Written by Ad OpsIntroduction: A High-Energy Haze Hybrid From Rare Dankness
Moonshine Haze x Ghost Train Haze #1 is a high-octane, mostly sativa hybrid from Rare Dankness Seeds, a breeder synonymous with electric Hazes and record-setting potency. As the name suggests, it fuses two of the company’s signature lines, channeling the psychedelic vigor of classic Haze genetics through modern selection. The result is a cultivar prized by connoisseurs for its soaring, crystal-clear headspace and by growers for its resin production and unmistakable citrus-pine bouquet.
This cross inherits the brand’s hallmark intensity. Ghost Train Haze #1 is frequently cited in lab competitions for extreme THC, while Moonshine Haze is known for its award-winning sativa clarity and luminous terpene expression. Together they create a cultivar that is unapologetically bright, racy, and complex, appealing to those who seek a true daytime powerhouse.
Because both parents are sativa-leaning, expect a plant that grows with long internodes, vigorous vertical stretch, and elongated, high-calyx-density flowers. The strain’s sensory profile falls squarely in the Haze camp: citrus zest, tropical edge, eucalyptus, pine, and sweet floral incense. It is both nostalgic and modern, an update of the old-school Haze experience with 21st-century resin density and lab-verified firepower.
History and Breeding Context
Rare Dankness Seeds, founded by breeder Scott Reach (known as Moonshine), established its reputation in the 2010s by refining elite cuts and pairing them with foundational Haze and OG lines. The house’s Moonshine Haze earned widespread notice after taking top honors in the Sativa category at major competitions in 2011, and Ghost Train Haze #1 quickly accumulated press as one of the strongest lab-tested strains in High Times’ annual lists. The convergence of these two parent lines into Moonshine Haze x Ghost Train Haze #1 was a natural extension of Rare Dankness’s mission: push flavor and potency without sacrificing the electric, functional uplift beloved by sativa enthusiasts.
Moonshine Haze x Ghost Train Haze #1 was bred to magnify a specific kind of Haze effect—effervescent, happy, and hyper-vivid—but with modern density and bag appeal. The cross leans hard into terpinolene-dominant aromatics common to Hazes while adding OG-influenced backbone and fuel-tinged citrus from the Ghost Train side. For consumers who remember the spice-and-incense Hazes of the 1990s and early 2000s, this cultivar lands like a polished, juicier rendition with more ripe fruit and lemon candy over classic pine.
Culturally, the strain reflects a shift in the market toward verifiable potency. In the early 2010s, Ghost Train Haze #1 appeared on High Times’ Strongest Strains list with lab results exceeding 25% THC, and select batches later reported into the upper 20s. Pairing that with Moonshine Haze’s decorated sativa pedigree created a cultivar built for both the trophy shelf and the wake-and-bake rotation.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
The cross brings together Moonshine Haze and Ghost Train Haze #1, each with deep roots in Haze breeding. Moonshine Haze is widely reported to trace through Amnesia Haze and Rare Dankness’s Nevil’s Wreck male, itself a composition drawing from Neville’s Haze and Trainwreck lines. This gives Moonshine Haze a double dose of racy, cerebral sativa energy with a citrus-tropical terpene shine.
Ghost Train Haze #1 combines Ghost OG with Nevil’s Wreck, making it a bridge between OG Kush structure and Haze-driven psychoactivity. Ghost OG contributes sharper limonene and earthy-fuel notes, while Nevil’s Wreck again injects the high-octane Haze architecture. The #1 designation denotes the primary selected phenotype that’s been widely circulated and tested.
In Moonshine Haze x Ghost Train Haze #1, the overlapping Nevil’s Wreck ancestry acts as a dominant vector for Haze traits. Expect inheritance patterns such as tall, speary colas, high calyx-to-leaf ratios, and terpinolene-forward bouquets with citrus, pine, and floral accents. The OG influence from Ghost Train tempers the stretch slightly and can stiffen stems and node spacing compared to ultra-loose, classic Hazes.
Appearance and Morphology
This cultivar typically displays elongated, tapering colas with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, giving buds a spare-leaf, crystalline look that trims easily. Flowers range from lime to mint green with peach to tangerine pistils that can darken to rust near maturity. Sugar leaves remain thin and narrow, often curling slightly away from dense trichome clusters.
Trichome coverage is a standout feature; under magnification, heads present as plentiful, with a robust crop of capitate-stalked glands. Well-grown examples will have an almost frosting-like appearance, with resin rails along calyx seams and sugar leaves dusted end to tip. Foxtailing can occur in high-intensity light or late in bloom, but in this line it is more a cosmetic flourish than a structural flaw.
