Northern Lights Strain

The legendary Northern Lights Strain is an all-time favorite. It is widely recognized as one of the most iconic and influential strains in the world. The origins of Northern Lights can be traced back to the 1970s, a pivotal era in cannabis cultivation and breeding. Back in the ’70s, in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S., an unknown breeder mixed indigenous landrace strains of Afghanistan and Thailand. These landrace strains, known for their potency, played a crucial role in shaping Northern Lights. And Northern Lights isn’t just a one-hit wonder. The strain soon made its way to the Netherlands, where it became a cornerstone in the development of numerous hybrid strains. The strain’s stable genetics and consistent performance made it a favorite among breeders seeking to enhance and refine their cannabis varieties. It’s the OG that spawned some sub-strains such as Super Silver Haze, Shiva Skunk, and Aurora Borealis. These kinds of strains took the best from the Northern Lights while introducing new elements. The name “Northern Lights” is a nod to the strain’s mesmerizing visual display of colors during the flowering phase, resembling the natural light phenomenon seen in the Northern Hemisphere. These seeds have been a top pick among cannabis connoisseurs for their robust growth, distinctive sweet and spicy aroma, harmonious flavor profile, and potent, relaxing effects. It’s the go-to strain for a chill time. Over the years, Northern Lights has become a classic strain among cannabis enthusiasts. Its influence extends beyond its direct use, as it has served as a parent strain for many successful hybrids, contributing to the genetic makeup of countless new varieties.

Northern Lights’ ability to seamlessly marry enticing aromas, delicious flavors, and a reliably mellow high has solidified its status as a famous strain in the cannabis community.

One of the reasons Northern Lights is an iconic strain is the fact that it has this sweet and spicy smell that’s like a potpourri of goodness with a hint of earthiness. This aromatic smell is underpinned by a robust terpene profile, prominently featuring Myrcene, known for its musky and herbal tones, Caryophyllene, adding a spicy and peppery kick, and Limonene, contributing a citrusy and uplifting essence. When you smoke a Northern Lights joint, the flavor is this delectable combo of sweet, pine, and a bit of skunkiness. The strain’s terpene-rich composition creates a well-rounded flavor that does not disappoint. Yet, Northern Lights delivers more than just a flavorful encounter. The interplay of terpenes, especially Myrcene, not only creates a pleasant taste and aroma but also contributes to the strain’s reputed calming effects. The dominant terpenes – Myrcene, Caryophyllene, and Limonene – contribute to this vibe. Myrcene brings in that calming touch, Caryophyllene adds a bit of spice, and Limonene adds a hint of citrusy upliftment. 

If you’re seeking a laid-back and relaxing experience, this Indica-Dominant strain is perfect for you. At first, you’ll be hit with euphoric effects such as happiness, and a sense of upliftment. Then, the commonly felt calming effects melt away tension, making it a go-to choice for unwinding after a long day. This strain has the tendency to slip you into a soothing calmness that gives you a much-needed reprieve from the demands of daily life. It’s without a doubt one of the most relaxing strains out there, so if you’re after a little chill, you need to pick up some Northern Lights seeds. 

The Northern Lights Strain is primarily recognized for its THC content, with CBD levels generally being quite low, often below 1%. As a result, it is considered a THC-dominant strain, and its primary focus is on delivering the characteristic effects associated with THC rather than CBD. The THC content of the Northern Lights strain is a key factor in its popularity, with moderate to high THC levels typically ranging from 16% to 21%. However, although Northern Lights is potent, this Indica Dominant Hybrid still often manages to deliver a mellow and relaxing high. Users often appreciate the gentle euphoria and deep physical relaxation that characterize the strain’s high, making it an excellent choice for novice cannabis users seeking a more laid-back and manageable experience. In comparison to cannabis strains with higher THC levels, Northern Lights has more approachable and easygoing effects. While some strains might deliver an intense, mind-bending experience, Northern Lights maintains a reputation for offering a potent yet well-balanced and nuanced effect. This characteristic makes Northern Lights a favorite strain for individuals who prioritize a more relaxed and calming cannabis experience without venturing into the extremes of THC potency.

Northern Lights buds tend to be a rich, deep green color, and sometimes you’ll catch hints of purple and blue. They are covered in a thick layer of shiny trichomes which gives them a frosty, resinous appearance. These tiny crystal-like structures twinkle like the Northern Lights in the sky, they are visually striking and these trichomes are where all the magic happens – the flavors, the smells, the buzz, and with all that resin sticking around, the buds have a velvety feel to them, too. Growers can expect dense and tight buds, with leaves tightly packed. The compact structure of the buds often follows a classic indica appearance, with a rounded and plump shape. The dense nature of the buds adds a significant weight to them. 

Northern Lights seeds thrive in a warm and temperate climate. However,  you have to strike the right balance, so not too hot, not too cold. If you’re cultivating indoors, make sure to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level to mimic a Mediterranean climate. Size-wise, these cannabis plants are not too tall, and not too short, so they might be just the right marijuana strain for your setup. These cannabis plants tend to be compact and bushy, especially if you’re growing indoors. Indoors, you can expect the height to range from 2 to 4 feet and you’ll get a decent yield too, at 18 ounces per square meter. Outdoors, Northern Lights plants can stretch out in the natural sunlight a bit more, reaching up to 6 feet in height. Nonetheless, it’s still a relatively easy plant to manage in an outdoor setting. The Afghan genetics tend to enhance the overall yield of the Northern Lights plant. Afghan strains are known for their impressive resin production and compact bud structures. When grown outdoors, the yield of Northern Light seeds is impressive, with each plant potentially producing around 22 ounces or more. Growing these cannabis seeds is pretty straightforward, so it’s a strain type that is ideal for beginner growers. The Afghan genetics in Northern Lights seeds contribute to its robust and resilient nature which makes it well-suited for various growing environments. Whether cultivated indoors or outdoors, Northern Lights tends to be forgiving, making it a rewarding choice for beginner growers looking to try their hand at cultivation. The seeds’ availability and consistent performance contribute to the strain’s popularity among home growers.

If you’re looking for a quick turnaround, the flowering time of the Northern Lights strain is a speedy process. The flowering duration typically spans around 6 to 8 weeks. As the buds progress through their developmental stages, you’ll notice changes in the pistils and trichomes. You should watch how the buds progress, during the initial weeks they will start to take shape with these small dainty pistils showing up in the early weeks. As time rolls on, those buds bulk up, becoming more densely packed and gooey with resin. And here’s the pro tip: keep a close watch on those trichomes, when they go from clear to cloudy, that’s your cue in the flowering phase that it is ready to harvest. The ideal harvest month for Northern Lights typically falls around late September to early October for outdoor cultivation. However, indoor growers have the flexibility to control the light cycle, allowing them to initiate flowering whenever the time is right.