Northern Lights vs Granddaddy Purple: Which Cannabis Strain Is Better?
A detailed side-by-side comparison of Northern Lights (Indica) and Granddaddy Purple (Indica) covering potency, effects, flavors, medical uses, and growing characteristics.
THC: 16-21% | CBD: 0.1-0.3%
Relaxed, Sleepy, Happy
Easy to grow
THC: 17-23% | CBD: 0.1-0.3%
Relaxed, Sleepy, Happy
Easy to grow
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Northern Lights | Granddaddy Purple |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Indica | Indica |
| THC Range | 16-21% | 17-23% |
| CBD Range | 0.1-0.3% | 0.1-0.3% |
| Effects | Relaxed, Sleepy, Happy, Euphoric, Hungry | Relaxed, Sleepy, Happy, Euphoric, Hungry |
| Flavors | Earthy, Pine, Sweet, Spicy | Grape, Berry, Sweet, Earthy, Floral |
| Terpenes | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene | Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene |
| Medical Uses | Insomnia, Pain, Stress, Anxiety, Appetite Loss | Insomnia, Pain, Stress, Muscle Spasms, Appetite Loss |
| Grow Difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Flowering Time | 7-9 weeks | 8-11 weeks |
| Indoor Yield | 450-550g/m² | 350-450g/m² |
| Outdoor Yield | 550-650g/plant | 450-550g/plant |
| Height | Short (< 3 ft) | Medium (3-5 ft) |
| Genetics | Afghani x Thai | Purple Urkle x Big Bud |
| Breeder | Sensi Seeds (originally developed on the US West Coast) | Ken Estes |
Effects Comparison
Shared Effects
Unique to Northern Lights
Unique to Granddaddy Purple
Growing Comparison
Northern Lights
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Flowering
- 7-9 weeks
- Indoor Yield
- 450-550g/m²
- Outdoor Yield
- 550-650g/plant
- Height
- Short (< 3 ft)
Granddaddy Purple
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Flowering
- 8-11 weeks
- Indoor Yield
- 350-450g/m²
- Outdoor Yield
- 450-550g/plant
- Height
- Medium (3-5 ft)
Ready to Grow?
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Ready to Grow?
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Which Should You Choose?
If you are looking for higher potency, Granddaddy Purple edges ahead with THC levels up to 23% compared to Northern Lights's 21%. Both strains can help with insomnia, pain, stress, so either is a solid choice if those are your primary concerns. Ultimately, the best strain depends on your personal preferences, tolerance, and intended use.
Related Strain Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Lights or Granddaddy Purple stronger?▾
Northern Lights has a THC range of 16-21%, while Granddaddy Purple ranges from 17-23% THC. Granddaddy Purple is generally the more potent strain.
Which is easier to grow, Northern Lights or Granddaddy Purple?▾
Northern Lights is rated easy to grow, while Granddaddy Purple is rated easy. Both strains have similar grow difficulty. Northern Lights flowers in 7-9 weeks and Granddaddy Purple in 8-11 weeks.
What are the main differences between Northern Lights and Granddaddy Purple?▾
Northern Lights is a indica strain while Granddaddy Purple is a indica. Northern Lights is known for relaxed, sleepy, happy effects with earthy and pine flavors. Granddaddy Purple offers relaxed, sleepy, happy effects with grape and berry flavors.
Can Northern Lights and Granddaddy Purple be used for the same medical conditions?▾
Both strains share some medical applications. Northern Lights is used for insomnia, pain, stress, anxiety, appetite loss, while Granddaddy Purple is used for insomnia, pain, stress, muscle spasms, appetite loss. Always consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical purposes.
Which yields more, Northern Lights or Granddaddy Purple?▾
Indoors, Northern Lights yields approximately 450-550g/m² while Granddaddy Purple yields 350-450g/m². Outdoors, Northern Lights produces around 550-650g/plant and Granddaddy Purple around 450-550g/plant. Actual yields depend on growing conditions, training techniques, and grower experience.