C5 Haze (The "Haze C" / Neville Cut): The Holy Grail of Sativas
C5 Haze (The "Haze C" / Neville Cut): The Holy Grail of Sativas
Strain Overview
Type: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (Heavily Sativa Leaning)
Origin: Netherlands (Bred by Neville Schoenmakers)
Lineage: Northern Lights #5 x Haze C (Male)
Flowering Time: 75 – 100+ Days (Phenotype Dependent)
Yield: Very High (if grown correctly)
Difficulty: Expert Level (Not for beginners)
In the deepest circles of cannabis connoisseurship, few names command as much reverence as Haze C. However, there is a common misconception that must be cleared up immediately: Haze C itself was a male plant.
When growers and smokers refer to the "Haze C Cut" or the "Neville Cut," they are almost exclusively referring to the legendary C5 Haze clone.
Bred by the "King of Cannabis," Neville Schoenmakers, in the late 1980s, the C5 is a specific selection of Northern Lights #5 x Haze C. It is considered by many to be the finest expression of the Haze genotype ever captured in clone form. While its sister, the A5 Haze, is known for its funky, meaty, and liver-like profile, the C5 (Haze C) is celebrated for its pure, soaring spirituality and classic Thai citrus-incense profile.
This is not modern "candy gas." This is old-school, heart-racing, psychedelic cannabis that defined the Amsterdam scene of the 90s.
History and Lineage: The Alphabet of Legends
To understand the C5, you must understand Neville's "Alphabet" breeding program, which reshaped the entire cannabis world.
The Haze C Male
The Source: Neville obtained Haze seeds from the Haze Brothers (via Sam the Skunkman). From these seeds, he selected three distinct males: Haze A, Haze B, and Haze C.
The Difference:
Haze A: Dominant Colombian influence. Woody, spicy, and earthy.
Haze C: Dominant Thai influence. Sweet, citrusy, and metallic.
The Cross: Neville realized pure Haze was too difficult to grow indoors. He crossed his best Indica, Northern Lights #5, with these Haze males.
The Result: The cross of NL#5 x Haze C produced the C5 phenotype. It retained the massive yield and structure of the NL#5 but the flavor and soaring high of the Thai-dominant Haze C.
Note: This lineage is also the backbone of the commercial seed strain "Neville's Haze," which is (NL#5 x Haze A) x Haze C.
Terpene Profile: Incense, Citrus, and Metal
The C5 Haze is famous because it lacks the "muddy" or "earthy" notes of many hybrids. It is sharp, piercing, and vibrant.
Dominant Terpenes
Terpinolene (The Haze Marker): Provides the sharp, fresh-cut pine and floral aroma distinct to true Sativas.
Limonene (The Thai Citrus): Unlike the candy lemon of modern strains, this presents as sour lime zest or grapefruit rind.
Humulene (The Wood): Adds the "church incense" or "sandalwood" background that Haze lovers chase.
Flavor Notes:
The Nose: A complex mix of metallic lemon, leather, and aged incense. It is often described as smelling like a "Catholic church."
The Smoke: Expansive and thick. It tastes of sour citrus and metal on the inhale, leaving a lingering, spicy aftertaste of cedar and black pepper.
Strain Effects: The "No-Ceiling" High
The C5 Haze is a "devotional" strain. It is not for watching TV; it is for thinking, creating, or existing in a state of high vibration.
The Onset: Immediate and racy. It hits behind the eyes with a pressure that some find overwhelming.
The Peak: This strain is famous for having "no ceiling." The more you smoke, the higher you get. It induces a psychedelic, visual head space. Colors seem brighter, and thoughts move at light speed.
The Duration: It is incredibly long-lasting. The high can persist for 4 to 5 hours, tapering off into a clear-headed energy rather than a crash.
The Warning: Due to the high THCV content often found in Thai genetics, this strain can induce paranoia and anxiety in those not used to pure Sativas.
Growing C5 Haze: The Expert's Test
The C5 Haze is notoriously difficult to tame. It is a vine, not a bush, and it demands respect.
Stretch: This plant stretches aggressively. It can easily triple or quadruple in height after switching to 12/12. You must train it (SCROG or LST) or it will hit the ceiling.
Feeding: It is sensitive to Nitrogen. "Less is more." Overfeeding will cause the leaves to claw and the flowering to stall.
Flowering Time: Patience is key. While the NL#5 influence speeds it up slightly compared to pure Haze, the C5 still requires 10 to 14 weeks to fully ripen.
Environment: It thrives in high light intensity but dislikes high humidity. Good airflow is essential to prevent mold in its foxtailing buds.
FAQ: Clearing the Confusion
Q: Is Haze C a male or a female? A: Haze C was a male. If someone offers you a "Haze C clone," they are likely offering you the C5 (NL#5 x Haze C) or potentially a different cross. The male plant itself is extinct or held only in very private breeding libraries.
Q: What is the difference between C5 and A5 Haze? A: Both are crosses of NL#5 x Haze.
A5 (Haze A Male): More Colombian influence. Smells like liver, stewed meat, and skunk.
C5 (Haze C Male): More Thai influence. Smells like citrus, incense, and metal.
Q: Is this the same as "Neville's Haze" seeds? A: Close, but not identical. The seed strain Neville's Haze (sold by Mr. Nice / Green House) is a complex backcross: (NL5 x Haze A) x Haze C. The C5 clone is a simpler F1 cross: NL5 x Haze C. The C5 clone is often considered "fresher" and more vigorous than the seed lines.
Final Verdict
C5 Haze (The Neville Cut) is a time capsule. It transports you back to a time when cannabis was about expanding consciousness rather than just getting sedated. It is a challenging grow and an intense smoke, but for the true Sativa lover, it is the peak of the mountain.
Score: 10/10 (The Sativa Gold Standard)