History of Northern Lights, OG Kush and White Widow

There are many great strains of cannabis out there. However, there are some strains that are of such high quality, they have shaped the cannabis landscape. Three of the most iconic cannabis strains today, and undoubtedly for many years to come, are Northern Lights, OG Kush, and White Widow. Learn more about the history of each of these strains, and what other strains they have helped form, below. 

Northern Lights 

Northern Lights is a heavy indica that is one of the most notorious strains in the cannabis world. However, the history behind it is muddy at best. According to rumour, the strain was first grown on an island close to Seattle, Washington. The man responsible for growing it in this location was reportedly named “The Indian.”  

This man grew eleven plants in total and named them all Northern Lights, numbering them from one to eleven. According to the same rumour, when these plants began to flower, it was Northern Lights #5 that produced the best crop, with Northern Lights #1 taking a very close second place.  

After these plants were created by The Indian, they were then discovered by Neville Schoenmaker, founder of The Seed Bank between the 1970s and 1980s. Although Schoenmaker was Australian, he took female clones of Northern Lights back to The Netherlands. There he began crossing them with Afghani male plants. Neville then began selling these crossbreeds in The Seed Bank. From there, many growers started getting their hands on Northern Lights seeds and using them to create their very own crossbreeds.  

Some of the most famous crosses to come from Northern Lights include G-13, Big Bud, Skunk #1, Hash Plant, Haze, and Swazi.  

Whatever cross you consume or version of Northern Lights you get your hands on, you can expect to experience some trademark characteristics. These include a full body stone that will leave you completely relaxed and calm. Even experienced users will find they fall into a deep sleep after consuming too much. While smoking, users will find the aroma is pungently sweet and spicy. The flavour at first is piney and earthy, but it will morph into something that is sweet and almost candy-like.  

OG Kush 

OG Kush is another strain that can only be described as legendary. Even though it rose to cannabis fame quite quickly though, the history surrounding it is still largely a mystery. Some believe that this iconic strain came from a bag seed that no one really knows the origin of, while others think that it was a creation between a young man in California and a young man in Florida.  

Just as the story of OG Kush is largely unknown, so too is the history of its name. The most widely accepted meaning of the name is “Ocean Grown,” due to the fact that most believe the strain came out of California. However, it’s also been suggested that the initials stand for “Original” or “Original Gangsta.”  

When OG Kush is properly cured, the buds have an earthy and musty scent with sharp notes of bright citrus. Once the buds are broken up and ready to be smoked, they give off more pine-like scents. The taste is a classic indica, with flavours very similar to hash with some spicy notes that also stand out.  

The high from OG Kush does not start out like a classic indica. Instead, it’s very cerebral and may make sounds and colour seem more intense. Although not as cerebral as pure sativas, the sharp focus and head-focused high will soon turn into a euphoric feeling with the mood being very uplifted.  

Some of the most famous crosses to have come from OG Kush include Kosher Kush, Triangle Kush, Skywalker OG, and Headband.  

White Widow 

White Widow is a staple strain in the cannabis world. The genetic origin of this iconic strain is still unknown, but its geographic origins are known. This strain was grown in the mountains of Kerala in Southern India by farmers. After cannabis enthusiasts visited the area and came across the seeds, they were then taken back to the Netherlands, where Green House Seeds first started growing and crossing the strain in the 1990s.  

White Widow has a unique smell and taste. The buds emit a pungent smell that is earthy, has the aromas of different herbs and spices, and is also slightly woody. Some have described the smell of this strain as peppery with sharp and refreshing citrus notes. Those citrus notes also come through in the flavour when this strain is smoked, as do the earthy and pine scents.  

White Widow has parented some strains that are as equally great as this legendary strain. A few of the most famous include White Russian, White Rhino, and Blue Widow.  

Finally

Many cannabis enthusiasts are aware of the most legendary strains on the market today. However, few know of the history of these strains, or the strains they have helped to create. Next time you enjoy a bowl or joint filled with Northern Lights, OG Kush, or White Widow, you can enjoy it just a little bit more, knowing where it came from and what it has produced.