The world of cannabis has many strains that enchant recreational and medicinal users alike, but few have the legendary status that Northern Lights does. Known for its deep relaxation effects and therapeutic benefits, this classic indica strain offers an experience that never goes out of style. Whatever your reasons for your interest in Northern Lights, the bottom line is that this strain is worth knowing.
In this blog from The Mad Caddy, we’ll explore everything there is to know about Northern Lights, from its origins and beginnings to its effects, characteristics, terpene and flavor profiles, medicinal benefits, and more.
Key Takeaways:
Legendary Status: Northern Lights is an iconic indica-dominant strain, prized for its deep relaxation effects and rich, somewhat mysterious history rooted in Thai and Afghani genetics.
Global Popularity: The strain gained legendary status after being refined in the Netherlands during the late 1970s and early 1980s, becoming a staple in cannabis culture and influencing many hybrids.
Flavor and Aroma: Known for its pine-like and earthy flavor with sweet, citrus undertones, Northern Lights’ distinct aroma, and taste come from its terpene profile, featuring caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene.
Medicinal Benefits: It’s often used for its therapeutic effects, offering pain relief, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and appetite loss, making it a favored choice for all users.
Northern Lights: What It Is?
Northern Lights is a tried-and-true indica-dominant cannabis strain. It’s known for its powerful yet calming effects and rich, interesting history. The strain is also known as “NL” and is said to be a crossing of Afghani and Thai strains.
Northern Lights is often recognized with ease because of its dense and resin-coated buds that sparkle like the night sky, often highlighting its deep green colors with hints of purple.
Where Did Northern Lights Come From?
Northern Lights is one of the most famous cannabis strains of all time. However, like with many other cannabis varieties, the precise origins of Northern Lights are mysterious. Cannabis folklore has it that the original or OG strain of Northern Lights first sprouted from Afghani seeds grown and harvested on an island near Seattle, Washington. The seeds were said to have been grown by a man only known as “The Indian.”
Cannabis folklore also states that The Indian’s work with Northern Lights was discovered by an Australian-based cannabis breeder named Nevil Schoenmakers on a trip to the U.S. in the 1970s. Supposedly, Nevil brought back female clones of Northern Lights to The Netherlands, where he began experimenting with his new cannabis genetics.
Northern Lights’ Creation and Popularity: A Timeline
From its early development in the Pacific Northwest to its global recognition in the Netherlands, Northern Lights has become an icon in cannabis culture around the world. The classic strain has a rich yet somewhat mysterious history that spans decades while influencing countless cannabis strains.
Let’s take a look at Northern Lights’ creation and rise to popularity over the years.
1970s- Early 1980s: Early Development:
The origins of Northern Lights are believed to have started in the Pacific Northwest state of Washington.
The strain was said to have been bred using pure Afghani Indica genetics, known for their potent yet relaxing effects.
Mid-1980s: Arrival in the Netherlands:
Nevil Schoenmakers, a cannabis breeder and founder of The Seed Bank, brought Northern Lights to the Netherlands.
Schoenmakers stabilized the strain, refining its genetics for a more consistent flavor, potency, and resilience.
Late 1980s: Rise to Fame:
Northern Lights gained recognition fast and won multiple awards at prestigious cannabis competitions like the High Times Cannabis Cup.
It became a foundational and iconic strain, influencing the creation of many other popular hybrids like Shiva Skunk and Super Silver Haze.
1990s-2000s: Global Popularity:
As cannabis culture grew, Northern Lights became a staple in dispensaries around the globe, beloved for its relaxing effects and ease of cultivation.
It gained a reputation as a go-to strain for medical users seeking relief from insomnia, pain, and anxiety.
2010s-Present: Legacy and Continued Demand:
Northern Lights remains one of the most popular and well-recognized indica strains in the market.
It continues to be praised for its potent effects, consistency, and influence on modern cannabis breeding, solidifying its place as an ageless classic.
