¶ Super Silver Haze
¶ Overview
Super Silver Haze (SSH) is a sativa-dominant cultivar created by crossing Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze genetics. Developed by Green House Seeds in the Netherlands, SSH quickly distinguished itself by winning the High Times Cannabis Cup three consecutive years (1997, 1998, and 1999) -- a feat matched by very few strains in history. It captures the cerebral, energizing character of Haze while the Skunk and Northern Lights parentage contribute structure, resin production, and a more manageable flowering time. SSH remains a benchmark for quality sativa effects and a favorite among users seeking energetic, euphoric daytime cannabis.
¶ Quick Stats
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Sativa |
| THC % | 18-23% |
| CBD % | <1% |
| Dominant Terpenes | Terpinolene, Caryophyllene |
| Flowering Time | 60-70 days |
| Yield | Moderate to high (450-550 g/m² indoor) |
| Growing Difficulty | Difficult |
¶ Genetics & Lineage
Super Silver Haze is a three-way cross:
- Skunk -- The classic hybrid contributing reliable genetics and moderate flowering time
- Northern Lights -- The legendary indica contributing structure, resilience, and faster flowering
- Haze -- The original sativa powerhouse (Colombian x Mexican x Thai x South Indian) contributing cerebral, creative effects
Parent lineage: Skunk x Northern Lights x Haze
Green House Seeds developed SSH in the 1990s with the goal of creating a Haze-dominant strain that retained the signature cerebral Haze effects while being somewhat more practical to cultivate. The Northern Lights and Skunk contributions shortened the flowering time compared to pure Haze and added yield and resin production. SSH has been widely distributed and cloned, and multiple phenotype selections exist across different growers.
¶ Cannabinoid Profile
| Cannabinoid | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| THC (Total) | 18-23% |
| CBD | <1% (typically 0.1-0.3%) |
| CBG | 0.5-1.5% |
| CBN | <0.5% (increases with age) |
SSH occupies the upper-moderate to high THC range, delivering potent sativa effects that are well-suited to experienced users and daytime consumption.
¶ Terpene Profile
| Terpene | Approximate Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Terpinolene | 30-45% | Dominant terpene; floral, herbal, citrus associated with energizing effects |
| Caryophyllene | 15-25% | Spicy, peppery depth adding complexity |
| Pinene | 5-10% | Subtle pine freshness |
| Myrcene | 5-10% | Lower than indica strains, consistent with clear-headed sativa effects |
| Ocimene | 3-8% | Sweet, herbal citrus notes |
The terpinolene-dominant profile is characteristic of Haze genetics and closely associated with the strain's energizing, euphoric effects.
¶ Effects & Experience
Super Silver Haze is widely reported to produce:
- Energy and alertness -- A strong, invigorating cerebral effect that promotes daytime activity and engagement
- Euphoria -- A bright, intense mood lift that is cheerful and uplifting
- Creativity and sociability -- Enhanced creative thinking and social engagement, making it popular for social settings and creative work
- Appetite stimulation -- Moderate increase in hunger
Onset: Effects begin within minutes when smoked or vaporized; 30-90 minutes when consumed orally.
Duration: 2-4 hours for inhaled consumption; 4-8 hours for oral consumption.
Intensity: Strong. The effects are pronounced and long-lasting, making SSH best suited to experienced sativa users.
⚠️ Effects are self-reported and vary by individual, dose, tolerance, and consumption method. Not a prediction of any individual's experience.
¶ Aroma & Flavor
- Smell: Citrus, earthy, and spicy with herbal undertones. The terpinolene-caryophyllene combination gives it a bright, sharp aroma with a spicy depth that is distinctive of quality Haze genetics.
- Taste: Citrus and earthy on the inhale, with spicy and slightly herbal notes on the exhale. The flavor is clean and classic, with a pleasant citrus brightness.
¶ Medical Usesdanger
Not Medical Advice -- The following lists commonly reported therapeutic applications. This does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis therapeutically.
Commonly reported uses include:
- Depression and low mood -- The intense uplifting effect is frequently cited for mood elevation
- Fatigue -- The energizing quality provides sustained daytime functionality
- Stress relief -- The cheerful euphoria is reported to reduce stress while maintaining energy
- Pain management -- Reported to provide pain relief without sedation, allowing daytime functionality
- Nausea -- Commonly used to address nausea while remaining functional
¶ Adverse Effects
Commonly reported adverse effects:
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Anxiety or racing thoughts at higher doses
- Increased heart rate
- Paranoia, particularly in users sensitive to sativa effects
- Difficulty sleeping if used late in the day
- Dizziness at higher doses
¶ Growing Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Difficult -- requires experience with sativa cultivation and patience with longer flowering |
| Flowering Time | 60-70 days (indoor) |
| Yield | 450-550 g/m² indoor; 600+ g/plant outdoor |
| Plant Height | Tall -- significant sativa stretch; height management is essential indoors |
| Preferred Environment | Indoor or outdoor; prefers warm, sunny conditions. Needs vertical space. |
| Resistance | Moderate resistance to mold and pests. Vigorous grower but requires experience. Responds well to SCROG and extensive training. Nutrient sensitivity requires attention. |
Super Silver Haze is a challenging strain to grow, primarily due to its significant sativa height characteristics and longer flowering time. The plant stretches considerably during early flowering, requiring aggressive training (SCROG, topping, supercropping) to manage height indoors. The Haze genetics bring some nutrient sensitivity and environmental demands. However, the Northern Lights and Skunk heritage provides more resilience than pure Haze varieties. Outdoor harvest in the Northern Hemisphere typically falls in mid to late October, and the plant can grow very large in outdoor settings.
¶ Awards & Recognition
- High Times Cannabis Cup 1997 -- 1st place
- High Times Cannabis Cup 1998 -- 1st place
- High Times Cannabis Cup 1999 -- 1st place
- Three consecutive wins make SSH one of the most decorated strains in Cannabis Cup history
- Green House Seeds' reputation was significantly elevated by SSH's success
- The strain remains a benchmark for sativa quality decades after its introduction
¶ Similar Strains
- Jack Herer -- Comparable award-winning sativa-dominant with Haze genetics
- Amnesia Haze -- Similar Haze-dominant sativa with creative effects
- Durban Poison -- Comparable energizing, focus-promoting sativa
- Haze -- Parent lineage
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