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Northern Lights

Northern Lights (NL) is 95% indica and 5% sativa, with a THC content between 16% and 21% and relatively little CBD at around 0.1%. NL crosses Afghani and Thai sativa varieties and produces euphoric, sedative, “couch lock” effects. NL is now a classic cannabis strain used in many breeding projects, as it is quite a stable strain with uniform growth patterns.

Many seed banks and breeders have their version of Northern Lights, although the original genetics may be found in packs of seeds by Mr. Nice, Sensi Seeds, and Dr. Atomic Seeds.

The precise origin of Northern Lights is a mystery, although some sources claim it was developed by a breeder known as “The Indian” in Washington during the 1970s. There were 11 different versions of NL, with numbers 1, 2, and 5 becoming the most popular. NL is a multiple-time High Times Cannabis Cup winner and is one of the parents of other prize-winning strains like Super Silver Haze (SSH), NL#5 x Haze, and the CBD-rich Nordle.

Northern Lights was a cultivar developed during the homegrown revolution of the ‘70s when breeders started developing indica-sativa hybrids to reduce the height of the plant and shorten the flowering time. NL is one of the most popular strains of cannabis available today and is now a mainstay in breeding programs worldwide.

Northern Lights has an earthy, poney flavor and aroma and euphoric, relaxing effects. It is ideal for managing stress, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain.

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Cannabinoids

Tetrahydrocannabinol

THC

16%-21%

Cannabidiol

CBD

0.1%-2%

Cannabigerol

CBG

1%

Strain types

  • 95%Indica
  • 5%Sativa

Aromas

  • Earthy
  • Pine

Flavors

  • Earthy
  • Pine

Terpenes

Terpenes, found in trace amounts in cannabis, are responsible for producing a wide variety of smells and flavors unique to each strain. Terpenes vary from strain to strain and can also vary depending on various factors.

You can maximize the levels of terpenes in your yield by growing in nutrient-dense soil, having high levels of light exposure, and curing your buds slowly and carefully.

  • Humulene

  • Pinene

  • Myrcene

Flavonoids

Effects

Northern Lightss has been reported to have the following effects:

  • Relaxing
  • Sedating
  • Sleepiness

The following adverse effects have also been reported:

  • Dry Eyes
  • Dizziness
  • Dry Mouth

People who have used Northern Lights have reported experiencing several positive and adverse effects.

Medical Applications

The Northern Lights strain has various medicinal and therapeutic applications, so it can be used to treat several conditions.
closeup of northern lights marijuana nugget
Anxiety, Panic Disorders

CBD and low doses of THC can help relieve anxiety by modulating serotonin transmission.

Organ Systems

  • Brain & Nervous System
Insomnia

THC can increase the production of the sleep neurotransmitter, adenosine.

Organ Systems

  • Mental / Emotional
  • Brain & Nervous System
Nausea & Vomiting

Cannabinoids’ ability to modulate serotonin transmission help reduce not only anxiety and depression but nausea and vomiting, too.

Organ Systems

  • Digestive

Dosing

Dosing cannabis is very much an individual affair, as everyone has their own, unique endocannabinoid system (ECS). This means that what works for one person may not work for another. However, it is still recommended to go slow and low in order to reduce the chances of an adverse reaction like a panic attack. We recommend starting with a dose of 5 mg THC or less, and moving up in increments of 2.5 mg THC if needed.

Measuring precise dosages can be difficult if you are inhaling Northern Lights by smoking or vaping, so it is wise to take just one or two “puffs” or inhalations, wait 15-20 minutes to see how it affects you, then redosing as necessary. Northern Lights can be quite a potent variety of cannabis with moderate to high levels of THC, so dose carefully.

Growing

Northern Lights grows well both indoors and outdoors, with many choosing to produce this cultivar indoors using the “sea of green” (SoG) method (i.e., finding a mother plant, taking clones from it, and growing several plants in a small grow area). NL generally grows short and stout and flowers quickly, being quite pest-resistant. It is also less sensitive to overfeeding nitrogen than other cannabis strains, making Northern Lights an excellent strain for beginners to grow.

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Height

In an indoor setting, expect Northern Lights to grow between 3 and 5 feet, while NL may grow taller in an outdoor environment.

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Humidity and Temperature

Northern Lights flourishes in warm, sunny climates with long summer seasons and can grow well in Continental or Mediterranean climates. The ideal temperature is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 29 degrees Celsius).

Northern Lights can tolerate slightly more humid conditions than other cannabis strains, so humidity levels can be between 50% and 60% during the vegetative stage. This should be gradually decreased to between 30%-40% during the flowering stage.

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Flowering

7-8 weeks. Outdoors in the Northern Hemisphere, expect Northern Lights to finish around the end of September to mid-October or the end of February to mid-March in the Southern Hemisphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Northern Lights strain good for?

How does the Northern Lights strain make you feel?

Northern Lights produces a sedating high that has been reported to make people feel relaxed and sleepy.

Is Northern Lights an indica or sativa?

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