Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
Metal Haze is a sativa-heritage cultivar credited to Dutch Flowers, a boutique breeder known for hunting vivid, energetic expressions of the Haze family. Growers and consumers often associate the name with a distinctive steely, pine-and-incense bouquet that nods to the classic Haze incense while layering in a sharper, metallic edge. In keeping with Haze traditions, Metal Haze tends to deliver a bright, stimulating head high that suits daytime creativity, outdoor activities, and tasks that benefit from focus and momentum. For many connoisseurs, it occupies that sweet spot between old-school Haze nostalgia and a more modern terpene punch that stands out in a crowded market.
In consumer reports and dispensary menus where Haze-leaning plants are tracked together, Haze is frequently listed as energizing and creative, with relatively high THC and low CBD compared to broader market averages. Leafly summaries of the Haze category highlight positive effects such as energetic, creative, and uplifted, alongside potential negatives like anxiety, paranoia, and dizziness in sensitive users or at high doses. Metal Haze aligns with that archetype, so responsible dosing is important for a positive experience. Its place in the Haze canon makes it a cultivar with a strong cultural identity, and for experienced fans of sativa-leaning profiles, it provides a familiar yet distinct ride.
Because Dutch Flowers specifically pursued vigorous, aromatic selections, Metal Haze occupies a lane where terpenes are as central to the experience as cannabinoids. When grown and cured well, total terpene content in Haze-leaning cultivars often lands in the 1.5–3.0% of dry weight range, lending saturation and complexity to the flavor. That higher terpene load, combined with a THC level that commonly sits in the upper teens to mid-20s percentage-wise, helps explain the high-impact aroma and bright, fast-onset headspace people report. As a result, the cultivar is often judged not only by potency, but by the clarity, cleanliness, and staying power of its flavor and aroma.
The name Metal Haze also telegraphs the plant’s effect cadence to seasoned enthusiasts: sleek, fast, and sharpened at the edges. Where some Hazes feel airy and ethereal, Metal Haze is typically more focused and laser-like in its cognitive effect. That can be a virtue for flow-state activities, but new consumers should approach gradually to gauge their personal tolerance. In markets where thorough lab data is available, you should expect high THC, very low CBD, and terpene profiles anchored by terpinolene, pinene, and limonene, with myrcene and linalool appearing in secondary roles.
History and Breeding Background
Metal Haze draws its cultural DNA from the storied Haze line created in Santa Cruz, California, by the Haze Brothers in the 1970s. Original Haze became the backbone for dozens of later crosses once its seeds and cuttings reached Europe in the 1980s and 1990s, where Dutch breeders refined its volatility into more commercially manageable forms. The Haze profile took off in Holland, and from there radiated globally, shaping signature modern cultivars like Super Silver Haze, Amnesia, and Super Lemon Haze. In that movement, Dutch Flowers occupies a niche as a breeder that kept the spirit of original Haze intensity but worked to select standout phenotypes with modern performance.
While Dutch Flowers is credited with Metal Haze, detailed pedigrees for boutique lines are sometimes guarded by breeders or lost to time as seed runs sell out and clones change hands. What is consistently reported is that Metal Haze retains the sativa drive and extended flowering timeline associated with classic Haze, along with a more pronounced pine-incense-metal aroma that points to a terpinolene-forward bouquet. In practice, the line behaves like a refined Haze, with the kind of lanky architecture and high calyx-to-leaf ratio that remains a hallmark of the family. The breeder’s selections likely aimed to preserve vigor and terpene expression without sacrificing structure to the point of impracticality for modern grow rooms.
Market data for Haze-type cultivars over the last decade shows robust consumer interest, with Hazes frequently appearing among top searched daytime varieties. Anecdotally, this demand persists because Hazes offer a different psychoactive profile than dense, sedative indica-leaning hybrids, giving consumers a functional and creative daytime option. The lineage stability of Haze-forward plants has also improved due to more rigorous selection practices and better environmental control in cultivation. Metal Haze benefits from this evolution, providing a more predictable expression of the Haze experience when cultivated with care.
