Northern Lights vs Purple Haze: Which Cannabis Strain Is Better?
A detailed side-by-side comparison of Northern Lights (Indica) and Purple Haze (Sativa) covering potency, effects, flavors, medical uses, and growing characteristics.
THC: 16-21% | CBD: 0.1-0.3%
Relaxed, Sleepy, Happy
Easy to grow
THC: 17-22% | CBD: 0.1-0.2%
Euphoric, Creative, Energetic
Moderate to grow
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Northern Lights | Purple Haze |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Indica | Sativa |
| THC Range | 16-21% | 17-22% |
| CBD Range | 0.1-0.3% | 0.1-0.2% |
| Effects | Relaxed, Sleepy, Happy, Euphoric, Hungry | Euphoric, Creative, Energetic, Happy, Uplifted |
| Flavors | Earthy, Pine, Sweet, Spicy | Berry, Sweet, Earthy, Spicy, Grape |
| Terpenes | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene | Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Ocimene |
| Medical Uses | Insomnia, Pain, Stress, Anxiety, Appetite Loss | Depression, Stress, Fatigue, Pain, Mood Disorders |
| Grow Difficulty | Easy | Moderate |
| Flowering Time | 7-9 weeks | 9-10 weeks |
| Indoor Yield | 450-550g/m² | 350-450g/m² |
| Outdoor Yield | 550-650g/plant | 450-550g/plant |
| Height | Short (< 3 ft) | Tall (5+ ft) |
| Genetics | Afghani x Thai | Purple Thai x Haze |
| Breeder | Sensi Seeds (originally developed on the US West Coast) | Unknown (1960s–70s era) |
Effects Comparison
Shared Effects
Unique to Northern Lights
Unique to Purple Haze
Growing Comparison
Northern Lights
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Flowering
- 7-9 weeks
- Indoor Yield
- 450-550g/m²
- Outdoor Yield
- 550-650g/plant
- Height
- Short (< 3 ft)
Purple Haze
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Flowering
- 9-10 weeks
- Indoor Yield
- 350-450g/m²
- Outdoor Yield
- 450-550g/plant
- Height
- Tall (5+ ft)
Ready to Grow?
Find premium Northern Lights seeds from trusted seedbanks
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
Ready to Grow?
Find premium Purple Haze seeds from trusted seedbanks
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
Which Should You Choose?
If you are looking for higher potency, Purple Haze edges ahead with THC levels up to 22% compared to Northern Lights's 21%. For evening relaxation and sleep, Northern Lights (Indica) is the better pick, while Purple Haze (Sativa) is better suited for daytime energy and creativity. Beginner growers should lean toward Northern Lights, which is easy to cultivate, versus the moderate difficulty of Purple Haze. Both strains can help with 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 Purple Haze stronger?▾
Northern Lights has a THC range of 16-21%, while Purple Haze ranges from 17-22% THC. Purple Haze is generally the more potent strain.
Which is easier to grow, Northern Lights or Purple Haze?▾
Northern Lights is rated easy to grow, while Purple Haze is rated moderate. Northern Lights is the easier option for cultivators. Northern Lights flowers in 7-9 weeks and Purple Haze in 9-10 weeks.
What are the main differences between Northern Lights and Purple Haze?▾
Northern Lights is a indica strain while Purple Haze is a sativa. Northern Lights is known for relaxed, sleepy, happy effects with earthy and pine flavors. Purple Haze offers euphoric, creative, energetic effects with berry and sweet flavors.
Can Northern Lights and Purple Haze 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 Purple Haze is used for depression, stress, fatigue, pain, mood disorders. Always consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical purposes.
Which yields more, Northern Lights or Purple Haze?▾
Indoors, Northern Lights yields approximately 450-550g/m² while Purple Haze yields 350-450g/m². Outdoors, Northern Lights produces around 550-650g/plant and Purple Haze around 450-550g/plant. Actual yields depend on growing conditions, training techniques, and grower experience.