Written by Ad OpsOverview and Identity
Metal Haze Preservation is a mostly sativa cannabis line released by Bodhi Seeds, a breeder renowned for curating rare landrace and classic hybrid stock. The 'Preservation' tag signals a project designed to maintain breadth of the original gene pool rather than narrow it through heavy selection, which means growers can expect diverse but consistently Haze-leaning expressions. The cultivar emphasizes the iconic incense, citrus-peel, and herbal-metal bouquet associated with old-school Haze families while updating vigor and resin output for modern gardens. In effect, it is a bridge between archive genetics and contemporary cultivation standards.
Bodhi Seeds has a track record of working from storied pedigrees and carefully sourced heirloom material, and Metal Haze Preservation fits that ethos. The line's mostly sativa heritage shows in its fast vegetative growth, expansive stretch, and euphoric, head-forward effect profile. While exact parent plants are intentionally under-promoted to protect the source stock and the preservation mission, community grow reports consistently describe a classic Haze framework with improved stability. As a result, the strain has become a go-to for enthusiasts seeking a cerebral daytime cultivar with unmistakable Haze character.
History and Breeding Context
Metal Haze Preservation emerges from Bodhi Seeds' long-running dedication to protecting and re-amplifying historically significant genetics. Preservation releases typically involve population-level selections and, in some cases, open pollination designed to safeguard alleles that could be lost in tightly bottlenecked breeding. This conservational approach tends to produce lines with several viable keeper phenotypes rather than a single uniform clone expression. For cultivators, that means selection is part of the fun, and hunting a favorite mother can be very rewarding.
The Haze family itself traces to hybridizations made in Northern California in the 1970s, blending sativa landraces from regions such as Colombia, Mexico, India, and Thailand. Over decades, Haze ended up in countless landmark cultivars due to its soaring psychoactivity and electric terpinolene-forward aroma. Many modern markets drifted toward heavy indica dominance and dessert terp profiles, which put pressure on classic sativa expressions. Preservation projects like this one aim to rebalance the ledger by keeping the vivid headspace and incense-citrus terpene top notes alive.
Because Bodhi Seeds often prioritizes access and conservation over aggressive marketing, Metal Haze Preservation didn't debut with flashy lab one-sheets. Instead, it spread through word-of-mouth and documented grows showing tall, cathedral-like plants and lean, bright terpene chemistry. Reported release batches were modest, which means finding packs can be sporadic, but interest has grown as more gardens document strong yield-to-quality ratios. In practice, the cultivar has carved out a reputation as a connoisseur sativa that still finishes in a manageable indoor window.
Genetic Lineage and Preservation Strategy
The precise parent lines of Metal Haze Preservation are not publicly specified, which is typical of Bodhi Seeds' preservation series when protecting rare sources. What can be stated with confidence is that the morphology, terpene spectrum, and effect profile align squarely with classic Haze families. The most frequently reported dominant terpene is terpinolene, often accompanied by ocimene, myrcene, limonene, and a peppery beta-caryophyllene base. This arrangement is a hallmark of many 1970s-1990s Haze derivatives.
Preservation work differs from modern polyhybridization by emphasizing genetic breadth over uniformity. Rather than bottleneck to a single phenotype through repeated filial inbreeding, preservation projects will use broader pollen sources or carefully chosen males that keep variance intact. For growers, the result is a seeded population that may show three to five discernible phenotype lanes across vigor, stretch, resin color, and aroma. Yet within this diversity, the line remains coherently sativa, with narrow leaflets and an upright growth habit across the board.
Anecdotal phenotype clustering suggests: a terpinolene-dominant 'incense-citrus' lane; a sweeter lemon-lime lane with more limonene; and an herbal-metal lane with camphoraceous edges likely influenced by trace eucalyptol or borneol. In practical selection terms, these clusters allow cultivators to tailor the end product to preference without losing the core Haze architecture. Importantly, most growers report that all lanes share the same mental clarity and energetic lift associated with classic Haze, supporting the idea that the foundational genetics are authentically preserved.
