- Northern Lights #5 is a hybrid Indica (Pure/Near-Pure Afghan Indica) strain originating from USA (Washington State / Orcas Island) & Netherlands, dating back to 1985.
- Lab tests place its THC content at approximately 22-27%.
- Its lineage runs through Pure Afghan Indica Selection (Orcas Island), making it a key reference point for breeders.
- 6 documented strains descend from Northern Lights #5, including modern market favourites.
- Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene — driving its signature aroma and effects.
About Northern Lights #5
Northern Lights #5 (NL#5) is widely regarded by historians and master breeders as the single most influential individual cannabis plant in modern history. Selected in the late 1970s on Orcas Island near Seattle, Washington by an indigenous cultivator known as 'The Indian', NL#5 was the uncontested genetic miracle among eleven numbered sister seedlings (#1 through #11). When master geneticist Neville Schoenmakers brought the original clone-only cuttings to Amsterdam in 1985 at The Seed Bank of Holland, NL#5 transformed global cultivation. The plant exhibited virtually zero unnecessary foliage, forming colossal, rock-hard cylindrical colas drenched in crystalline trichomes with almost no manicuring required. The aroma is pure old-school pedigree—combining pungent pine needles, sweet spicy Afghan hashish, damp forest loam, and subtle citrus fuel. Consuming Northern Lights #5 produces an iconic, heavy-lidded full-body stone paired with a cheerful, euphoric cerebral calmness that defined the benchmark of indoor indica power.
Flavor Profile
The Story & Lineage Origin
🌲 1. The Orcas Island Genesis
In the late 1970s on Orcas Island in Washington State's Puget Sound, a mysterious cultivator known as 'The Indian' grew out a pure Afghan indica line, numbering the best keeper phenotypes from #1 to #11. Plant #5 was an unprecedented genetic anomaly—growing stocky and fast with unmatched resin gland density and almost zero trim leaves.
🇳🇱 2. Neville Schoenmakers' Holy Grail
In 1985, master seed collector Neville Schoenmakers acquired the original clone-only cuttings and brought them to The Cannabis Castle in Amsterdam. NL#5 became the crown jewel of The Seed Bank of Holland. Neville prized the #5 mother so highly that he famously refused to sell pure NL#5 seeds, only utilizing her as a female clone or in elite hybrid pairings.
🏆 3. The 3x Cannabis Cup Dynasty
NL#5 won 1st Place at the High Times Cannabis Cup in 1989, 1990, and 1992. It revolutionized indoor cultivation worldwide by establishing the benchmark for flowering speed (7 weeks), resin density, and high yields.
👑 The Mother of Modern Legends: NL#5 served as the direct maternal parent for the greatest hybrids of all time, including Super Silver Haze, Jack Herer, Northern Lights #5 x Haze, and Mango Haze.
This strain is a staple of Amsterdam coffee shop menus. Check current availability and prices on DAM Live →
Find it on DAM Live: Browse Northern Lights #5 across Amsterdam Coffee Shop Menus, Amsterdam Cannabis Guides, or see its live Amsterdam price index →
Live Amsterdam Pricing
See real-time prices, availability, and shop locations for Northern Lights #5 at Amsterdam coffeeshops — updated daily.
View Live Menus →Where to Find Northern Lights #5 in Amsterdam
Northern Lights #5 is a popular strain on Amsterdam's coffeeshop menus. Prices and availability change daily based on supply, quality, and seasonal harvests.
- Centrum / De Wallen — Most tourist-facing shops stock popular strains like Northern Lights #5
- Bedford Factory (Outer Space) — Premium selection with quality-tested Northern Lights #5
- Barney's Gourmet Flowers — High-end Northern Lights #5 with detailed lab reports
- Grey Area — Curated Northern Lights #5 selection, limited stock
- LOF Amsterdam — Wide Northern Lights #5 variety with delivery options
For live pricing, menu availability, and shop locations — visit DAM Live →
Genetic Background
100% Afghan Indica landrace gene pool stabilized on the Pacific Northwest islands, preserved as an elite clone-only cutting by Neville Schoenmakers
Phenotypes & Cultivars
Northern Lights #5 is available in the following phenotypes and cultivars:
Awards & Recognition
Northern Lights #5 has earned the following recognition:
Terpene Profile
Northern Lights #5 is dominated by Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene, along with 1 other minor terpenes. These compounds shape the strain's aroma, flavor, and reported effects.
