Northern Lights THC content classically sits at 20–22% — but a recent Australian study shows that with Far-Red lighting technology this figure can be boosted by up to 70%, while at the same time lowering energy consumption. What this means for indoor growers, how Northern Lights performs, when the right harvest window is — and which of the five NL variants from Pyramid Seeds is right for you.
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Northern Lights THC content: what you need to know
Northern Lights is one of the most reliable indica strains when it comes to potency and consistency. The key figures:
| Variant | THC | CBD | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Lights Fem | 20–22% | Low | Classic, deeply relaxing |
| Auto Northern Lights | 20–22% | Low | Autoflower, 70 days, no light schedule |
| Northern Lights CBD | 7–12% | 10–15% | Relaxing, clear, daily use |
| Auto NL CBD | 7–12% | 10–15% | CBD + autoflower, easiest variant |
| NL × Runtz (Gold Line) | up to 27% | Low | Fruity Runtz profile, highest potency |
Northern Lights effects
Northern Lights is a 90% indica — the effect is correspondingly body-focused and deep:
- Fast onset — a pleasant heaviness begins within minutes
- Deep body relaxation — muscles relax fully, tension dissolves
- Stress relief — mental tension and anxiety ease
- Sedating at higher doses — strongly sleep-promoting, ideal for the evening
- Little cerebral effect — no overwhelming head high, clear and calm relaxation
The terpene profile — earthy, resinous, pine, with Myrcene as the dominant terpene — reinforces the sedating effect through the entourage effect.
Northern Lights harvest time
- Indoor (photoperiod): after 55 days of flowering
- Outdoor (UK): late September to early October — ideal for the temperate climate
- Auto Northern Lights: 70 days from germination, independent of the season — two harvests per season possible
- Trichome check: milky white = maximum potency; amber = deeper, more sedating effect
New study: Northern Lights THC content +70% with Far-Red light
A new study shows: Far-Red light increases the THC content of the Northern Lights strain while lowering energy consumption at the same time.
A recent discovery by Australian scientists could change the way cannabis is grown indoors. In a study published in Scientific Reports, Far-Red light — warm, near-infrared wavelengths like those at sunset — was shown to significantly increase THC content in the Northern Lights strain. What's especially notable: this study used Northern Lights specifically — not an anonymous strain. The result: +70% THC yield with a shortened light cycle.
Why is Far-Red light important for cannabis cultivation?
Far-Red light (700–800 nm) occurs naturally at sunrise and sunset. In the wild, plants interpret it as a sign of shade. In controlled environments it can improve photosynthesis through the Emerson effect — especially in combination with white and red light.
What exactly was measured?
The experiment tested six different light concepts. The strongest effect appeared with Northern Lights under 10 hours of full-spectrum light + 2 hours of Far-Red light ("10L_2D"). The result:
- +70% THC yield compared to the standard 12-hour cycle
- Lower energy consumption — 2 hours less full-spectrum per day
- Of all three strains tested, Northern Lights showed the strongest response
What does this mean for indoor growers?
Indoor cannabis cultivation consumes over 5,000 kWh per kilo of dried flower — around 40% of that goes to lighting. By shortening the light cycle and using Far-Red light, electricity use can be cut by more than 5% — while increasing THC yield at the same time.
Modern Far-Red LEDs are now built into many high-quality grow lights. Thanks to its stable genetics and excellent adaptability, Northern Lights is especially well suited to experiments with spectrum adjustments.
Source: The Cannex — Cannabis and Far-Red light: THC increase through new lighting technology
Northern Lights by Pyramid Seeds — a legend with a future
At Pyramid Seeds we've worked with Northern Lights for over 20 years — one of our best-selling strains. The study confirms what we know from practice: Northern Lights responds exceptionally well to cultivation optimisation. Excellent compatibility with modern LED systems and a strong response to spectrum adjustments make Northern Lights the perfect strain for anyone who wants to experiment with modern lighting technologies.
Northern Lights Collection — all 5 variants
Classic, Auto, CBD, Auto CBD and Gold Line × Runtz — all with germination guarantee and discreet worldwide shipping.
The classic feminized Northern Lights from Pyramid Seeds contains 20–22% THC. The Auto version reaches the same level. Northern Lights × Runtz from the Gold Line reaches up to 27% THC. The CBD variant contains 7–12% THC with 10–15% CBD.
According to an Australian study published in Scientific Reports, yes — with a light cycle of 10 hours full-spectrum + 2 hours Far-Red, THC yield in Northern Lights rose by 70% compared to the standard 12-hour cycle, while energy consumption fell. Northern Lights showed the strongest response of all the strains tested.
Northern Lights is a 90% indica — the effect is deeply body-focused: fast relaxation, stress relief, sleep support. Little cerebral effect. Myrcene as the dominant terpene reinforces the sedating effect. Ideal for the evening.
Indoor after 55 days of flowering. Outdoor in the UK, late September to early October. Auto Northern Lights is ready 70 days from germination — independent of the season, with two harvests per season possible.
Northern Lights × Runtz from the Gold Line reaches up to 27% THC — the strongest NL variant in the catalogue. The classic feminized version and Auto Northern Lights sit at 20–22% THC.
Full strain guide: Northern Lights — effects, THC content & all variants in detail →
Questions about Northern Lights?
Explore all five variants — Classic, Auto, CBD, Auto CBD and Gold Line. Our team is happy to help you choose.
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