Super Silver Haze

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Overview

Super Silver Haze (SSH) is a sativa-leaning hybrid released in the mid-1990s by Green House Seeds in Amsterdam. The strain won first place at the High Times Cannabis Cup in 1997, 1998, and 1999 in the sativa/hybrid categories, a run that cemented its reputation among haze enthusiasts.

Flowers are typically pale green with heavy trichome coverage—the 'silver' in the name refers to this frosted appearance—and are long, spear-shaped rather than dense. The aroma is sharp and complex: citrus, skunk, and incense notes that most haze growers recognize immediately. The plant itself is tall, stretchy, and late-flowering compared to modern indica-dominant hybrids, demanding both vertical space and patience.

Lineage and Disputed Origins

The commonly cited recipe is Skunk #1 × Northern Lights × Haze. Green House Seeds markets SSH as a three-way cross stabilized from a Neville's Haze–style father and a Skunk/Northern Lights mother, though exact parent ratios have never been formally published Disputed.

A few important caveats:

• 'Haze' is not a single clone. The original Haze genetics from 1970s Santa Cruz were a mix of Colombian, Mexican, Thai, and South Indian sativas. Which specific haze line went into SSH has been described differently in different interviews, and the exact lineage is disputed among breeders Disputed.
• Attribution gets political. Sam the Skunkman, Neville Schoenmakers, and Green House Seeds have all been part of the haze pipeline. Multiple people claim credit; documentation is sparse.
• Most circulating clones lack provenance. Two plants sold as 'Super Silver Haze' outside Green House Seeds' direct supply can be genuinely different chemovars. Certificate of Analysis (COA) and lab testing alone cannot confirm lineage No data.

If lineage matters to you, source directly from Green House Seeds. Otherwise, accept that you're growing 'a SSH-adjacent cut' and enjoy it on its own merits.

Chemistry: Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Cannabinoids. Lab data from regulated markets (Washington, Colorado, Canada) typically place SSH samples between 18% and 23% THC, with CBD below 0.5%—a THC-dominant chemotype ^[1][2] Strong evidence. Variation between phenotypes and different grows is normal. Numbers above 25% on dispensary labels should be treated skeptically; testing standards vary by jurisdiction, and some labs produce inflated results ^[2] Strong evidence.

Terpenes. Published lab data on SSH most often show terpinolene as the dominant terpene, with significant myrcene, ocimene, and caryophyllene present ^[1][3] Strong evidence. This terpinolene-forward profile is shared with other haze-descended cultivars like Jack Herer and Dutch Treat, and contributes to SSH's bright, piney-citrus, slightly floral character.

One important note: terpene profiles vary by phenotype, harvest timing, drying, and storage. A specific jar of SSH may not match published averages. The folklore that you can predict effects from terpenes alone—especially the often-repeated myrcene 0.5% threshold that supposedly shifts a strain from sativa to indica—has no scientific support No data.

Reported Effects

There are no strain-specific clinical trials on Super Silver Haze. Everything below comes from user reports, breeder descriptions, and budtender feedback Anecdote.

Common self-reported effects:

• Fast-onset cerebral, 'up' high
• Talkativeness, focus, mild euphoria
• Appetite stimulation
• Light body load relative to indica-dominant hybrids

Common self-reported downsides:

• Anxiety or racing thoughts at higher doses, especially in less experienced users
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Shorter duration than many indica hybrids

Whether these effects come from SSH's terpene profile, its ~20% THC, minor cannabinoids, or simply from expectation is unknown. The Indica/Sativa Myth explains why 'sativa = energizing' does not hold up under scrutiny Strong evidence. The honest framing: SSH reliably delivers a strong, energetic-feeling high in most users, but this is likely driven by its THC dose and user expectancy rather than the strain name itself Weak / limited.

Growing Super Silver Haze

SSH is rewarding but not beginner-friendly.

Flowering time: 10–11 weeks indoors; outdoor harvest in late October at northern latitudes.

Structure: Tall and lanky, with significant stretch (often 2–3× height) after flowering flip. Plan for vertical space, use low-stress training, and veg only as long as your space allows. Flipping smaller plants is easier than managing a 6-foot monster mid-grow.

Yields: Green House Seeds reports around 800 g/m² under optimized commercial conditions; home growers typically achieve 400–500 g/m² Weak / limited.

Climate: Prefers warm, dry conditions. The combination of long flowering and airy bud structure makes late-flower mold (botrytis) a serious risk in humid environments. Ensure good air circulation in weeks 8–11.

Feeding: Tolerates moderate to heavy feeding mid-flower. Fade nutrients cleanly in the final two weeks to improve smoke quality.

Phenotype variation: From seed, expect at least one tall 'haze-leaner' phenotype with longer flower time and one shorter, faster, skunkier phenotype. Most growers keep the haze-leaner if aroma is the priority.

SSH is also a parent or grandparent in many modern hybrids, including Super Lemon Haze, and breeders often use it specifically for its terpinolene profile.

Marketing vs. Reality

Bottom line: SSH is historically important and produces genuinely good cannabis. Buy it for the aroma, structure, growth pattern, and pedigree—not for medical promises or because the name guarantees a specific effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Super Silver Haze a sativa or indica?

SSH is a sativa-leaning hybrid. Its structure, flowering time, and many user reports fit the sativa profile. However, the Indica/Sativa Myth explains why this botanical classification does not reliably predict effects. SSH delivers what most users call an 'up' high, but that's driven by THC dose and expectancy, not the sativa label itself Strong evidence.

What is the THC level of Super Silver Haze?

Lab data from regulated markets typically show SSH samples between 18% and 23% THC, with CBD below 0.5% ^[1][2] Strong evidence. Individual jars vary based on phenotype, grow conditions, and testing lab. Numbers above 25% should be viewed skeptically.

How long does Super Silver Haze take to flower?

10–11 weeks indoors; late October outdoors at northern latitudes. This is significantly longer than many modern indica-dominant hybrids, requiring patience and a long veg cycle if you want a large plant.

Who bred Super Silver Haze?

Green House Seeds in Amsterdam released SSH in the mid-1990s. The exact parent cross (Skunk #1 × Northern Lights × Haze) has never been formally published by the breeder, and the precise lineage within the haze genetics remains disputed Disputed.

Sources

How this page was made

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