Known Offspring
Strains that descend from Northern Lights #5:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the THC percentage of Northern Lights #5?
Northern Lights #5 typically tests at 22-27% THC content in lab results, though actual potency varies by phenotype, growing conditions, and harvest. As an indica-leaning strain, the THC produces a heavier body-driven effect.
Northern Lights #5 strain review — what to expect
Northern Lights #5 is known for Heavy-bodied relaxation, profound physical sedation, warm mental euphoria, pain relief, sleep-inducing. Pure Afghan Indica Selection. Bred on Orcas Island and stabilized by Neville Schoenmakers, NL#5 won 3 High Times Cannabis Cups and became the single most influential breeding mother in cannabis history. The aroma profile features pungent pine needles, sweet spicy hashish, damp earth, juniper berries, subtle lemon fuel. Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene.
What are the phenotypes of Northern Lights #5?
Northern Lights #5 expresses several phenotypes and cuts, including NL #5 (Original Clone-Only Cutting), NL#5 x Haze, NL#5 x Skunk #1 (Shiva Skunk). The dominant phenotypes often show subtle differences in structure, flowering time, color expression, and terpene balance while sharing the same core genetics.
What is Northern Lights #5 crossed from?
Northern Lights #5 was bred from Pure Afghan Indica Selection (Orcas Island). Detailed ancestry: 100% Afghan Indica landrace gene pool stabilized on the Pacific Northwest islands, preserved as an elite clone-only cutting by Neville Schoenmakers. This cross produces the strain's characteristic effects, terpene profile, and growth pattern.
Is Northern Lights #5 available in Amsterdam coffee shops?
Yes — Northern Lights #5 is found on Amsterdam coffeeshop menus. Live Amsterdam pricing and shop availability is updated daily on DAM Live.
What terpenes are in Northern Lights #5?
Northern Lights #5 is dominated by Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene, with 1 additional minor terpenes. These aromatic compounds shape the strain's signature flavor, aroma, and contribute to its reported effects through the entourage effect.
How much does Northern Lights #5 yield and how long does it flower?
Northern Lights #5 has a flowering time of 7-8 weeks (49-56 days) and produces extremely high (550-650 g/m²) yields. Plants reach medium and stocky (90-120 cm) height, making it a versatile size for most indoor setups.
What is Northern Lights #5 and where does it come from?
Northern Lights #5 is an indica cannabis strain that originates from USA (Washington State / Orcas Island) & Netherlands. It belongs to the 1980s era of cannabis genetics. Pure Afghan Indica Selection. Bred on Orcas Island and stabilized by Neville Schoenmakers, NL#5 won 3 High Times Cannabis Cups and became the single most influential breeding mother in cannabis history.
What is the genetic background of Northern Lights #5?
Northern Lights #5 has the following ancestry: 100% Afghan Indica landrace gene pool stabilized on the Pacific Northwest islands, preserved as an elite clone-only cutting by Neville Schoenmakers.
Is Northern Lights #5 indica or sativa?
Northern Lights #5 is an indica cannabis strain. Learn how in indica vs sativa classification differs in our strain guide.
What does Northern Lights #5 smell and taste like?
Northern Lights #5 has a Pungent pine needles, sweet spicy hashish, damp earth, juniper berries, subtle lemon fuel aroma, with flavors described as Rich earthy pine, sweet dark hash, spicy black pepper, smooth woody finish. Its dominant terpenes are Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene.
What are the effects of Northern Lights #5?
Users report Heavy-bodied relaxation, profound physical sedation, warm mental euphoria, pain relief, sleep-inducing. As an indica-dominant strain, it leans toward relaxing body effects.
Medical Applications
Northern Lights #5 is commonly associated with: