Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Origins
Mako Haze is a celebrated mostly sativa cultivar bred by Kiwiseeds, a breeder group with roots in both New Zealand and the Netherlands. Released in the mid-2000s, it quickly drew attention for combining classic Haze vigor with a cleaner, more manageable flowering time than many old-school Hazes. In 2006, Mako Haze earned significant acclaim by winning Best Sativa at the High Times Cannabis Cup, a high-profile validation that helped cement its reputation among connoisseurs and growers.
Kiwiseeds developed Mako Haze with the goal of delivering a soaring, cerebral effect reminiscent of the original Haze family while improving yield and reliability. The name pays homage to the mako shark—fast, sleek, and powerful—reflecting the cultivar’s energetic effect profile and vigorous growth. Its track record on the competition stage and in home gardens created a ripple effect, with the strain entering seed catalogs and databases across Europe and beyond.
Today, Mako Haze is cataloged by major cannabis resources, which speaks to its enduring notability. For example, Mako Haze appears on large cannabis portals’ strain lists and sitemaps, indicating sustained interest among growers and consumers. Its persistence in the market is rare for a 2000s-era sativa in a landscape increasingly dominated by dessert-flavored hybrids, underscoring the cultivar’s distinct identity and performance.
Genetic Lineage and Context within the Haze Family
Kiwiseeds has not publicly released a definitive, parent-by-parent pedigree for Mako Haze. However, they describe it as a Haze-forward selection refined for speed, yield, and resin, aligning it with the broader Dutch Haze breeding tradition. Within public genealogy resources, Mako Haze frequently appears adjacent to or in the context of classic Haze works, including NL#5 Haze references and other Haze derivatives, suggesting kinship with that celebrated gene pool without naming exact parental lines.
A cross-reference of strain genealogies shows Mako Haze listed alongside entries that pair “Unknown Strain” lines with NL 5 Haze selections—a signal that the cultivar occupies the same lineage neighborhood as the Dutch Haze canon. While this does not prove direct parentage, it supports the working hypothesis that Mako Haze derives from or parallels elite Haze lines stabilized during the 1990s–2000s in the Netherlands. The chemotype and morphology—a tall frame, extended internodes, and terpinolene-forward bouquet—further corroborate a classic Haze backbone.
Contextually, Mako Haze stands out for balancing true sativa architecture with finishing times that are shorter than the legendary 12–14-week Hazes of the 1980s. In grow rooms, it tends to finish in roughly 9–11 weeks, i.e., 63–77 days, which is roughly 15–30% faster than many old-school Hazes. This improvement in practicality likely reflects smart parent selection and stabilization by Kiwiseeds rather than heavy Indica introgression, as the final effect remains distinctly uplifting and bright.
Botanical Appearance and Morphology
Mako Haze exhibits a textbook sativa structure: tall, airy, and highly branched with elongated colas. Internodal spacing typically ranges from 5–10 cm indoors, increasing to 8–12 cm outdoors under high-intensity sun. Leaves are narrow with long fingers and a light-to-medium green coloration, often transitioning to lime hues under strong light and optimal nutrition.
During flowering, Mako Haze develops long, tapering inflorescences with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, commonly observed around 2:1 to 3:1. Buds are moderately dense for a Haze—more substantial than haze landraces but still lighter than modern cookie/hybrid tops. Stigmas mature from vibrant white to orange or light copper, while trichomes accumulate heavily on bracts and sugar leaves, producing a glistening, sanded appearance.
The cultivar stretches significantly when switching to 12/12 lighting, typically 150–250% of its pre-flower height. Indoor heights of 1.0–1.8 m are common in 8–12-week vegetative schedules, although most growers limit veg to 2–4 weeks to keep canopy height in check. Outdoors, healthy plants can exceed 2.5 m with adequate root volume (50–100 L containers or in-ground beds) and full-season sun.
Resin coverage is abundant for a sativa-dominant plant, with glandular trichomes forming a visible frost across calyces by week 6–7 of bloom. In side-by-side comparisons, Mako Haze often displays 10–20% higher visible trichome density than unrefined Haze selections, a likely outcome of breeder selections for resin and bag appeal. This heavier resin load contributes to the strain’s strong aroma and notable potency.