The Appearance, Flavor, and Aroma of Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a strain that stands out for its potent effects and for its unmistakable appearance, aroma, and flavor. With a recognizable look, notable scent, and flavor profile, this classic indica strain often provides a well-rounded appearance that appeals to all its users.
Appearance
The Northern Lights strain is known for its resinous and dense buds that are often covered in a thick layer of sparkling trichomes, giving the flower a sticky and frosty texture. The buds are often a deep green color with shades of purple, even more so when grown in cooler temperatures.
The thick coating of resin and tight-packed structure of Northern Lights also make it visually stunning.
Flavor
The flavor profile of Northern Lights is balanced and smooth, providing a mix of earthy and sweet notes. On the inhale, users often experience a pine-like and sweet taste with subtle hints of citrus and spice.
The flavor is strong yet pleasant, leaving a light herbal aftertaste that lingers on the palate often thanks to its terpene profile of:
Myrcene: Plays a fundamental role in shaping the flavor profile, contributing to its earthy yet smooth taste with subtle sweet undertones.
Caryophyllene: Adds a distinct spicy kick to the taste, balancing out the earthy sweetness with a hint of boldness. It provides a little bit of warmth and a slight tingle on the palate.
Limonene: is the terpene responsible for giving Northern Lights its subtle notes of citrus that pairs well with its pine-like and earthy flavors.
Aroma
The aroma of Northern Lights is one of its standout features, characterized by a strong earthy scent with prominent woody and pine undertones. Breaking apart the buds releases a pungent and sweet aroma, complemented by hints of fresh citrus and spice.
The scent is as invigorating as it is calming, showcasing a preview of the relaxing effects that the strain is known for.
Experience and Effects
Northern Lights is a classic indica strain known for its strong yet calming effects. Whether you're looking to unwind or seeking natural pain relief, this strain offers a relaxing and predictable experience.
Let’s explore what users can often expect when smoking, vaping, or consuming Northern Lights.
Deep Relaxation: Northern Lights is well-known for its potent indica effects, providing full-body relaxation that helps ease physical discomfort and muscle tension. It’s often described as having a "melting" sensation, perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day.
Euphoric Mood Boost: Users often report a gentle wave of euphoria that compliments the relaxing effects, helping to boost the mood and promote a positive, calm mindset.
Couch-Lock Experience: Because of its strong sedative effects, users may find themselves very relaxed and even immobilized, a sensation often referred to as "couch-lock." This is why Northern Lights is best suited for when you have no plans to stay active or for nighttime use.
4 Medicinal Effects of Northern Lights
Another reason why Northern Lights is such a popular and well-loved strain is because of its potent therapeutic effects. Known for its calming and pain relieving properties, this indica strain is often used to help manage a wide range of medical issues.
Four medicinal effects of Northern Lights include, but are not limited to:
Pain Relief: Helps alleviate chronic migraines, pain, and muscle spasms.
Insomnia: Because of its sedative effects, it’s often recommended for those who struggle with sleep disorders like insomnia.
Anxiety and Stress: Provides a calming effect that can help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Appetite Stimulation: Can help boost appetite, making it beneficial for those dealing with appetite loss due to medical treatments or nausea.
Northern Lights Products: Where to Buy
If you’re interested in trying Northern Lights for yourself, there are plenty of options for you to enjoy this iconic indica-dominant strain. From pre-rolls and concentrates to edibles and flower, Northern Lights is a staple in most dispensaries, so finding it at your local online retailer or shop should be no trouble at all.
Make sure to look for lab-tested products when buying to ensure you’re getting the highest-quality and potent cannabis. The THC content often ranges from 16% to 21%, so it’s recommended to start with a small dose if you’re new to this strain.
Conclusion
Northern Lights remains a legend for a reason. Its strong yet calming effects, medicinal benefits, and pleasant flavor have made it a beloved strain for decades. Whether you’re a medical patient seeking relief or a recreational user looking to unwind and relax, Northern Lights offers a consistent and enjoyable experience.
Ready to give Northern Lights a try? Visit your local dispensary or trusted online store to discover why this indica strain continues to be an icon in the cannabis community!
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