Leafly’s overview of Haze notes its reputation as high-THC and energizing, and that characterization aligns well with what Metal Haze growers and consumers observe in the field. As Haze’s diaspora reached mainstream cultivation, many breeders introduced Afghani, Skunk, or Northern Lights influence to shorten flowering and tighten bud structure. Even so, the best Haze selections retained the airy, incense-driven complexity that makes the family iconic. Metal Haze stands as a modern heir to that profile, recognizable by sensory cues even to casual enthusiasts.
Genetic Lineage and Related Strains
Metal Haze traces its identity to the Original Haze family, often abbreviated O. Haze, which itself was a blend of tropical sativas that bred true for tall frames, long internodes, and a soaring cerebral effect. Although the exact recipe Dutch Flowers used has not been publicly documented with precision, comparative morphology and aroma strongly suggest an O. Haze backbone with selections made to emphasize piney-incense terpenes. Many contemporary Hazes introduce a touch of Afghani, Skunk, or Northern Lights to stabilize structure and increase resin density, and it is reasonable to expect some of that influence in Metal Haze’s ancestry. Even so, the cultivar expresses like a true sativa-leaning plant, with longer bloom times and a high calyx-to-leaf ratio typical of the Haze family.
If you enjoy Super Lemon Haze or Super Silver Haze, Metal Haze is likely to land in your comfort zone. Super Lemon Haze is widely described as uplifting, energetic, and euphoric, and Metal Haze typically steers toward a similar daytime-friendly effect set. Where Metal Haze differs is in its aromatic emphasis on metallic, pine-gas and incense, contrasting with the sweeter citrus push of Super Lemon Haze. That makes Metal Haze a compelling alternative for those who want a brighter headspace without leaning heavily into candy or lemon notes.
Within the broader Haze category, many lab-tested examples show THC frequently in the 18–24% window, with CBD commonly under 1%. Minor cannabinoids like CBG and THCV can be present in small but meaningful quantities, often falling in the 0.1–1.5% combined range across well-grown sativa lines. Phenotypic variation remains a hallmark, which means different Metal Haze plants can express slight shifts in terpene balance, yield, and flowering time. Such variability is part of the Haze charm but also demands disciplined selection and training from growers to achieve consistent results.
The name Metal Haze itself signals the breeder’s intent to capture a sharp, cutting-edge sensorial profile. Reports from growers who have run related metallic-pine cultivars, like Cristal Metal Auto described as piney gas with relaxed creativity, illustrate how coniferous and fuel-tinged terpenes can steer the effect. Metal Haze rides that line while maintaining the restless, electric mood emblematic of classic Haze. In practical terms, think of it as a sibling to well-known Hazes, but tuned to a slightly drier, more resin-forward aromatic chord.
Botanical Appearance and Morphology
Metal Haze typically presents as a tall, lanky plant with considerable internodal spacing compared to compact indica-leaning hybrids. In controlled indoor environments, untrained plants can easily surpass 120–160 cm, while well-managed canopies under training methods like SCROG can be maintained around 75–100 cm with multiple tops. Leaves trend toward narrow-lanceolate with slim fingers and a lighter jade to lime-green hue, especially when nitrogen is carefully moderated during late flowering. Calyxes stack into foxtail-like clusters that can elongate under high light and proper airflow, producing an elegant, airy bloom structure.
The buds display a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, which makes trimming more manageable despite the looser structure characteristic of Hazes. Pistils can range from pale apricot to deep tangerine as they mature, contributing to a visually striking contrast against frosty trichomes. Under cooler night temperatures in late bloom, some phenotypes may develop faint lavender or silver-green highlights, which play well with the cultivar’s metallic connotation. Resin coverage is often robust, presenting as a shimmering frost that signals good extraction potential.
Because of its sativa architecture, Metal Haze appreciates high-intensity light and consistent air movement to fill out its airy floral clusters without inviting mold. Branches are flexible but can become brittle late in bloom, so soft-tying and supportive trellising are recommended to prevent snapping under weight. In the vegetative phase, internodes of 5–10 cm are common when light intensity is moderate, tightening somewhat under higher PPFD levels and in tighter SCROG nets. Growers who dial in canopy evenness often report superior bud uniformity and improved consistency in ripening.