Appearance and Bud Structure
Metal Haze Preservation plants display a classical sativa silhouette with elongated internodes, narrow leaflets, and an upright, branching form. Indoors under strong LED or HPS lighting, expect 1.5x to 2.5x stretch after the flip, with total final heights of 90–160 cm when flowered at 25–35 cm. Outdoor plants can easily exceed 2.5 meters in height in full-season climates with ample root volume. Canopy management is therefore essential to keep colas in optimal light density zones.
The buds form as tapered, speared colas with side branches stacking smaller satellite spears that merge late in flower. Calyx-to-leaf ratios are favorable, with resin-spattered bracts and sugar leaves that trim relatively clean. Density is medium to medium-high for a sativa, avoiding the overly airy structure of some tropical lines while staying less compact than heavy indica hybrids. Trichomes present as bulbous and cloudy-to-amber at maturity, with a noticeable oily sheen.
Coloration tends to remain lime to forest green with bright golden pistils; some phenotypes show lilac hues in cooler night temperatures below 18°C. Resin heads are moderately large, and many growers report excellent bag appeal post-cure due to the shimmering frost and elongated cola architecture. Under magnification, stalked glandular trichomes are plentiful, and late-flower foxtailing is modest if environmental heat is controlled below 28°C.
Aroma Profile: From Incense to Metal
The nose opens with a classic Haze incense backbone, often described as cathedral wood, cedar, and sandalwood intertwined with zesty citrus peel. Terpinolene contributes a bright, almost effervescent top note, while ocimene and limonene add sweet-herbal and lemon-lime facets. Beneath the brightness sits a faint 'metallic' edge reminiscent of wet iron or ozone, which many connoisseurs associate with trace eucalyptol or borneol signatures. On grind, the metallic nuance becomes a crisp, mineral snap that reads clean rather than harsh.
A minority of phenotypes lean toward sweet citrus-candy with a lighter incense core, suggesting a higher limonene:terpinolene ratio. Others go deeper into savory-herbal territory with bay leaf, thyme, and pepper chaff notes, an indication of beta-caryophyllene and humulene co-expression. Across the population, total terpene concentrations commonly fall in the 1.5–3.5% range by dry weight when grown and cured optimally. Proper curing enhances the cedar-incense line and rounds the metallic aspect into a refined mineral impression.
In sensory evaluations conducted by experienced growers, the bouquet projects strongly at arm's length, with a lingering room note dominated by incense and citrus zest. The grind-and-sniff test releases spearmint and camphor flashes in roughly one out of four phenotypes, adding to the impression of lifted clarity. Overall, the aromatic profile is unmistakably Haze-forward and reads as vintage yet lively.
Flavor and Combustion Character
Flavor on inhalation mirrors the aroma: incense, cedar, and citrus peel framed by a mineral-bright edge. The first draw often produces a sparkling terpinolene lift followed by a soft pepper tickle from caryophyllene. Exhale trends toward herbal tea, lemongrass, and sandalwood with a dry, clean finish. Phenotypes with more limonene present a sweeter lemon-lime tail that can feel effervescent on the palate.
Combustion quality is high once properly cured for 14–28 days at 58–62% relative humidity. Smoke is smooth and dry rather than creamy, consistent with many sativa-dominant Haze expressions. Vaporization between 175–190°C accentuates the citrus-herbal spectrum and preserves the metallic-mineral nuance without harshness. Aftertaste is persistent and room-friendly, with minimal cloying sweetness.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Data
As a mostly sativa Haze-leaning line, Metal Haze Preservation typically tests high in THC with modest minor cannabinoids. Growers and dispensary-adjacent reports place total THC in a broad but realistic 17–24% range by dry weight, contingent on environment, feed, and harvest timing. Total cannabinoids often register in the 20–27% band, reflecting the contribution of CBG, CBC, and trace THCV. CBD expression is generally low, commonly below 0.5%.
CBG content tends to cluster at 0.3–1.0%, with the upper end more likely in phenotypes harvested slightly earlier when a higher proportion of trichomes remain milky. THCV appears as a trace component in some Haze-derived lines, and anecdotal tests for this cultivar indicate 0.2–0.8% THCV in select phenos. While these THCV levels are not high enough to define the strain's effect, they can contribute to the crisp, appetite-neutral, and focus-friendly profile many users report. CBC is typically a minor presence under 0.5% but adds to the overall ensemble.
