Cannabis Strains
Northern Lights Strain Info
Learn more about your favourite cannabis flower or dive into something new as we explore the history, growing methods and unique properties of our most popular strains. This time we’re spotlighting Northern Lights, or NL, a classic breeding strain that’s popular, pungent and ultra fruity.
Last updated August 28, 2025 | Published on November 2, 2021
At a Glance
Aroma and taste: Earthy, fruity and spicy
Appearance: Deep green, dense and resinous buds, with a frosty coating of trichomes with occasional purple hues
Strain type: Indica-dominant hybrid
Common dominant terpenes: Caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene
Average THC: 15–27% Average CBD: <1%
What is Northern Lights?
Northern Lights or NL, as it’s also known, is one of the most well-known and widely used cannabis strains for breeding. It’s a potent indica-dominant hybrid with a sweet, earthy flavour profile.
History of Northern Lights
As with many classic cannabis strains, Northern Lights’ beginnings are hard to pinpoint. The story goes that someone grew the first plant somewhere on the west coast of the United States from earthy Afghan landrace strains. From there, it’s said that Nevil Schoenmakers, a renowned cannabis breeder, discovered the strain and took it to the Netherlands, where it was crossed with fruity Thai (also a landrace strain) in the mid-’80s and popularized by Sensei Seeds, an Amsterdam-based cannabis seed bank. Northern Lights became a popular, award-winning parent, producing hybrids like Super Silver Haze and Shiva Skunk.
Northern Lights strain characteristics
Like any cannabis plant, Northern Lights’ traits can vary between growers, Licensed Producers and batches. That said, these are some common characteristics associated with Northern Lights:
- high THC levels and low CBD levels
- dense trichome coverage
- earthy, fruity aroma and spicy flavour
- heavy myrcene terpene profile
Potential effects of Northern Lights
Cannabis affects everyone differently, regardless of strain. Nevertheless, Northern Lights tends to be potent, and its high THC levels can be intoxicating to beginners and experienced cannabis consumers alike. Keep this in mind before consuming and know that some people may experience negative mental health effects as a result of consuming high-THC products.
The short-term effects of consuming cannabis can include:
- feelings of relaxation
- anxiety, fear, restlessness or panic
- heightened senses, such as smell and taste
- feeling euphoric or “high”
- trouble with memory or concentration
- decreased blood pressure
- increased heart rate (particularly for people with heart conditions or high blood pressure)
- sleepiness or tiredness
- increased appetite
- loss of inhibition or motivation
How cannabis will affect you depends on a range of factors beyond the strain, including dose, method of consumption, your personal health history, daily habits and more.
Growing Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a classic strain loved by growers of all levels, thanks to its hardy genetics and easygoing nature.
Climate: These plants love warm, sunny weather but are tough enough to handle less than ideal conditions. Thanks to its Afghani roots, Northern Lights is naturally resilient against mould and can bounce back from a bit of bad weather. Indoors, steady temps and moderate humidity will help maximize your harvest.
Height and growing time: Compact and manageable, Northern Lights usually tops out around 120 cm indoors, making it ideal for smaller grow spaces. Indoor plants move quickly through their growing cycle, with a flowering time of just 50 to 60 days. Outdoor growers in the northern hemisphere can expect to harvest in late September to early October.
Yield: Despite its easygoing nature, Northern Lights doesn’t skimp on output. Indoor yields average 400 to 550 g/m², while outdoor plants can bring in 200 to 625 g each, depending on conditions.
What are some strains like Northern Lights?
If you enjoy Northern Lights, you may be looking for strains with similar traits or genetics. Having a positive experience with one strain doesn’t guarantee that related or similar strains will feel the same, but it can be an interesting method for discovery. If you like Northern Lights, here are some strains you may want to learn about.
Afghani: Afghani is one of the parent strains of Northern Lights, which explains their strong similarities. Both share those sweet, earthy flavours that many growers and consumers love, and Afghani’s hardy landrace genetics gave Northern Lights its reputation for being resilient and easy to grow.
Thai: Thai and Northern Lights might seem very different — one’s a classic sativa and the other a well-known indica — but they actually share some key traits. Both feature a terpene profile built around myrcene, caryophyllene and limonene, giving them overlapping herbal, peppery and citrus notes. It’s those Thai flavours and aromas that helped shape the unique character of Northern Lights.
Venom OG: Venom OG and Northern Lights have a lot in common when it comes to their terpene profiles. Both are rich in myrcene, with supporting notes of limonene and caryophyllene, giving them similar earthy, citrus and peppery qualities. Venom OG leans more toward skunky and piney aromas, but that shared terpene base ties it back to the classic herbal character of Northern Lights.
