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Cannabis connoisseurs may differ on many things concerning the plant. But the vast majority of marijuana users would agree that one of the coolest ways to enjoy the herb is by trying out unfamiliar strains.
This article looks at Northern Lights and why oil derived from this cannabis strain is worth trying. But first, let’s begin by clearing some jargon.
What Are Cannabis Strains?
Cannabis has always been thought of as one discrete plant species. However, research has since shown that marijuana is rather a genus of flowering plants.
Like most genera, the cannabis genus produces several species. The most popular ones are Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. There are also hybrid species that are developed by fusing the genotypic traits of the dominant species.
The various cannabis species also produce subspecies. These sub-species are known in common parlance as cultivars, variants, or strains.
Blue Dream and Sour Diesel are among the most popular cannabis strains out there. But they’re not the only ones. The plant boasts scores of other strains, including Northern Lights.
Now, the past few years have witnessed a surge in demand for the Northern Lights strain, especially among seasoned cannabis users. That explains the growing number of weed products formulated with this strain, including Northern Lights cartridge, edibles, and tincture oils.
But what is it about the Northern Lights that makes them so unique?
Introducing the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, formerly CI #5 F1, is an indica-dominant strain developed by crossing Afghani with Thai. The term ‘indica-dominant’ implies that a strain possesses more indica than sativa characteristics.
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What Are The Effects Of Northern Lights?
The best way to predict the effects of Northern Lights is to familiarize yourself with the general properties of indica-dominant strains.
Cannabis indicas are generally sedating. That’s in contrast to sativas which tend to produce stimulating effects.
As an indica-dominant strain, the Northern Lights should ordinarily be more relaxing than stimulating. However, this strain is a special indica-dominant cultivar with between 16% and 21% tetrahydrocannabinol levels and around 0.1% cannabidiol.
Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the two dominant cannabinoids in marijuana. Note that every cannabis strain contains a degree of THC and CBD. The two compounds determine whether a strain produces more euphoric or relaxing effects.
THC is famous for its mentally-stimulating properties. It’s the compound that accounts for most of marijuana’s psychedelic effects. CBD, on the other hand, is generally more sedating. This cannabinoid also has close to zero effects on the psyche.
Most indica strains tend to be higher in CBD and lower in THC, while the converse is true for sativa cultivars. However, certain strains like the Northern Lights are a stark exception to this rule.
As a special type of indica-dominant strain, Northern Lights is relatively high in THC but contains negligible CBD levels. Therefore, the strain is more likely to trigger euphoric than sedating effects. And that explains its growing popularity compared to other indica-dominant variants.
How Can You Consume the Northern Lights?
The Northern Light is available in multiple formulations. Popular ways to consume the strain include;
- Smoking dried cannabis buds
- Consuming edibles infused with the Northern Lights
- Topically applying cosmetic products made from the strain
- Sublingually administering Northern Lights tinctures
- Vaping e-liquids formulated with the strain
Vaping is among the most effective ways to consume Northern Lights. This delivery method gets the cannabinoids in the strain directly into your bloodstream through the mucous membrane in your lungs.
Another great thing to love about Northern Lights is its often-high delta-10 levels. Delta-10 is one of the isomers of tetrahydrocannabinol noted for its mellower effects compared to delta-9 and delta-8.
Harnessing delta-10 from the Northern Lights is an ingenious way of mitigating the powerful euphoric effects of delta-9 THC, which also tends to be considerably high in the strain.
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What Are The Benefits Of Consuming The Northern Lights?
1. Northern Lights May Curb Fatigue
Relief from fatigue is one of the top benefits of stimulating marijuana strains like Northern Lights. Incorporating this strain into your breakfast can help prepare you for the day ahead by supercharging your energy levels.
The best part about Northern Lights is that it doesn’t just help with physical fatigue. It can also address mental slumps and short attention spans.
However, note that the effects of Northern Lights depend on the serving amounts. The strain is energizing at relatively low doses but sedating at high doses.
2. Northern Lights May Spur Creativity
A growing body of research indicates that cannabis may stimulate mental creativity due to its positive interactions with feel-good chemicals in the body, such as serotonin and dopamine.
Most marijuana strains associated with heightened creativity, such as Northern Lights, tend to create euphoric effects.
A few puffs of Northern Lights from your vaporizer might be all it takes to kick inspiration barriers in the butt and get your creative juices flowing once again.
3. Northern Lights May Treat Pain
Nearly all cannabis strains possess some analgesic properties, and Northern Lights is no exception. However, this strain differs in its approach to pain relief.
Most marijuana cultivars treat pain by desensitizing certain endocannabinoid receptors that transmit pain signals across the body. On the other hand, Northern Lights mainly exerts its analgesic benefits by producing intense muscle relaxation. That makes it a particular recommendation for professional athletes and fitness buffs.
Adding Northern Lights to your workout routine can go a long way in relieving delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS is a condition marked by muscle stiffness and soreness following rigorous workouts.
4. Northern Lights May Relieve Inflammation
Pain and inflammation typically go hand in hand. So, it’s unsurprising that most analgesic compounds usually also possess anti-inflammatory properties. Northern Lights is among the many cannabis strains that can treat pain and inflammation.
The high THC content in this cultivar can alleviate inflammation by blocking the production of chemokines and cytokines, two of the body’s primary inflammatory markers.
5. Northern Lights May Combat Anxiety and Insomnia
Generally, the more stimulating a cannabis strain is, the more likely it is to trigger alertness. However, the final effects will come down to the quantities consumed. And as we’ve already indicated, smaller doses of Northern Lights are associated with mental stimulation, while considerably larger doses may cause relaxation.
The latter effects make this strain a potential treatment for anxiety and sleep disorders.
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Final Words
Northern Lights is a potent cannabis strain that can provide immense therapeutic and recreational benefits. Just remember to moderate your intake of this cultivar. Like any cannabis strain, overdosing on Northern Lights might prove more harmful than beneficial.