Potency is highly responsive to light intensity and DLI. In controlled indoor environments delivering 800–1000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD and a 40–45 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ DLI during peak bloom, plants tend to reach the upper THC quartile for the line. Conversely, under suboptimal lighting or nutrient stress, tests can fall toward 17–19% THC even when resin coverage looks thick. Harvest timing matters: allowing 10–15% amber trichomes often shifts perceived effect from electric to balanced while keeping measured THC near peak.
Terpene Profile and Entourage Dynamics
The dominant terpene in most Metal Haze Preservation expressions is terpinolene, commonly landing at 0.4–1.5% by weight when grown well. Secondary terpenes include beta-ocimene (0.2–0.8%), limonene (0.2–0.7%), myrcene (0.2–0.6%), and beta-caryophyllene (0.2–0.5%). Trace contributors such as humulene (0.05–0.2%), linalool (0.05–0.2%), and eucalyptol or borneol in the sub-0.1% range shape the metallic-mineral edge reported on the nose. Total terpene concentration typically sums to 1.5–3.5% in dialed-in grows, consistent with robust but not dessert-heavy sativa profiles.
Terpinolene-dominant cannabis often aligns with uplifting, clear-headed effects and a bright, fresh aroma tone. In combination with limonene and ocimene, the result is a clean, energized lift rather than sedative heaviness. Beta-caryophyllene provides a peppery backbone that engages CB2 receptors, which some users perceive as a smoothing, centering component. Myrcene levels are moderate, limiting couchlock potential while still aiding vapor-phase diffusion of other aromatics.
The entourage effect for Metal Haze Preservation is accordingly geared toward alertness, mood elevation, and sensory acuity. When THC is above ~20% and terpinolene approaches or exceeds 1.0%, users frequently describe rapid onset within 3–5 minutes of inhalation and a peak window of 30–60 minutes. The presence of trace THCV in some phenos may further shape a crisp, appetite-neutral headspace. For edibles or rosin, preserving lighter monoterpenes through low-temperature processing can better retain the sparkling citrus-incense signature.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
The effect profile is classic, energetic Haze: fast onset, mental brightness, and a feeling of upward momentum without jitter if dosed moderately. Most users describe enhanced focus, talkativeness, and uplifted mood during the first hour. Visual and auditory crispness is common, with music and outdoor activities especially engaging. The finish tapers into a calm, clear afterglow rather than heavy sedation.
Duration for inhaled routes averages 2–3 hours, with the most vibrant phase in the first 60–90 minutes. High-tolerance users may find the experience lands as clean and productive rather than overwhelming if they avoid redosing quickly. Sensitive users should start small because terpinolene-rich profiles can feel racy when paired with high-THC, particularly on an empty stomach. Hydration and a light snack can smooth the initial rise.
Side effects are typical of higher-THC sativas: dry mouth, dry eyes, and possible transient anxiety if set and setting are not conducive. A minority of users report mild dizziness with rapid large hits, which usually resolves by slowing the pace and breathing. As always, individual biochemistry, tolerance, and context shape the experience significantly. For daytime creativity, technical tasks, and social sessions, many report the cultivar as being notably compatible.
Potential Medical Applications
While controlled clinical data specific to Metal Haze Preservation are not available, its chemistry aligns with potential use cases common to terpinolene-dominant, THC-forward sativas. Patients seeking daytime mood elevation often favor similar profiles for anhedonia and low energy states. The combination of THC in the high teens to low 20s and limonene/terpinolene synergy may support perceived improvements in motivation and outlook. Beta-caryophyllene's CB2 activity can add a subtle anti-inflammatory tone without overt sedation.
Some patients with attention challenges report improved task engagement with clear, uplifting sativas, especially when dosing is conservative and paired with structured activities. The relatively low myrcene content compared to many indica-leaning cultivars may help avoid lethargy that hinders daytime function. Individuals sensitive to anxiety may still find the rush uncomfortable; titrating upward slowly and considering vaporization at lower temperatures can mitigate intensity. In all cases, medical decisions should be made with a clinician familiar with cannabinoid therapeutics.
