom of a plant. When used together, lollipopping and defoliation can create open canopies that allow for excellent airflow and light penetration. However, it’s important to implement these techniques carefully and at the right time to prevent stress.

Learn more with our complete guide to defoliation.

Lollipopping vs topping and FIM

Topping and FIM involve cutting the main stem to encourage a plant to grow multiple colas, whereas lollipopping clears out lower growth so existing colas can develop more fully. Many growers combine these methods, topping or fimming their plants in the vegetative phase before following up with lollipopping to clean up a plant’s base and direct its energy to its large, healthy top colas.

For more info, see our article on topping vs FIMing cannabis.

Common mistakes to avoid

Lollipopping is fairly straightforward, but it can be done incorrectly. When lollipopping your plants, avoid these common mistakes to keep them healthy and productive:

Lollipopping too early or too late

Remember, bad timing is often the pitfall of lollipopping cannabis. Lollipop your plants too early, and they might not have the strength to recover from the stress of being pruned. Leave it too late, on the other hand, and the plant will already have wasted energy on lower bud sites. Stick to the late vegetative/early flowering window for photoperiod varieties, and only the very early pre-flower phase for autoflowers.

Removing too much foliage

Over-pruning is another common error when it comes to lollipopping, especially among beginners. While the goal here is to clear the lower branches, stripping away too much foliage at once can shock a plant, slowing its growth or even triggering hermaphroditism. Don't remove more than 20–25% of growth from photoperiod plants in a single lollipopping session (and only 10–15% for autoflowers).

Not understanding strain differences

Not all strains respond to lollipopping in the same way. Tall, stretchy sativas will usually benefit the most, as their lower branches often stay weak and shaded. Compact indicas, on the other hand, may need only a light clean-up at the base, while autoflowers are always the most sensitive to over-pruning. Remember to consider your strain's growth pattern before deciding how aggressively to lollipop a weed plant.

Post-lollipopping plant care

After pruning, your plants will need a little extra attention to ensure they recover. Here are some top tips to keep them thriving after a lollipopping session:

Watering and nutrient tips

Pruning changes how your plant uses resources. With fewer leaves and branches to maintain, it will naturally need less water and nutrients. Hence:

• Water moderately: Avoid overwatering, as reduced foliage means less transpiration.
• Balance nutrients: If you're entering flowering, shift from nitrogen-heavy feeds to a phosphorus and potassium-rich regime to support strong bud development.
• Supplement wisely: Consider giving your plants silica or seaweed extracts to help them recover from stress.

Watch for stress signals

After lollipopping cannabis, it's normal for plants to look slightly droopy for a day or two. But watch closely for signs of excessive stress, such as:

• Prolonged wilting or drooping beyond 48 hours after a session.
• Yellowing leaves at the top of a plant.
• Slow or halted growth in the days following pruning.

If you notice these issues, double-check that you haven't pruned too aggressively or made rough cuts. A stable environment with consistently good growing conditions will also help your plants bounce back faster.

Pest and disease prevention

One of the biggest benefits of lollipopping cannabis plants is the improved airflow, which naturally lowers the risk of mold and pests. To maintain this advantage:

• Keep your grow space clean by discarding trimmed foliage.
• Check your plants regularly for signs of pests like spider mites or aphids, especially around fresh cuts.
• Maintain airflow with oscillating fans to reduce humidity pockets.
• Avoid high humidity during flowering, as it can encourage mold on dense colas.

By combining good post-pruning care with a clean grow environment, your plants will quickly recover from lollipopping and reward you with bigger, more resinous buds.

Lollipop like a pro and grow better with Zamnesia

Lollipopping is a simple yet powerful way to transform your cannabis grow. By removing unproductive lower growth, you'll improve airflow, maximize light penetration, and direct your plants’ energy into producing only top-quality buds. Whether you're working with photoperiods or carefully lollipopping autos, mastering this method can make the difference between an average harvest and one you'll be proud of.

Ready to put your new skills into practice? Explore our wide selection of cannabis seeds and growing accessories and start growing healthier, higher-yielding plants today.