Written by Ad OpsOverview and Positioning
Metal Haze F3 x Chocolate Thai is a predominantly sativa cross released by SnowHigh Seeds, a breeder recognized for working with heirloom and landrace lines. The pairing melds the electric, incense-forward drive of Haze with the velvety cacao, roast coffee, and sandalwood notes of classic Thai. The result is a long-legged, high-ceiling cultivar aimed at growers and consumers who appreciate extended flowering windows and soaring, cerebral effects.
This cultivar leans heavily sativa in structure and effect, with most phenotypes behaving like 85–95% sativa expressions. Expect pronounced vertical stretch, long internodes, and speared colas stacked with narrow-bract flowers. Growers prize it as a connoisseur’s cut for daytime use and a sensory ride defined by clarity, uplift, and a persistent head buzz.
While published third-party lab panels on this exact cross are limited, lineage-driven estimates and grower reports put potency in the modern, competitive range. With optimized cultivation, THC commonly falls in the mid-to-high teens up through the low-20s, and total terpenes often occupy the 1.5–3.5% w/w band. The combination positions Metal Haze F3 x Chocolate Thai as a top-tier sativa option with boutique aromatic nuance and marathon endurance.
Because it carries authentic Haze and Thai behaviors, this cultivar is not the fastest finisher or the easiest first grow. Flowering commonly requires 11–14 weeks indoors, and outdoor completion depends on latitude and season length. Experienced growers who lean into training, trellising, and environmental control are rewarded with complex flavor and extended, clean energy that is difficult to find in modern, dessert-leaning hybrids.
History and Breeding Context
SnowHigh Seeds has built a reputation around preserving rare genetics and reintroducing long-flowering, high-clarity sativas to a market dominated by fast, indica-leaning hybrids. Metal Haze F3 x Chocolate Thai fits squarely in that mission, merging an established Haze family line with a storied Thai heirloom archetype. The F3 tag on Metal Haze indicates multiple filial generations of selection aimed at reinforcing desired Haze traits such as resin quality, aroma, and vigor.
Haze itself traces back to 1970s California, where the Haze brothers combined diverse equatorial sativas. Over decades, breeders selected for the classic Haze silhouette: tall plants, foxtailing buds, incense-meets-citrus terpenes, and an energetic high. Chocolate Thai, often linked to Thai sticks of the same era, brought an unusual cacao and coffee bouquet that differentiated it from typical citrus-pine sativas.
By pairing Metal Haze F3 with Chocolate Thai, SnowHigh Seeds tapped into two historic pillars of sativa cannabis. The cross aims to preserve the long, soaring headspace of Haze while deepening the flavor layer with Thai’s dark chocolate and woody aromatics. Because both parents are predominantly sativa, the hybrid tends to emphasize mental clarity and lengthy duration.
The decision to retain long flowering is intentional, prioritizing effect and terpene intricacy over speed-to-harvest. This approach goes against the grain of many modern commercial cultivars, which favor 8–9 week flowering for turnover efficiency. For home growers and connoisseur producers, the history embedded in this cross is a feature, not a bug: it represents a return to vintage, cerebral cannabis with sophisticated aromatics and a high that lasts.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Genetically, Metal Haze F3 x Chocolate Thai leans near-pure sativa due to both parents’ backgrounds. Metal Haze F3 is a stabilized slice of the Haze family, known for incense, spice, citrus-lime notes, and a clear, high-frequency mental lift. Chocolate Thai contributes signature cacao, roasted coffee, cedar, and a dry, earthy sweetness absent in many contemporary sativas.
Phenotypic expression clusters around tall internodal spacing, narrow leaflets, and floral structures that stack in tapering spears rather than squat clusters. Expect a pronounced stretch post-flip, often 1.5–2.5x, which reflects strong sativa photoperiod responsiveness. Colas can foxtail under high light or heat, yet the foxtails are typically resinous and aromatic.
From an inheritance perspective, the Haze backbone reinforces energetic mood and a long arc of effect, while Thai introduces flavor nuance and a slightly different terpene balance. It is common to encounter phenotypes where terpinolene and ocimene drive the top notes, with limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and myrcene supporting. Chocolate Thai-leaning selections often push deeper cocoa and wood tones, an unusual but prized profile for sativa connoisseurs.
Cannabinoid ratios generally skew THC-dominant, with low CBD expression across most phenotypes. Minor cannabinoids like CBG and THCV can appear in meaningful trace quantities, a reflection of Asian landrace ancestry. Phenohunting across 6–10 seeds can reveal distinct chemotypes, with some cuts biasing toward sharper Haze incense, while others lean harder into Thai chocolate and sandalwood.
