Neville's Haze: The King of Cannabis
Neville's Haze: The King of Cannabis
Strain Overview
Type: Near-Pure Sativa (90% Sativa / 10% Indica)
Origin: Netherlands (Mr. Nice Seedbank / Greenhouse Seeds)
Lineage: (Northern Lights #5 x Haze A) x Haze C
THC Content: 21% – 25% (with high THCV potential)
Dominant Terpenes: Terpinolene, Myrcene, Beta-Caryophyllene
Key Effects: Soaring Euphoria, Spiritual Creativity, Intense Energy, Visual Distortion
Neville’s Haze is not just a strain; it is a rite of passage. Named after Neville Schoenmakers—the undisputed "King of Cannabis" and the man responsible for the modern seed bank industry—this strain is widely regarded as the best Haze ever made.
Released in the 1990s, it was the first strain to successfully stabilize the unruly, long-flowering Haze genetics into a form that could technically be grown indoors (though barely). It is a tall, lanky, unapologetic Sativa that refuses to compromise. It doesn't care about your grow schedule, and it doesn't care if you have anxiety. It offers one of the most electric, psychedelic highs known to man.
If you are tired of the sedative "couch-lock" of modern poly-hybrids, Neville’s Haze is the antidote. It is cannabis in its most spiritual form.
History and Lineage: The Genetic Masterpiece
To understand Neville’s Haze, you have to understand the "Alphabet" breeding program that Neville ran in Holland.
The Equation
The Mother: Northern Lights #5 x Haze A. This combined the structure of NL#5 with the woody, spicy Colombian influence of the "Haze A" male.
The Father: Haze C. The legendary Thai-dominant male responsible for the citrus/incense profile and the soaring cerebral high.
The Result: By backcrossing the hybrid to the Haze C male, Neville created a plant that is effectively 75% Haze and 25% Northern Lights. The small amount of NL#5 is there solely to keep the plant from growing forever, but the Haze traits dominate everything else.
The Legacy: This strain won the High Times Cannabis Cup in 1998 and has been the genetic base for countless other Sativas, including Super Silver Haze and Mango Haze.
Terpene Profile: The Smell of Church
Neville’s Haze has a polarizing aroma. It lacks the candy sweetness of a Gelato or the skunkiness of an OG. It smells ancient.
Dominant Terpenes
Terpinolene (The Sharpness): This is the hallmark of a true Haze. It provides a complex aroma of fresh apples, pine, and floral spice. It is responsible for the "zippy" mental energy.
Myrcene (The Earth): Despite being a Sativa, it contains high levels of Myrcene, which adds a heavy, mango-like musk to the background.
Beta-Caryophyllene (The Spice): Adds a kick of black pepper and wood.
Flavor Notes:
The Nose: A profound mix of frankincense, cedar wood, and sour metal. Many users describe it as smelling like an old Catholic church.
The Smoke: It produces a wispy, fragrant smoke. The taste is sour lemon, pine sap, and eucalyptus, leaving a lingering spicy sensation on the tongue.
Strain Effects: The Psychedelic Elevator
Neville’s Haze is famous for its "elevator high"—it just keeps going up.
The Spiritual Experience
The Onset: It hits instantly, but not with a heavy blow. It feels like a vibration starting in the chest and moving to the head.
The Peak: This is a true psychedelic cannabis. Colors become saturated. Music feels three-dimensional. Your thoughts will race at a million miles an hour. It is incredibly introspective and creative.
The "Fear": Because it contains high levels of THCV (a cannabinoid common in African and Thai Sativas), it can induce heart palpitations and paranoia. If you are prone to anxiety, tread carefully.
The Duration: It is a marathon runner. The effects can last 4 to 6 hours, making it one of the longest-lasting highs on the market.
Best For: Musicians, artists, hikers, and anyone looking for a "trippy" experience without using psychedelics.
Medical Benefits of Neville's Haze
This is powerful mental medicine, but it must be used correctly.
Top Medical Uses:
Depression: It is arguably the best anti-depressant strain available. It forces you out of apathy and into a state of wonder.
Chronic Fatigue: It provides raw, jittery energy. It is better than a double shot of espresso.
Appetite Stimulation: Despite its energy, it triggers a strong hunger response.
Neuropathic Pain: While not a body numbed, it distracts the mind from pain signals effectively.
Growing Neville's Haze: The Ultimate Challenge
This is the "Final Boss" of growing. If you can grow Neville’s Haze to perfection, you can grow anything.
Growth Structure
The Height: This plant does not stop growing. Even in a 12/12 light cycle from seed, it can reach 6 feet tall. In a standard cycle, it becomes a tree. You cannot grow this in a tent without aggressive training (SCROG).
The Flowering Time: Patience is mandatory. It takes 14 to 16 weeks to flower. That is nearly four months of blooming.
The Sensitivity: It hates high nutrients. If you feed it like an OG Kush, it will burn and die. It needs a light hand.
The Yield: If you have the patience, the yield is astronomical. The buds are long, running "spears" rather than golf balls.
Grower’s Tip: Switch to a 11/13 light cycle (11 hours on, 13 hours off) during the last few weeks to trick the plant into thinking winter is coming. This helps it finally finish flowering.
Final Verdict: Is Neville's Haze Right for You?
Neville’s Haze is for the purist. It is for the smoker who thinks modern weed is "too boring" and wants to feel electricity run through their veins.
You should choose Neville's Haze if:
You are an experienced grower looking for a challenge.
You want a Sativa that feels closer to a psychedelic than a sedative.
You love the taste of incense, pine, and wood.
You have a high tolerance and want a strain that can still surprise you.