Northern Lights: The Complete Guide
Northern Lights is the indica every other indica is measured against. Born in the late 1970s near Seattle, brought to Amsterdam by Neville Schoenmakers in the 1980s and a three-time consecutive Cannabis Cup winner in the early 1990s — it is the genetic backbone of countless modern hybrids and remains the reference strain for sleep, pain relief and deep physical relaxation.
Northern Lights is a near-pure indica (≈95%) with 16–21% THC and a myrcene-dominant terpene profile. Genetics: Afghani Indica × Thai Sativa landrace, stabilised across multiple phenotypes (NL#1–NL#11, commercial: NL#5). Effects: heavy body-stone, strongly sedating, pain relief and sleep induction. Parent of hundreds of modern hybrids (Shiva Skunk, Super Silver Haze, Northern Lights Haze). In Switzerland only as CBD phenotype on the open market; THC version via medical prescription.
On this page
History & origin · Genetics & phenotypes · THC and cannabinoid profile · Terpenes & aroma · Effects & experience · Medical use · Cultivation notes · The NL family · Comparison · Northern Lights in Switzerland · FAQ.
History: from Seattle to Amsterdam
The original Northern Lights lineage was created in the late 1970s on an island near Seattle, Washington. A breeder remembered in cannabis folklore only as «The Indian» crossed eleven Afghani-landrace indica phenotypes over several generations and stabilised them as NL#1 through NL#11.
In the early 1980s the clones reached Neville Schoenmakers, founder of «The Seed Bank of Holland» (later Sensi Seeds). Schoenmakers brought the genetics to Amsterdam and crossed NL#5 with a Thai sativa landrace to improve flowering time and stability. That combination became the commercial «Northern Lights» known worldwide today.
Genetics & phenotypes
Official genetics: Afghani Indica × Thai Sativa landrace. Indica share ≈95%, making Northern Lights one of the most indica-dominant commercial strains. The Afghan component delivers compact growth, fast flowering and heavy resin; the Thai genetics add stability and a touch of clarity to an otherwise dense indica profile.
Of the eleven original phenotypes, NL#1, NL#2 and NL#5 survive in modern genetics. NL#5 is considered the most commercially valuable cut — mother of nearly all modern «Northern Lights» versions and parent of Sensi Seeds classics like Shiva Skunk (NL#5 × Skunk #1) and Northern Lights Haze (NL#5 × Haze).
THC, CBD and cannabinoid profile
Average THC content: 16–21%. By modern standards this puts Northern Lights in the moderate range — well below high-potency hybrids like Gorilla Glue #4 or Girl Scout Cookies. CBD typically < 0.2%.
Secondary cannabinoids: CBN (0.3–0.8%, higher than in many other strains), CBG (0.2–0.5%), trace CBC. The relatively high CBN — a degradation product of THC — contributes to the pronounced sedative effect, especially in late-harvested or slightly aged flowers.
FAQ
Is Northern Lights indica or sativa?
Near-pure indica (≈95%). Northern Lights is the reference strain for classic indica behaviour: compact growth, short flowering, pronounced body-stone.
How much THC does NL contain?
Typically 16–21%. By modern standards NL is in the moderate range — well below high-potency hybrids like GG4 or GSC, but with a marked sedative effect thanks to myrcene and CBN.
Why is NL so popular for sleep?
The combination of moderate THC, high myrcene and relatively high CBN produces a predictable, strongly sedative profile. In dispensary statistics NL regularly ranks in the top 3 strains for insomnia.
Which phenotypes exist?
Eleven original phenotypes (NL#1–NL#11). Today NL#5 dominates commercial genetics — it is the base of nearly all modern NL versions and many derived hybrids.
Which terpene dominates?
Myrcene (0.8–1.2% of dry mass), followed by pinene, caryophyllene and limonene. Hence the sweet-earthy-piney aroma and the strong sedative effect.
How long does NL last?
Inhaled: onset 5–10 min, peak 30–45 min, main effect 2–4 hours, comedown 1–2 hours. One of the longest comedowns among classic indicas.
What is NL used for medically?
Frequently: sleep disorders, chronic pain, muscle spasticity (MS), restless-legs syndrome and severe stress. Particularly suitable for older or new patients thanks to its moderate THC.
Is Northern Lights legal in Switzerland?
The THC version (> 1% THC) only via medical prescription. CBD-dominant NL cuts under 1% THC are openly available.