Aroma and Bouquet
The aromatic profile of Mako Haze is vibrant and high-voltage, dominated by citrus-zest top notes and bright pine. Many phenotypes are terpinolene-led, producing that classic sweet-tart “Haze citrus” coupled with fresh herb and slightly floral facets. Secondary notes include green mango, lemongrass, and a faint incense-like spice that becomes more pronounced as flowers cure.
When properly dried and cured, the bouquet opens with sparkling lime and sweet grapefruit within the first 3–4 seconds of a jar sniff. As the jar breathes, alpha-pinene and ocimene add green, coniferous lift, while caryophyllene and humulene provide peppery, woody undertones. Users often describe the final aroma as “electric,” with a perceived freshness that suggests higher monoterpene content.
Quantitatively, total terpene content for quality Mako Haze samples tends to land around 1.5–3.0% by dry weight in indoor grows, with exceptional craft lots pushing 3.5%. Terpinolene commonly spans 0.25–0.60%, beta-myrcene 0.30–0.80%, alpha-pinene 0.20–0.50%, ocimene 0.10–0.40%, limonene 0.20–0.60%, and beta-caryophyllene 0.10–0.40%. These ranges are consistent with high-energy sativas that present citrus, herbal, and pine-forward bouquets.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
On the palate, Mako Haze carries its citrus-dominant nose into bright, effervescent flavors of lime zest, sweet grapefruit, and fresh-cut herbs. Vaporization temperatures of 175–190°C accentuate the terpinolene/limonene top notes, yielding a sparkling, candied citrus impression. Combustion leans slightly spicier, with a peppered pine aftertaste and a faint sweet-incense finish.
The mouthfeel is smooth for a Haze, with relatively low harshness when properly cured to 58–62% relative humidity. Myrcene and humulene provide a silky substrate, while pinene and ocimene introduce a crisp, cooling bite on the exhale. Many users report minimal throat scratch compared with older Hazes, which can be attributed to improved resin and calyx-to-leaf ratios.
Flavor persistence is notable, with a citrus-pine echo that lingers for 30–60 seconds post-exhale, especially after convection vaping. Terpene volatilization follows expected behavior: limonene and pinene express early, while caryophyllene and humulene broaden the mid-palate as the session progresses. In blind tastings, experienced consumers often identify Mako Haze by its quick, “sparkling” citrus lift and clean, peppery denouement.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Mako Haze is typically potent, with most verified lab tests placing total THC in the 18–23% range by dry weight. Exceptional phenotypes under optimized environment and curing can reach 24–26% THC, though values above 25% are less common. Total cannabinoids are usually 20–28%, reflecting minor contributions from CBG, CBC, and trace THCV.
CBD content is generally low, often below 0.5%, and commonly near the assay limit of quantification (0.05–0.2%). CBG tends to register between 0.4–1.0%, offering a small but potentially meaningful modulatory effect on the experience. THCV may appear in trace to modest amounts (0.1–0.5%), consistent with certain sativa-leaning chemovars and possibly contributing to the cultivar’s crisp, clear headspace.
For inhalation, onset is rapid—often within 2–5 minutes—reaching peak intensity by 15–25 minutes. Effects commonly persist for 2–3 hours, with residual uplift sometimes extending to 4 hours depending on dose and tolerance. Relative to sedative hybrids, Mako Haze’s intensity comes primarily from cerebral activity and alertness rather than body heaviness, making potency feel pronounced even at moderate THC levels.
Consumers should titrate dose carefully due to the cultivar’s energetic nature. Novice users often do well starting with 2.5–5 mg THC equivalent, while regular consumers may find 5–10 mg sufficient for daytime function. High-tolerance users can explore 10–20 mg, although doses above 15 mg increase the likelihood of raciness or transient anxiety in sensitive individuals.
Terpene Profile and Aromatic Chemistry
Analytically, Mako Haze is most often classified as a terpinolene-dominant chemovar, a chemotype strongly associated with classic Haze and Jack-style sativas. Across tested lots, terpinolene frequently leads, with limonene, alpha-pinene, and ocimene forming the next tier of contributors. Beta-myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and humulene then round out the mid-base structure, giving the bouquet depth and a structured finish.
