Northern Lights
Northern Lights
Also known as: NL, Northern Lights #5, NL #5
What is the Northern Lights strain?
Northern Lights is a indica cannabis strain with up to 27.0% THC, known for its relaxed effects and earthy and hash flavor profile.
Northern Lights stands among the most famous cannabis strains of all time, representing a cornerstone in modern indica breeding. First appearing in the 1970s in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, this legendary cultivar was developed by a mysterious breeder known as 'The Indian' on an island near Seattle, Washington. The strain was later brought to the Netherlands in the mid-1980s where it was commercially developed and stabilized by renowned breeder Nevil Schoenmakers at The Seed Bank, which later became part of Sensi Seeds. Northern Lights is believed to be a cross between pure Afghani landrace genetics and Thai sativa varieties, resulting in a predominantly indica strain that is typically classified as 95% indica and 5% sativa.
The strain is characterized by its dense, resinous buds that display a vibrant green coloration often accented by purple hues and bright orange pistils. When properly cultivated, the flowers become heavily coated in trichomes, giving them a crystalline appearance reminiscent of the aurora borealis from which it takes its name. Northern Lights has won multiple Cannabis Cup awards and has become the genetic foundation for countless popular hybrids including Super Silver Haze, Shiva Skunk, and many others. Its consistent genetics, fast flowering time of 45-50 days, and resilient growing characteristics have made it a favorite among both novice and experienced cultivators worldwide.
What are the effects of Northern Lights?
What are the medical benefits of Northern Lights?
- Users report relief from chronic pain
- May help with insomnia and sleep disorders
- Often used for stress and anxiety management
- May provide relief from depression symptoms
- Users report appetite stimulation
- May help with muscle tension and spasms
This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
What are the side effects of Northern Lights?
- 💧 Dry Mouth
- 👁️ Dry Eyes
- 💫 Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Possible dizziness in higher doses
- Potential for couch lock
- May cause mild paranoia in sensitive users
How do you grow Northern Lights?
Northern Lights is considered one of the easiest strains to grow, making it ideal for beginners. The plant remains compact and manageable, typically reaching 80-130cm indoors and 150-200cm outdoors. It has a fast flowering time of 45-50 days (6-7 weeks) indoors, with outdoor harvest around mid-October. The strain is highly resilient and resistant to pests, mold, and overfeeding. It thrives in both indoor and outdoor environments, preferring warm, sunny conditions with temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Indoor yields average 450-500g per square meter, while outdoor plants can produce up to 600g each. The strain responds well to Sea of Green (SOG) methods and various growing techniques. Its short flowering time and robust nature make it suitable for growers in temperate climates.
How should you use Northern Lights?
Northern Lights is a indica strain with 27.0% THC, which is considered high potency. As an indica, it is best suited for evening or nighttime use.
Beginners
Start with 1-2 small inhalations or 2.5-5mg if using edibles. Wait 15 minutes before taking more. This strain is potent — start very low.
Regular Users
A standard session of 3-5 inhalations or 5-15mg edible dose. Effects typically onset within 5-15 minutes when inhaled, 30-90 minutes for edibles.
Experienced Users
Adjust to personal tolerance. At 27.0% THC, even experienced users should respect this strain's potency.
Start low and go slow. This is not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis.
What is the genetic lineage of Northern Lights?