Metal Haze’s root vigor is strong, especially in well-aerated media like coco-perlite or living soil with ample oxygenation. That vigor translates into quick responses to training, topping, and low-stress bending during early and mid-veg. In hydroponic setups with dissolved oxygen above 7–8 mg/L, the cultivar can display rapid vegetative growth and noticeable daily transpiration. The combination of fast root metabolism and airy bud construction allows the plant to push terpene production aggressively when fed and lit correctly.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
The aromatic fingerprint of Metal Haze is a complex weave of incense, pine, bright citrus, and a distinct metallic edge that evokes cold steel or fresh rain on mineral-rich rock. Many Haze fans describe the core incense as cathedral-like or peppery-churchy, an aroma consistent with terpinolene-led profiles. The metallic note often emerges as a cool, ozone-like sensation that sits on top of the pine and spice, sharpening the overall bouquet. On the palate, those elements stack into a clean, resinous inhale followed by a lingering spiced-pine exhale.
On grind, expect an expansion of coniferous notes alongside hints of lemon zest and green mango, with a backnote of white pepper. Some phenotypes exhibit a faint fuel character that can read as diesel-adjacent, a trait commonly associated with higher levels of alpha-pinene and caryophyllene interplay. Haze category summaries frequently list flavors like citrus, spice, and wood, and Metal Haze faithfully reflects that tradition while adding the metallic-surreal twist. The result is equal parts nostalgic and novel, familiar to Haze loyalists yet distinct enough to pique curiosity.
Flavors persist well through the joint or vaporizer session when the flower has been slow-dried and correctly cured. In vaporization at 175–190°C, the top-note terpenes remain intact longer, yielding a bright, piney start and a sweet-spice finish. In combustion, the spice and metallic notes can become more assertive, while the citrus softens after the first few pulls. Consumers who want to taste the bouquet in full should consider a lower-temperature vaping approach for the first session.
The metallic nuance has parallels in marketing language describing other metal-named cultivars, such as piney gas noted in Cristal Metal Auto. While genetics differ, that shared sensory theme underscores how coniferous terpenes and a dry, resinous palate can evoke metal and mineral associations. Metal Haze’s appeal lies in how these notes coalesce into an assertive yet balanced profile rather than a one-note aroma. Well-grown samples exhibit clear stratification: pine and citrus up front, metallic-ozone mid-palate, and incense-spice lingering in the finish.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
As a Haze-heritage sativa selection, Metal Haze commonly expresses high THC with low CBD. In lab data sets for Haze-type cultivars in legal markets from 2018–2024, THC results frequently cluster between 18–24%, with outliers as low as 15% and as high as 27% depending on phenotype and cultivation. CBD is typically minimal, often below 0.5%, resulting in a high-THC-to-CBD ratio that accentuates psychoactivity. Minor cannabinoids like CBG and THCV can appear in small amounts; many sativa-leaning flowers exhibit total minors in the 0.2–2.0% combined range, though exact values vary by cut and grow.
This cannabinoid balance helps explain the fast, energetic onset and the potential for overstimulation if dosing is aggressive. Novice consumers often do well starting with a single small inhalation or a low-dose vaporizer pull, waiting 10–15 minutes to assess effect. Experienced consumers comfortable with higher-THC cultivars may appreciate the clarity and drive Metal Haze offers, especially early in the day. Nevertheless, the low CBD means the cultivar offers little inherent buffering against THC’s anxiogenic potential in sensitive individuals.
Extraction artists note that Haze-leaning material can produce flavorful live resin and live rosin because of the terpinolene-forward terpene stack, even when resin heads are on the smaller side. In cured extractions, terpene retention can be excellent if the flower was dried and cured under stable conditions. Total active cannabinoids in well-cured flowers often measure in the mid- to high-20s percent by weight, with strong batches exceeding 30% total cannabinoids when minors are included. These values reflect optimal cultivation and post-harvest handling, and poorly grown or rushed product can test far lower.
Because the cultivar’s psychoactivity is largely THC-driven, user experience tends to be dose-linear: more milligrams equals more pronounced effects. If using concentrates made from Metal Haze, applying a measured approach is wise; a single dab can easily exceed 30–50 mg THC. For flower consumption, typical inhalation sessions can range from 5–15 mg absorbed THC depending on the individual and the depth of inhalation. Titrating to effect, rather than chasing a number, remains the safest path for consistent results.
