Northern Lights Strain: Effects & Benefits
January 30, 2024 · Pax Labs![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0027/6417/7523/articles/Northern_Lights_Strain.jpg?v=1706633374&width=100&height=56&crop=center)
If you're looking for classic indica strains, it's hard to beat Northern Lights. This iconic strain is a beloved part of cannabis history. Not only is it popular on its own, but it's also provided genetics for many other favorite strains. To learn all about Northern Lights' interesting history and incredible effects, explore our guide.
Why enthusiasts love Northern Lights
Northern Lights has managed to captivate cannabis fans for decades. Most people who love it mention its rich flavor and complex aromas. Fans of Northern Lights also praise this cannabis for its higher-than-average THC content and its straightforward indica effects. Furthermore, breeders often enjoy working with Northern Lights because it's reliable and easy to grow.
In modern times, Northern Lights' popularity is also due to its position in cannabis culture. Legends like Snoop Dogg have promoted it, and it has been used to breed a lot of other popular strains like Ice and Silver Haze.
The history of the Northern Lights strain
Like many other cannabis legends, Northern Lights' history is filled with mystery. No one knows who created it or what its parents were. The strain first showed up in Washington sometime in the 1970s when an anonymous breeder, only known as "The Indian," started growing Northern Lights plants. In 1985, one of these plants made its way to the Netherlands where grower Nevil Schoenmakers stabilized the plant into a reliable hybrid. From there, the strain spread to growers around the world.
Northern Lights genetics and origins
Analysis of Northern Lights' genome shows it's mostly a blend of Afghani and Thai cannabis. Some variants may also have some Hindu Kush genetics somewhere in their background.
Effects and characteristics of Northern Lights cannabis
Northern Lights cannabis plants produce dense, cone-shaped buds with a purple tint and an icy coating of white trichomes. Dried Northern Lights buds are packed with skunky, herbal aromas. When you consume Northern Lights in something like a PAX Plus vaporizer, you'll mostly taste strong piney flavors. Some people also report that the Northern Lights strain taste can include hints of sweetness, earthiness, and muskiness.
Most Northern Lights strain reviews mention that it feels very strong and intense. Users report that it's relaxing, calming, and peaceful, and many people also notice full-body sensations of floating, buzzing, vibrating, or tingling.
Benefits and uses of Northern Lights
Since Northern Lights effects tend to be so soothing, many people reach for it when they're feeling stressed and anxious. You can use it to lighten your mood after a tough day at work or turn a routine day into a relaxing mini-vacation.
Among patients who take medical cannabis, the Northern Light strain is a favorite for those dealing with insomnia. It's a peaceful strain that can make it easy to fall asleep. Other users mention that the Northern Lights strain effects are useful when they want to stimulate their appetite or get ready for a tasty meal.
Best practices for consuming Northern Lights cannabis
Northern Lights THC content starts at around 18%, and a lot of people who try Northern Lights indica say that it feels surprisingly strong. Especially if you prefer concentrates, it's best to start slow with this strain. Here are some popular dosing options for different methods of consuming Northern Lights:
- Vaporizable concentrates: One small inhalation
- Dried Northern Lights flower: One small inhalation
- Tinctures: 2 milligrams
- Northern Lights edibles: 5 milligrams
Where to purchase Northern Lights cannabis
Due to its popularity, Northern Lights cannabis indica shows up in many locations. Every state with legalized cannabis has dispensaries and online shops selling Northern Lights. You can find it as dried flowers, edible gummies, cannabis concentrates, and more.
One of the best ways to buy Northern Lights is through PAX. Our PAX Era™ pods provide a convenient and flavorful way to experience this cannabis. They combine the intensity of cannabis concentrates with the flavor of Northern Lights terpenes, so you can enjoy all that Northern Lights cannabis has to offer.
Frequently asked questions about the Northern Lights strain
Check out these answers to these frequently asked questions about Northern Lights cannabis.
Is Northern Lights an indica or sativa?
Despite potentially having a small amount of sativa genes, Northern Lights is an indica through and through. When people try to describe classic indica cannabis, Northern Lights is often the first strain that comes to mind.
Is Northern Lights a smelly strain?
Northern Lights definitely has a clear and noticeable smell, but it's not the type of cannabis that you can smell when it's in a plastic baggie across the room. Instead, people tend to describe its scent as light yet complex. Once you start smoking or vaporizing it, you'll notice a lot of scents you missed at first.
Can Northern Lights be grown indoors and outdoors?
Growers often love Northern Lights because it's not a fussy plant. Northern Lights flowering time is just eight weeks, and Northern Lights seeds perform equally well indoors and outdoors. The only potential downside is that it can mold in more humid outdoor climates.
Ultimately, Northern Lights provides the perfect combination of flavor, intensity, and relaxation. Whenever you're looking for a calming way to unwind, this cannabis strain is the way to go. Ready to give Northern Lights a try and see what everyone's been talking about? Use the PAX store locator to find a location near you selling Northern Lights.