Lollipopping

Lower branches that receive little light produce small, airy buds (popcorn buds) that take energy away from the main colas above. By removing these underperforming sites, the plant redirects its energy to the top canopy where light is strongest. This produces larger, denser, more resinous top buds at the expense of the small, low-quality bottom buds that would have been trimmed away or sold at discount anyway.

Most growers lollipop during the transition from vegetative growth to flowering or during the first two weeks of the flowering phase. Remove all branches and growth below the bottom third of the plant or below the canopy line created by a ScrOG screen. Use clean, sharp scissors and work carefully to avoid stressing the plant more than necessary. Lollipopping is often combined with other techniques like ScrOG, topping, or LST for maximum canopy optimization. The removed material can be used to make concentrates, tinctures, or edibles.