It’s time for a revival of the Northern Lights

Northern Lights is one of the best strains out there, but chances are you haven’t seen her in a while. Due to increasing crossing with so many other strains on the market, it has become a rarity. Its original genetics seem to have almost died out.

And while you might find it easier on the east coast, unless you grow it or know someone who does, you probably won’t find it in a dispensary anytime soon. So it’s time for a revival of the Northern Lights.

How do Northern Lights smoke?

So. Very good.

Not to be confused with the Northern Lights, Northern Lights is an old-school strain descended from Afghani and Thai landraces, although the exact lineage is unknown. Afghani strains are the backbone of indica genetics and can be found in the lineage of most of your favorite strains when you trace back their genetics.

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

With Northern Lights you get a wide variety of flavors. Spicy, herbal and floral aromas are mentioned most frequently; She definitely tastes like an old school indica with that classic hashish earthy flavor. It also has a slight sweetness – a salute to those Afghani genetics, amirite?

In terms of effects, the most commonly mentioned people are relaxed, sleepy, and happy. Put simply, you’ll be blown away when you burn down an entire joint of Northern Lights. It should probably be reserved for when the more important tasks of the day are done.

The magic of Northern Lights’ first hit

I first smoked Northern Lights in 2009 sophomore year. There were no legal pharmacies back then, just random guys who skipped classes to keep the campus in prime condition. And what you saw is what you got.

Once, and only once, did I happen to be lucky enough to snag some Northern Lights from “that guy”. Boy. He’d outdone himself with this one because it was the definition of loud—a real deal stank. An eighth in the sandwich The bag stank throughout the car on the drive home and then in the apartment when I brought it inside.

Ditto when I took it apart, rolled it up and lit the bitch. A small newspaper full of dark green-leaved northern lights polluted the entire apartment complex. I was on the third floor and when I went to the first floor this crazy weed smelled like it was right next to me. I fell in love instantly.

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

Then the high.

Man listen – eyes downcast, mood high and I slumped deep in my seat. My roommate and I passed the pub and sat on the balcony for hours. Damn, I’m so thankful that good weed exists.

Since then I’ve smoked hundreds of other cannabis strains and thousands more joints, but my first Northern Lights experience was one of the most powerful smokes I’ve ever inhaled.

Why Northern Lights needs a comeback

We need Northern Lights back on the shelves and back in this world – and I mean some quality Northern Lights.

power

It’s hard to find maddening cannabis strains these days. If some true Northern Lights or Northern Lights #5 bud hit the shelves, we could end the search for that elusive experience that makes you almost forget your name while groggy on the couch.

Story

Aside from potency and relaxation, a reintroduction of Northern Lights can keep other classic strains alive as well. Have you ever encountered authentic Durban Poison? Or real Super Silver Haze? There’s a certain sense of accomplishment when you know you’ve stumbled upon a piece of history your buddies probably haven’t smoked in a long time.

It also feels good to smoke something that isn’t called Lemon Cherry Purple Nurple Razzle Dazzle Runtz or whatever.

That proud feeling is why keeping these classics alive is so important. Just as we honor legendary breeders and original brands, we should also honor legendary strains and products. It’s a shame that strain selection has to be a wise business decision, but I’m hoping some experienced growers will put that thought aside for at least a few tries from Northern Lights.

New and unique crosses

The appearance of Northern Lights would bring forth new-school hybrids and flavors. Just think how would Northern Lights crossed with Zkittlez or Gelato do? I have no idea, but I’d definitely like to find out.

Gina Coleman/Weedmaps

The return of the Northern Lights would offer breeders and growers an opportunity to get creative. And if they happen to find a few hitters, we’d probably see these strains at cannabis competitions like Zalympix and fairs like the Hall of Flowers.

One last plea for Northern Lights

Anyone who has ever smoked Northern Lights will surely tell you how potent and fiery it is. The flavors arrive, the smoke arrives, the high hits—everything about it is great. Knowing this, I plead for a resurgence so new consumers can experience and enjoy one of the best cannabis strains ever.

people need it.