Appearance and Plant Morphology
Metal Haze F3 x Chocolate Thai produces lanky, athletic plants that can reach 1.2–2.0 meters indoors with training and 2.5–3.5 meters outdoors in long-season climates. Leaflets are thin and elongated, with a lime to medium-green hue that can deepen late in flower. Stems are flexible yet benefit from trellising as colas lengthen and stack weight.
Nodes tend to space 7–12 cm apart under moderate light, and closer spacing can be achieved with aggressive training and high PPFD. Buds form in tapering spears with delicate calyces and exposed pistils that can take on pale gold to light amber hues as maturity approaches. Trichome density is high despite the airy architecture typical of sativas, creating a shimmering frost across the bracts.
In late bloom, some phenotypes exhibit subtle fox-tailing, especially if daytime temperatures exceed 28–29°C or PPFD is pushed toward the high end without sufficient CO2. While fox-tailing is often aesthetic, growers prize resin quality and terpene intensity more than sheer density in this line. With careful climate control, colas can maintain a sleek, densely stacked look for a sativa.
Dried flowers are slender and elongated rather than compact golf balls. The trim exposes a bright green core with orange to rust pistils and a delicate, sugar-coated sheen. Because calyces are small, a gentle hand during trimming preserves trichomes and maintains the spear-like character that is part of this cultivar’s visual appeal.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
Aromatically, Metal Haze F3 x Chocolate Thai is multidimensional, juxtaposing metallic incense and ozone-like brightness against cocoa, coffee roast, and woody spice. On first grind, many phenotypes present terpinolene’s piney-citrus sparkle, quickly followed by sandalwood and a lightly bitter dark chocolate tone. As the jar breathes, a halo of lime peel, green mango, and faint floral notes can appear.
Combustion or vaporization amplifies the contrast between high-pitched Haze top notes and the Thai’s deeper palette. The inhale often shows citrus zest, pine needle, and faint herbaceousness, while the exhale reveals cacao nibs, roasted chicory, and cedar. A lingering aftertaste of sweet earth and incense contributes to the perception of complexity.
Flavor persistence is a strength of this cross, especially in low-temperature vaporization settings. Users commonly report that terpinolene-limonene brightness leads in the first two draws, then the chocolate-wood midrange settles in during subsequent pulls. Many find the last third of a session surprisingly rich, where the Thai component takes center stage.
Total terpene content can range from 1.5–3.5% by dry weight under optimized cultivation, with 2.0–2.5% being a realistic target. In practice, post-harvest handling has a large impact on the chocolate nuance; curing at 55–60% RH for several weeks preserves subtle cocoa and reduces grassy notes. Over-drying below 50% RH tends to mute sweetness and tilt the profile toward sharper incense and citrus.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Direct third-party lab data for Metal Haze F3 x Chocolate Thai are limited, but lineage and grower reports support a THC range of approximately 16–24% under competent indoor conditions. Exceptional phenotypes and high-performance grows can edge higher, yet most fall within that central band. CBD expression is typically low, often below 0.5%, reflecting the sativa-dominant heritage.
Minor cannabinoids are more variable. CBG commonly appears between 0.2–1.0%, and THCV may register between 0.2–0.9% in certain Thai-leaning selections. These figures are guideline ranges rather than guarantees, and lab confirmation on a per-phenotype basis is advised for medical or breeding applications.
Experience suggests a strong correlation between potency and environmental optimization, particularly light intensity and root-zone health. For example, pushing flower PPFD to 900–1100 µmol·m−2·s−1 with adequate CO2 (800–1200 ppm) can support higher cannabinoid accumulation when temperature, VPD, and nutrition are balanced. Conversely, chronic stress from heat spikes, pH drift, or overfertilization can reduce THC by several percentage points.
Consumers often describe the psychoactivity as fast-onset and high-ceiling, with a long tail that lasts 2–3 hours from inhalation. Edible preparations extend the arc to 4–8 hours, emphasizing creative flow and mental clarity when dosed conservatively. Due to its potency and stimulatory profile, novice users should start with low doses and titrate slowly.
Terpene Profile and Minor Compounds
The terpene profile frequently tilts terpinolene-dominant, a hallmark of many Haze and Thai expressions. Typical proportional ranges observed in similar sativa chemotypes are terpinolene at 0.2–1.2% w/w, myrcene at 0.1–0.8%, and ocimene at 0.05–0.5%. Limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and humulene commonly contribute 0.1–0.6%, 0.1–0.5%, and 0.05–0.3% respectively.
These terpenes align with the sensory notes users report: terpinolene and ocimene for piney-citrus and green tropical fruit, limonene for zest and uplift, and beta-caryophyllene/humulene for peppery-woody contour. Linalool can appear in trace amounts, often 0.03–0.2%, lending faint lavender when present. Thai-leaning phenotypes may display a gently bitter cocoa accent that synergizes with caryophyllene and humulene.
