Southern Lights

The northern lights aren’t the only impressive light display in the night sky — the south pole also has an aurora phenomenon, called the “aurora australis.” There’s also a strain called Southern Lights that’s practically the inverse of its counterpart, indica Northern Lights. Instead of heavy bodily effects throughout, Southern Lights offers a mostly stimulating mental high that eventually melts into full-bodied relaxation. The strain is a cross between NYC Diesel and Sensi Star. Its THC content has been measured at between 17% and 25%.

When trimmed, Southern Lights’ flowers are medium-sized chunks that have a roughly tapered shape, somewhat like miniature pinecones. These buds have an indica-inflected structure, with leaves that curl closely and compactly together. The leaves themselves are a vibrant spring green and are twisted through with curly orange pistils. Finally, a thick coating of cloudy, translucent trichomes covers these flowers and make them very difficult to break up without the help of a grinder.

Flowers of Southern Lights have a punchy, citrus-like odor when properly cured. Taking another whiff picks up on some distinctly sweet scents as well. Grinding up or breaking open these flowers gives off a pungent odor, somewhat like fermented vegetable matter. When burnt, Southern Lights gives off a smooth and refreshing smoke. On the exhale, this smoke carries a balanced sweet and tart lemon flavor.

Southern Lights doesn’t waste any time before hitting users with its potent, active effects. After some strong sensations like a flushing in the cheeks or a feeling of pressure around the temples, users may notice that their thoughts have taken on a more fast-paced and intense quality. Ideas may flow from one to the next in a kind of random free association that may not seem logical to others who aren’t similarly intoxicated. Some objects or concepts may also seem inherently more interesting than they otherwise might. This kind of hyper-focused thinking may also propel motivated smokers to get some work done on detailed, complicated tasks. It may also make mind-numbing errands or jobs around the house like doing laundry mildly more tolerable. As time passes (or if dosage is increased), Southern Lights begins to take on a more subdued quality. While users may still be able to to form coherent thoughts and carry on conversations, they may feel less enthusiastic about taking on big commitments. They may also feel an increased sense of physical relaxation, which can free up any lingering muscular tension and reduce stress. On the other hand, Southern Lights’ late-blooming body stone can also have a negative effect on coordination, leaving smokers unwilling to leave the couch. At this point, the strain is a fun way to pass the time with friends in passive activities like board games or binge-watching. Because of its two-stage high, Southern Lights is recommended for consumption starting in late afternoon or evening, when it can be properly appreciated.

Southern Lights may also have practical uses for many medical cannabis patients. Its cerebral onset can help those with attention deficit disorders to focus on single tasks. The strain’s mild euphoria can also temporarily take the edge off of some cases of stress or depression. Southern Lights can work against physical pain too, relieving serious pain that’s due to chronic conditions like cancer; its anti-inflammatory effects may also relieve common pains like headaches. Because its tuned-in mental properties can veer into paranoia in the wrong circumstances, Southern Lights is not recommended for those who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Breeders Delta Labs has made seeds available through digital retailers. The strain can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor success calls for a humid climate with consistent daytime sun and temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The sativa-inflected plants tend to grow tall and branchy and may require some pruning early on in the vegetative stage. Southern Lights flowers after a long 10 to 11 weeks.

As the product of two award-winning popular strains, Southern Lights is worth crossing off your list of cannabis varieties to sample. Its versatile effects are good for a solo or a group smoke session.