Sativa vigor is evident in veg: internodes can span 3–7 cm under standard indoor lighting, compressing slightly with high PPFD and robust airflow. Plants respond well to topping and lateral training, producing a lattice that fills a screen or trellis uniformly. Expect a 1.5–2.25x stretch after flip, with OG influence sometimes limiting the stretch in Ghost Train-leaning phenotypes.
Aroma: Volatile Profiles and First Impressions
Open a jar and a citrus-forward blast arrives first: sweet lemon candy, pink grapefruit, and lime peel. Secondary notes include pine resin, eucalyptus, and a clean floral-lilac impression common to terpinolene-rich Hazes. Some phenotypes show an herbal mint or green-tea nuance on the back end.
As buds break, the bouquet deepens into varnished wood, cedar chest, and faint incense, indicating the Haze lineage. Ghost Train Haze #1 can add an OG-adjacent edge—subtle fuel, wet stone, and a dry, peppery caryophyllene tickle. Moonshine Haze leans tropical, occasionally revealing ripe mango or passionfruit candy tones under the citrus top notes.
A well-cured sample tends to stabilize around zesty citrus and pine even months into storage if humidity is kept near 60–62% and jars remain unopened between sessions. Total terpene content in high-quality, indoor-grown sativas typically lands between 1.5% and 3.0% by dry weight, and this cross commonly presents in that range. The sensory arc shifts from bright and sherbet-like at first crack to deeper, woody-resinous after a few minutes exposed to air.
Flavor: Palate Evolution and Aftertaste
On inhale, expect bright lemon zest, grapefruit rind, and sugared lime with a cool, mint-eucalyptus undertone. The first impression is clean and sparkling, almost seltzer-like, before pine resin and floral notes build mid-palate. If vaporized at lower temps (170–185°C), the tropical elements come forward: mango hard candy and sweet herb tea.
Exhale leans drier and woodier, balancing pine needles with white pepper and cedar shavings. A faint OG-kissed fuel can appear in Ghost Train-leaning cuts, wrapping the citrus in a subtle petrol twist. The aftertaste lingers as lemon-pepper with a violet-lilac echo—signature Haze incense.
Flavor intensity correlates strongly with cure quality. Samples dried 10–14 days at 60°F and 60% RH generally retain brighter citrus while minimizing chlorophyll harshness. Over-dried material (below 55% RH) skews to peppery-pine and loses the tropical candy dimension.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Data
Given its parentage, Moonshine Haze x Ghost Train Haze #1 routinely tests high in THC with minimal CBD. Ghost Train Haze #1 entries have appeared on Strongest Strains lists with THC values reported around 25–28%, and Moonshine Haze is well known for strong sativa potency often in the low-to-mid 20s. This cross commonly lands in the 20–27% THC range in competent indoor grows, with outliers possible under optimized conditions.
CBD is typically low (<0.5%), and total minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBC, THCV) often sum to 0.5–1.5%. Occasional THCV expression has been noted in Haze-heavy lines, sometimes clocking 0.2–0.6%, though presence varies by phenotype and environment. Total cannabinoids generally range 22–31% when THC is near the upper 20s and minor fractions are present.
Consumers report fast onset within 2–5 minutes when inhaled, peaking around 20–30 minutes, and tapering over 2.5–4 hours depending on dose and tolerance. Edible or decarbed forms amplify duration considerably, with effects stretching 4–8 hours and a stronger body component from 11-hydroxy-THC. As with any high-THC variety, titration is key; many users find 1–3 inhalations sufficient for a functional daytime dose.
Terpene Profile and Aromachemistry
The terpene stack in this cultivar usually centers on terpinolene, limonene, beta-myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-/beta-pinene. In lab-tested Haze cultivars, terpinolene dominance occurs frequently, sometimes accounting for 30–45% of the total terpene fraction. In practice, that can mean 0.4–0.9% terpinolene by weight if total terpenes fall around 1.5–2.0%.
Limonene contributes the lemon-candy and grapefruit zest, often registering 0.2–0.6% by weight in terpene-rich phenotypes. Pinene presents as pine sap and eucalyptus, commonly 0.1–0.4% combined alpha and beta. Beta-caryophyllene (0.1–0.3%) adds the pepper-spice edge and may interact with CB2 receptors as a dietary cannabinoid, a property of interest in wellness circles.
Myrcene varies; when higher (0.2–0.5%), it nudges the profile toward ripe tropical fruit and can mellow the effect slightly. Ocimene and linalool sometimes appear as trace contributors, adding floral sweetness and a brisk, green lift. Total terpene content in well-grown indoor flower generally lands between 1.5% and 3.0%, with top-shelf cuts occasionally pushing toward 3.5% in dialed-in rooms.
