Budget Buds – Atomic Northern Lights

Atomic Northern Lights is an indica-leaning strain whose dynamic and evocative name does a reasonably good job of describing its decidedly psychedelic effects. The strain has some storied genetics — it is the product of staple indica Northern Lights, backcrossed with its own Thai Haze and Afghani landrace ancestors. As such, this highly stable bud carries a rich, hashy flavor and a potent, well-balanced high. The strain’s psychoactivity has been measured at between 14% and 24%.

Atomic Northern Lights’ flowers are somewhat less impressive than the strain’s name would imply. The buds are typically small to medium in size and cling together in dense, popcorn-like clusters. They have a spade-like shape, tapering down into a pointed end, and have the tightly-packed bud structure characteristic of indica varieties. The leaves are a mossy green and contain a high volume of neon orange pistils. A coat of cloudy white trichomes gives the buds a sticky texture and accounts for their potency.

When properly cured, flowers of Atomic Northern Lights have a musky, earthy scent, undercut by the woodsy odor of fresh pine. Grinding up or breaking open these dense buds releases some notes of hash and incense, speaking to the strong influence of Afghani. When the flowers are combusted, Atomic Northern Lights’ smoke tends to be harsh and acrid, stinging the eyes and sinuses. This smoke can taste simultaneously peppery and piney on the exhale.

Atomic Northern Lights creeps on the smoker slowly, rather than hitting them like a bomb. Several minutes after savoring this strain’s rich taste, smokers begin to feel a concerted tingle in the neck and temples. At this point, sensory distortion is likely; bright lights or certain sounds can take on a new intensity or significance. These psychedelic effects pair well with a trippy album or a visually-engaging movie. This dreamy feeling soon melts into a full-body relaxation that crushes any stress and allows users to breathe more deeply and easily. Atomic Northern Lights also comes with a certain degree of mental stimulation, allowing smokers to engage in some intense cerebral thinking. Such a mindset allows for anything from introspective navel-gazing to efficient productivity. This engaged mood can also serve as a good way to spark conversation and inspired camaraderie in intimate social situations. Neither too buzzy nor too sedate, Atomic Northern Lights’ combination of effects is great for blowing off some steam at the end of a long day or week of work. Its mind/body balance is ideal for activities that involve both physical and mental acuity, like exercise and dancing. In the right set and setting, this bud can even be a strong aphrodisiac. Because of its buzzy onset, this strain is best enjoyed during the afternoon or early evening — if consumed right before bed, it’s likely to keep users awake and wired.

Atomic Northern Lights’ versatile effects can have many applications for medical cannabis patients. It can enable concentration and focus for those with attention deficit disorders. It can also soothe mild to moderate cases of stress, depression, and anxiety. The strain’s physically relaxing properties, meanwhile, can take care of deep-seated aches and pains, as well as more minor everyday irritations like headaches and nausea. Patients who are prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC should moderate their intake of Atomic Northern Lights, as its cerebral edge has the potential to spiral into paranoia.

Fortunately for home growers, seeds of Atomic Northern Lights are available for sale online. It can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation requires a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants tend to grow short and bushy with strong lateral branching and can be easily accommodated indoors. Growers should be sure to occasionally “top” their crops, cutting away broad fan leaves that might prevent light and air from nurturing any low-growing flowering nodes. Atomic Northern Lights flowers within 8 weeks when grown indoors.

A well-rounded hybrid, Atomic Northern Lights is a must-try for indica and sativa lovers alike. This magical strain is practically begging to be savored in the great outdoors — bring it along on your next camping or hiking trip.