Original Auto Northern Lights vs Northern Lights Auto: Which One Is Right for You?
1. Introduction
Northern Lights is one of the most recognisable names in cannabis, and many breeders have created their own automatic versions of this classic. Here we compare two such options: Original Auto Northern Lights by FastBuds and Northern Lights Auto by G13 Labs. Both are autoflowering takes on Northern Lights, but they are not identical.
If you are a first-time grower, looking for strong effects, or comparing potential yields between similar strains, understanding how these two autos differ will help you make a more confident purchase.
2. Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Original Auto Northern Lights (FastBuds) | Northern Lights Auto (G13 Labs) |
|---|---|---|
| Breeder | FastBuds | G13 Labs |
| Seed Type | Autoflowering | Autoflowering |
| Genetics | Automatic Northern Lights | Original Northern Lights crossed with Ruderalis |
| Type | Hybrid | Indica |
| Flowering / Life Cycle | Autoflowering (time not specified) | Not specified |
| Yield | Good | Good |
| THC | Very strong | Not specified |
| Flavour / Aroma | Not specified | Relatively mild |
3. Original Auto Northern Lights Overview (FastBuds)
Original Auto Northern Lights is FastBuds’ autoflowering version of the legendary Northern Lights. It is listed as a hybrid, with genetics described simply as “Automatic Northern Lights.” As an auto, it will begin flowering on its own without the need to change light cycles, which is particularly convenient for new growers or anyone running a simple indoor setup.
One of the standout points in the available data is potency: this strain is described as having very strong THC. While the exact percentage is not specified, buyers should expect robust effects and approach it with some caution, especially if they have low tolerance or are returning to cannabis after a break.
In terms of productivity, Original Auto Northern Lights is rated as having a good yield. While specific numbers aren’t given, this suggests it is capable of respectable harvests without being overly demanding. As a hybrid, it may offer a balance between traits commonly associated with indica and sativa lines, though the exact effect profile is not detailed in the data. Flavour and growing difficulty are not specified, so growers considering this option should focus mainly on its strong THC and overall reliability as an automatic Northern Lights line.
4. Northern Lights Auto Overview (G13 Labs)
Northern Lights Auto from G13 Labs is another automatic take on this classic strain. Its genetics are described more explicitly: Original Northern Lights crossed with Ruderalis. This is a typical approach to creating an autoflowering variety, combining the well-known Northern Lights with ruderalis to introduce automatic flowering.
This version is classified as an indica, which may appeal to users who prefer a more traditionally indica-leaning experience. The exact effects are not defined in the provided data, but many buyers will associate indica types with a more body-oriented experience. Still, because no specific effect description is given, expectations should remain general.
Northern Lights Auto is also reported to provide a good yield. While again there are no concrete figures, this puts it on a similar productivity level to the FastBuds option. A notable difference is the flavour and aroma description: it is said to be relatively mild. This could be a positive for users who want something less overpowering in smell and taste, either for personal preference or for keeping odour more discreet. THC levels and cultivation difficulty are not specified, so decisions here will rely more on its indica classification and its more subtle aroma profile.
5. Key Differences
General Comparison
Both strains are autoflowering Northern Lights-based varieties with good yield potential, but they diverge in several important ways:
- Breeder and approach: FastBuds and G13 Labs are separate breeders with their own selection processes. FastBuds describes its line simply as “Automatic Northern Lights,” while G13 Labs specifies a cross of Original Northern Lights with ruderalis.
- Type: Original Auto Northern Lights is listed as a hybrid, whereas Northern Lights Auto is labelled as an indica. This suggests the FastBuds version may express a broader mix of characteristics, while the G13 Labs version leans more clearly toward indica traits.
- Potency: Only Original Auto Northern Lights has potency information, and it is described as very strong in THC. Northern Lights Auto’s THC level is not given.
- Flavour and aroma: Northern Lights Auto is specifically noted as having a relatively mild aroma and flavour. No flavour information is provided for Original Auto Northern Lights.
Which Is Better for Beginners?
Both of these are autoflowering strains, which already makes them attractive for first-time growers. Autos typically remove the need to manage light schedules precisely and often finish faster than many photoperiod strains.
