Northern Lights Strain

Northern Lights Strain is one of the most famous brands in cannabis history—a powerful strain that has shaped breeding, culture, and the public’s imagination for decades. Even people who have never used cannabis have heard of Northern Lights Strain, as its name is pervasive in music and media, and among conversations in global cannabis culture. Known for its bright reputation, potency, and unique strain characteristics, Northern Lights Strain remains a foundational strain in the world of modern cultivation.

Origins and Lineage

The actual origins of Northern Lights remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, which only adds to its legendary status. Most historical accounts suggest that Northern Lights originated in the Pacific Northwest of the United States in the 1970s and 1980s. Early growers are said to have cultivated it by selective breeding of potent Afghani landrace plants, which are naturally sturdy and resinous.

From there, it eventually found its way to the Netherlands, where professional seed breeders worked to systematically refine the genetics of Northern Lights Strain and help take the strain to the world. By the 1990s, Northern Lights had received dozens of awards and was the standard reference point in discussions of cannabis quality, stability, and aroma.

Appearance and Botanical Traits

Northern Lights Strain is visually remarkable. It generally has

A certified icon of the cannabis world, Northern Lights is a multiple-award-winning indica that hasn’t waned in popularity since its introduction decades ago. Though its exact origins are shrouded in mystery, the strain was ultimately stabilised and sold in seed form by Sensi Seeds, where it would go on to dominate the market. Northern Lights is primarily known for its euphoric yet exceptionally relaxing high, as well as its sweet, spicy, and musky flavour profile and thick layer of resin. As an almost-pure indica, Northern Lights is considered easy to grow, and it’s quite abundant!

Feast your eyes on Northern Lights for a cannabis experience unlike any other!

Genetic Background of Northern Lights: Mysterious Origins

As mentioned, Northern Lights has unclear origins, though it’s generally believed to have first emerged on the Northwest coast of the US some time during the 1970s. Some speculate that it may have originated in Canada or even in the Netherlands, but again, there is no way to be sure. What is certain, however, is that the strain ultimately made its way to Holland, where it was commercially developed in 1985 by the storied seed bank Sensi Seeds. From here, the strain went on to win countless awards, and is today considered one of the most influential cultivars to ever hit the market.

Believed to be a combination of Thai and Afghani landraces, Northern Lights’ genetic background is about as nebulous as its geographical origin. Nevertheless, most accounts credit the aforementioned genetics as being responsible for the foundations of NL.

Thai

Thai is a pure sativa landrace that originates from its namesake land. Known for its energising and uplifting effects, the Thai strain has a unique flavour profile that is sweet and sour with hints of citrus and spice.

Afghani

Another landrace, Afghani, or Afghan, is a pure indica strain originating from Afghanistan. Exhibiting relaxing and sedative effects, Afghani’s flavour profile is characterised as earthy and spicy with hints of pine and hash.

Aroma and Flavour of Northern Lights: Equal Parts Sweet and Spicy

Northern Lights has a spicy aroma with hints of pine and earth. The flavour is similar to the aroma, but with an extra bit of sweetness and woodiness alongside the spicy notes. The terpene profile of Northern Lights is complex, but is led by:

• Myrcene
• Caryophyllene
• Limonene

Potency and Effects of Northern Lights: Utter Relaxation

Northern Lights combines the uplifting and energising effects of Thai with the relaxing and sedative effects of Afghani. This combination makes it a popular choice for users ultimately seeking relaxation, but not without a welcome bit of euphoria.

Though not the most potent strain on the modern market, Northern Lights typically produces THC levels ranging from 16% to 21%. However, with the release of many new, updated versions, some NL strains have been shown to contain as much as 27% THC.

Northern Lights is appreciated by both recreational and medical users, though the latter camp are particularly fond of the strain’s heavy, physical embrace. In quantity, this effect can be quite narcotic and sedative.

Recreational Uses

Recreational use of Northern Lights is typically relegated to the nighttime, or other times when relaxation is in order. This is no wake-and-bake cultivar, unless you’re keen to fall back asleep. Though a couple hits of NL won’t immediately send you to bed, the heavy physical effect is bound to inspire you to get cosy. It is a perfect strain to enjoy in moderation while reading or being creative; or, it can be enjoyed in larger amounts while you sit back and zone out in front of the TV.

Medical Uses

Deemed one of the most sought-after medical strains of all time, Northern Lights is no stranger to therapeutic use. Given its primarily physical effect, all manner of users claim to exploit NL’s potential to reduce the severity of chronic pain and discomfort. Moreover, its calming effect makes Northern Lights suitable for easing stress, improving a low mood, and generally taking the mind off of pain or worry. And this is just scratching the surface of NL’s potential medical uses!

Side Effects

Northern Lights can cause side effects such as:

• Dry mouth/eyes
• Dizziness
• Paranoia/anxiety

Growing Northern Lights Strain: For Novices and Experts

Despite its reputation as one of the most popular strains on Earth, Northern Lights Strain is considered quite simple and straightforward to grow. Even experienced growers appreciate the simplicity of cultivating such a classic. Reaching medium heights of 100–160cm and taking just 7–9 weeks to flower indoors, NL doesn’t require much in the way of space or patience.

Indoor Growing Tips

This strain is particularly well-suited to indoor growing and typically produces yields of around 500–550g/m². Even novices will find that it is relatively easy to achieve good harvests, as the plants don’t require a great deal of care or attention. Additionally, its relatively short stature (around 120cm indoors) means that Northern Lights can be grown in most environments without the need for training techniques. That said, it is quite adaptable and can be trained to suit the grower’s needs.