Terpene Profile and Chemical Nuance
Metal Haze’s terpene profile usually skews terpinolene-dominant, with alpha- and beta-pinene, limonene, myrcene, and supporting notes of beta-caryophyllene, humulene, and linalool. In many Haze-forward lab reports, terpinolene appears as the top terpene in the 0.3–0.8% range by dry weight, while total terpene content often spans 1.5–3.0% when grown and cured well. Pinene contributes the pine and conifer note, limonene adds a citrus lift, and myrcene offers a grounding herbal sweetness. Caryophyllene brings a peppery spice and interacts with CB2 receptors, adding an interesting non-psychoactive pathway to the overall effect.
Terpene expression is highly sensitive to environment and handling. Dutch Passion’s cultivation guidance highlights that terpene levels reflect both genetics and optimized conditions, and that maximizing terpene content requires attention to light, nutrients, and environmental stability. Leafly’s cultivation articles similarly emphasize that preserving the bouquet is a delicate process, and that temperature and humidity should be closely controlled during drying and curing to retain volatile aromatics. In practice, slow drying around 60°F/60% RH for 10–14 days and a cool, steady cure can maintain significantly more terpenes than quick, hot, or overdry processes.
Growers looking to push terpene intensity in Metal Haze can apply several evidence-backed techniques. Reducing night temperatures by 2–4°C in late bloom, while avoiding cold stress, can improve terpene retention in resin heads. Moderating nitrogen during the final 3–4 weeks of flower encourages the plant to divert energy into secondary metabolite production rather than biomass, supporting higher terpene density. Gentle environmental stressors, such as brief daily UV-A/UV-B exposure near the end of bloom, have been reported by experienced cultivators to enhance resin development, though results should be validated per setup.
A terpene palette anchored by terpinolene and pinene maps well to the reported effects: brisk onset, mental clarity, and a sense of fresh-air wakefulness. Limonene’s citrusy brightness adds mood lift, while linalool’s floral-lavender note, when present, can round sharp edges for some consumers. Though no terpene predetermines a specific effect, the combined chemistry helps explain why many Haze lovers report clean, energized, and creative sessions. For patients and adult-use consumers alike, cultivating and storing Metal Haze in a way that preserves these volatiles dramatically improves the whole experience.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Metal Haze is widely described as alerting, uplifting, and creative, slotting cleanly into daytime use. Like the broader Haze family summarized by Leafly as energetic and uplifting, it tends to snap attention into the present and inspire task initiation. Artists, coders, and outdoors enthusiasts often report entering a flow state with light to moderate doses, especially when paired with music or movement. The headspace is typically clear rather than foggy, with a crisp onset that lands within minutes when inhaled.
Sessions often begin with a tightening of attention and a slight sensory amplification: colors feel brighter and sounds more detailed. As the experience deepens, a gentle euphoria and mental momentum build, supporting brainstorming, kitchen projects, or organizing tasks. Physically, the cultivar is less likely to cause heavy body sedation, keeping energy available for activities. In settings with adequate hydration and nutrition, users may find stamina enhanced for cardio or light hikes.
Potential negatives mirror common Haze cautions: anxiousness, racing thoughts, dry mouth, and occasional dizziness if overconsumed. These risks are elevated in sensitive individuals and in environments with lots of external stimulation. Because CBD content is low, users who are prone to anxiety might consider keeping a small amount of CBD nearby, as some find it helps soften THC’s sharper edges. As always, set and setting matter: calm surroundings and a clear plan for the session tend to lead to better outcomes.
Duration for inhaled flower is typically 1.5–3 hours, with the first 45–90 minutes being the most pronounced. A measured starting approach of 1–2 inhalations, or a single 2–3 second vaporizer draw, allows for easy titration. For those transitioning from indica-dominant cultivars, Metal Haze’s speed and intensity can feel surprisingly brisk; pacing helps you appreciate its creativity without tipping into overstimulation. The cultivar pairs well with coffee for some, but stacking stimulants can multiply jitters, so moderation is key.
