Sour Haze is a high-powered sativa that builds on the strength of its genetic background. It is a cross between pungent Sour Diesel and focused staple strain Haze. With a tangy, mouth-puckering flavor and long-lasting effects, this bud can be a great daytime smoker for productivity or socializing. Its THC levels have been measured at between 12% and 26%.

Sour Haze is marked by medium-sized flowers that hold a roughly globular shape with chunky edges. Although this strain is almost purely sativa, its buds maintain a tightly-packed, dense structure more characteristic of indica varieties. The small leaves are a vibrant shade of spring green and are twisted through with curly, rust-colored hairs -- which are actually pistils, botanical reproductive structures intended to catch pollen. Finally, translucent white trichomes cover the inner and outer nooks and crannies of these flowers, making them difficult to break up without a grinder.

When properly cured, Sour Haze’s flowers burst with a strong citrus aroma. On closer inspection, there’s also a sweet and sour odor characteristic of Skunk #1. Grinding up these buds, meanwhile, releases an herbal scent with hints of eucalyptus. When burnt, Sour Haze gives off a thick smoke that can be harsh on the sinuses and palate and may make eyes water. On the exhale, this smoke has a mostly lemon flavor.

A true sativa, Sour Haze needs very little time before its starts working. Almost immediately after drawing its thick smoke into their lungs, smokers are struck by a head rush. Temples may begin to throb and salivation may even increase due to increased blood pressure in the head; some also describe a reddening in their cheeks. Soon after acclimating to these new sensations, consumers might notice that their capacity for analytical thinking has increased. Ideas can take on a new intensity and may flow from one to the next in surprising new associations. As such, Sour Haze can enable concentration on complicated, work-related tasks. It can also open up creative avenues for freewheeling brainstorming. The bud’s tendency to boost internal monologues can help the conversation to flow smoothly and easily in social settings. In addition to bringing about this cerebral state, Sour Haze can give successful smokers a kind of buzzy, jittery energy. This jolt can be put to use with some light exercise or any other activity that involves complex coordination, like video games or even sex. Its immediacy and thoughtfulness may also be a good way to enhance hiking or camping trips to the great outdoors. Sour Haze brings few physical effects and is unlikely to slow smokers down with sluggishness or couchlock. This strain’s effects are said to last longer than usual, even for experienced cannabis consumers. Because it is more stimulating than relaxing, Sour Haze is recommended for daytime -- and even wake-and-bake -- use. If toked before bedtime, the strain is very likely to keep its users wide awake.

Sour Haze’s focused intensity gives it some application for medical cannabis patients. It can help those with attention deficit disorders to concentrate on single tasks. Its uplifted mood may also help to temporarily relieve mild to moderate stress or depression. Physiologically, Sour Haze can dull some mild, common inflammations like headaches or indigestion. Because it is known to bring about introspective and even paranoid states of mind in the wrong set and setting, this strain is not recommended for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Despite this crossbreed’s popularity, seeds of Sour Haze are not available for sale online. Those wishing to grow the strain at home must obtain clippings of existing plants to grow genetically identical “clones.” Plants can be fostered indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation requires a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. This sativa’s height may need to managed by indoor gardeners with occasional pruning. Sour Haze flowers within a long 9 to 11 weeks when grown indoors.

Sour Haze’s pure force makes it a must-try for sativa connoisseurs. If you toke this powerful bud in public, though, take any necessary precautions, as its pungency may attract some unwanted attention.