Azure Haze is an indica-dominant hybrid that may seem familiar to some cannabis connoisseurs. Created by famed breeder DJ Short, it has a parentage that’s seemingly identical to that of the uber-popular Blue Dream: DJ Short’s own Blueberry and Super Silver Haze. The difference is that Azure Haze’s Blueberry father comes from an earlier generation of plant stock -- F4 rather than F5. As such, this strain differs somewhat from Blue Dream in effects and physical characteristics. It’s still potent, though, with a THC content measured at between 16% and 20%.

Azure Haze is distinguished by its eye-catching flowers, which are typically medium to large in size. These buds have a tapered, pinecone-like shape, culminating in a pointed tip. In structure, the flowers appear more sativa than indica, with their relatively large, ragged leaves spiraling loosely outward from their central stems. The leaves themselves are a dark olive green and are threaded through by rust-colored pistils. Finally, a coating of translucent white trichomes gives these buds a dewy sheen and a very sticky texture that makes them hard to break up by hand.

When they are properly cured, a strong berry odor wafts up Azure Haze’s buds. On closer inspection, there’s also a tangy, sour-sweet scent. Meanwhile, grinding up or picking apart these flowers gives off a whiff of an entirely different blue food: blue cheese. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Azure Haze gives off a smooth, easily palatable smoke. This smoke carries the sweet taste of ripe blueberries on the exhale.

The high from Azure Haze has a somewhat slow onset. Eventually, the strain asserts itself with a distinct pressure around the eyes and lower forehead. Some smokers may also notice an increase in their salivation. Once users acclimate to these sensations, though, users enter a newly focused and energetic mindset. Certain thoughts may suddenly occupy more attention than when the user is sober. Inner monologues can also take on a new vibrancy, with ideas and concepts flowing in free association from one to the next. This cerebral mindset can be a good catalyst for getting work done, whether it’s analytical and task-based or more freewheeling and creative. As time passes, a body high sets in, sending waves of relaxation through the body even as the brain remains stimulated. In this latter stage, smokers may feel at ease, free of any lingering muscular tension as well as any prior preoccupations. While not necessarily strong enough to glue its consumers to the couch, Azure Haze’s relaxation can come at the expense of earlier energy and productivity. As with its close relative Blue Dream, this strain’s eventual combination of mental and physical stimulation makes it a good way to appreciate activities that involve both mind and body, like exercise or even sex. Azure Haze is recommended for consumption between late afternoon and early evening, when its taper down from stimulation to sedation can be fully appreciated.

Thanks to its powers of relaxation, Azure Haze can also have many uses for medical cannabis patients. In its early phases, its focus can help those with attention deficit disorders to maintain

focus on a single task. The bud’s general even temperament can also help to take the edge off of mild to moderate stress and depression. Physiologically speaking, Azure Haze can numb pain, whether it’s chronic and disease-related or minor, like headaches or nausea. Patients who are prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC should consume this strain with caution, as its recursive patterns of thinking can veer into paranoia in the wrong set and setting.

DJ Short has made seeds of Azure Haze available for sale online. Once obtained, it can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees. Plants grow short and bushy; growers should “top” their crops by trimming away any broad, light-blocking fan leaves that could prevent any low-growing nodes from flowering. Azure Haze flowers within 9 to 10 weeks and offers growers a high yield of flowers for their efforts.

Azure Haze is as enjoyable during introspective solo time as it is when shared with friends.If you bring it out in public though, be ready for its distinctive aroma to attract some attention.