If you’ve ever witnessed the actual northern lights phenomenon, you know it brings tranquility and peace to both your body and mind as you admire the wonders of nature.
The Northern Lights marijuana strain has coined its name for exactly the same reason.
This wonderful creation has become one of the most sought after indica strains in the world, mainly due to its tranquilizing and pain-numbing properties.
Cherished for its resinous buds, alluring aroma, and a spectacular range of therapeutic effects, Northern Lights is hands down a strain worth trying.
Let’s shed some light on its origins to begin with.
The History And Genetics of the Northern Lights Strain
Although the genetic heritage of Northern Lights is still widely debated, some cannabis breeders are claiming that this powerful indica was first created in Seattle, Washington.
The general consensus, however, is that this marijuana strain is Holland-made, first bred by the famous Sensi Seeds shortly after the end of 1985.
Northern Lights is a cross between native Afghan landrace and Thai landrace strains, although the exact varieties gave birth to this legendary Indica remain unknown.
With the 95% Indica and only 5% Sativa genetics, you can expect Northern Lights to produce strong relaxing effects with mild stimulation.
If you’re looking for a disease-resistant, mold-resistant, resilient plant, the Northern Lights strain will be your best bet. Plus, its buds are covered with a thick layer of crystal-like coating, which is a good indicator of its potency.
What Does the Northern Lights Strain Look Like?
Appearance wise, Northern Lights buds are not only coated with beautiful trichomes, but they are also densely packed, just like a typical Indica.
Aside from the dark, olive green color, you can often spot streaks of purple and blue running through the flower, similar to what can be observed when the actual northern lights start to appear in the sky.
The pistils look amazingly when you look at how they blend together with the sugar leaves, giving the strain brassy, yet intense orange hue.
What Aromas and Flavors Should I Expect From the Northern Lights Strain?
The aforementioned layer of crystalline resin is what gives the Northern Lights strain its pungently sweet, spicy aromas. The legendary Indica has a deep spice-like scent, with some undertones of pine and earthiness coming from its rich terpene profile.
Upon exhale, you should expect Northern Lights to taste spicy, a bit bitter, and citrusy. The smoke from the strain is much easier on the throat than most Indicas, so the next time you don’t want to cough like crazy during the sesh, bring some of its buds to the table.
The Effects of the Northern Lights Strain
Northern Lights can produce anywhere between 16% and 21% THC.
That being said, it falls into the mid-high range meaning it won’t make you as couch-locked as some stronger Indicas out there.
Northern Lights is great if you want to get you mood elevated without causing too much stimulation.The first hints of the incoming euphoria can kick in within a few seconds after the first two hits, bringing down complete relaxation that can result in a true body melt at high doses.
Speaking of which, the Northern Lights strain is known for its powerful appetite-stimulating properties, so chances are that you might attack your fridge at some point when the munchies start knocking at your door.
Since Northern Lights is a 95% Indica, it’s recommended for evening use when you’re overwhelmed with work and need to relax after the struggle, but given its moderate THC content, you can also use it during the day to relieve stress, anxiety, and pain.
Medical Benefits of Northern Lights
Since the Northern Lights strain induces a powerful body high, it works outstandingly well for fighting acute pain, such as migraines, chronic back pain, arthritis, and more.
Additionally, you can forget about the lack of appetite, because Northern Light is going to boost it to the ceiling.
Last but not least, the tranquilizing effects of this perfectly balanced indica may prove invaluable for staving off stress, relieving anxiety, and combating racing thoughts before falling asleep.
Long story short, if you suffer from insomnia, pain, anxiety, chronic stress, depression, or eating disorders, you should immediately become friends with the Northern Lights strain.
Potential Negative Side Effects of the Northern Lights Strain
Since this is a heavily indica-dominant strain, Northern Lights doesn’t tend to cause increased anxiety or paranoia, unless you’re particularly sensitive to the psychoactive effects of THC.
If that’s your story, it would be best to abstain from using THC-rich strains. Yet, if you’d like to draw upon the benefits of Northern Lights, we suggest that you stick to microdosing.
Other than that, the most commonly reported side-effects from the Northern Lights strain are the same as most marijuana varieties: dry mouth, dry eyes, munchies, and sleepiness.
How to Grow Northern Lights?
Growing Northern Lights is fairly easy if you have some basic gardening knowledge.
Outdoor growers will need sunny and warm conditions to cultivate the plant, one that is typical of California or Barcelona. It will grow to a small-to-medium height and can be also cultivated as an indoor plant.
Northern Lights typically take 6 to 8 weeks to flower, which is relatively fast in comparison with other Indica strains. You can expect the plant to give you 18 oz. per square meter when grown indoors. The outdoor yield can be 22 oz. per plant.
Although Northern Lights is not as generous as the highest yielding strains like Gold Leaf, the harvest is very valuable and packed with therapeutic cannabinoids and terpenes.
Quality over quantity, ladies and gentlemen.
Final Thoughts On the Northern Lights Strain
We hope you have enjoyed reading our Northern Lights review. If you’re a true strain hunter, this bud should be high on your priority list. Its tranquilizing effects and the whole host of health benefits makes this marijuana variety a versatile medicine and a great evening recreational strain.
Once you finally get your supplies of Northern Lights, remember to consume marijuana responsible and make sure you show the community in the best light possible.
Cheers!