- Northern Lights is a hybrid Indica strain originating from USA (Pacific Northwest), dating back to 1978.
- Lab tests place its THC content at approximately 18-22%.
- Its lineage runs through Afghani x Thai (origin debated — some sources suggest Thai influence, others claim pure Afghani), making it a key reference point for breeders.
- 6 documented strains descend from Northern Lights, including modern market favourites.
- Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene — driving its signature aroma and effects.
About Northern Lights
Northern Lights originated from a batch of seeds grown in Washington state in the late 1970s, sourced from Afghani and possibly Thai genetics. The strain was further developed in the Netherlands in the 1980s, where Neville Schoenmakers and The Seed Bank identified and stabilized several distinct phenotypes. The most famous, Northern Lights #5, won numerous Cannabis Cup awards and became the most sought-after cut for its exceptional resin production and consistent performance. NL#5 is widely considered one of the most perfect indoor cannabis plants ever created: short, extremely resinous, fast-flowering (45-50 days), and producing a heavy, relaxing high that stops anxiety in its tracks.
Flavor Profile
The Story & Lineage Origin
Northern Lights began from a bag of seeds purchased at a Grateful Dead show, according to cannabis lore. The seeds (reportedly Afghani x Thai) were grown in the Pacific Northwest.
The best plants were selected and the line was brought to the Netherlands by Neville Schoenmakers of The Seed Bank. The famous NL#5 phenotype was discovered and cloned extensively, becoming one of the most widely grown indoor strains of the 1980s and 90s.
Northern Lights won the High Times Cannabis Cup in 1988-1990, cementing its place in cannabis history.
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 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 at Amsterdam coffeeshops — updated daily.
View Live Menus →Where to Find Northern Lights in Amsterdam
Northern Lights 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
- Bedford Factory (Outer Space) — Premium selection with quality-tested Northern Lights
- Barney's Gourmet Flowers — High-end Northern Lights with detailed lab reports
- Grey Area — Curated Northern Lights selection, limited stock
- LOF Amsterdam — Wide Northern Lights variety with delivery options
For live pricing, menu availability, and shop locations — visit DAM Live →
Phenotypes & Cultivars
Northern Lights is available in the following phenotypes and cultivars:
Awards & Recognition
Northern Lights has earned the following recognition:
Terpene Profile
Northern Lights is dominated by Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene. These compounds shape the strain's aroma, flavor, and reported effects.
Genetic Families
Northern Lights is part of the following genetic families:
Known Offspring
Strains that descend from Northern Lights:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the THC percentage of Northern Lights?
Northern Lights typically tests at 18-22% 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.
Is Northern Lights a sativa or indica?
Northern Lights is an indica cannabis strain (Indica). Bred from Afghani x Thai (origin debated — some sources suggest Thai influence, others claim pure Afghani), its effects lean toward a relaxing, body-driven indica experience. Users report: Deeply relaxing, euphoric, calming, sedative, stress-relieving.
Northern Lights strain review — what to expect
Northern Lights is known for Deeply relaxing, euphoric, calming, sedative, stress-relieving. The most celebrated indica hybrid of all time. Northern Lights set the standard for what an indoor indica could be: compact, fast-flowering, high-yielding, and powerfully relaxing. Its genetics are the primary indica foundation of modern hybrid breeding. The aroma profile features sweet, pine, earth, spice, hashish, citrus. Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene.
What are the phenotypes of Northern Lights?
Northern Lights expresses several phenotypes and cuts, including Northern Lights #1, Northern Lights #2, Northern Lights #5, Northern Lights #9. 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 crossed from?
Northern Lights was bred from Afghani x Thai (origin debated — some sources suggest Thai influence, others claim pure Afghani). Detailed ancestry: Hybrid of Afghani indica and Thai sativa. This cross produces the strain's characteristic effects, terpene profile, and growth pattern.
Is Northern Lights available in Amsterdam coffee shops?
Yes — Northern Lights is found on Amsterdam coffeeshop menus. Live Amsterdam pricing and shop availability is updated daily on DAM Live.
What terpenes are in Northern Lights?
Northern Lights is dominated by Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene. 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 yield and how long does it flower?
Northern Lights has a flowering time of 7-8 weeks and produces high yields. Plants reach short to medium height, making it well-suited for smaller grow spaces.
What is Northern Lights and where does it come from?
Northern Lights is an indica cannabis strain that originates from USA (Pacific Northwest). It belongs to the 1970s era of cannabis genetics. The most celebrated indica hybrid of all time. Northern Lights set the standard for what an indoor indica could be: compact, fast-flowering, high-yielding, and powerfully relaxing. Its genetics are the primary indica foundation of modern hybrid breeding.
What is the genetic background of Northern Lights?
Northern Lights has the following ancestry: Hybrid of Afghani indica and Thai sativa.
Is Northern Lights indica or sativa?
Northern Lights is an indica cannabis strain. Learn how in indica vs sativa classification differs in our strain guide.
What does Northern Lights smell and taste like?
Northern Lights has a Sweet, pine, earth, spice, hashish, citrus aroma, with flavors described as Sweet pine, earth, spice, hash. Its dominant terpenes are Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene.
Recommended Lineage & Breeding Guides
Deepen your understanding of Northern Lights's genetics and history with our editorial research:
Medical Applications
Northern Lights is commonly associated with: