What is the main difference between Critical Purple and Northern Lights?

Critical Purple is a Indica strain (75% Indica / 25% Sativa) with THC levels of 20–23%, while Northern Lights is a Indica strain (100% Indica / 0% Sativa) with THC levels of 16–21%.

Which strain has higher THC — Critical Purple or Northern Lights?

Critical Purple has higher THC at 20–23%, compared to Northern Lights at 16–21%.

Is Critical Purple or Northern Lights easier to grow?

Critical Purple has moderate growing difficulty with a 8-10-week flowering period, while Northern Lights has easy difficulty with a 7-8-week flowering period. Northern Lights is a great choice for beginners.

What effects does Critical Purple have compared to Northern Lights?

Critical Purple produces relaxing, sleepy effects, ideal for evening use. Northern Lights produces sleepy, relaxing, hungry, euphoric, happy effects, best for evening use.

What terpenes are in Critical Purple and Northern Lights?

Critical Purple features Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, giving it grape, pine, sweet flavors. Northern Lights features Myrcene, with pine, spicy, sweet flavors.

Which medical conditions can Critical Purple and Northern Lights help with?

Critical Purple may help with chronic pain, depression, fatigue, insomnia. Northern Lights may help with anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite, migraines, ptsd, stress, pain. Consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical purposes.

Strain Encyclopedia

Critical Purple

Indica — THC 23%

Northern Lights

Indica — THC 21%

Potency, effects, terpenes, flavors, growing difficulty, and medical uses — compared side by side.

Home/Strain Comparisons/Critical Purple vs Northern Lights

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

⚡

Potency

Critical Purple

🏥

Medical

Northern Lights

🌱

Growing

Northern Lights

🍋

Flavor

Critical Purple

Strain Profile Comparison

Six-axis profile overlay — see where each strain excels

Critical Purple

Northern Lights

Effect Matchup

Side-by-side effect intensity — bars show relative prominence

Critical Purple

Effect

Northern Lights

100%

Relaxing

88%

Sleepy

100%

Hungry

77%

Euphoric

68%

Happy

60%

Body-buzz

53%

Social

46%

2 shared effects highlighted

Critical Purple — Potency

THC0%

CBD0%

Potency LevelStrong

Northern Lights — Potency

THC0%

CBD0%

Potency LevelModerate

Critical Mass x Purple KushCritical Purple

Indica 75%Sativa 25%

Thai x AfghaniNorthern Lights

Indica 100%Sativa 0%

Side-by-Side Specs

Green highlight indicates the superior value

Critical Purple

Profile Comparison

Shared (2)

RelaxingSleepy

Only Northern Lights (5)

HungryEuphoricHappyBody-buzzSocial

Possible Side Effects

Shared

Dry mouthDry eyesDizzy

Growing Guide Comparison

Critical Purple

DifficultyModerate

Flowering8-10 weeks

HarvestLate September

Indoor YieldMedium

Outdoor YieldMedium

Indoor HeightShort to Medium

Outdoor HeightMedium

Plant StructureCompact

PhotoperiodPhotoperiod

Growing MethodIndoor, Outdoor

ClimateTemperate, Dry

Northern Lights

DifficultyEasy

Flowering7-8 weeks

HarvestEnd

Indoor YieldLarge

Outdoor YieldLarge

Indoor HeightShort

Outdoor HeightShort

Plant StructureCompact

PhotoperiodPhotoperiod

Growing MethodIndoor, Outdoor

ClimateWarm

About These Strains

Critical Purple

Indica 75/25 — THC 20–23%

Critical Purple, also known as “Critical Purple Kush,” is an indica dominant hybrid strain created through crossing the classic Critical + X Purple Kush strains. Just wait until you see these buds - Critical Purple nugs are gorgeous from top to bottom.

It has oversized dark olive green nugs with bright purple leaves, dark amber hairs, and a coating of dark amber colored crystal trichomes that can have a slight purple tinge to them.

Northern Lights

Indica 100/0 — THC 16–21%

Few strains come with as much widespread renown as Northern Lights, inarguably one of the most popular strains of all time. An inbred descendant of original Afghani landrace strains, Northern Lights is a pure indica.

THC levels can reach 16-21%, making this one of the most potent strains available on any market.

Which One Is Right for You?

Critical Purple and Northern Lights are both excellent strains with distinct characteristics. Critical Purple is a Indica with 20–23% THC, while Northern Lights is a Indica with 16–21% THC. Your choice depends on your preference for effects, growing difficulty, and intended use.

Choose Critical Purple

Choose Critical Purple if you want higher THC potency. Critical Purple, also known as “Critical Purple Kush,” is an indica dominant hybrid strain created through crossing the classic Critical + X Purple Kush strains.

Choose Northern Lights

Choose Northern Lights if you want easier growing, broader medical applications. Few strains come with as much widespread renown as Northern Lights, inarguably one of the most popular strains of all time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Critical Purple vs Northern Lights

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis for any medical condition. Effects, potency, and medical benefits may vary. Do not use cannabis if pregnant, nursing, or under the legal age in your jurisdiction.

More Strain Comparisons

View All Comparisons