An Oldie But A Goodie: Northern Lights

 

Northern Lights stands as a premier almost-pure indica cannabis strain in the contemporary era, boasting a legendary reputation that predates the new millennium. Among growers, medicinal users, and recreational enthusiasts alike, this Afghani plant has achieved a near-mythic status.

With its dense, thick, and resinous buds, Northern Lights proves remarkably straightforward to cultivate. It represents a top-tier medicinal remedy and arguably reigns as the quintessential indica strain among all indicas, a benchmark against which others are still measured.

Much like any enduring legend, the origins of Northern Lights remain shrouded in mystery. The evolution of this strain and its precise point of origin are subjects of speculative tales. What remains incontrovertible is that the Northern Lights variety we cherish today found its way from the outskirts of Seattle sometime around 1985 to Amsterdam. There, under the stewardship of Neville Schoenmaker and his Seed Bank, which would later evolve into Sensi Seeds, it underwent further refinement and development. It’s also rumoured to be part of the lineage of both Sour Diesel and Cheese strains. It’s a favourite among breeders who are interested in adding a straight Indica to their breeding.

Because of the near pure Afghani heritage of the strain, Northern Lights can be expected to hit with a heavy couch lock stone. Expect a sensory journey as the flavour of Northern Lights envelops your palate with its pungent essence, subtly accented by sweet undertones. The flavour is reminiscent of a lush coniferous forest.

The effects of Northern Lights are quintessentially indica, offering a leisurely descent into a state of tranquility and introspection. It’s the ideal companion for engaging in profound conversations with friends, exploring the gentle flow of tai chi and yoga, or immersing yourself in various meditative practices. Alternatively, you can sink into your couch and turn on Netflix,  letting the serene ambiance wash over you.

For many, Northern Lights serves as a therapeutic remedy, providing relief from conditions such as pain, depression, and stress. A toke of this extraordinary strain is an invitation to experience its magnificence and embrace a state of Zen-like relaxation. It’s perfect for before bed and encourages a restful sleep.

It’s also simply fun to experience older strains as well. Being able to purchase Northern Lights through Potsmart and have it delivered to your door is an amazing privilege. When folks complain that weed isn’t like it used to be, here it is. It’s just like it used to be if you get the right strains. Some of these heritage strains like White Widow, Afghani, Northern Lights and Skunk all live on in nostalgia and because they continue to deliver great experiences.

Today smokers have more options than ever and it’s possible to have a very new school experience with old school genetics. Now you can get it in concentrates like this Live Budder here by Galaxy Extracts. What sets it apart is the meticulous preservation of its terpene profile. Unlike using dried or decarboxylated plant material, this strain’s essence is extracted from fresh, whole cannabis plants. The result is a product bursting with fragrances, an enhanced taste profile, and the potent high you anticipate from Northern Lights concentrates. When you choose live plants as the source, you’re treated to an experience that mirrors the authentic flavour, aroma, and effects of the fresh flower.

A lot of dabbers prefer extracts made with fresh frozen or “live” material over shatter or other methods. This is because as mentioned before the smell is just more pungent. However if you’re a kief lover don’t worry. Kief, perhaps the most basic and oldest form of hash, is simply the dry sieved heads of THC trichomes broken off from the plant material and collected. While it can be a little awkward to enjoy on its own, it’s amazing mixed into a joint, on top of a bowl or tossed on your bong before ripping.

The high of the kief is just like that of the flower, however it is more concentrated, so each hit goes farther. You can find Northern Lights kief here, and hey there’s a 15% off coupon as well for delivery throughout Canada. Super convenient. It would be incredibly easy for a smoker to pack a bowl of Northern Lights flower and top it with Northern Lights kief.

Sure all the new strains coming out are amazing and fun, but it’s admittedly cool that you can take a time machine back to the highs of yesteryear just by purchasing an older varietal. The other interesting thing is that it may have different terpenes than you’re used to consuming in your current day hype weed. Some people may find that these older strain remain relevant because they hit uniquely different than others. Either way, it’s a blessing to be able to try them out. Northern Lights is an excellent staple in any connoisseurs’ cabinet.

 

By René Simarde, Cannabis Connoisseur, for Potsmart