Northern Special
Top flavors
Terpenes
Northern Special has balanced effects.
Northern Special
Top flavors
Terpenes
Northern Special has balanced effects.
Northern Special is a modern hybrid-indica strain bred from OG Kush genetics. It is well-suited for cultivation in both indoor and outdoor environments, offering a high yield for growers who can manage its moderate difficulty level. The plant reaches maturity following a 60-day flowering cycle. Its genetic influence is evident in several notable offspring, including Blue Berry, Dutch Blue Automatic, and Spliff Diesel.
The terpene profile of Northern Special is caryophyllene-dominant, followed by myrcene, limonene, humulene, and linalool. This complex chemical architecture continues with bisabolol, nerolidol, beta-pinene, pinene, geraniol, borneol, and camphene, ending with traces of terpinolene and caryophyllene-oxide. This diverse combination creates a nuanced sensory experience, layering pungent, spicy, and earthy notes that characterize its specific chemical identity.
As a THC-dominant cultivar, Northern Special is primarily utilized for its ability to induce states of relaxation, calmness, and mental focus. These effects make the strain a functional choice for those managing pain, stress, or sleep-related concerns. Beyond its personal consumption utility, the strain maintains a significant reputation as a building block in modern breeding programs, as demonstrated by its contribution to its widespread genetic lineage.
Terpene Profile
Synergies (+) and conflicts (−) are relative to each other within this profile.
| Terpene | Share | Character | Likely role |
|---|---|---|---|
| caryophyllene | ~60% | spicy | relaxing · social |
| myrcene | ~28% | earthy | relaxing · solo |
| limonene | ~12% | citrus | social · creative |
Research notes below describe isolated terpene mechanisms and early findings. They do not guarantee effects from this strain and are not medical advice.
~60%
spicy
●●○○
Russo 2011: only terpene that is a selective full CB2 agonist (100 nM); Gertsch et al. 2008: acts as dietary cannabinoid; unique anti-inflammatory and gastric cytoprotective properties.
Russo 2011: naloxone-sensitive analgesia, potentiates barbiturate sleep; dominant sedating terpenoid; blocks hepatic carcinogenesis by aflatoxin.
Russo 2011: increases serotonin in prefrontal cortex + dopamine in hippocampus via 5-HT1A; Johns Hopkins 2024: significantly reduced anxiety vs THC alone.
Effects
Reported effects — derived from terpene chemistry and cannabinoid profile.
Genetic Profile
Indica-dominant
Primarily indica with sativa influence. Relaxing body with some cerebral lift.
THC-Dominant
High THC, trace CBD. Psychoactive. Full CB1 agonism — euphoria, appetite, analgesia.
Genealogy
Parentage, ancestry, and genetic relatives of Northern Special.
Ancestry
Siblings
Share parent og kush
Offspring — 3 strains bred from Northern Special
Composite Traits
Where to buy Northern Special
No verified dispensaries on file — find it on Leafly.
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What would Northern Special × ? produce?
Predict the terpene profile, effects, and growing traits of a cross. Our gene weaver engine votes on dominant traits from both parents.
Build a cross with Northern Special →Similar strains
Same primary terpene with overlapping effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Special indica or sativa?
Northern Special is modeled here as a indica-dominant (primarily indica with sativa influence).
What terpene is dominant in Northern Special?
Caryophyllene is shown as the dominant terpene at approximately ~60%. Myrcene follows as the secondary terpene.
Is Northern Special good for daytime use?
Northern Special is versatile and works across different times of day depending on dose and individual response.
How accurate is this data?
See the "Data confidence" card in the sidebar. Terpene profiles and effects are chemistry-informed estimates — individual responses depend on phenotype, source, and personal chemistry.