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
History
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.
Notable breeders: The Seed Bank (Neville Schoenmakers), Sensi Seeds
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View Live Menus →Genetic Background
Hybrid of Afghani indica and Thai sativa
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
Is Northern Lights indica or sativa?
Northern Lights is an indica cannabis strain.
What are the genetics of Northern Lights?
Northern Lights has a genetic lineage of Afghani x Thai (origin debated — some sources suggest Thai influence, others claim pure Afghani). Hybrid of Afghani indica and Thai sativa
What is the lineage of Northern Lights?
Northern Lights descends from Afghani x Thai (origin debated — some sources suggest Thai influence, others claim pure Afghani). Hybrid of Afghani indica and Thai sativa It belongs to the NL Family genetic family.
What is the THC content of Northern Lights?
Northern Lights typically tests at 18-22% THC.
What does Northern Lights smell and taste like?
Northern Lights has a Sweet, pine, earth, spice, hashish, citrus aroma profile, with flavors described as Sweet pine, earth, spice, hash.
What are the effects of Northern Lights?
Users report Deeply relaxing, euphoric, calming, sedative, stress-relieving. As an indica-dominant strain, it is known for relaxing body effects.
What are the phenotypes of Northern Lights?
Northern Lights is known in several phenotypes and cultivars, including Northern Lights #1, Northern Lights #2, Northern Lights #5, Northern Lights #9. Each phenotype expresses the same genetics slightly differently — varying in aroma, bud color, growth habit, and effects.
Has Northern Lights won any awards?
Northern Lights has been recognized with the following awards: High Times Cannabis Cup, 1988, 1st Place; High Times Cannabis Cup, 1989, 1st Place; High Times Cannabis Cup, 1990, 1st Place.
What is the history of Northern Lights?
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.
How long does Northern Lights take to flower?
Northern Lights has a flowering time of approximately 7-8 weeks. Plants grow to a short to medium height.
Further Reading
Learn more about Northern Lights's genetic family and history:
Medical Applications
Northern Lights is commonly associated with: