Atomic Northern Lights Cannabis (Weed) Strain Review

Atomic Northern Lights is an Indica-dominant hybrid that draws its genetics from the Northern Lights strain. During the 1980s, Afghani Indica seeds were introduced to the United States and crossbred with Thai Haze, yielding a strain known as Northern Lights. This variety went on to secure the title of a three-time Cannabis Cup champion while being cultivated and refined by Sensi in Holland.

Subsequently, Northern Lights found its way to Canada, where Dr. Atomic Seeds further enhanced its genetics through recrossing with its own distant relatives. As an Indica-dominant hybrid, Atomic Northern Lights offers a calming and soothing experience, making it a favorite among those seeking relaxation and relief from various ailments.

Its popularity stems from its ability to provide a balanced high that combines the best of both Indica and sativa effects. This strain can thrive in both indoor and outdoor settings, making it accessible to a wide range of growers. Its flowering time is relatively short, typically ranging from 6 to 8 weeks, making it a relatively quick option for those eager to harvest their buds.

Atomic Northern Lights Effects and Potency

Atomic Northern Lights is a moderately potent strain and typically contains moderate to high levels of THC, with average THC percentages ranging from 16% to 22%, although it can occasionally reach even higher levels. CBD levels are generally quite low, often below 1%. The effects of Atomic Northern Lights tend to be relatively fast-acting. Users often feel a gentle cerebral high that gradually washes over them, inducing a sense of relaxation and euphoria.

This onset usually occurs within minutes after consumption, and users may notice heightened sensory perception and mood elevation. As the high progresses, the Indica-dominant characteristics of this strain become more apparent. A soothing body high accompanies the initial cerebral effects, offering muscle relaxation and a feeling of physical calmness.

This soothing sensation can lead to a sense of couchlock or sedation, especially with higher doses. The duration of the effects can vary depending on factors such as dosage and individual tolerance. Typically, users can expect the high to last for 2 to 4 hours, with the peak effects occurring during the first hour.

Potential Positive Effects of Atomic Northern Lights

• Relaxation: Atomic Northern Lights is popular for its powerful relaxation-inducing effects, helping users unwind and alleviate stress and tension.
• Euphoria: Users often experience an uplifting euphoria that elevates mood and promotes a sense of well-being.
• Creativity: In the early stages of the high, this strain can enhance creative thinking and sociability, making it suitable for artistic pursuits and social interactions.
• Pain Relief: Atomic Northern Lights may offer relief from various types of physical discomfort, including muscle tension, headaches, and chronic pain.
• Improved Sleep: Due to its sedative properties, many users find that Atomic Northern Lights can be an effective sleep aid, helping individuals achieve restful and uninterrupted sleep.

Potential Side Effects of Atomic Northern Lights

Like many cannabis strains, Atomic Northern Lights can cause dry mouth, commonly referred to as cottonmouth. Staying well-hydrated can mitigate this discomfort. Some users may experience dry and irritated eyes, which can be alleviated with over-the-counter eye drops. With higher doses or in the later stages of the high, Atomic Northern Lights can induce a deep sense of relaxation and sedation, potentially leading to sleepiness.

It’s not recommended for activities that require alertness. Individuals with low THC tolerance or those consuming large doses may experience dizziness or lightheadedness. As with many cannabis strains, Atomic Northern Lights may induce the “munchies,” leading to an increased appetite. High-THC strains like Atomic Northern Lights have the potential to induce anxiety or paranoia, especially in users who are sensitive to THC or consume it excessively.

It’s important to consume responsibly. Some users may experience a sensation of “couchlock,” where they feel deeply relaxed and immobile, especially with higher doses. Cannabis can temporarily impair short-term memory, and Atomic Northern Lights is no exception. Users may find it challenging to retain information while under its influence.

Medical Applications 

The calming and euphoric effects of Atomic Northern Lights make them a potential choice for managing stress and anxiety disorders. It may help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety and provide relaxation. Many users feel relief from chronic pain conditions, including arthritis, muscle spasms, and migraines, thanks to the strain’s potent analgesic properties. The mood-elevating properties of this strain may offer temporary relief from symptoms of depression. It can enhance mood and create a sense of well-being.

Atomic Northern Lights is often used by individuals struggling with insomnia or other sleep disorders. Its sedative qualities can promote better sleep quality and help users fall asleep faster. Like many cannabis strains, Atomic Northern Lights can induce appetite stimulation, making it beneficial for individuals dealing with appetite loss due to medical conditions or treatments.

