Haze Cannabis Strain – Origin, Effects & Cultivation Tips

Few names in the cannabis world carry the legendary status of Haze. The Haze cannabis strain emerged decades ago and quickly became a cornerstone of modern cannabis genetics​. Renowned for its soaring, no-ceiling high (early Haze aficionados swore “the more you smoked, the higher you got”​), Haze has influenced countless popular strains and remains a favorite for its energizing sativa buzz. This iconic strain is not just another variety – it’s a foundational sativa that blends exotic flavors with a rich history. In this guide, we’ll explore Haze’s origin story, its flavorful terpene profile, the uplifting effects and medical benefits it offers, tips for growing Haze successfully, and even some Haze-like strains you might want to try. Let’s dive into what makes Haze such a timeless cannabis classic.

The Roots of the Haze Cannabis Strain

The story of Haze begins in Santa Cruz, California in the late 1960s–70s, amid the hippie and surfer counterculture. According to cannabis lore, two breeder brothers (now legendary as the “Haze Brothers”) accidentally created the first Haze by hybridizing various sativa seeds they had on hand​. These breeders were experimenting with imported landrace strains from around the world – and the exact mix is lost to history. Many believe Original Haze was a melting pot of tropical sativas, possibly including Colombian, Mexican, Indian, and Thai landrace varieties​. The result was a tall, lanky sativa plant with wispy buds and an electric cerebral high unlike anything people had experienced at the time.

Haze quickly developed a reputation for its potent sativa effects, but growers in California found it challenging to cultivate. It had an unusually long flowering time and grew very tall, which made it less practical for commercial grows. By the late 1970s, Original Haze even risked fading into obscurity due to these growing difficulties​. Fortunately, the story doesn’t end there. In the 1980s, Haze genetics made their way across the Atlantic to the Netherlands, spurring a renaissance. The details are debated – some credit breeder Nevil Schoenmakers obtaining Haze seeds and distributing them through The Seed Bank of Holland (one of the first cannabis seed banks in Europe)​, while others insist Sam “the Skunkman” – a friend of the Haze Brothers – brought a stash of Haze seeds to Amsterdam. Whatever the case, once Haze reached Holland, it became breeding gold. Dutch growers eagerly worked Haze into new hybrids, and the strain’s legacy truly began to take shape globally.

Over the subsequent decades, Haze cemented itself as the parent strain to a family of cannabis superstars. Breeders found that crossing Haze’s clear-headed sativa genetics with other varieties produced phenomenal results. For example, Super Silver Haze – a three-way hybrid combining Haze, Skunk #1, and Northern Lights – dominated High Times Cannabis Cups in the late 1990s​. Amnesia Haze carried Haze’s torch to win the Cannabis Cup in 2004 and 2012​. Even strains not obviously related to Haze have its influence: the famous Jack Herer was bred by combining a Haze hybrid with Northern Lights #5 and Shiva Skunk, aiming to capture Haze’s cerebral rush with some added indica resin production​. And of course, any strain with “Haze” in its name – from Amnesia Haze and Lemon Haze to Purple Haze – owes a debt to the original Santa Cruz Haze lineage. Haze genetics became fundamental building blocks of modern marijuana breeding, and its impact is still felt today in dispensaries and gardens worldwide​.

Flavor, Aroma, and Terpene Profile

One of the joys of Haze is its distinctive flavor and aroma. Crack open a jar of Haze and you’re greeted with a medley of citrus, sweet, and spicy scents. Classic Haze has a complex terpene profile that can combine earthy sweetness with sharp spice and citrusy zest​. Many liken the smell to incense or sandalwood with a bright splash of orange or lemon. For instance, the popular Super Lemon Haze phenotype emphasizes those lemony notes, while still carrying the basil-like spice undertone that Haze is known for. In fact, Royal Haze (a Haze hybrid) is described as having a “spicy citrus flavor” with an uplifting kick​– a signature Haze combination of sweet spice and tangy citrus. If you’ve ever smelled Amnesia Haze, you’ll notice a blend of earthy citrus and even a hint of pepper, showing the range of aromas Haze can produce​. Across the Haze family, aromas often range from tropical fruit and flowers to pine, pepper, and incense-like herbal notes.

