Northern Lights Terpene Profile | Get to Know Your Favorite Strain

Discover the terpenes and aromatic compounds that create the unique aroma and beloved effects of Northern Lights.

Northern Lights is the heavenly combination of Afghani and Thai that has long been a favorite at High Times Cannabis Cups. It’s led to the creation of other famed cultivars like Shiva Skunk and Super Silver Haze, and Leafly even says it’s one of the most famous strains of all time.  

Its crystal-coated leaves twinkle like the night sky, and its aroma is sweet and citric with a hint of spice. When it comes to effects, long-time lovers of Northern Lights enjoy the euphoric cerebral effects that slowly transform into total body relaxation.

Before we jump in too deep, we want to remind everyone that our scientists isolate specific terpenes and aromatic compounds of popular cultivars so both cannabis and non-cannabis consumers can enjoy and benefit from botanically-derived, hemp-derived, and cannabis-derived terpenes.

Read on and discover the terpenes that make Northern Lights so calming, relaxing, and entirely unforgettable.

Northern Lights Terpene Profile

The aroma of Northern Lights is sweet and slightly spicy with hints of pine and citrus. The skunky elements of this cultivar are more noticeable on the tongue, but the notes of refreshing citrus and pine keep the flavor from being overpowering. None of that would be possible, however, without dominant terpenes Terpinolene, beta-Caryophyllene, Limonene, and Myrcene.

It’s fairly uncommon for cultivars to have large amounts of Terpinolene, but it’s one of the most dominant isolates in this particular terpene profile. Its aroma is herbal with subtle notes of citrus and pine. Cultivars with lots of terpinolene tend to have intense cerebral effects, and Northern Lights is no exception.

Another big chunk of this profile is made up of beta-Caryophyllene. This terpene isolate is partially responsible for Northern Light’s potent body relaxation effects. Found in black pepper, cloves, hops, and even cinnamon, this isolate infuses Northern Lights with that iconic spicy kick. 

When it comes to the citrus aroma of Northern Lights, you can thank d-Limonene. It should come as no surprise that d-Limonene is sweet, sour, and found in fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges. It’s one of the most common terpenes in nature and it lends Northern Lights effects like mood elevation and euphoria.

Myrcene (ß-Myrcene more specifically) weaves all the various aromatic notes together with a much-needed dose of sweetness. It has an aroma that’s earthy and woody with elements of cloves, cardamom, fruit, and musk. 

While there are over thirty other isolates that make up this complex blend, these four are some of the main contributors to its unique flavor, aroma, and effects.

The Northern Lights Effect

As we mentioned before, we craft both botanical and cannabis-derived terpene profiles. That means everyone, regardless of whether they choose to use cannabis products, can enjoy them. However, it’s important to note that something really interesting happens when you combine terpenes and cannabis. 

It helps to think of terpenes like a steering wheel and psychoactive cannabinoids, like THC, as the fuel that makes your car actually go. Terpenes are what dictate the direction (or effects) and cannabinoids are what determines how quickly and powerfully you’ll experience those effects. So, without terpenes, you won’t experience the variety of flavors or the subtle nuances of effects that different strains have.

That’s why two cultivars with the exact same cannabinoid levels may have different effects. One may promote stimulation and make you want to clean your entire house, while the other may be more sedating and give you couch lock. Bottom line? If you love how Northern Lights makes you feel, you can thank the beautiful combination of cannabinoids and aromatic compounds.

So, let’s get down to it. If you utilize terms like Indica and Sativa, Northern Lights would fall securely into the former category (although these terms don’t actually have anything to do with a cultivar’s effects). 

The effects are known to kick in very quickly and tend to start with waves of dreamy euphoria. This transforms into a feeling of comfortable laziness and usually promotes a relaxing body high that helps people unwind and drift off to slumberland. 

How YOU Can Use Northern Lights Terpenes

Considering the intensely relaxing nature of this strain, it makes sense to infuse specific products with this terpene profile. Plus, our botanically sourced Northern Lights terpene strain profile is perfect for both cannabis and non-cannabis products. 

Obviously, combining this blend with cannabinoids will pump up the effects. However, non-cannabis products that seek to promote a euphoric state of mind along with body relaxation will greatly benefit from this blend.

Here are just a few products that would be a good fit for this popular terpene strain profile:

Distillate

It seems silly NOT to include distillate. Infusing distillate with terpenes is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to add aroma, flavor, and effects to a variety of products. So, if your consumers are interested in the flavor, aroma, or effects of Northern Lights…you get the picture.

Beverages

Consumers already reach for specific beverages when they want to relax and unwind, so infusing products like functional beverages or tea with the Northern Lights terpene profile is practical.

Edibles

For consumers who want euphoric or sedating experiences without having to use smokables, edibles are the perfect option. Plus, the Northern Lights aroma and flavor could make for some delicious gummies, hard candies, suckers, etc. 

Personal Care Products

The relaxing, sedating properties of this terpene profile would be a welcome addition to calming products like lotions, soaps, or even room sprays.

This is not, by any means, a complete list. Basically, any product that’s designed to promote relaxation would be a GREAT candidate for this blend.

Premium Strain Profiles | Classic Northern Lights Aroma Without the Skunk

Northern Lights has stood the test of time. Other cultivars have come and gone, but the love and recognition consumers have for Northern Lights cannot be emphasized enough.

Want authentic cannabis flavor? Our Native Series profiles preserve the integrity of cannabis’ naturally occurring aromatic compounds with all the dankness you’d expect. Want cannabis flavor without the skunk? Our Premium Strain Profiles let you do just that so you can develop product offerings for every customer and every palate.

Want to put your own unique spin on Northern Lights? Combine it with other terpene profiles and blends for something consumers won’t find anywhere else. Turn the flavor volume to maximum by fusing it with a Cloudburst blend, or add some seriously earthy bass notes with one of the hemp-derived profiles from our Terplandia series.

Contact us today and let’s get started. 

Northern Lights Terpene Profile

SHOP Northern Lights

This iconic cross between Thai and Afghani has cemented itself into the cannabis hall of fame with its palpable relaxation and dreamy euphoria. A celestial balance of sweet lemon and pine will have you seeing stars.