What strains were bred from Northern Lights? (705)
- 13 Stars
- 747
- AFK
- Ace Silver Haze
- Akaisha
- Aliento de Dragón
- Alter Tobi Automatic
- Ambrosia Skunk
- Amnesia Platinum
- Amsterdam
- Amsterdam Mist
- Amsterdam's Magic
- Andalusia Dream
- Anesthesia CBD
- Anna Lee
- Arctic D
- Arctic Rosa
- Astral
- Astral Exposure
- Atomic NL
- Atomic Northern Lights
- Atomic Shiva
- Aurora B
- Aurora Green Auto
- Aurora Indica
- Aurora Polaris
- Auto Anesthesia
- Auto Big Bang
- Auto Douce Nuit
- Auto GTI
- Auto Galaxy
- Auto Low Viking XL
- Auto M8
- Auto NL
- Auto Northern
- Auto Northern Big Bud
- Auto Northern Cream
- Auto Northern Dragon Fuel
- Auto Northern Hog
- Auto Northern Lights
- Auto Northern Lights XXL
- Auto Scratch
- Auto Smokey
- Auto Titan
- Auto Viking NL
- Automatic Northern Lights
- Autum Fall
- BC Hash Plant
- BC Skunk #1 / NL
- BL4QKFY4N Weed
- Baba Jenkins
- Baked Alaska
- Bebé
- Beeball Auto
- Bella Ciao
- Berry Delight
- Best Shit Ever
- Big Bang Autoflowering
- Big Bazooka Auto
- Big Bomb
- Big Bud
- Big Bud Autoflower
- Big Bud Automatic
- Big Dane Auto
- Big Kahoona
- Big Lights of North Automatic
- Big Northern Autoflowering
- Big Trip
- Bio-Star
- BioTech
- Bizarre Lights
- Black
- Black Domina
- Black Domino
- Black Gold
- Black Light
- Black Lime
- Black Lime Reserve
- Black Magic
- Blizzard of 77
- Blue Blockers
- Blue Dot
- Blue Freeze Guerilla
- Blue Lightning
- Blue Lights
- Blue Magnum
- Blue Mistic
- Blue Monster Holk
- Blue Mystic
- Blue Mystic Automatic
- Blue Tease Auto
- Bob Love
- Bona Dea
- Brenda's Skunk x NL
- Buckshot
- Bud Factory
- Buffalo Lights
- Butt-Head
- CBD Northern Lights
- Cactus
- Cactus OG
- California Hash Plant
- Carpathian Mazar
- Cash Crop
- Champa
- Cheese XL Auto
- Chewaka
- Chill Bomb
- Chirimoya
- Chitapon Green
- Chronchitis
- Chronic
- Chronic Lights
- Chronic Monster XXL
- Chronical
- Chronicle
- Chronik Kush
- Chronomatik
- Chrystal
- Cimarron
- City Hoe
- Cluster
- Cosmic Lights
- Cough
- Countdown
- Country Line Big Bud
- Crazy Miss Hyde
- Crimson Lights
- Cristal
- Crystal
- Crystal Blue Persuasion
- D-Max
- DNL
- Dagda Mor
- Dame Blanche
- Damnesia Autoflowering
- Dan Haze F1
- Dance of the Earth
- DankStar
- Dark Overlord
- Dazed N' Confuzed
- DeDutch
- DeadStar
- Deep North
- Deep Space 91
- Deep Space Dream Bud
- Deer Creek #1
- Deimos
- Detonator
- Dhaze
- Dizzy Lights
- Dominion Diesel
- Douce Nuit
- Down Wind
- Dr. Quinn
- Dragonsbreath
- Dreamy Jones
- Dumpster
- Durban Nights XX
- Dutch Delight
- Dutch Fairytale
- Dutch Frost
- Dutch Gold
- Dutch Oven
- Dutch Soda
- Dutch Treat
- Dutch Treat x Northern Lights
- Dwarf Auto
- Dynamite Automatic
- Early Green
- Early Vixen
- East Coast 13
- East Coast Sour Diesel
- Easy AK XL
- EazyDaze Ryder
- Ed R. Super Bud
- Ed's Superbud
- El Alquimista
- El Alquimista Auto
- El Bufón
- El Nino
- Evasion
- Excite
- Exile
- Falcon
- Fast Amnesia
- Fast Blast
- Fast Bud Auto
- Fast Freeze
- Fat Man
- First Lady
- Flash Babylon
- Flashback
- Flava Flav
- Flower Power
- Formula 1
- Freedom Haze
- Freeze
- French Vanilla
- Freyja
- Friend of the Devil
- Frosty The Glowman
- Frozen Lakes
- Fruit Punch
- Funk
- Fuzzy Peaches
- G Force
- Galaxy
- Garmr
- Gendrive
- Genuwine
- Ghingis Khan
- Gigabud
- Goldilocks
- Goodwill's Gift
- Gouda's Glory
- Grease Lightning
- Green Goblin
- Green Light Automatic
- Green Power XL
- Green Shiva
- GreenGold
- Grizzly Auto
- Gwiz
- Hammerhead
- Hannibal
- Harbinger
- Hash Bomb
- Hash Clouds
- Hash Lovers Delight
- HashBrick
- Hawaiian Indica
- Hawaiian Lights
- Hayabusa
- Haze Express
- Haze-a-Licious
- Hazenberg AM
- HeadLites
- Headlights Kush Auto
- Hellbender
- Hibernator
- High Voltage Auto
- HighRider Auto
- Hippy Vibez
- Holland NL #6
- Hollands Hoop
- Holy Light
- Holy Smoke
- Homegrown Lowryder
- Hoodwink
- Hybrid X
- I-70
- I-Spice
- ICE (Indica Crystal Extreme)
- Ice
- Ice Age
- Ice Breaker
- Ice Breakers
- Icewood
- Iguana
- Indica Diablo
- Indica XXL
- International Space Station
- Itchycoo Park
- J.F.K.