So what’s behind these delicious flavors? It comes down to terpenes – the aromatic oils in the cannabis plant. Haze is rich in terpenes that give it a unique sensory profile. A few key players include myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene. Myrcene provides a fruity, musky sweetness (it’s also found in mangoes) and contributes a relaxed, stony undertone to the high​. Pinene, as the name suggests, adds a refreshing pine forest scent; in Haze strains it lends a crisp woody aroma and helps keep the mind clear and focused​. Caryophyllene is responsible for the peppery, spice notes – think cloves or black pepper – and it also has anti-inflammatory properties, adding a soothing aspect to Haze’s effect​. Often, a citrus terpene like limonene is present too, especially in Haze varieties with pronounced lemon or orange flavor. Limonene brings bright citrus peel aromas and an uplifting, euphoric effect. Together, this terpene cocktail gives Haze its signature aroma and flavor: a harmonious blend of sweet, citrusy, and spicy/herbal tones that tantalize the taste buds. You might notice hints of everything from freshly grated lemon zest to sweet earthy incense when you enjoy Haze. And as a bonus, these terpenes don’t just smell good – they synergize with Haze’s cannabinoids to shape its upbeat, energetic effects (for example, pinene can promote alertness, while myrcene may mellow anxiety). In short, the flavor and aroma of Haze are as iconic as its history: citrusy, spicy, and utterly enticing for those who appreciate complex terpene-rich strains.

Effects and Medical Benefits

Smoking or vaping Haze is often described as a mentally electrifying experience. As a pure or mostly-sativa strain, Haze delivers energetic, cerebral effects that hit quickly and last long. Within a few puffs, users typically feel a surge of euphoria and creative energy. It’s the kind of high that can inspire you to start an art project, clean the house, or simply ponder life’s mysteries with a grin on your face. Haze’s high is famously uplifting and heady, often inducing a happy mental buzz that many call “psychedelic” or trippy (without the paranoia, for most). Leafly’s description of one Haze descendant, Purple Haze, captures it well: a “high energy cerebral stimulation that awakens creativity and blissful contentment”​. In other words, Haze lifts your mood sky high. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself laughing at bad jokes or coming up with inventive ideas after a Haze session – it’s a strain that can truly get the mind going. Because of this, Haze is generally considered a daytime or afternoon strain. It provides motivation and focus (in moderate doses), making it great for socializing, creative endeavors, or outdoor activities. You won’t get couch-lock from pure Haze; instead, you’ll likely feel light on your feet and mentally stimulated.

Beyond recreation, these energizing effects have made Haze popular among medical cannabis patients seeking relief without sedation. Haze and Haze hybrids are commonly used to help manage stress, depression, and fatigue​. The strain’s ability to induce a positive, optimistic state of mind can be a blessing for those dealing with anxiety or a low mood (though high-THC sativas aren’t for everyone – more on that caveat shortly). Many users report that a small dose of Haze in the morning can wipe away grogginess and stress, providing a gentle mental “reset” that leaves them clear-headed and motivated. Those suffering from chronic fatigue or the lethargy that comes with depression may find Haze gives them a much-needed boost of energy and interest in activities​. Even though Haze isn’t high in CBD, some patients say its uplifting nature helps with pain management indirectly – by taking their mind off aches – and certain phenotypes might have modest anti-inflammatory qualities (possibly thanks to caryophyllene). Historically, Haze has also been used to stimulate appetite and even alleviate migraines for some individuals. Overall, the medical benefits of Haze tend to be on the mood and mind: it’s like a ray of sunshine for your mental state, which can, in turn, help with psychosomatic pain and fatigue.

