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Friday Anything Goes at the Sticky's :
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Every Friday until Sunday at midnight
Friday Anything Goes at the Sticky's :
A New Promo
Every Friday until Sunday at midnight
The Northern Lights cannabis strain is an iconic and influential breed that has shaped the landscape of cannabis cultivation for decades. This legendary strain's creation is largely credited to a group of breeders from the Pacific Northwest, particularly through the efforts of Gregory McAllister, known in the cannabis community as “Seattle Greg.” His pivotal role in the development of Northern Lights, along with the contributions of the Northern Lights Crew, has solidified its place in cannabis history. Let's take a deep dive into the origins and evolution of Northern Lights, examining its genetic foundation, the key figures behind its creation, and the lasting impact it has had on the cannabis industry.
During the 1970s and 1980s, a collective of cannabis cultivators known as the Northern Lights Crew emerged in the Pacific Northwest, specifically around Seattle, Washington. One of the most prominent members of this group was Gregory McAllister, whose work in the field of cannabis breeding would leave an indelible mark on the industry. The Northern Lights Crew was particularly known for their innovative indoor cultivation techniques, which allowed them to develop high-quality cannabis strains that thrived in controlled environments. The team’s groundbreaking work focused on integrating Afghan genetics into their breeding program, leading to the creation of a series of hybrid strains that would come to be known as Northern Lights. Far from being a singular strain, Northern Lights represented a collection of hybrids that were developed by crossing an Afghan landrace with various other cannabis varieties. The ultimate goal was to create strains with specific medicinal qualities, such as the ability to aid individuals suffering from conditions like PTSD, a testament to the crew's forward-thinking approach to cannabis cultivation.
Seattle Greg, as one of the central figures of the Northern Lights Crew, played an indispensable role in the strain’s development. His expertise in genetics and cultivation techniques helped lay the foundation for what would become one of the most popular and revered cannabis strains in the world. Greg's personal contributions were crucial to the legacy of Northern Lights, including introducing the hybridized seeds to Amsterdam—a move that would have a profound impact on global cannabis breeding and cultivation.
In a significant moment for the Northern Lights strain, Greg implemented a unique numbering system to categorize the various hybrids he had created. The numbers ranged from #1 to #11, with each number representing different traits and qualities within the plant. Northern Lights #1 was the most Afghan and Indica-like, while the higher numbers displayed more Sativa characteristics. While the numbering system offered a way to classify the strains, Greg admitted that he didn't always recall the specific crosses due to the collaborative nature of the breeding process. Some of the Northern Lights crosses were not exclusively his own work but were also shaped by his peers in the Northern Lights Crew.
Greg's relationship with Nevil Schoenmakers, another pivotal figure in cannabis breeding, began with Greg gifting and eventually selling Northern Lights seeds to him. However, this relationship became strained, leading to a divergence in how the Northern Lights strain would be managed and propagated in the years to come.
The development of Northern Lights was a constant process of trial and error. In the early stages, Greg and his team used Afghan seeds acquired from a Seattle acquaintance, Steve Murphy, and began cross-breeding them with other cannabis varieties. Among the strains used in the Northern Lights breeding process were Mexican, Thai, and Colombian varieties. These efforts were not without challenges, and the breeders had to contend with legal pressures, the need for secrecy, and the limited access to quality genetics at the time.
Despite these obstacles, the Northern Lights strain quickly gained popularity for its powerful effects and unique flavor profile. It was prized not only for its potency but also for its relatively short flowering time, making it an ideal candidate for indoor cultivation. The strain's medicinal potential, particularly for conditions like PTSD, was also recognized early on, further cementing its place in cannabis culture.
Greg’s work was not limited to the breeding of Northern Lights. His involvement in the cannabis scene during this time helped to push the boundaries of what was possible in terms of cultivation. The innovation and techniques developed by the Northern Lights Crew played a significant role in advancing indoor growing and seed breeding practices that would later become the norm in the cannabis industry.
Although the Northern Lights Crew faced significant challenges, including legal issues such as the infamous Operation Green Merchant that targeted the cannabis industry, their legacy has endured. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in preserving the classic genetics of Northern Lights and other foundational strains. The preservation of these strains is crucial, as they represent a key part of cannabis history and continue to influence modern breeding programs.
Today, Northern Lights remains one of the most popular strains in the world, beloved by cannabis enthusiasts for its potent effects, unique flavor, and medicinal benefits. Its influence can be seen in countless hybrid strains that have since been developed, making it one of the cornerstones of modern cannabis breeding. The innovations of Seattle Greg and the Northern Lights Crew, along with the impact of the strain itself, continue to shape the cannabis industry, ensuring its place in both history and the future of cultivation.
A recent video featuring Seattle Greg provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the key figures behind Northern Lights. In this conversation, Greg reflects on his life and the experiences that shaped his approach to cannabis cultivation. He shares his military background, the challenges of aging, and the profound impact that his experiences had on his cannabis work.
Greg also provides an in-depth look at the development of Northern Lights, emphasizing that it was originally created as a personal project to improve the quality of cannabis, particularly for individuals with PTSD. He recalls working with Steve Murphy and others in Seattle, collaborating on cross-breeding efforts to develop a strain that could outshine the inferior Mexican cannabis that was prevalent at the time.
Greg’s insights into the evolution of the cannabis industry are invaluable. He notes the shift from underground operations to a more open and scientifically driven approach, highlighting the changes that have occurred over the years. The once-secretive nature of cannabis breeding has evolved into a field that is now subject to scientific scrutiny and global collaboration. The irony of today’s cannabis genetics landscape, where Dutch breeders look to the US for new strains, underscores just how far the industry has come since the days of the Northern Lights Crew.
The origin story of Northern Lights is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of those who worked tirelessly to improve the quality of cannabis. Gregory McAllister, Seattle Greg, and the Northern Lights Crew were pioneers in the development of indoor cultivation techniques and cannabis genetics. Their work has had a profound and lasting impact on the cannabis industry, influencing breeders and cultivators worldwide.
As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, the legacy of Northern Lights remains a cornerstone of its history. The strain's origins, its development, and the people behind it are an essential part of understanding where cannabis cultivation has come from—and where it is headed. Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to quality, the Northern Lights strain has become a symbol of both the past and future of cannabis culture.
But who really created it? Northen Light vs Northen Lite
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