- Jack Attack
- Jack F1
- Jaga
- Jah Light
- Jawar
- Jazz Plant
- Jelloz
- Jock Horror
- K-55
- K.O. Kush
- K.O. The Hague
- KC33
- Karmen
- Kavik
- Kaya Gold
- Kentucky Pied Stick'n
- Kentucky Wonder
- Kiiro Ame
- Killer Bud
- Knock Out
- Krampus
- Kripple
- Kronic
- Krystalica
- La Dutch
- La Luna
- Landband
- Lele da Cuca
- Lex Luthor
- Liberty Star
- Lochness
- Logos
- Loki's Castle
- Lost in Translation
- Low Dwarf
- LowMaster
- Lucky Star
- M&M
- Majestic 13
- Mamut Tusk
- Mata Hari
- McFarlane
- Meatwad
- Medi Pak
- Medical 49
- Meditation
- Mendo Lights
- Mendo Nights
- Mendocino Menage a Trois
- Mercedes Hash Plant
- Merlin's Dream
- MiG-29 Automatic
- Michigan Rubba
- Michigan Sweet Pine
- Michighani
- Michka
- Micro Giant
- Middle Creek Medley
- Middle of the Road
- Midnight Express Auto
- Midnight Frost
- Midnight Sky
- Midnight Splendor
- Midnight Sun Kush
- Mighty Freeze
- MightyGold
- Millenium
- Mistique
- Mizzizzippi Mud
- Mokum Bud
- Mokum's Tulip
- Monkberry Moon Delight
- Monty Python
- Moon Stone
- Moonblow
- Moonlight Sonata
- Moonshadow
- Moonwalk
- Morning Star
- Mother's Nature
- Mountain Gold
- Mountain Hashplant
- Mr Freeze
- Mr. Fix
- Mr. Igloo
- Mr. Jones
- Mr. Magoo
- Mr. Mother Earth
- Mr. Northern OG
- Mr. Stinky
- Mushers
- Mímisbrunnr
- NBE #1
- NG69
- NL Apollo G13
- NL Automatic
- NL Blvd
- NL x Big Bud Auto
- NL x Haze
- NLX
- NLX Automatic
- NLX Diamond Auto
- NLX Special
- Nanna's Box
- Nativa Secret
- Natural Mystic
- Nemesis
- Neutral Flame
- Nevil's Wreck Mix
- New MooN
- New York Special
- Nice Chunk
- Nieve Roja
- Night King
- Night Light
- Night Prowler
- Night Rider
- NightStar
- Nightman
- Nirvana Special
- Niti Valley
- Nitrous Northern Lights
- No #44
- Nocturnal Emissions
- Nocturnal Nectar
- Nord-Lys Auto
- Nordic Jack
- Nordic Kalashnikov
- Nordika
- Nordurt
- North Blue
- North Thunderfuck Auto
- NorthStar
- Northern Auto
- Northern Automatic
- Northern Big Bud
- Northern Blue
- Northern Bright
- Northern Cali Gooey
- Northern Chunk
- Northern City Haze
- Northern Delights
- Northern Diesel
- Northern Express
- Northern Fire
- Northern Force
- Northern Haze
- Northern Haze Express
- Northern High Bush-21
- Northern Jungle
- Northern Kush
- Northern Legend
- Northern Legend Auto
- Northern Light Auto
- Northern Light Autoflowering
- Northern Light Automatic
- Northern Light Blue
- Northern Light Blue Auto
- Northern Light Haze
- Northern Light Shiva
- Northern Light Special
- Northern Light XXX
- Northern Light x Big Bud
- Northern Light x Big Bud Auto
- Northern Light x Big Bud Early Harvest
- Northern Light x Critical
- Northern Light x Haze
- Northern Light x Lavender
- Northern Light x Lemon Thai
- Northern Light x Shiva
- Northern Light x Shiva x Citral
- Northern Light x Skunk
- Northern Lights 555
- Northern Lights Auto
- Northern Lights Autoflower
- Northern Lights Autoflowering
- Northern Lights Automatic
- Northern Lights Blue
- Northern Lights CBD
- Northern Lights Kush
- Northern Lights Sky Auto
- Northern Lights X
- Northern Lights X Big Bud Early Harvest
- Northern Lights XL