Because no detailed difficulty ratings are provided, we can only evaluate them on the information available:
- Original Auto Northern Lights (FastBuds): With very strong THC, this option may be more intense for new consumers. For a first-time grower who is already comfortable with potent cannabis and wants a strong effect, this could be a plus. However, beginners who are not sure about their tolerance may find the potency more than they need.
- Northern Lights Auto (G13 Labs): THC levels and effect strength are not listed. From a cultivation perspective, it is still an auto with a good yield rating, which should be manageable for new growers as well. Without explicit potency data, cautious beginners might find this a less intimidating choice from a consumption standpoint.
For someone completely new both to growing and to consuming, the lack of a “very strong” THC label on Northern Lights Auto might make it psychologically more approachable, even though the real-world potency is not specified.
Yield Comparison
On paper, both strains are described as having a good yield. No numerical yield ranges or grams-per-plant figures are provided for either option, so there is no way to state that one definitively outperforms the other in terms of harvest size.
Given this, yield-focused growers should treat them as roughly comparable from a productivity standpoint and base their decision more on other aspects: breeder preference, type (hybrid vs indica), aroma intensity, and known THC strength. Environmental conditions, grower experience, and setup will likely play a larger role in yield differences than the choice between these two specific autos, based on the data available.
Effects Comparison
Effect information is limited, so it is important not to over-interpret:
- Original Auto Northern Lights: The only clear indicator is that its THC content is described as very strong. While no specific effect descriptors are given, buyers who want a pronounced and powerful experience may favour this option. Those with lower tolerance should keep the potential intensity in mind.
- Northern Lights Auto: No THC or detailed effect notes are provided, but it is categorised as an indica. Many users associate indicas with more physical, relaxing experiences, but because this is not explicitly stated in the data, expectations should remain general. Without potency information, it is a more “unknown quantity” in terms of strength.
For a user specifically looking for strong effects and willing to prioritise that above all, the FastBuds Original Auto Northern Lights stands out simply because it is the only one with a confirmed “very strong” THC rating.
6. Which Should You Choose?
The right choice depends on your priorities as both a grower and a consumer.
- If you are a first-time grower focused on ease: Both are autoflowers with good yields, so either can work. Since no difficulty ratings are given, you are not likely to find a huge gap in grow complexity. You may instead want to focus on how strong you want the effects to be.
- If you want strong, impactful effects: Original Auto Northern Lights by FastBuds is explicitly described as having very strong THC. If you already know you enjoy potent cannabis and want your auto to reflect that, this is the more data-backed choice.
- If you prefer a milder aroma: Northern Lights Auto from G13 Labs has a relatively mild flavour and aroma. This can be useful indoors or in situations where strong smells are not ideal. Flavour for the FastBuds version is not specified, so the G13 Labs strain is the only one with clear information here.
- If you want a more “classic indica” label: Northern Lights Auto is explicitly categorised as an indica. If you’re choosing based on that label alone, it may appeal more. Original Auto Northern Lights, meanwhile, is a hybrid, which might suggest a broader balance of traits.
- If you care about breeder and genetics description: Some growers prefer FastBuds’ approach to autos and may lean toward their Automatic Northern Lights line for that reason. Others may value G13 Labs’ clear mention of Original Northern Lights crossed with ruderalis. If breeder reputation matters to you, it can be a deciding factor.
7. Final Thoughts
Both Original Auto Northern Lights by FastBuds and Northern Lights Auto by G13 Labs offer autoflowering takes on one of the most famous cannabis strains, each with good yield potential and a straightforward growing format. The clearest distinctions are potency and classification: the FastBuds hybrid emphasises very strong THC, while the G13 Labs version is an indica with a relatively mild aroma and unspecified strength.
If you are chasing powerful effects and are comfortable with higher THC, Original Auto Northern Lights is the more defined option. If you prefer a strain with a softer scent profile, a clear indica label, or you want to avoid committing to a “very strong” THC strain without more information, Northern Lights Auto is a sensible alternative.
By weighing your tolerance, aroma preferences, and trust in each breeder, you can select the version of Northern Lights Auto that best matches your first grow or next harvest.