This terpene distribution aligns well with reported effects. Terpinolene and limonene are commonly correlated with alertness and positive mood in consumer surveys, while alpha-pinene is linked to mental clarity and a refreshing, “minty pine” impression. Beta-caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist, may help modulate inflammatory responses, and humulene has been studied for potential appetite-modulating properties.
Typical terpene ranges in high-quality, indoor-cultivated Mako Haze are as follows: terpinolene 0.25–0.60%, limonene 0.20–0.60%, alpha-pinene 0.20–0.50%, beta-myrcene 0.30–0.80%, ocimene 0.10–0.40%, beta-caryophyllene 0.10–0.40%, and humulene 0.05–0.25%. Total terpene load usually spans 1.5–3.0% by dry weight, with elite craft batches edging above 3.0%. These levels are consistent with the vivid aroma intensity described by users and observed during curing.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
The experiential arc of Mako Haze is distinctly upward and outward—clear, fast, and stimulating. Users commonly report a rapid onset of mental brightness, shifting quickly into heightened focus and a buoyant, optimistic mood. The cultivar is frequently chosen for daytime creativity, brainstorming, and task-oriented flow states.
Physiologically, many users feel an increase in energy and a subtle quickening of heart rate within minutes of inhalation. Somatic effects are light-to-medium, with minimal body sedation compared to hybrid staples. A minority of sensitive users may experience transient edginess or anxiety at higher doses, a typical profile for potent, terpinolene-forward sativas.
Functional windows tend to be generous. Many report 90–150 minutes of crisp, productive clarity before gently tapering into a soft landing without heavy crash. Music appreciation, conversation, coding, design work, and outdoor walks are commonly cited as “best use” scenarios that leverage the cultivar’s fast, refreshing momentum.
In social contexts, Mako Haze often feels extroverted and chatty without becoming scattered when dosed modestly. At stronger doses, the headspace can become quite expansive—great for art and problem-solving, but sometimes too racy for tightly scheduled tasks. Careful titration enables users to select the desired lane, from light morning lift to deep creative sessions.
Potential Medical Applications and Evidence
While clinical trials specific to Mako Haze are not available, its chemotype suggests several plausible therapeutic niches based on cannabinoid and terpene data. The energizing, mood-forward signature may benefit individuals dealing with fatigue, low motivation, or anhedonia, particularly in the context of depression-related symptoms. Limonene and terpinolene have been studied for mood-elevating and anxiolytic potential, although outcomes are dose- and individual-dependent.
For attention and focus, some patients report subjective benefit when using clear-headed sativas with alpha-pinene and terpinolene dominance. Alpha-pinene has been studied for potential pro-cognitive effects, including memory support via acetylcholinesterase inhibition, though human data remain limited. In practical terms, patients often find Mako Haze useful for daytime ADHD symptom management when sedation is undesirable, provided doses remain conservative.
Pain relief with Mako Haze tends to be moderate and more suited to neuropathic or inflammatory discomforts than deep nociceptive pain. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 agonism may contribute to anti-inflammatory signaling, while limonene and humulene can add ancillary support. However, for severe pain or sleep-onset insomnia, heavier indica-leaning chemovars are often preferred.
Anxiety responses vary. Some users experience bright mood lift and less rumination at low doses (e.g., 2.5–5 mg THC equivalent), while others may feel jittery at higher doses. Patients with panic-prone profiles should start low, consider combining with CBD (5–20 mg), and evaluate response before building dose. As always, medical use should be discussed with a clinician familiar with cannabinoid therapies, and local regulations should be followed.
Cultivation Guide: Environment, Medium, and Containers
Mako Haze thrives in warm, well-ventilated environments with stable VPD and moderate-to-high light intensity. Ideal daytime temperatures range 22–28°C in flower, with nighttime at 18–22°C to preserve terpenes. Relative humidity should be held at 60–70% in vegetative growth, 45–55% in early-to-mid flower, and 40–45% in late flower to reduce botrytis risk.
Light intensity targets for indoor grows are 400–600 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD in late veg and 800–1,000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD in bloom, translating to a daily light integral of roughly 35–50 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ in flower. CO2 supplementation at 800–1,200 ppm can boost photosynthesis and increase yield potential by 10–25% when paired with adequate PPFD. Ensure vigorous air exchange—target a complete air turnover every 1–3 minutes in tents/rooms—and deliver 0.3–0.6 m/s canopy airflow to minimize microclimates.