- Northern Lights XL Automatic
- Northern Lights x AK47
- Northern Lights x Afghani 1
- Northern Lights x Big Bud
- Northern Lights x Big Bud Auto
- Northern Lights x Big Bud Autoflowering
- Northern Lights x Blueberry Auto
- Northern Lights x Cinderella 99
- Northern Lights x Haze
- Northern Lights x OG Baddaz
- Northern Lights x Skunk
- Northern Lights x Skunk #1
- Northern Lights x Sour Bubble
- Northern Lightz
- Northern Limez
- Northern Poison
- Northern Pride
- Northern Skunk
- Northern Skunk Auto
- Northern Skunk Autoregular
- Northern Soul
- Northern Special
- Northern Spice
- Northern Tropic
- Northern Vision
- Northern XXL Auto
- Northernberry
- Northernmatick
- Northwest Express
- Nortikal
- Notre-Dame
- Nova Frost
- Number One
- Numbing Effect
- OZone
- Oasis
- Oblivion
- Octopussy
- Ohio 47
- Old Fashion
- Old Grandpa Scratch
- Old School Elephant
- Old School Jams
- Old Soul
- Oldschool Bohemia
- Olympia
- Ora Lights
- Orbital Kush
- Original Auto Northern Lights
- Original Dankster
- Original Lazerlite
- Orion Express
- Ozark Thunder
- P-91
- P91
- Pacific Pearl
- Patagonia
- Pauls Crystal Aurora
- Peacefield
- Peak 19
- Persian Lime
- Petroleum
- Phoenix
- Phoenix Lights
- Piensa En Northern Light Auto
- Piensa en Chronic
- Piensa en Northern Lights X Big Bud Auto
- PineTar Skunk
- Pit Stop
- Poison Dwarf
- Poison Ivy
- Polar Northern Lights Autoregular
- Polaris
- Power Bud
- Power Haze
- Power Skunk
- Precocious
- Pretty Lights
- Prickly Pete
- Prima Donna
- Primo Hollanditis
- Princess
- Princess Nikita
- Project Artemis
- Puck BC3
- Purple Pulsar
- Quebec Cristal +
- Queen of the Posse
- Quick Fix
- Quick One
- Raspberry Kush BX1
- Raspberry Kush x Northern Lights
- Ravers Paradise
- Ray's Choice
- Releaf
- Revolution
- Ric Flair '93
- Rick Flair '93
- Ridick
- Roadmaster
- Roberts Creek Bongo
- Rock Machine
- Rocky Mountain High
- Rocky Mountain Kif V1
- Roswell
- Royal Carpet
- Royal Frostbite
- Royale Haze
- Russian Doll
- S 98
- STOZ
- Sagadahoc Moondance
- Santa Sativa
- Saturn V
- Seed of Life
- Sensi Supreme Jack Automatic
- Sensible Star
- September Harvest
- Shaman's High
- Shark
- Sherbet Fast Version
- Shining Silver Haze
- Shinkansen
- Shiva Haze
- Shiva Soul
- Short & Sticky
- Short Texas
- Shotgun
- Sideways Shooter
- Silent Nirvana
- Silver Ace
- Silver Bubble
- Silver Haze Autoflowering
- Silverstar Haze
- Silversurfer Haze
- Sirius
- Sister Love
- Skream
- Skud
- Skunk NL
- Skunky Monkey Auto
- Sleepy Yoda Auto
- Slyder
- Smokey Bear
- Snow Frost
- Snow White
- Snowbud
- Soft Lightning
- Sonic
- Sour 71
- Sour Diesel S1
- Sour Ripper
- Southern Ice
- Southern Skies
- Southr'n D'Lights
- Space Mountain
- Space Racer
- Space Station
- Space Station Gold
- Special Crystal Haze
- Spinning Buzz Kick
- Spirit Mountain
- Spiritual Punk
- Star Dome
- Star Dust
- Star Dust OG
- Star Gazer
- Star Lights
- Stardust OG
- Starfire Gold
- Starlight
- Starlord
- Stash Plant
- Stellar
- Sticky Pine
- Stink
- Stinky
- Stone Free
- Strawberry Breeze
- Subzero
- Sugar Cream
- Sugar Shack
- Super Diesel
- Super Glue
- Super Hash
- Super Hashplant
