Northern Lights #10 Marijuana Strain - Origins, Effects, Potency

The Legendary Northern Lights #10 Marijuana Strain

Northern Lights is one of the most famous and renowned cannabis strains of all time. First developed in the Pacific Northwest, Northern Lights has become a true classic over the decades and is often used as a genetic building block for new hybrid strains. Of all the various Northern Lights phenotypes in circulation, Northern Lights #10 stands out as one of the most potent and desirable.

The Origins of Northern Lights #10

The original Northern Lights strain was developed by breeders in Washington state during the 1970s. This pure indica was bred from genetics originally brought from Afghanistan, Thailand, and Mexico. The exact lineage remains murky, but Northern Lights quickly gained a reputation for its fast flowering, high resin production, and potent effects.

By the mid 1980s, Northern Lights had made its way to the Netherlands where breeders began working with the strain. Northern Lights #5 and Northern Lights #10 were just two of several distinct phenotypes that emerged during this time period. The #10 was distinguished by its shorter stature and fast finishing time indoors.

Appearance, Aroma, and Flavor

In terms of appearance, Northern Lights #10 features classic indica bud structure. The dense, chunky flowers are coated in a thick blanket of sparkling, sticky trichomes. Pistils are a rusty orange color. The leaves are wide and deeply serrated. With its Afghani heritage, Northern Lights #10 grows in the traditional Christmas tree shape associated with pure indicas.

The aroma is where the Northern Lights lineage really shines through. Intense smells of earthy pine and musk are undercut by a sweet, fruity undertone. Hints of citrus and spice complement the dank, hash-like overtones. Flavor-wise, Northern Lights #10 is very kush-forward on the inhale with a subtle hint of fruitiness upon exhale.

Growing Northern Lights #10

One reason Northern Lights #10 rose to prominence is because commercial growers favored this phenotype for indoor cultivation. The medium height and fast flowering time made it perfect for perpetual harvest setups. Indoors, plants will typically stay under 3 feet tall while finishing flowering in just 7 to 9 weeks.

When grown outdoors, Northern Lights #10 will be ready for harvest by early October in the northern hemisphere. While not the heaviest yielding Northern Lights phenotype, the #10 does produce thick, dense buds when properly cared for.

This is a very hardy, low maintenance strain that can tolerate some newbie grower mistakes. However, experienced cultivators managing the environment carefully will be rewarded with even higher resin production and potency potential.

Effects and Medical Benefits

In terms of effects, Northern Lights #10 delivers a quintessential indica experience. The high comes on quickly, spreading relaxing and calming effects throughout the body. Muscle tension melts away as a general sense of physical comfort washes over you. The mental effects tend toward the dreamy, hazy side of the spectrum. Don’t expect the racy, energetic head high of a sativa here – this is pure couchlock weed.

Northern Lights #10 is often used medically to treat issues like pain, inflammation, insomnia, anxiety, lack of appetite, and muscle spasms. The munchies are very strong with this strain, making it a go-to choice for cancer or HIV/AIDS patients struggling with eating enough throughout treatment.

The deeply relaxing properties also naturally ease mental anguish associated with trauma, depression, and stress disorders. However, extremely high doses can exacerbate anxiety in those predisposed to it.

Other Notable Facts

Northern Lights #10 has won multiple awards, including taking 1st place at the Cannabis Cup in 1989. It also won “Best Indica” at the High Times awards in 2008. The characteristic Northern Lights flavor, potency, and ease of growth have made it a vital breeding block that can be found in many popular strains, including Shiskaberry and Super Silver Haze.

Overall, Northern Lights #10 stands out as one of the purest representations of an old school Afghani indica. For cannabis consumers and growers who appreciate potency and flavor above all else, Northern Lights #10 remains a must-try classic strain decades after its inception.

FAQs

What are the origins of the Northern Lights #10 strain?

Northern Lights #10 is one of several phenotypes of the original Northern Lights strain that was developed in the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s. It rose to prominence after making its way to Dutch breeders in the 1980s.

How much yield can I expect from Northern Lights #10?

Northern Lights #10 is not the biggest yielding variety of Northern Lights, but its fast finish makes up for that. Indoors, expect around 400-500g per square meter. Outdoors, plants yield around 450-500g per plant.

What kind of high and effects does Northern Lights #10 produce?

Northern Lights #10 delivers a deeply relaxing, sedating high perfect for insomnia and muscle spasms. Expect dreamy, hazy effects that lock you to the couch.

Is Northern Lights #10 a good strain for beginner growers?

Yes, Northern Lights #10 is very hardy and does well even when mistakes are made. As long as you attend to the plants' basic needs, they will thrive indoors or out.