It’s worth noting that Haze’s intense cerebral high can have some side effects, especially for novice users or those sensitive to strong sativas. The most common complaints are dry mouth and dry eyes – the classic “cottonmouth” and red eyes scenario – so keep some water and eye drops handy. In higher doses, or in people prone to anxiety, Haze can sometimes bring on a bit of jitteriness or paranoia​. Its very strength (mental stimulation and racing thoughts) can tip into anxiety if you overindulge or are not used to potent sativa strains​. If you’re someone who gets anxious with caffeine or very THC-rich strains, you’ll want to pace yourself with Haze. Start with a puff or two and see how you feel – remember, you can always have more, but you can’t un-smoke a joint! That said, many find that Haze’s positive feelings counteract their anxiety and OCD tendencies, providing focus without panic​. It’s all about finding the right dosage for your personal chemistry. In any case, Haze’s side effects are typically mild and manageable. Aside from dryness and potential anxiety, some users report dizziness or a rapid heart rate if they’re not prepared for the strong head-rush. Proper hydration, a relaxed setting, and a positive mindset can help ensure you enjoy all of Haze’s uplifting benefits with minimal downsides. All in all, Haze offers a quintessential sativa cannabis experience: a bright, creative head high that’s beloved for both recreational excitement and daytime medicinal relief.

Growing Haze: A Rewarding Challenge

Cultivating the Haze strain can be an adventure of its own – one seasoned growers often describe as a rewarding challenge. True to its pure sativa roots, Haze grows into a tall, lanky plant with long, thin-fingered leaves and an open, airy structure. This plant can tower if left unchecked: outdoors it can stretch well over 10 feet tall under ideal conditions, and even indoors you’ll need high ceilings. In fact, Haze strains tend to grow very tall and are best suited to outdoor grows or greenhouses where vertical space is not an issue​. Indoor growers can absolutely succeed with Haze (many do), but be prepared – you’ll likely need a grow tent or room at least 6–7 feet high, and even then you’ll be doing a lot of training to keep the plants manageable​. Techniques like topping, supercropping, and ScrOG (Screen of Green) are practically requirements if you want to tame a Haze indoors. The good news is Haze’s flexible, vine-like branches respond well to these methods. With regular pruning and training, you can coax it into a more bushy shape and prevent it from hitting your grow lights.

Aside from its height, the other aspect that makes Haze a challenge is its flowering time. Patience is key: Haze is not a “fast finish” strain. While indica-dominant hybrids might flower in 7–9 weeks, Haze often needs 10–14 weeks of flowering (sometimes even up to 16 weeks for old-school Haze phenotypes) to fully mature those precious buds​. This long flowering period harks back to Haze’s equatorial ancestry – tropical sativas evolved to take their time blooming near the equator. For growers, this means you’ll have to wait a bit longer to harvest, but the payoff can be huge. Haze plants, given the extra time, can develop truly staggering yields of top-shelf bud​. Growers have reported Haze monsters that produce harvests to rival even the heftiest indicas. Outdoors in a sunny climate, a single well-tended Haze plant can yield several hundred grams (or more) of resinous flower by late autumn. Indoors, expect a moderate yield per square meter, but again quality over quantity is the appeal – and Haze’s quality is exceptional. One tip: because of the extended flowering, make sure to support the branches as buds develop; Haze buds aren’t typically super dense, but they can still get weighty over time and you don’t want branches snapping late in bloom.

