Black Haze

The “black” in this strain’s name refers to the dark purple, almost black color of its leaves. Not to be outdone by the flowers themselves, the high from this strain is strong and long-lasting. Its potency has been measured at between 14% and 22% THC.

Black Haze is a clear choice for social situations — it’s a great choice for enjoying the great outdoors with friends or simply shooting the breeze at home. If you do bring this strain out in public, be sure to bring enough to share, as its singular aroma is sure to turn some heads.

Effects

As the high wears on, Black Haze’s indica influence may become more apparent. However, these relaxing effects serve more to moderate the smoker’s newly-active thoughts than to impart any kind of heavy body stone. The clear-headed focus that persists throughout the high makes Black Haze great for tackling creative projects as well as finding analytical solutions to problem-oriented scenarios. Sedation and couch-lock are rarely reported, meaning that Black Haze is best enjoyed as an afternoon or a wake-and-bake strain.

Medical cannabis patients also find a variety of uses with this strain. Its mood-altering effects can temporarily relieve the acute symptoms of stress or depression. Its sustained sense of focus may be an aid to patients with attention deficit disorders. Physiologically, Black Haze may be an effective means of relief from chronic aches and pains. Although Black Haze is less cerebrally intense than other sativa strains, it may still tip over into paranoia or mind race for some. As a result, cannabis newcomers or those who are prone to panic should consume this strain with caution and moderation.

Additionally, there are some phenotypes of Black Haze in circulations that have a high CBD content but a lower THC index; these varieties have little to no psychoactivity, but they amplify the calming and pain-relieving effects so valued by medical cannabis patients.

Genetics

Black Haze is a sativa-leaning hybrid with a strong landrace background. It combines Colombian Black, Colombian Gold, and Purple Haze genetics to yield a fruity flavor and an active high. It is the creation of Pioneer Nuggets, a Washington state based breeder that supplies dispensaries throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Aroma

On initial inspection, buds of Black Haze have a woodsy aroma, redolent of pine and cedar. The Haze in this strain’s background also lends a perky herbal character, somewhat like potpourri. Meanwhile, grinding up or breaking open the flowers gives off some dank and earthy notes, redolent of leather. Black Haze has a smooth smoke when burnt. Its Haze lineage really comes through on the exhale, leaving behind an earthy and slightly floral taste.

Despite its somewhat sinister name, Black Haze’s fast acting high is anything but intimidating. Within relatively little time, users may notice an uptick in mood which, in the right set and setting, can bloom into euphoria. Smokers may also sense that their powers of perception are sharper; sights, sounds, and even tastes can take on intense new dimensions.

Identifying Black Haze

Flowers of Black Haze are striking in their dissimilarity to many other buds. They are medium to large in size and have an elongated shape. Rather than densely-packed, the leaves appear fluffy and wispy and can be torn away easily from their central stems. Most surprisingly, Black Haze’s leaves are more purple than green; these striking violet hues are a byproduct of a very high concentration of pigments (called anthocyanins) in the plant’s genetics.

Similar to the process by which depleted chlorophyll levels can create fiery red, orange, and yellow displays in autumn foliage, these anthocyanins cause cannabis leaves to reveal varying shades of blue and purple when stimulated by cold weather during the growing process. Black Haze’s already-colorful buds are shot through with fiery red pistils and are coated with sticky, translucent white trichomes.

Growing

Seeds of Black Haze are available from several digital retailers. Once obtained, this unique strain can be grown indoors or out. If cultivated outdoors, plants call for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures in the 72 to 80 degree Fahrenheit range; that said, this strain’s stable landrace genes may make its plants more resistant to temperature variations. Although Black Haze may not need much help to produce its trademark purple leaves, growers should accelerate the process, stimulating anthocyanins by exposing plants to cold weather late in the vegetative stage.