For neuropathic discomfort and migraine prodrome, rapid-onset sativas can offer distraction and perceived modulation of sensory gating in some anecdotal reports. Appetite effects are modest and in some phenotypes neutral, which can be helpful for those who want symptom relief without strong hunger cues. As with any high-THC product, potential adverse effects include tachycardia, transient anxiety, and impairment; responsible dosing and avoiding driving or hazardous tasks is essential. Patients on medications metabolized by CYP450 pathways should consult healthcare providers due to possible interactions.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Environment, Nutrition, and Training
Metal Haze Preservation thrives in environments that cater to vigorous, sativa-leaning growth. In vegetative stages, aim for temperatures of 24–27°C during lights-on and 20–22°C lights-off, with 60–70% relative humidity. Maintain VPD around 0.8–1.1 kPa in veg to sustain aggressive leaf expansion without inviting mildew. By early flower, transition to 22–26°C and 50–60% RH, targeting 1.1–1.4 kPa VPD; late flower prefers 20–24°C and 45–55% RH to protect terpenes and avoid botrytis.
Light intensity should be calibrated to avoid overstressing tall sativa structures while still delivering high productivity. In veg, 300–500 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD is sufficient with an 18/6 or 20/4 schedule. In bloom, ramp to 700–900 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ at canopy, with a DLI of 38–45 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹. CO2 supplementation to 900–1200 ppm during weeks 2–6 of flower can increase biomass and resin density, frequently lifting yield by 10–20% if nutrients and irrigation are dialed.
Nutritionally, this line appreciates a leaner nitrogen profile in late veg and early bloom to avoid excessive stretch and leaf mass. In hydro/coco, target EC 1.2–1.6 mS·cm⁻¹ in veg and 1.6–2.1 mS·cm⁻¹ in bloom, with pH 5.8–6.2. In living soil, build a balanced base with 2–3% organic matter and ensure robust calcium and magnesium availability; top dress with a bloom amendment at flip. Metal Haze Preservation tends to respond well to magnesium at 40–60 ppm and calcium at 120–150 ppm in solution during peak transpiration windows.
Train early and often. Topping once at the fifth to sixth node followed by low-stress training will create a wide, even canopy that prevents late-flower shading. Screen of green (ScrOG) approaches with 5–7 cm mesh help control the 1.5–2.5x stretch, increasing usable bud sites. Avoid prolonged high-stress training in late veg; instead, complete major structural work 7–10 days before flip to reduce stall during the transition.
Defoliation should be strategic. Remove large fan leaves that shade interior bud sites around day 21 of flower and again around day 45 if needed, but avoid stripping to the point of reducing photosynthetic capacity. This cultivar's calyx-forward buds benefit from airflow; maintain 0.3–0.6 m·s⁻¹ gentle breeze across the canopy. Keep canopy depth to 20–30 cm for ideal light penetration under LED arrays.
Irrigation frequency must match pot size and media. In coco, frequent small irrigations maintaining 10–20% runoff help stabilize EC and reduce salt stress; automated drip at 2–6 pulses per light cycle often performs best. In soil, water thoroughly to field capacity and allow to dry back to 50–60% before the next event; overwatering increases the risk of lanky, weak stems. Use silica supplementation at 50–100 ppm to strengthen cell walls and resist mechanical flop in late flower.
Metal Haze Preservation typically finishes indoors in 9–11 weeks of 12/12, depending on phenotype and desired effect curve. Earlier-harvesting phenos show more citrus-limonene emphasis and slightly denser bud structure; later phenos showcase deeper incense and a more ethereal headspace. Monitor trichomes with a jeweler's loupe: peak clarity and energetic lift occur near full-cloudy with minimal amber. Allowing more amber increases body presence but can blur the bright mental edge.
Flowering Behavior, Harvest Timing, and Yield Economics
In the first two weeks of 12/12, expect a pronounced hormonal stretch that sets final architecture. Internodal spacing tightens as pistils emerge, and by week 3–4, stacking accelerates along each spear. Calyx swelling becomes evident by week 6–7, with resin production peaking around weeks 7–9 depending on phenotype. Foxtailing remains modest if canopy temperature is controlled below 26–27°C and VPD is maintained in the recommended band.