In terms of climate and care, Haze prefers a warm, sunny, and humid environment reminiscent of its tropical origins​. Think Mediterranean or equatorial climate – long warm summers and no early frost. Outdoor growers in temperate regions might struggle with Haze unless they have a greenhouse, because the plants may not finish flowering until late October or even November. If you do grow outdoors, a southern-facing spot with plenty of sun and some wind protection is ideal (Haze’s tall frame can get blown around in strong winds). Indoor growers should try to mimic those tropical conditions: temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F) and humidity around 50–60% during veg and early flower​. Keep good airflow, as Haze’s airy colas still need ventilation to prevent mold – the strain’s buds can foxtail and stack over the long flower period, which means lots of surface area for moisture to hide. As flowering progresses, you may want to gradually lower humidity to ~40-45% to be safe. Nutrient-wise, Haze can be moderately hungry, especially for nitrogen during its prolonged vegetative stretch. Giving a robust veg nutrient regimen and then ample phosphorus and potassium in bloom will help maximize its yield potential​. Just be careful not to overfeed all at once; slow and steady feeding wins the race. Many Haze growers also recommend pruning lower branches and lollipopping (removing the scraggly lower growth) around week 3 of flower – this ensures the plant focuses its energy on the top buds and improves light penetration and airflow​. Essentially, treat a Haze plant like a small tree: trim the excess, support the limbs, and give it plenty of light.

Is Haze suitable for beginners? Beginners can certainly give it a try, but they should be aware of the time and space commitment. Because of the long flowering time and height, Haze might test a first-timer’s patience and setup. If you’re new to growing, you might consider starting with a Haze hybrid (or an autoflowering Haze variety) that’s been bred for shorter stature and quicker finish. But if you’re up for a bit of a challenge, there’s no reason a newbie can’t succeed – just do your homework and tend to the plants regularly. Experienced growers, on the other hand, often love showing off their Haze grows. There’s a pride that comes with successfully bringing a Haze to full term, as it can be a “labor of love.” As one guide put it, growing Haze can be demanding, but the result is a high-quality, potent strain with top-of-the-line cerebral effects – in other words, it’s absolutely worth it in the end​. When you finally cure those long, silvery buds and get that first whiff of spicy citrus, you’ll understand why Haze has been captivating growers and smokers for generations. Stay patient, keep those plants healthy, and you’ll be rewarded with a piece of cannabis history in your harvest jar.

Looking for Haze-Like Strains? Check Out These Alternatives

Love the uplifting rush and flavors of Haze but want to explore other options? There are plenty of Haze-like strains that deliver similar sativa effects or put a unique twist on the Haze experience. Here are a few fantastic alternatives – all available as premium seeds from DNA Genetics – that Haze fans should have on their radar:

Blue Dream Feminized – A California classic that combines Haze’s euphoric sativa high with the sweet berry flavor of Blueberry. Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant hybrid born from a Blueberry × Haze cross, and it’s famous for its balanced effects. You’ll get a smooth, creative head buzz paired with gentle full-body relaxation – a perfect “anytime” strain. With sweet fruity aromas on the inhale and a touch of Haze spice on the exhale, Blue Dream offers a delicious flavor profile that appeals to Haze lovers. It’s also a bit easier to grow than straight Haze, finishing in about 9–10 weeks of flowering and producing hefty yields. If you’re looking for a strain that captures some Haze magic in a more mellow, beginner-friendly package, Blue Dream is a top choice.

Blue Dream Feminized Cannabis Seeds

Blue Dream Feminized Cannabis Seeds

	Blueberry x Haze #1
	Sativa-dominant Cannabis
	8–10 weeks
	4–24 oz./m²
	Feminized Cannabis Seeds

Buy Blue Dream Feminized Cannabis Seeds

Green Crack Feminized – Don’t let the name intimidate you; this is pure energy in plant form. Green Crack (sometimes called Green Cush) is a tangy, tropical sativa that’s all about an upbeat, focused high. It’s not a Haze by lineage (it’s thought to descend from Skunk #1), but it hits many of the same notes: invigorating mental buzz, enhanced creativity, and a clear-headed euphoria perfect for daytime use. In fact, Green Crack is often recommended for a morning strain – it’s like a cup of espresso without the jitters. Flavor-wise, it offers a sharp, citrus and mango-like sweetness that can remind you of Haze’s fruity side​. Growers appreciate that Green Crack finishes relatively fast (around 8–9 weeks flowering) and stays a bit shorter than a pure Haze, making it manageable indoors. If you crave the soaring energy and focus that sativas provide, Green Crack Feminized is a must-try alternative to Haze.