Some users find relief from nausea and vomiting, especially in the context of chemotherapy or other medical treatments. The strain’s relaxing effects may be useful in reducing muscle spasms and tension, particularly in people with conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS). Some patients with PTSD have reported benefits from using Atomic Northern Lights to manage symptoms such as anxiety and flashbacks.

Flavor 

The dominant flavor in Atomic Northern Lights is earthiness, reminiscent of soil and wood. This earthy undertone is characteristic of many Indica strains. Contrasting the earthy notes, there’s a subtle sweetness that adds depth to the flavor. This sweetness often has hints of berries or fruit, contributing to the strain’s overall complexity. In addition to earthiness and sweetness, you may detect herbal notes that are somewhat reminiscent of spices or a mild tea-like quality.

This herbal aspect can add a soothing element to the overall taste. Some users detect subtle spicy notes, akin to mild black pepper or cloves. This hint of spice can provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness and earthiness. In some phenotypes of the Atomic Northern Lights, you might encounter hints of citrus or lemon zest. This citrusy aspect can add a refreshing twist to the flavor.

The taste of Atomic Northern Lights is generally well-balanced, with the earthy and sweet elements complementing each other. It’s worth noting that the taste can vary slightly depending on the specific phenotype and how the strain was cultivated. In terms of matching the aroma, Atomic Northern Lights often exhibits similar earthy and sweet notes in its taste, creating a harmonious sensory experience.

Aroma 

The most dominant scent in the Northern Lights is earthiness. It carries a rich, soil-like aroma reminiscent of a forest floor after rain. This earthy base note is common in Indica-dominant strains. Complementing the earthy aroma is a subtle sweetness that adds depth and intrigue. This sweetness can sometimes have fruity undertones, resembling berries or grapes. In some phenotypes of the Atomic Northern Lights, you might detect hints of pine or wood, which contribute to its forest-like aroma.

This pine scent can evoke images of a serene woodland setting. A mild spiciness, akin to hints of black pepper or cloves, can be present in the strain’s aroma. This subtle spice note adds complexity and nuance. Occasionally, there are subtle citrus undertones, reminiscent of lemon or orange zest. These citrus hints add a touch of brightness to the overall aroma.

In terms of comparison to other strains, Atomic Northern Lights shares some similarities with other Northern Lights varieties, such as Northern Lights #5. These strains often exhibit earthy and sweet aromas with varying degrees of pine and spice. However, Atomic Northern Lights’ unique combination of these elements sets it apart, creating an aroma that’s distinctively its own.

Appearance

The buds of Atomic Northern Lights typically display a range of deep, rich green hues. These greens can vary from dark forest green to olive or emerald, depending on the phenotype and growing conditions. The coloration is often complemented by vibrant orange or rust-colored pistils (hairs) that curl and weave among the buds. Atomic Northern Lights buds are known for their dense, compact structure. They are tightly packed and often have a resinous, sticky texture, which is a trait inherited from their Indica lineage.

When touched, the buds may leave a slight residue on your fingertips due to their high resin content. One of the most visually striking features of Atomic Northern Lights buds is the dense coating of trichomes. These tiny, glistening, glandular structures cover the surface of the buds and give them a frosty, almost shimmering appearance. These trichomes are responsible for the strain’s potent THC production. Atomic Northern Lights buds tend to be quite dense and heavy, which is a common characteristic of Indica strains.

When you hold a bud in your hand, you’ll notice its weight and compactness, Indicating a high resin and cannabinoid content. In comparison to similar Indica strains like Northern Lights #5 or other Northern Lights variants, Atomic Northern Lights shares many visual similarities. The dense, resinous buds with vibrant orange pistils are a common trait among Northern Lights strains. However, the specific coloration and trichome coverage can vary between different Northern Lights varieties, making Atomic Northern Lights unique in its own right.

Buy Atomic Northern Lights Seeds Online

When looking to buy Atomic Northern Lights cannabis seeds online, you must choose reputable seed banks or online retailers. Seedsman is a popular online seed bank with a vast selection of cannabis seeds. They often carry Northern Lights strains, including Atomic Northern Lights or similar varieties. Prices for a pack of five seeds can range from $40 to $80. Note that seed availability can change over time, so it’s a good idea to check the specific websites for current stock and pricing.