Total terpene content of 1.5–3.5% is a realistic goal for this cultivar with careful cultivation and post-harvest handling. High-terpene plants correlate with bolder aroma, perceived smoothness, and a more three-dimensional flavor arc. Proper drying and curing are crucial; terpenes volatilize rapidly at high heat and low humidity.
Beyond terpenes, minor cannabinoids like CBG and THCV can subtly shape effect. While the entourage effect remains under active study, many consumers anecdotally associate terpinolene-forward profiles with alert, creative, and uplifting experiences. Growers seeking a more chocolate-forward Thai expression may select plants where caryophyllene and humulene are relatively elevated within the terpene mix.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
Metal Haze F3 x Chocolate Thai is designed for brightness and stamina rather than sedation. Many users report an onset within 2–5 minutes of inhalation, peaking around 30–45 minutes and persisting for 2–3 hours. The headspace is commonly described as clear, talkative, and exploratory, with a light, floaty body feel that avoids couchlock.
Creativity, focus, and mood elevation headline the experience, making this cultivar a popular choice for daytime tasks, brainstorming, or social events. Athletic or outdoor activities that benefit from an upbeat mindset can pair well when dosing conservatively. Some users note enhanced sensory appreciation for music, art, and complex flavors, a trait often celebrated in Haze–Thai crosses.
Because the cultivar is stimulating, sensitive users may experience racy heart rate or anxious edges at high doses. Dry mouth is common, and mild dry eyes can occur, particularly with vaporization at higher temperatures. Beginners should consider microdosing, starting with a single inhalation and waiting several minutes to gauge intensity.
Edibles or tinctures derived from this cultivar can deepen introspection while maintaining a relatively clear mental frame at modest doses. However, oral routes are more variable in onset and duration, and overconsumption can trigger uncomfortable intensity. Set, setting, and hydration matter—calm environments generally enhance the positive, energetic qualities while minimizing jitteriness.
Potential Medical Uses and Considerations
While strain-specific clinical trials are rare, general evidence supports THC-dominant cannabis for certain symptom categories. Many patients report improved mood, motivation, and daytime energy with sativa-leaning chemotypes, aligning with this cultivar’s profile. Uplift and focus may assist individuals managing low mood or fatigue, though responses are individualized.
Potential use cases include depressive symptoms, attention challenges, migraines, and tension-type headaches, particularly when anxiety is not the primary complaint. The terpinolene–limonene–caryophyllene matrix is often associated in surveys with alertness and mood elevation. Minor cannabinoids like THCV may contribute appetite modulation and mental clarity in some phenotypes, though effects vary and doses should be personalized.
For pain, cannabis has supportive evidence, particularly for neuropathic pain and chronic pain syndromes. This cultivar’s profile may be most helpful for daytime pain management where sedation is undesirable. Caryophyllene’s activity at CB2 receptors is thought to underlie some anti-inflammatory effects, potentially complementing THC’s analgesic properties.
Caution is warranted for individuals with anxiety disorders or a history of psychosis, as high-THC, stimulating chemotypes can exacerbate symptoms. Dose titration, balanced cannabinoids, and the use of vaporization at lower temperatures may improve tolerability. Medical users should consider third-party lab testing for each harvested batch to confirm potency and terpene content before incorporation into a care plan.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Environment and climate: Metal Haze F3 x Chocolate Thai performs best in warm, well-ventilated environments with moderate humidity. Aim for 24–28°C daytime and 18–22°C nighttime, targeting VPD of 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.6 kPa in flower. Relative humidity is best at 60–70% in veg, 45–55% in early-to-mid bloom, and 42–48% in late bloom.
Lighting and photoperiod: Veg under 18/6 or 20/4 for compact node spacing and robust roots. In flower, run 12/12 and plan for an 11–14 week window, with most phenotypes finishing in 77–98 days. For non-CO2 rooms, target 700–1000 µmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD; with CO2 at 800–1200 ppm, 1000–1400 µmol·m−2·s−1 is achievable if temperatures and feed are dialed.
Plant training and canopy management: Expect a 1.5–2.5x stretch after flip; plan accordingly with topping and trellis. Topping at the 4th–5th node and running a SCROG with 5–10 cm grid spacing controls verticality and distributes colas. Low-stress training and strategic supercropping in early flower prevent hot spots and improve light penetration.