Swiss Miss Fem – Looking for something with Haze-like qualities but a shorter bloom time? Swiss Miss might be your girl. Bred by DNA Genetics, Swiss Miss is an indica-leaning hybrid (Miss DNA × Chocolope Kush) that still delivers a delightful head high alongside body relaxation. This strain brings some Haze family heritage through Chocolope Kush (which has Cannalope Haze in its lineage) and combines it with the solid, easy-growing traits of its indica side. The result is a strain that flowers in about 8–9 weeks​ and is much more forgiving to cultivate, yet rewards you with dank, fruity-chocolate aromas and a happy, talkative effect. Swiss Miss tends to stay shorter and bushier, making it suitable for indoor setups. The high is a bit more balanced – you’ll feel uplifted and creative, but also comfortably relaxed (no racey anxiety). It’s a great alternative for those who love Haze’s mood boost but want a strain that finishes faster or can be enjoyed later in the day without disrupting sleep. Plus, the unique flavor profile (hints of sweet berry, chocolate, and earth) offers a fresh twist that Haze fans can appreciate.

Chocolope Fem – A legendary DNA Genetics creation, Chocolope is a near-pure sativa (95%) that will delight Haze enthusiasts. This strain is actually a direct homage to sativas of the past: it’s a cross of Chocolate Thai × Cannalope Haze​. The high is very much in the Haze realm – upbeat, euphoric, and motivating – and it comes with an unmistakable flavor of sweet chocolate and coffee alongside fruity notes. Imagine the classic Haze buzz, but with the taste of a mocha latte! Chocolope has won multiple cannabis cups for its flavor and potent effects. Growers often find Chocolope more straightforward than an old-school Haze: it has a flowering time of around 9–10 weeks (relatively quick for a sativa) and is known to be high-yielding and quite easy to grow​. It can still get tall, but it responds well to training. If you want a strain that delivers that clear, joyous head high of Haze with a unique dessert-like twist, Chocolope Feminized is an excellent pick. It’s a connoisseur strain that truly lives up to the hype, marrying the best of Haze’s uplifting nature with a flavor that’s one-of-a-kind.

Each of these strains offers something Haze-like – be it the uplifting effects, the vibrant terpenes, or the cultivation style – while adding their own spin. Whether you’re after the berry sweetness of Blue Dream, the laser-focus of Green Crack, the quick-finishing balance of Swiss Miss, or the chocolaty bliss of Chocolope, you won’t be disappointed. All are available through DNA Genetics, so you can easily add these gems to your collection. Exploring these alternatives is a great way to appreciate the Haze family’s influence across the cannabis spectrum.

Join the Community and Earn Rewards

At DNA Genetics, we’re not just about providing top-quality seeds – we’re about building a community of passionate growers and cannabis enthusiasts. If you’re excited about strains like Haze, why not join our community and get rewarded for doing what you love? Sign up for our Loyalty DNA Points Program to earn points on every purchase. You can redeem your DNA Points for discounts on seeds, exclusive merchandise, and more. It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing DNA Genetics! Want even more perks? Check out the Seed Vault Club – an exclusive members club for true connoisseurs. Seed Vault members enjoy early access to new strain releases, members-only discounts, free seed giveaways, and a peek into our genetic library vault of rare seeds. It’s the ultimate VIP experience for collectors and breeders. Both programs are free to join and packed with value. We invite you to join the DNA Genetics family – connect with fellow growers, share your experiences, and earn awesome rewards along the way. Sign up today and start enjoying the benefits, or browse our shop to discover the next must-grow strain for your garden. Happy growing!