Potential Medical Applications and Considerations
While controlled clinical data for individual cultivars are limited, the chemical profile typical of Metal Haze suggests several potential therapeutic niches. The energizing and mood-lifting effects are commonly sought by patients managing fatigue and low mood, especially during daytime when sedation is undesirable. Anecdotal reports include use cases for depressive symptoms, attention challenges, and motivational deficits, with the caveat that high-THC sativas can exacerbate anxiety for some. For patients with neuropathic pain, THC’s analgesic properties may provide relief without heavy sedation, making tasks and movement easier.
The 2017 National Academies report concluded there is substantial evidence cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults, a finding that supports careful trialing of THC-rich flowers like Metal Haze for certain pain phenotypes. However, patients with anxiety disorders or PTSD might prefer balanced THC:CBD chemovars to reduce the risk of exacerbating symptoms; Leafly’s coverage of balanced THC:CBD cultivars notes terpene stacks such as pinene, limonene, linalool, and myrcene can influence subjective effects. Metal Haze does contain some of these terpenes, but its low CBD means it lacks a built-in safety net. In practice, patients often experiment with small doses combined with CBD or choose different chemovars for different times of day.
Pinene’s potential bronchodilatory and alertness-promoting qualities, plus limonene’s mood elevation and caryophyllene’s CB2 interaction, offer plausible mechanistic pathways for symptom relief. That said, the absence of large, cultivar-specific clinical trials means outcomes remain personal. Patients should consult healthcare providers, especially when mixing cannabis with other medications, as THC can interact with drugs metabolized by CYP450 enzymes. Documenting dose, timing, and outcomes in a symptom diary helps refine an individualized regimen.
Given reported negatives for Haze strains such as paranoia, anxiousness, and dizziness, risk mitigation is essential. Start low, go slow, and consider environmental variables like hydration, food, and stress levels. If anxiety surfaces, switching to a lower-THC or CBD-rich cultivar may be prudent for that session. Ultimately, Metal Haze may fit best as a daytime adjunct for fatigue and motivation in experienced THC users who appreciate its stimulating sativa profile.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Indoors and Outdoors
Metal Haze rewards attentive growers with rich aroma and high-functioning effects, but it demands planning for stretch, airflow, and a longer bloom. Indoors, the cultivar thrives under high-intensity LED or HPS lighting when canopy management is prioritized. Outdoors, it prefers warm, sunny climates with long seasons; at mid-latitudes, finishing can push into late October or early November depending on phenotype. If your climate is cool or wet in fall, a greenhouse or light-deprivation strategy can help dodge autumn rains and preserve terpenes and cannabinoids.
Environment and lighting: For vegetative growth, target 24–26°C day temperatures and 60–70% RH, gradually stepping down to 50–60% RH by late veg. In flower, aim for 24–25°C lights-on and 18–21°C lights-off, with 50–55% RH in early bloom tapering to 45–50% RH by the final weeks to deter botrytis. PPFD targets of 600–900 µmol/m²/s in bloom are typical for high-quality flower under LEDs, with CO₂ enrichment up to 1000–1200 ppm enabling the higher end of that range. Metal Haze can handle bright light, but uniform distribution and canopy evenness are crucial to avoid fox-tailing from hot spots and to maintain consistent bud development.
Media and nutrition: The cultivar performs well in coco-perlite, hydroponics, and well-built living soil. In coco, maintain pH around 5.8–6.0 in veg and 6.0–6.2 in flower, with EC roughly 1.4–1.8 mS/cm in mid-veg and 1.8–2.2 mS/cm in mid-flower, tapering late. In soil, pH 6.2–6.8 is appropriate, with moderate nitrogen early and a firm hand on phosphorus and potassium as flowers set. Dutch Passion’s guidance on nutrient balance and deficiencies stresses that misfeeding reduces cannabinoid and terpene production and lowers yield; monitor plants closely to avoid lockout and leaching events.
Training and canopy management: Expect 1.5–2.5x stretch upon flip. Use topping, low-stress training, and SCROG to create an even plane of 8–16 main tops per plant, depending on pot size and veg duration. Metal Haze’s flexible branches respond well to early shaping, but avoid heavy supercropping late in bloom when stems harden. A well-stretched net improves airflow and light penetration, leading to more uniform flowers and better resin.
