Northern Lights is an indica-dominant cannabis strain generally traced to Afghani and Thai genetics, known for a sweet, earthy aroma and a deeply relaxing, sleepy high. It is said to have started near Seattle in the 1970s or 1980s before Sensi Seeds in the Netherlands refined and spread it. THC usually tests between about 16% and 22%.
Northern Lights Strain at a Glance
| Type | Indica-dominant hybrid (often called a near-pure indica) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | NL, Northern Lights #5 |
| Lineage | Afghani × Thai |
| Breeder / origin | Origin traced to the Seattle area; developed and popularized by Neville Schoenmakers and Sensi Seeds (Netherlands) |
| THC | 16–22% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, Beta-caryophyllene, Pinene |
| Aroma and flavor | sweet, earthy, pine, spice, earthy pine, hash |
| Reported effects | relaxed, sleepy, happy, calm |
| Best for | bedtime, stress relief, winding down |
| Flowering time | 7–9 weeks |
Where Northern Lights Comes From
Northern Lights is one of the oldest and most influential strains in modern cannabis, and its early history is murky. The usual account is that the line began in the Pacific Northwest, around the Seattle area, as a mix of Afghani indica and Thai sativa genetics. Neville Schoenmakers, the seed pioneer who later co-founded the Seed Bank in Amsterdam, took the genetics to the Netherlands in the 1980s, and Sensi Seeds refined it into its famous Northern Lights #5 cut.
Some details are fuzzy. Sources differ on exactly when and where the original cuts were made, and different accounts describe the parents as Afghani and Thai, or Afghani alone. Awards attributed to Northern Lights #5 in the late 1980s and early 1990s at the High Times Cannabis Cup are widely cited, but counts vary.
What is not in doubt is its influence. Northern Lights is a parent or grandparent to a huge number of famous hybrids, including Jack Herer, Super Silver Haze and Shiva Skunk, and it helped set the standard for a fast-flowering, resinous indoor plant. For Pacific Northwest consumers it holds a bit of local pride as a strain tied to the region.
Northern Lights Effects: What It Feels Like
Northern Lights is known for a slow, soothing wave. It usually starts with a gentle lift in mood and a warm feeling in the head, then spreads through the body, loosening muscles and quieting a busy mind. Many people feel pleasantly heavy and calm within half an hour.
As the effects deepen, sleepiness becomes the main theme, so Northern Lights is a classic evening or bedtime strain. It is not typically a good fit for work, driving or anything that needs sharp attention. Appetite often picks up too. Because the high is steady and not racy, many people see it as a comfortable choice for winding down.
Northern Lights Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
The aroma is sweet and earthy, with pine, a touch of spice and a hashy, incense-like depth. Some cuts add a faint fruitiness. The buds are typically dense and resinous.
The smoke is smooth and earthy-sweet on the inhale, with pine and spice on the exhale. Myrcene, beta-caryophyllene and pinene are the terpenes most often named for Northern Lights, though levels differ by grower. Myrcene is generally linked to the earthy, relaxing character, caryophyllene to the spice, and pinene to the fresh pine edge.
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
- Pinene: fresh pine, also found in pine needles and rosemary
Terpene levels vary from grower to grower and batch to batch, so check the lab label on the package. Learn more in our guide to cannabis terpenes.
Side Effects and How to Use Northern Lights
The most common side effects are dry mouth and dry eyes. Drowsiness is the main effect to plan for, and some people feel dizzy or groggy the next morning after a large evening dose. As with any THC product, start small, especially if you are new.
With Northern Lights, as with any strain, a smaller dose usually avoids anxiety or grogginess. Our cannabis safety guide covers what to do if you take too much.
Do People Use Northern Lights for Medical Reasons?
People commonly say they use Northern Lights for trouble sleeping, stress, aches and general tension. It is also often mentioned for low appetite. These are consumer reports, not medical claims, and anyone with a health condition should consult a clinician.
These are user reports, not clinical findings. For what research actually supports, see our cannabis health and research section, and talk to your doctor before using cannabis for a health condition.
Growing Northern Lights
- Difficulty: Easy
- Flowering: 7–9 weeks
- Yield: Medium to high
- Height: Short to medium; bushy
- Environment: Indoor or outdoor
Northern Lights is celebrated as an easy, forgiving plant that stays compact and flowers quickly, which made it a favorite of indoor growers for decades. It tolerates cooler temperatures better than many strains, which suits the Pacific Northwest, and it finishes before most of the wet autumn weather. The dense, resinous buds still need good airflow, since moisture can lead to mold late in flower.
Home-grow rules depend on the state: adults can grow at home in states such as California (six plants per residence), Michigan (12 per residence) and Oregon (four per household), while Washington and Illinois allow home growing only for registered medical patients. Check your state in our cannabis laws by state guide before you plant anything.
Strains Like Northern Lights
- Afghani: a parent landrace with a similar heavy, hashy relaxation
- Granddaddy Purple: another classic indica for bedtime
- Blueberry: a descendant-style classic with a sweet, mellow effect
- White Widow: a classic Dutch-era hybrid built on similar roots
- Jack Herer: a descendant with a much more uplifting effect
- Hindu Kush: another old-school indica with an earthy, relaxing body high
- Chemo: another heavy, sleepy indica
Browse more indica strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Indica Strains to Explore
Northern Wreck · OG 18 · OG Ringo · Nightshade · Mystery 98 · Mule Fuel · All indica strains
Where to Buy Northern Lights
Dispensary menus change every week, and Northern Lights may be sold under its own name, as a cross or as a pre-roll or vape. The fastest way to find it is to check store menus online before you go. In Chicago, browse Chicago dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Cookies – Chicago and Karma Club – Chicago. In San Jose, browse San Jose dispensaries and check the menus at stores like CA Collective and Canna Culture. You can also browse licensed dispensaries in every state we cover. Adults 21 and older can buy with a valid photo ID; see cannabis laws by state for purchase limits.
Northern Lights FAQ
Is Northern Lights indica or sativa?
It is an indica-dominant strain, often called near-pure indica. Expect a relaxing, sleepy effect.
Who created Northern Lights?
It is traced to the Seattle area, then refined in the Netherlands by Neville Schoenmakers and Sensi Seeds. Early history is hard to document.
What is Northern Lights a cross of?
Afghani and Thai genetics are the usual answer, though some accounts differ.
How strong is Northern Lights?
Typically about 16% to 22% THC, which is moderate to strong.
Is Northern Lights good for sleep?
Many people use it at night because the high turns relaxing and sleepy. Effects vary person to person.
What does Northern Lights taste like?
Sweet and earthy, with pine, spice and a hash-like finish.
For adults 21+ in legal states. Strain information reflects breeder descriptions, lab data and user reports; effects vary by person and batch. Not medical advice.