For media, Mako Haze performs extremely well in coco coir blends (70% coco, 30% perlite) due to improved oxygenation and rapid root development. In soil, use a well-aerated mix with 20–30% perlite or pumice and balanced CEC; maintain soil pH between 6.2–6.8. Hydroponic and aeroponic systems can unlock top yields, but coco offers a forgiving balance of speed and buffer capacity.
Container sizes of 11–15 L per plant are adequate for indoor SCROG/SOG formats, while 20–30 L allow larger, multi-topped bushes. Outdoors, 50–100 L containers or in-ground beds promote 2.0–3.0 m plants where climate permits a long season. Start seedlings or clones under gentle intensity (200–300 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) and step up over 7–10 days to avoid photobleaching.
Cultivation Guide: Nutrition, Irrigation, and Training
Mako Haze appreciates steady nutrition without heavy overfeeding. In coco/hydro, target EC 1.2–1.4 in early veg, 1.6–1.8 in late veg and early bloom, and 1.8–2.0 during peak bloom weeks 5–7, then taper to 1.2–1.4 during the final 10–14 day flush. Maintain solution pH at 5.8–6.2 in coco/hydro and 6.2–6.8 in soil to optimize micronutrient uptake.
Nitrogen demand is moderate-high in veg, but drop N after week 3 of flower to prevent leafy buds. Emphasize phosphorus and potassium from weeks 3–7 with balanced Ca/Mg (150–200 ppm Ca, 50–80 ppm Mg in coco). Silica at 50–100 ppm strengthens stems and improves stress tolerance, and low-dose amino acids can assist during high-stress training.
Irrigation frequency should favor frequent, smaller feedings that keep media at 25–35% of container capacity before rewatering. In coco, 1–3 irrigations per day under high transpiration is common, aiming for 10–15% runoff to prevent salt accumulation. In soil, water to full saturation, then allow 40–60% of the available water to be used before watering again.
For training, plan around a 150–250% stretch post-flip. Employ topping at the 4th–6th node, low-stress training (LST), and screen of green (SCROG) for even canopy development. Supercropping can be used sparingly during early flower to control apical dominance, but avoid severe high-stress techniques after week 2 of bloom to protect yield.
A practical timeline for indoor growers: 14–21 days seedling/clone establishment, 14–28 days veg with topping and LST, then 63–77 days flower. Keep canopy density in check with selective defoliation at day 21 and day 42 of flower, removing only leaves that shadow bud sites. This staged approach maintains airflow while preserving photosynthetic area for resin production.
Cultivation Guide: Integrated Pest, Disease, and Stress Management
Like many long-flowering sativas, Mako Haze benefits from a proactive integrated pest management (IPM) plan. Common indoor pests include spider mites, thrips, and fungus gnats; outdoors, add aphids and caterpillars to the risk profile. Establish preventative releases of predatory mites (Neoseiulus californicus or Amblyseius swirskii), and use Steinernema feltiae nematodes or Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis for gnat larvae in soilless mixes.
Powdery mildew can become a concern as flowers lengthen, especially at RH above 55% and insufficient airflow. Preventatively rotate biologicals such as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens during veg and early bloom, and use potassium bicarbonate or wettable sulfur pre-flip if history indicates risk. Avoid sulfur after week 1 of flower to prevent residue issues on buds.
Environmental stress management is critical for preserving terpene content. Maintain VPD around 0.9–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in flower; large VPD swings can induce tip burn or fox-tailing. Keep night-to-day temperature differentials within 4–6°C to reduce internodal stretch and maintain tight bud stacking.
Nutrient imbalances to watch: iron deficiency (lime new growth) if pH rises above 6.3 in coco; magnesium deficiency (interveinal chlorosis on older leaves) under high PPFD without adequate Mg; and potassium deficiency (marginal leaf burn, weak stems) during peak bloom. Correct swiftly with pH adjustments and targeted supplements. In the final two weeks, a clean, low-EC flush improves ash quality and preserves the cultivar’s citrus-forward aromatics.
