Strains Like Northern Lights: 7 Exotic Weed Alternatives You'll Love [2026]
Whether Northern Lights is out of stock or you just want to explore the broader world of exotic weed with similar vibes, this guide has you covered. We've handpicked 7 marijuana strains that share Northern Lights's best qualities — from its earthy flavor notes to its signature relaxed effects. All recommendations come with direct links to Rare Harvest's exotic weed collection, so you can grab them today.
What Makes Northern Lights Special?
Northern Lights is a indica weed strain sitting at 16-22% THC. Its flavor profile is best described as earthy, pine, sweet — a profile driven primarily by Myrcene terpenes. On the effects side, expect relaxed, sleepy, euphoric. It's this exact combination of potency, flavor, and feel that keeps people coming back — and that we used as our matching criteria for the alternatives below. Also check out our anxiety strain guide for more strain deep-dives.
7 Best Weed Strains Similar to Northern Lights
1. Bubba Kush (Indica)
Why it's similar: Like Northern Lights, Bubba Kush delivers a sedating experience rooted in Myrcene terpene dominance. If you love Northern Lights's earthy notes, you'll appreciate Bubba Kush's earthy profile. THC: 18-22%. Top terpene: Myrcene.
2. Jack Herer (Sativa)
Why it's similar: Like Northern Lights, Jack Herer delivers a creative experience rooted in Terpinolene terpene dominance. If you love Northern Lights's earthy notes, you'll appreciate Jack Herer's pine profile. THC: 18-24%. Top terpene: Terpinolene.
3. Lemon Cherry Gelato (Hybrid)
Why it's similar: Like Northern Lights, Lemon Cherry Gelato delivers a euphoric experience rooted in Limonene terpene dominance. If you love Northern Lights's earthy notes, you'll appreciate Lemon Cherry Gelato's citrus profile. THC: 22-28%. Top terpene: Limonene.
4. Martian Candy (Hybrid)
Why it's similar: Like Northern Lights, Martian Candy delivers a happy experience rooted in Limonene terpene dominance. If you love Northern Lights's earthy notes, you'll appreciate Martian Candy's sweet profile. THC: 20-25%. Top terpene: Limonene.
5. Tropaya (Hybrid)
Why it's similar: Tropaya is a well-loved hybrid known for sharing Northern Lights's relaxed qualities. A go-to recommendation for anyone who enjoys Northern Lights's effect profile. THC: 22-26%.
6. Sherb Cake (Hybrid)
Why it's similar: Sherb Cake is a well-loved hybrid known for sharing Northern Lights's relaxed qualities. A go-to recommendation for anyone who enjoys Northern Lights's effect profile. THC: 22-27%.
7. Pineapple Upside Down Cake (Hybrid)
Why it's similar: Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a well-loved hybrid known for sharing Northern Lights's relaxed qualities. A go-to recommendation for anyone who enjoys Northern Lights's effect profile. THC: 18-24%.
7. Jack Herer (Sativa)
Why it's similar: Jack Herer rounds out this list as an exotic option with overlapping effect territory to Northern Lights. Strong creative qualities, 18-24% THC, and a pine flavor you'll recognize if Northern Lights is your benchmark. Shop Jack Herer at Rare Harvest.
How We Picked These Alternatives
We matched alternatives to Northern Lights using four criteria: terpene overlap (strains sharing the same dominant terpenes produce the most similar experience), effect profile (relaxed was our primary filter), THC range (staying within 16-22% territory), and flavor family (earthy as the taste anchor). Any marijuana strain that scored on at least three of these four made the cut.
Northern Lights Alternatives by Consumption Method
Whatever way you prefer to consume your weed, here's how to get the Northern Lights experience your way:
- Flower: Browse Rare Harvest's exotic weed collection for the full-expression experience — flavor, effect, and ritual all in one.
- Pre-roll: Skip the grinding and go straight to the smoke with a Bubba Kush Pre-Roll.
- Vape: For a clean, discreet hit, the 1000mg Distillate Vape Cartridge delivers fast-onset THC effects on demand.
- Edible: If you prefer a longer, body-focused experience, try a THC Marshmallow Treat — onset takes longer but the effects last 4–6 hours.
Shop Exotic Northern Lights Alternatives at Rare Harvest
Every catalog strain listed above is available directly at Rare Harvest. Start with your top pick and work your way through the list — finding your new favorite exotic weed is half the fun. Shop the full collection now.
All Rare Harvest products are derived from federally legal hemp containing THC at or below 0.3% by dry weight per the 2018 Farm Bill. Must be 21+. Verify your local laws before purchasing.
FAQ: Northern Lights Alternatives
What strain is most similar to Northern Lights?
Bubba Kush is our top match — it shares Northern Lights's dominant terpene (Myrcene), falls in a similar THC range, and delivers comparable relaxed effects. If you want to stay in the same flavor and effect family, start there.
Is Northern Lights indica or sativa?
Northern Lights is classified as a indica weed strain. This means it leans toward relaxing, sedating effects — great for evenings.
Where can I buy weed like Northern Lights online?
Rare Harvest carries several strains similar to Northern Lights with direct shipping to your door. Check out Bubba Kush, Jack Herer, and Lemon Cherry Gelato as your first stops.
What terpenes does Northern Lights share with these alternatives?
Northern Lights's dominant terpene is Myrcene. All seven alternatives on this list feature Myrcene as a primary or secondary terpene, which is the main driver of their similar effect profile.