Average indoor yields range from 450–600 g·m⁻² under optimized LED lighting and CO2, with 350–450 g·m⁻² typical in standard, non-enriched rooms. Skilled growers with dialed ScrOGs and extended veg times report 600+ g·m⁻² without compromising quality. Outdoor, in temperate climates with full sun and 50–100 L containers or in-ground beds, yields of 500–1000 g per plant are realistic. Support netting is recommended to prevent wind damage to the long colas.
Harvest windows split roughly into two lanes. The 9–10 week lane gives the most electric, thought-forward effect and keeps terpinolene top notes sparkling. The 10–11 week lane deepens the incense complexity, reduces raciness, and adds a glide to the finish. From a cost-of-production perspective, the extra 7–10 days can be worthwhile if your market values the layered incense profile and euphoric depth.
Pre-harvest checks should include trichome maturity, whole-plant fade, and aroma saturation. A 7–10 day plain-water or low-EC finish helps reduce residual salts and heightens the cedar-mineral tone. Keep night temperatures 2–4°C lower than day during the final two weeks to preserve monoterpenes and avoid terpene volatilization.
Integrated Pest and Disease Management
Sativa-leaning canopies and longer flowering windows require vigilant IPM. The primary threats in indoor gardens are spider mites and thrips, with powdery mildew a risk in high-humidity scenarios. Implement weekly scouting with a 60–100x scope on the undersides of leaves and near mid-canopy nodes. Sticky cards can help track flying pest pressure but should be paired with direct plant inspections for accuracy.
Biological controls integrate well with this cultivar's training-heavy approach. Predatory mites like Amblyseius swirskii and Neoseiulus californicus can be released preventatively during early veg and at flip. If thrips pressure is present, Orius insidiosus can help curb populations during the early bloom weeks. Rotate approved contact sprays such as horticultural oils or potassium bicarbonate for mildew prevention, but cease foliar applications by the end of week 2–3 of flower to protect trichomes.
Cultural controls are equally important. Maintain adequate airflow, target VPD, and avoid leaf overcrowding to reduce microclimates where mildew thrives. Sanitize tools, quarantine incoming clones, and consider UV-C night treatments on aisles only, not directly on plants, if pressure is recurrent. Consistency is the key; small weekly interventions are more effective than emergency responses.
Post-Harvest: Drying, Curing, and Storage
Drying should be slow and controlled to prevent terpene burn-off and chlorophyll lock. Target 18–20°C and 55–60% RH with gentle, indirect airflow for 10–14 days until small stems snap. Darkness preserves sensitive monoterpenes like terpinolene and ocimene; avoid fans pointed directly at hanging branches. Larger colas can be split lengthwise to equalize dryback.
For curing, jar or bin at 58–62% RH and burp daily for the first 7–10 days, then weekly for another 2–3 weeks. Many growers note a dramatic refinement in the incense-metal-citrus spectrum between week 2 and week 4 of cure. By day 28, the metallic edge softens into a cleaner mineral note, and the cedar sandalwood expands. Store in opaque containers at 15–20°C to prolong peak aroma.
For extraction, low-temperature rosin presses at 82–93°C for 60–120 seconds can yield 18–24% from top-grade flower in this line, preserving brighter monoterpenes. Hydrocarbon extraction can capture the full top-end sparkle but should be followed by gentle post-processing to avoid monoterpene stripping. Regardless of method, avoid excessive heat exposure, as terpinolene volatility is notably high compared to sesquiterpenes.
Why It Matters: Cultural and Genetic Significance
Metal Haze Preservation is more than just another sativa; it is a living archive of a flavor and effect era that shaped modern cannabis. In markets that often trend toward sugary desserts and heavy sedatives, keeping incense-citrus sativas accessible sustains diversity and choice. From a breeding standpoint, preservation lines provide raw material for future projects, ensuring that terpinolene-driven euphorias do not disappear. For enthusiasts, the result is simple: a cultivar that feels classic yet performant.
Bodhi Seeds' decision to release a mostly sativa Haze preservation project underscores a commitment to genetic stewardship. Cultivators benefit from real selection opportunities, and consumers get a heady, uplifting profile that fits active lifestyles. Whether you are hunting for a mother plant, exploring nuanced terpene chemistry, or seeking a daytime ally, Metal Haze Preservation stands out as a purposeful, data-informed re-centering of Haze virtues. Its continued circulation keeps an essential chapter of cannabis history alive and evolving.
