Pure Haze
Colombian × Mexican × Thai × South Indian
Pure Haze, also historically known as Original Haze, is a sativa strain originating from the Santa Cruz scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Popularized by the Haze Brothers, it is characterized by its tall, elongated growth and a distinct incense-like aroma.
Appearance
Pure Haze is a tall, lanky sativa with narrow, elongated leaves and significant spacing between nodes. Its plants exhibit strong apical dominance but can develop vigorous lateral branches under ideal conditions. The buds are airy, often foxtailed, with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, and feature thin sugar leaves with moderate trichome coverage.
Indoor plants can reach over 1.5-2.0 meters, while outdoor specimens may exceed 3-4 meters in suitable climates. A notable stretch, often 200-300%, occurs in the initial weeks of flowering.
Aroma & Flavor
The aroma of Pure Haze is a complex blend, often described as incense-like, with notes of cedar, sweet citrus, and a hint of peppery herbal spice. Upon grinding, sharper scents like lime zest and fresh pine may emerge. The flavor profile typically mirrors the aroma, presenting bright citrus and pine on the inhale, followed by cedar and spice notes, and finishing with lingering sweetness.
Consumption, particularly through vaporization at moderate temperatures, can accentuate floral and citrus characteristics, while combustion may reveal spicier, woodier undertones. The aroma can be volatile, with top notes dissipating relatively quickly after exposure.
Effects
Pure Haze is known for delivering cerebral and creative effects that are long-lasting. It provides a clear-headed experience that can enhance focus, making it a popular choice for daytime use.
Terpenes & Cannabinoids
While specific lab data varies, Pure Haze is often characterized by a terpene profile led by terpinolene, with significant contributions from myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, ocimene, and alpha-pinene. These contribute to its distinct aroma and flavor notes. The THC content is reported around 14%, with CBD levels below 1%.
Growing
Pure Haze is a tall, late-finishing sativa that requires significant vertical space and a longer flowering period, potentially 12-18 weeks depending on the phenotype. It prefers warmer canopies and higher light levels. Its airy bud structure and high calyx-to-leaf ratio can simplify trimming, though staking may be necessary to support its long colas.
The difficulty is considered moderate to high due to its demanding growth habits and extended flowering time. Yields can be substantial given its size and resin production, but require dedicated cultivation efforts.
Origins & Lineage
Pure Haze traces its lineage to the Santa Cruz, California area in the late 1960s and early 1970s, popularized by the Haze Brothers. It is a polyhybrid derived from landrace sativas, reportedly including Colombian, Mexican, Thai, and South Indian genetics. These were meticulously selected and recombined over multiple seasons.
In the early 1980s, the genetics were brought to the Netherlands, where they were further refined and became foundational for many modern Haze hybrids. The term 'Pure Haze' is often used to denote selections that closely resemble the original, avoiding significant indica influence.