Additionally, the prices mentioned are approximate and can vary based on the seed bank, the seed’s quality, and whether they are regular, feminized, or autoflowering seeds. Always ensure you are purchasing from a reputable source to guarantee the authenticity and quality of your Atomic Northern Lights seeds. It’s also essential to review the legal regulations regarding cannabis cultivation in your area before purchasing seeds.

Growing Information 

Atomic Northern Lights thrive when grown indoors, where you have greater control over environmental conditions. This is the preferred method for most growers due to the strain’s compact size and manageable height. While it’s possible to grow Atomic Northern Lights outdoors, it’s essential to choose a climate with warm and sunny conditions. This strain prefers a Mediterranean-type climate with plenty of sunlight.

Atomic Northern Lights prefers a warm and consistent temperature range between 70 and 80°F (21-27°C) during the day and slightly cooler nights. Maintain a moderate humidity level, ideally around 40–50% relative humidity. Be cautious of high humidity levels, as they can lead to mold issues, especially in the flowering stage. Atomic Northern Lights has a relatively short flowering time, typically ranging from 7 to 9 weeks when grown indoors. Outdoor growers can expect to harvest in late September or early October.

This strain tends to be compact and bushy, making it suitable for indoor growing where vertical space is limited. Atomic Northern Lights typically reach a height of 2 to 4 feet (60–120 cm). While Atomic Northern Lights has a naturally bushy structure, some light pruning and training techniques (such as low-stress training) can help improve light penetration and airflow, which reduces the risk of mold and enhances bud development.

Keep a close eye on your plants for any signs of pests or diseases, as prevention and early intervention are essential for a successful harvest. Maintain a balanced nutrient regimen throughout the plant’s life cycle, adjusting the nutrient levels as the plant progresses through different growth stages.

Tips for Successful Growth

• Provide adequate support for branches during the flowering stage
• Use good-quality, well-draining soil or a hydroponic setup to ensure proper root health.
• Monitor pH levels regularly and adjust if necessary, to maintain optimal nutrient uptake.
• Consider using odor control measures, especially if growing indoors

Cannabinoid and Terpene Profile

Atomic Northern Lights has a high THC content, which can range from 16% to 22% or higher. This potent cannabinoid is primarily responsible for the strain’s psychoactive effects, including euphoria, relaxation, and potentially relief from various symptoms. It typically contains low levels of CBD, often below 1%.

While CBD is known for its potential medicinal properties, the minimal presence of this cannabinoid in Atomic Northern Lights means that its effects are mainly driven by THC. Myrcene is a dominant terpene in the Atomic Northern Lights, contributing to its earthy and musky aroma. Myrcene is associated with sedative and relaxing effects and may enhance the strain’s calming properties.

Caryophyllene adds a spicy, peppery note to Atomic Northern Lights’ aroma. This terpene is known for its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which could complement the strain’s pain-relieving effects. Limonene is responsible for the citrusy undertones in Atomic Northern Lights’ scent. It is associated with uplifting and mood-enhancing effects, potentially counteracting any sedation caused by other terpenes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What is the average flowering time for Atomic Northern Lights when grown indoors?
Answer: Atomic Northern Lights typically have a flowering time of around 7 to 9 weeks when cultivated indoors.

Question: Is Atomic Northern Lights suitable for daytime use, or is it better in the evening?
Answer: Due to its relaxing effects, Atomic Northern Lights is often preferred for evening or nighttime use.

Question: Are there any notable adverse effects associated with Atomic Northern Lights?
Answer: Common side effects may include dry mouth (cottonmouth), dry eyes, and potential dizziness, especially in higher doses.

Conclusion 

Atomic Northern Lights is an Indica-dominant cannabis strain popular for its potency and relaxing effects. With an average THC content ranging from 16% to 22% or higher, it delivers a calming and euphoric experience, making it suitable for evening or nighttime use. The strain’s dominant terpenes include myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene, contributing to its earthy, spicy, and citrusy aroma. Atomic Northern Lights is a strain valued for its ability to induce deep relaxation, making it a good choice for those seeking relief from stress, anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain.

Its mood-enhancing qualities, thanks to limonene, can balance the sedative effects, leaving users feeling uplifted. However, due to its high THC content, moderation is crucial to avoid potential adverse effects. This strain is recommended for experienced users who appreciate a potent Indica’s tranquilizing effects. It’s ideal for relaxation, pain relief, and unwinding after a long day. Those dealing with stress, anxiety, or insomnia may find Atomic Northern Lights particularly beneficial when used in the evening or before bedtime.