Island Haze is a fruity, sativa-dominant hybrid that may have been created by Canadian breeders Island Herb. This strain combines flavorful Cannalope Haze with the Blueberry-descended Blue Jam. With a double dose of Haze is in genetics, Island Haze brings sharp, head-focused effects and a complex flavor. Its THC content ranges from 18% to 24%.

Island Haze stands out with medium-sized flowers that have an elongated, spindly shape. The internal structure of these flowers is a testament to their sativa roots, with that twist outward at their edges, giving the buds a fluffy appearance. These feathery leaves themselves are a mossy, yellowish green and are threaded through with curly orange pistils. A thick layer of translucent white trichomes finishes off these buds, making them hard to break up by hand.

When properly cured, Island Haze’s flowers have a tangy, fruity scent with distinct berry notes. A closer inspection might pick up on some citrus as well. Grinding up or picking apart the flowers, meanwhile, yields more of a skunky odor. When Island Haze is burnt in a pipe or a joint, it gives off a smooth, tropical smoke that’s typically easy on the user’s lungs. On the exhale, this smoke mixes sour and fruity flavors.

Like those of many other sativa-dominant strains, Island Haze’s effects take hold quickly, sometimes hitting users before they’ve even had a chance to exhale. At first, the high manifests as a headrush, bringing sensations like increased blood pressure near the temples or some flushing in the cheeks. Once these facial tics die down, though, smokers are granted access to a higher plane of thinking. Ideas may seem to take on a new gravity or intensity, allowing users to conceive of previously unremarkable concepts (or even objects) in surprising new ways. This cerebral mindset can enable productivity on everything from detailed analytical tasks to freewheeling creative projects. Those who are in a lazier mood, on the other hand, can enjoy Island Haze’s mental buzz as they go about their daily agenda.

Even after an hour, Island Haze’s high remains free of any weighty physical effects. While they may experience some release of muscular tension or be able to breathe more deeply and resotarively, consumers aren’t likely to be totally incapacitated or couchlocked. Instead, Island Haze tends to provide buoyant energy, allowing those who are so inclined to burn it off with exercise. This strain’s combination of mental and physical stimulation can even make it a potent aphrodisiac -- given the right setting and company, of course. In social situations, Island Haze can inspire chattiness and camaraderie, even when shared with relative strangers. Because of its unabated levels of energy, this strain is recommended for daytime consumption -- or, for experienced consumers, even as a wake-and-bake smoke.

Island Haze’s upbeat effects can also have several uses for medical cannabis patients. For one, its mental edge can help those with attention deficit disorders to work on one task at a time. Additionally, its generally uplifted feeling may temporarily soothe the symptoms of mild to moderate stress or depression. On the physical end of the spectrum, Island Haze can take the sting out of aches and pains, whether they're due to temporary inflammation or to chronic conditions like COPD or arthritis. Its ability to induce the munchies can also make this strain a good appetite stimulant for those suffering from digestive conditions or undergoing chemotherapy. However, because its sense of “mindrace” can be disorienting for some, Island Haze is not recommended for patients who are prone to paranoia or who have a low THC tolerance.

Fortunately for prospective growers, seeds of Island Haze are available for sale online. Once obtained, it can be grown in monitored indoor conditions or outdoors in humid climates with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These sativa plants can grow quite tall and may require indoor gardeners with limited space to maintain their height with occasional pruning. Island Haze flowers within about 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors.

As enjoyable for a daytime hike as it is for lounging at home and daydreaming, Island Haze is a must-try for sativa lovers.