The Northern Lights cannabis strain is a mysterious and very potent, almost pure Indica (Afghani) strain. Very few, if any, strains can compete with Northern Lights as far as notoriety is concerned. It is a “fundamental breeding strain” that has had a significant impact on modern cannabis breeding.
Northern Lights was thought to have been originally grown on an island around Seattle, WA, that was further cultivated by what is now Sensi Seeds. 11 phenotypes were originally created and today the most popular Northern Lights strains are Northern Lights #5, followed by Northern Lights #1.
The medical cannabis community swears by this strain for the relief of many symptoms and ailments.
The history of the Northern Lights cannabis strain is shrouded in mystery.
It is commonly believed that the strain was developed on an island around Seattle, WA, in the late 1970s.
During this time, the drug war on cannabis in the United States was in full effect and many growers did not take credit for strains that they had developed. Since most of the breeding and cultivation of cannabis was done in complete secrecy, we are left with only urban legends and folktales about the origins of this legendary and genetically important strain.
The common tale that has been passed down about the Northern Lights strain is that it was originally created by a breeder known as “The Indian,” who lived on an island close to Seattle, WA. According to popular legend, he originally grew 11 different Northern Lights plants from Afghani and Thai landrace strains.
These strains were labeled as Northern Lights #1 through Northern Lights #11.
Of the original 11 phenotypes grown, some of their descendants and clones found their way to Europe and the Netherlands.
In 1985 some of these plants ended up in the possession of Neville Schoenmaker. At the time, Neville was the owner of Holland’s first marijuana seed bank which was then known as “The Seed Bank.” This seed bank would later become Sensi Seeds after it was purchased by new owners.
Neville is believed to have hybridized these original Northern Lights plants with Afghani males and eventually introduced Thai sativa genetics into the breeding process. This led to the development of more Northern Lights variants, hybrids and descendants over time.
The Northern Lights strain quickly began to develop popularity and was picked up by numerous growers and breeders. This strain went on to win so many awards at various Cannabis Cups and other similar events, that growers and breeders alike requested the strain be retired and removed from future competition events!
Fast forward to the modern cannabis market and you can easily see the influence that this legendary strain has had. Many popular modern cannabis strains like Jack Herer, Super Silver Haze, Bubba Kush and Hash Plant can trace their lineage directly back to one of the original 11 Northern Lights phenotypes.
The Northern Lights cannabis strain packs a punch and is one of the most potent THC strains available.
The THC content is very high and ranges from 18% to 33%, with average samples testing at around 21%. Northern Lights has a wide THC range, so it is important to inquire about the THC content of each product before purchasing or consuming this strain.
Many users have reported vastly different THC amounts, even when purchasing Northern Lights from the same location, multiple times, in short intervals.
Northern Lights has a low CBD content that typically ranges from 0.10% to 0.55%, with average samples testing at 0.3%.
Most modern variants of Northern Lights have similar qualities.
In the medical cannabis community, many users and caregivers claim that no other strain can relieve chronic pain, back pain and nerve pain quite like Northern Lights. It is also considered to be among the best strains on the market for helping relieve the symptoms of insomnia and loss of appetite.
Many people also state Northern Lights is a great strain for nausea, stress, depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, PTSD, migraines, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and bipolar disorder.
Some people even claim that they can manage mild-to-moderate pain during the daytime by consuming Northern Lights the night before.
Thousands of people have found relief using the Northern Lights strain!
You can expect a very physical high that leaves you feeling relaxed, euphoric, happy, sedated and extremely hungry.
Due to its powerful sedative and couch lock effects, Northern Lights is not recommended for daytime use and should be used in the evening or before bedtime.
Northern Lights is not generally considered to be a beginner friendly strain because of its potent THC content. However, some users have stated that they began their cannabis journey with this strain and have found success.
If you are new to cannabis and are considering trying Northern Lights, just start dosing very slowly as it is known for causing severe couch lock. It is often referred to as a “two-hit and quit” cannabis strain among experienced users.
Many users have reported that this strain can produce some negative effects that beginner users should be aware of.
Overconsumption can result in feelings of dizziness, anxiousness and paranoia and many beginner users who try the strain too early on their cannabis journey say that the couch lock and food cravings are overwhelming.
Some experienced cannabis users state that this Northern Lights is incredible for causing feelings of focus and creativity.
Northern Lights has an aroma profile that is sweet, with bitter and spicy, or citrus, undertones. The flavor profile of Northern Lights is earthy with a sweet pine, lemon and skunky taste.
Northern Lights is considered one of the easiest cannabis strains to grow for beginners!
It can be grown both indoors and outdoors in most regions, although Northern Lights prefers ample sunlight and humidity. Many growers like to cultivate Northern Lights indoors because it is a small bushy plant that can create impressive harvests, even in small growing areas. When grown indoors, you can expect yields of 18 ounces per square meter. When grown outdoors, Northern Lights prefers warm, sunny and humid climates and you can expect yields of around 20 oz/plant by mid October. Northern Lights has a fast flowering time of 7 to 9 weeks.
Have you had the opportunity to try Northern Lights? Please let us know your experience with Northern Lights by commenting below and be sure to join our community to discover other great strains that the community is finding success with.
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