Northern Lights vs Ice Cream Cake: Which Cannabis Strain Is Better?
A detailed side-by-side comparison of Northern Lights (Indica) and Ice Cream Cake (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: 20-25% | CBD: 0.1-0.2%
Relaxed, Sleepy, Happy
Moderate to grow
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Northern Lights | Ice Cream Cake |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Indica | Indica |
| THC Range | 16-21% | 20-25% |
| CBD Range | 0.1-0.3% | 0.1-0.2% |
| Effects | Relaxed, Sleepy, Happy, Euphoric, Hungry | Relaxed, Sleepy, Happy, Euphoric, Hungry |
| Flavors | Earthy, Pine, Sweet, Spicy | Vanilla, Sweet, Creamy, Butter, Lavender |
| Terpenes | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene | Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool |
| Medical Uses | Insomnia, Pain, Stress, Anxiety, Appetite Loss | Insomnia, Pain, Stress, Anxiety, Appetite Loss |
| Grow Difficulty | Easy | Moderate |
| Flowering Time | 7-9 weeks | 8-9 weeks |
| Indoor Yield | 450-550g/m² | 400-500g/m² |
| Outdoor Yield | 550-650g/plant | 450-550g/plant |
| Height | Short (< 3 ft) | Short (< 3 ft) |
| Genetics | Afghani x Thai | Wedding Cake x Gelato #33 |
| Breeder | Sensi Seeds (originally developed on the US West Coast) | Seed Junky Genetics |
Effects Comparison
Shared Effects
Unique to Northern Lights
Unique to Ice Cream Cake
Growing Comparison
Northern Lights
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Flowering
- 7-9 weeks
- Indoor Yield
- 450-550g/m²
- Outdoor Yield
- 550-650g/plant
- Height
- Short (< 3 ft)
Ice Cream Cake
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Flowering
- 8-9 weeks
- Indoor Yield
- 400-500g/m²
- Outdoor Yield
- 450-550g/plant
- Height
- Short (< 3 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, Ice Cream Cake edges ahead with THC levels up to 25% compared to Northern Lights's 21%. Beginner growers should lean toward Northern Lights, which is easy to cultivate, versus the moderate difficulty of Ice Cream Cake. 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 Ice Cream Cake stronger?▾
Northern Lights has a THC range of 16-21%, while Ice Cream Cake ranges from 20-25% THC. Ice Cream Cake is generally the more potent strain.
Which is easier to grow, Northern Lights or Ice Cream Cake?▾
Northern Lights is rated easy to grow, while Ice Cream Cake is rated moderate. Northern Lights is the easier option for cultivators. Northern Lights flowers in 7-9 weeks and Ice Cream Cake in 8-9 weeks.
What are the main differences between Northern Lights and Ice Cream Cake?▾
Northern Lights is a indica strain while Ice Cream Cake is a indica. Northern Lights is known for relaxed, sleepy, happy effects with earthy and pine flavors. Ice Cream Cake offers relaxed, sleepy, happy effects with vanilla and sweet flavors.
Can Northern Lights and Ice Cream Cake 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 Ice Cream Cake is used for insomnia, pain, stress, anxiety, appetite loss. Always consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical purposes.
Which yields more, Northern Lights or Ice Cream Cake?▾
Indoors, Northern Lights yields approximately 450-550g/m² while Ice Cream Cake yields 400-500g/m². Outdoors, Northern Lights produces around 550-650g/plant and Ice Cream Cake around 450-550g/plant. Actual yields depend on growing conditions, training techniques, and grower experience.