- Super Lemon OG x Northern Lights
- Super Nova
- Super Zilar Haze
- Superautomatic
- Superb
- Superlarge Monsterbud Autoflowering
- Sweet Sugar
- Sweet Valley High
- Swiss Skunk
- Synthesis
- THC Bunker Buster
- THC Pro
- Tanaka
- Tangerine Borealis
- Taskenti
- Tempo Norte
- Thai Lights
- Thailight
- The Chronic
- The Church
- The Church CBD
- The Mistress
- The MoonTower
- The Polar Express
- The Sledge
- The Super
- The Super Auto
- The X Files
- The-Special
- Three-Two
- Thunderhead
- Tiger Lily
- Topanga Sour Kush
- Trance Plant
- Tree of Might
- Triple Treat
- Triple XXX
- Tropical Lights
- Tropical Punch
- Truckin'
- True Atlantis
- Twin Peaks
- Txaki
- Tylight
- Typhoon
- UGORG#1
- Ultimate Indoor
- Urban Poison
- VIP Auto
- Valkyrie
- Vanilla ICE
- Vermont Indica
- Vintage 2006
- Wallflower
- WarPaint
- White Dragon
- White Ice
- White Lady
- White Lightening
- White Panther
- White Rush Auto
- White Widow Skunk
- Wiener Blut
- Winter Weather Advisory
- Witch
- Woodstock
- Xfile
- Zanzara 24
- Zion
- Zuper Nova
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Northern Lights make you feel?
Northern Lights is a indica strain that primarily produces relaxed effects, followed by calm. Users report the dominant effect at 90% intensity. With 27.0% THC, this strain is considered potent and best suited for experienced users.
Is Northern Lights good for medical use?
Northern Lights has been reported by users for users report relief from chronic pain, may help with insomnia and sleep disorders, often used for stress and anxiety management, may provide relief from depression symptoms, users report appetite stimulation, may help with muscle tension and spasms. As an indica strain, it may be particularly suited for evening or nighttime use.
This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Are there side effects with Northern Lights?
Some users have reported dry mouth, dry eyes, dizziness, dry mouth, dry eyes, possible dizziness in higher doses, potential for couch lock, may cause mild paranoia in sensitive users when using Northern Lights. Starting with a low dose and staying hydrated can help minimize these effects.
What does Northern Lights taste and smell like?
Northern Lights features a flavor profile of earthy, hash, pine, spicy, sweet, woody. The dominant terpenes are Myrcene and Caryophyllene, which contribute to its distinctive aroma.
What do users say about Northern Lights?
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What does the research say about Northern Lights?
Northern Lights is a indica cannabis strain containing up to 27.0% THC, with a terpene profile dominated by Myrcene and Caryophyllene. Below are authoritative resources for understanding the compounds in this strain.
Cannabinoid Information
Cannabis Regulations & Safety
What strains are similar to Northern Lights?
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12lb Hammer
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1979 Xmas Bud
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2 Fast 2 Vast
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