The Northern Lights are expected to make a rare appearance this week in as many as 17 states and lower Canada including Toronto and Vancouver. The holy grail of sky watching, the beautiful dancing waves of light have captivated people for millennia. The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, is a phenomenon whereby electrically charged particles that are sent flying from the sun collide with gas molecules and atoms in our atmosphere. These collisions release light, which under certain conditions, can be viewed in various places across the world.  Usually in the extreme northern parts like Scandinavia, Alaska, and Iceland.

According to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the Northern Lights are expected to be visible this Wednesday/Thursday, (July 12-13), with the best viewing time between 10PM and 2AM local time according to the Space Weather Prediction Center. The unique dazzling display of colors is expected to be visible in parts of New York, Washington, Idaho, Vermont, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Maryland, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. Observers likely want to avoid areas with high light pollution (such as cities) for the best view. 

Photo via devilslettuceph/Instagram

While the way we experience cannabis can vary significantly, a common effect is heightened sensory perception, which may result in even more intense or vibrant colors while watching the Northern Lights. Artists, creators, and storytellers have long used cannabis to aid in their creativity and deepen experiences. Similarly, the Northern Lights have inspired numerous works, stories, and myths, many of which have stood the test of time. For those looking for inspiration or a potentially spiritual experience, the right strain might help you see a new light.  

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If you are a canna-newbie or canna-curious, you might try low-dose THC products, such as a fast-acting beverage with 2.5mg of THC. Arguably as important as the type of weed you enjoy, is the way in which you do so. Smoking is the premier way people consume, especially those over 50. Vaporizers, popular in the under 50 set, offers inhalation consumption but may be less irritating over prolonged periods.  

For those looking to avoid inhalation all together, edibles are a popular option. The types of edibles which you have access to may vary, but s’mores made with cannabis-infused chocolate allow for a social activity while you’re waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. Timing is key with edibles, plan to take them 45 to an hour before the light and be careful not to over-consume. You want to make a memory, not sleep through the experience.

Other non-inhalation options also exist, many of which have more predictable onset times and/or less calories than edibles. Tinctures, sprays, and the often overlooked sublingual, are just a few options. 

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Highlighting the mystic effects and enhancement, there is actually a strain named after the natural phenomenon – Northern Lights. Though those looking to pair Northern Lights cannabis with the actual Northern Lights, be warned, the indica cannabis strain is known for its potentially sleep-inducing effects. For those worried about staying up to see the lights, a more energizing strain might do the trick. Though for those accustomed to late hours, a focus on more euphoric strains might best enhance the experience.