Harvest Timing, Drying, and Curing for Quality
Harvest windows for Mako Haze generally fall between days 63 and 77 of bloom for indoor grows. Use trichome color as a guide: many connoisseurs prefer 5–10% amber with the majority cloudy to maximize clarity and euphoria. Harvesting later (15–20% amber) can deepen body presence but may slightly blunt the cultivar’s signature uplift.
For drying, target 18–20°C and 58–62% RH for 10–14 days with gentle airflow that does not directly hit flowers. Buds should reach a moisture content of roughly 10–12%, translating to water activity around 0.55–0.65 aw for microbial safety and terpene preservation. Stems should snap with a slight bend rather than fold when the dry is complete.
Cure in airtight glass at 58–62% RH for at least 3–4 weeks, with 6–8 weeks delivering peak flavor integration. Burp jars daily for the first 7–10 days, then 2–3 times per week until RH stabilizes. Extended curing often heightens the incense-spice nuance and stretches the citrus top notes into a more layered bouquet.
Yield potential varies with environment, training, and light density. Indoors under optimized LEDs at 800–1,000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD, expect 450–650 g/m²; highly dialed grows with CO2 and SCROG can exceed 700 g/m². Outdoors in temperate climates with long seasons, 500–1,000 g per plant is attainable in 50–100 L containers or in-ground beds.
Phenotype Variation, Selections, and Breeding Potential
Growers typically observe two to three notable phenotypic expressions in Mako Haze. The most common is a terpinolene-forward citrus-pine type with a 9–10 week finish and strong vertical stretch. A second expression leans slightly spicier and more pinene/caryophyllene-driven, sometimes finishing a week later with tighter nodal spacing.
Minor phenotypes occasionally present a tropical fruit accent—hints of green mango or guava—most evident in early cure. These differences can reflect subtle shifts in ocimene, myrcene, and linalool distributions, along with environmental factors like light spectrum and nutrient ratios. Selecting and preserving a standout mother via cloning ensures consistent aroma and finish times from run to run.
From a breeding perspective, Mako Haze offers clear sativa architecture, strong resin production for its class, and a chemotype that pairs well with dessert-forward hybrids. Outcrossing to dense, indica-leaning cultivars can produce progeny with improved bud density while maintaining citrus energy. Conversely, pairing with other terpinolene-dominant lines can amplify heady brightness at the potential cost of yield or disease resistance, requiring careful selection.
Consumer Guidance, Dosing, and Responsible Use
For new consumers, begin with very small inhalation doses and pause for 10–15 minutes to assess response. A single, 1–2 second inhale from a low-temperature vaporizer often equates to 2–4 mg THC absorbed, depending on device and technique. For regular users, two to three short draws usually suffice for functional daytime uplift without pushy stimulation.
Given its energetic tilt, Mako Haze is best suited to morning and afternoon use or early evening social contexts. Pairing with food can moderate onset speed and reduce racy edges, while hydration supports comfort during longer sessions. Those prone to anxiety should avoid caffeine stacking and consider supplementing with 5–20 mg CBD if jitteriness occurs.
Remember that inhalation onset is fast and peak effects arrive within 15–25 minutes. Plan your dose with work or commitments in mind, and avoid driving or hazardous tasks while under the influence. Store flower in opaque, airtight containers at 58–62% RH and 15–21°C to preserve terpene content and potency.
Context and Documentation in the Public Record
Mako Haze’s notability is reflected in its presence across major cannabis catalogs and databases. Large portals and sitemaps list the cultivar alongside other classic sativas, indicating sustained community interest. This visibility supports consistent access to grow logs, tasting notes, and community-led data on performance and effects.
Genealogical resources place Mako Haze within the broader Dutch Haze sphere. Entries that mention combinations of “Unknown Strain” lines with NL 5 Haze and other Haze derivatives appear in proximity to Mako Haze listings, reinforcing its contextual placement among refined Haze selections. While these references stop short of documenting exact parents, they align with the breeder’s positioning of Mako Haze as a mostly sativa Haze selection from Kiwiseeds.
Together with its 2006 Best Sativa win at the High Times Cannabis Cup, these public records chart a consistent narrative. Mako Haze is a Kiwi-bred, Dutch-refined sativa recognized for speed, resin, and sparkling citrus-pine character. Its ongoing documentation ensures that new growers and consumers can find reliable, community-vetted guidance on how to cultivate and enjoy this enduring cultivar.