Nutrition and EC targets: This line prefers steady, moderate feeding rather than heavy salt loads. In soilless systems, aim for EC 1.2–1.6 in veg, 1.6–1.9 in early flower, and 1.9–2.2 in mid-to-late bloom, tapering to 0.8–1.0 in the final 7–10 days. pH should sit at 5.8–6.2 in hydro/coco and 6.2–6.8 in soil for optimal uptake.
Macronutrient ratios: In veg, a 3-1-2 NPK profile supports leafy growth without excessive stretch. Shift to 1-2-2 in early bloom to encourage flower initiation, then 0-3-3 or similar in mid-late bloom to prioritize calyx expansion and resin. Maintain adequate calcium and magnesium, especially under LED lighting; 100–150 ppm Ca and 50–75 ppm Mg are typical targets.
Irrigation strategy: In coco or rockwool, multiple small irrigations can keep the root zone in an ideal EC band and oxygenate media. Aim for 10–20% runoff per day to prevent salt buildup, adjusting frequency to plant size and transpiration. In soil, allow a gentle dryback, watering when the top 2–3 cm are dry and pots feel notably lighter by hand.
Structural support and pruning: A two-layer trellis is recommended as colas elongate; install the first net before flip and the second during week 2–3 of flower. Defoliate judiciously—removing 10–20% of large fan leaves per pass—to open airflow and reduce leaf-on-leaf moisture. Avoid heavy defoliation late; sativas rely on leaf mass to fuel long bloom cycles.
Pest and disease management: The long flowering window increases exposure to spider mites, thrips, and powdery mildew. Integrate IPM with beneficials such as Phytoseiulus persimilis for mites, Amblyseius swirskii for thrips/whiteflies, and Beauveria bassiana foliar treatments on a rotating schedule. For botrytis and PM pressure, deploy airflow improvements, sulfur burners in veg only, and biologics like Bacillus subtilis (QST 713) as a preventative.
Flowering timeline cues: Pre-flowers typically initiate by days 10–14 of 12/12, with pistil proliferation through week 3. Bulk occurs slowly but steadily from weeks 5–10, with resin onset commonly visible around weeks 6–7. Many phenotypes ripen between weeks 11–13; a few Thai-leaning cuts can push to week 14.
Yield expectations: Indoors under optimized conditions, yields often range 400–600 g·m−2. Outdoors with full sun and rich soil, expect 600–1500 g per plant depending on size and season length. While not a pure production workhorse, the cultivar’s high terpene potential and unique profile command connoisseur appeal.
Outdoor considerations: At latitudes 35–45°N, full-season plants may finish late October to mid-November depending on phenotype. In shorter seasons, consider light-deprivation to force earlier finish, targeting 10.5–11 hours of daylight-equivalent by late summer. Choose well-draining soil, raised beds, and wind support to mitigate late-season storms.
CO2 and climate synergy: When enriching CO2, raise daytime temperatures 1–2°C and increase irrigation and feed slightly to leverage higher photosynthetic rates. Monitor leaf temperature via infrared thermometer; leaf temps around 25–27°C are a good target under high PPFD. Keep VPD consistent to avoid tip burn and Ca-related issues.
Harvest criteria: For an energetic effect, harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with 5–10% amber. For a slightly rounder edge, allow 15–25% amber. Pistil color is less reliable for sativas; always confirm with trichome inspection at 60–100x magnification.
Drying and curing: Dry 10–14 days at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH with gentle airflow and darkness. After a slow dry, jar at 62% RH and burp daily for the first week, then weekly for 4–8 weeks. Proper curing preserves terpenes, with many growers reporting richer chocolate and sandalwood notes after week 3 of cure.
Post-harvest preservation: Store long-term in airtight, UV-protective containers at 15–21°C with 58–62% RH. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles; if freezing, vacuum-seal at stable temperatures. Studies on stored cannabis show meaningful cannabinoid degradation over months at room temperature; cooler, stable conditions slow this decline.
Phenotype selection: Run at least 6–10 seeds to encounter the full spectrum of Haze-incense versus Thai-chocolate leaners. Select for desired flowering time, terpene intensity, and bud architecture that suits your environment. Keep detailed logs of smell at grind, cure speed, and effect characteristics to inform clone selection.
Common mistakes: Overfeeding late-flower sativas is a frequent pitfall, leading to delayed ripening and muted terpenes. Another is inadequate trellising, which allows tall colas to lean and shadow lower sites, reducing yield and quality. Light leaks and inconsistent dark periods can trigger nanners or reveg behaviors in sensitive phenotypes; ensure true darkness during 12/12.
Processing and extraction: The cultivar’s terpene profile shines in low-temperature rosin and hydrocarbon extracts when handled gently. Expect bright terpinolene-led top notes with a cocoa-wood undertone in live resin formats. For dry sift and hash, careful sieving and cold environments preserve the delicate sativa aromatics.