Flowering time and scheduling: Phenotypes usually finish in 11–14 weeks of 12/12 light, with some earlier-leaning cuts wrapping up around week 10–11 and longer types requiring week 13–14. Outdoors, plan for harvest in late October to early November at 35–45°N/S latitude, weather permitting; Leafly notes that environmental control is paramount for preserving terpenes and cannabinoids, which is easier indoors and in greenhouses. Consider staggering your flip dates or running smaller plants to keep turnover steady while one cycle completes. Patience pays off, as rushing a Haze can flatten the bouquet and mute the energizing effect.
Watering and VPD: Use vapor pressure deficit (VPD) as a guide; aim for roughly 0.9–1.1 kPa in late veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in bloom for healthy gas exchange. Water thoroughly with appropriate dryback to oxygenate roots, especially in coco and hydro setups. Root zone temperatures around 20–22°C help maintain enzyme activity and nutrient uptake, supporting steady growth. Metal Haze’s vigorous roots benefit from microbial inoculants in soil and from dissolved oxygen near 7–8 mg/L in hydro.
Deficiency management and IPM: Dutch Passion’s visual guides emphasize early detection of nutrient issues to avoid yield and quality losses. Watch for nitrogen excess early in flower, which can suppress terpene production and delay ripening; reduce N and increase K in mid- to late bloom as pistils set and trichomes swell. Maintain a preventive integrated pest management routine: beneficial mites for spider mites, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis for fungus gnats, and good sanitation to deter powdery mildew. Haze flowers are airy but still susceptible to botrytis if RH spikes or airflow is inadequate; prune larf and lower leaves to improve circulation.
Yield expectations: Indoor yields in optimized setups commonly fall in the 400–600 g/m² range, with experienced growers pushing higher via CO₂ and precise environmental control. Outdoors in ideal climates with large root volumes, 500–900 g per plant is achievable, with exceptional plants exceeding that. Because Metal Haze leans airy, yield estimates should focus on resin quality and terpene weight as much as raw mass. Many growers run the cultivar for premium flower and concentrates rather than bulk production.
Post-harvest handling: To preserve the metallic-pine-incense bouquet, follow a slow dry and a patient cure. Leafly’s cultivation coverage underscores that temperature and humidity must be stabilized to protect fragile monoterpenes; aim for roughly 60°F/60% RH for 10–14 days until small stems nearly snap. Cure in airtight containers, burping gently during the first 2–3 weeks, then holding steady for a 4–8 week cure to round edges and deepen the incense. Properly dried and cured Metal Haze retains a punchy top note and smooth finish, outperforming quick-dried samples by a wide sensory margin.
Terpene maximization tips: Dutch Passion highlights practical steps to increase terpene levels, such as avoiding overfeeding, dialing in light intensity without heat stress, and keeping airflow strong yet gentle. Consider a modest drop in night temperatures during the final two weeks, and keep RH stable to prevent mold while preserving volatiles. Avoid prolonged light exposure during dry and cure, which can degrade terpenes and cannabinoids; store finished flower in cool, dark conditions around 15–18°C. When these practices are combined, total terpene retention can improve dramatically, making the difference between a good and an unforgettable Metal Haze.
Outdoor timing and seasonality: Leafly’s discussion on seasonal factors notes that both daylength and temperature curves shape a plant’s performance. In temperate regions, start Metal Haze indoors in late winter or early spring and transplant after the last frost, giving it a long veg before solstice. If fall rains are common, consider a hoop house with dehumidification to control RH during the critical final weeks. Light-dep can advance harvest by several weeks, bringing finish into drier, warmer windows.
Sustainability and quality assurance: Metal Haze responds well to organic living soils, where microbial diversity can improve nutrient cycling and secondary metabolite expression. Compost teas and top-dressed amendments can support a steady-state nutrition model that avoids the peaks and troughs that stress plants. Whether you grow organic or mineral, keep records: EC, pH, VPD, PPFD, and run-off numbers help you spot trends and intervene early. A disciplined, data-informed approach consistently translates into better resin, richer aroma, and a more precise Metal Haze expression.