Experiential Effects and Use Patterns
The effect profile is quintessential Haze: energetic, clear, and highly sensory, often described as cinematic or high-definition. Many users report rapid elevation in mood and motivation, with a pronounced sense of mental brightness and color saturation. Creativity and verbal fluency can spike early, making the strain popular for brainstorming, music, and social day events.
Physical effects tend toward lightness, with minimal couchlock unless consumed heavily. A mild, pleasant body buzz arrives mid-curve, supporting the heady uplift rather than replacing it. Some phenotypes, especially Ghost Train-leaning cuts, can present a racier cardiovascular response; individuals sensitive to stimulatory sativas should start low.
Duration is above average for a daytime strain, with 2.5–4 hours of noticeable effects from a standard inhaled session. The comedown is usually clean, leaving minimal grogginess and, in many cases, a pleasantly reflective afterglow. Tolerance builds with frequent use; rotating varieties or spacing sessions helps maintain the signature sparkle.
Potential Medical Applications
Patients and adult consumers often reach for this cultivar to address low mood, fatigue, and motivational deficits. Anecdotally, many report fast-acting uplift that helps interrupt ruminative thought patterns, consistent with limonene- and terpinolene-forward profiles linked to bright, energizing experiences. For daytime function, microdosed inhalation—one or two small puffs—can provide focus without heavy sedation.
Beta-caryophyllene content may contribute to perceived anti-inflammatory benefits via CB2 receptor activity, although clinical evidence in whole-plant contexts remains preliminary. Migraines and tension headaches are commonly cited targets for sativa-dominant strains; some users find early intervention during prodrome effective with this cultivar’s quick onset. As always, individual responses vary widely, and what energizes one user may provoke anxiety in another.
Because THC can transiently increase heart rate and, in sensitive individuals, anxiety, cautious titration is recommended for those with panic disorder or cardiovascular concerns. Vaporizing at lower temperatures may emphasize clarifying terpenes and reduce harshness. Nothing here constitutes medical advice; patients should consult clinicians, especially when combining cannabis with existing treatment plans.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Overview and Planning
Moonshine Haze x Ghost Train Haze #1 is a vigorous, mostly sativa plant with a 9–12 week flowering window depending on phenotype and environment. Indoors, expect 63–84 days, with many settling around 70–77 days for optimal resin maturity. Outdoors in temperate zones, harvest typically falls from mid- to late October, potentially spilling into early November in cooler climates.
Yields vary with training and light intensity: 450–600 g/m² is achievable indoors under 700–1000 µmol/m²/s PPFD with effective canopy management. In high-PPFD, CO2-enriched rooms (800–1200 ppm), dialed-in cultivators report 600–750 g/m² from well-screened plants. Outdoor yields can be substantial—500–1200 g per plant—if the season permits full finish without botrytis pressure.
The cultivar appreciates moderate-to-high light and consistent airflow. Ideal day temps for flower are 22–26°C with nights 18–22°C; keeping a 2–4°C differential reduces foxtailing while preserving terpene integrity. Relative humidity should run 55–60% in early flower, stepping down to 45–50% weeks 6–8, and 42–45% near harvest to mitigate mold.
Cultivation: Vegetative Strategy and Training
Because stretch can be 1.5–2.25x, plan the veg run with the flip in mind. Topping at the 4th–6th node encourages lateral architecture, and low-stress training keeps tops at a uniform height for even light distribution. Screen of Green (ScrOG) is highly effective—fill the net to 60–70% before flip and continue tucking for the first two weeks of flower.
Sea of Green (SoG) also works if you prefer more plants with shorter veg. In SoG, flower clones at 15–25 cm height and limit veg to 7–14 days; this curbs terminal stretch while producing uniform spears. Support with a second trellis or yo-yos from week 4 onward to protect long colas.
In veg, maintain 300–500 PPFD, 18/6 photoperiod, and VPD around 0.9–1.2 kPa. Keep pH at 6.2–6.8 in soil and 5.7–6.1 in coco/hydro, with EC roughly 1.2–1.6 depending on media and cultivar appetite. Consider silica supplementation for stronger stems; this line’s sativa architecture benefits from added rigidity.
Cultivation: Flowering Management and Nutrition
Flip under 700–900 PPFD, increasing to 900–1100 PPFD by week 3 for high-energy phenotypes with CO2 supplementation. Without added CO2, cap intensity closer to 1000 PPFD to balance photosynthetic capacity. Maintain VPD near 1.2–1.4 kPa early, tapering to 1.0–1.2 late bloom for terpene retention.
Nutrition favors moderate nitrogen in early bloom, then a shift toward higher potassium and phosphorus through mid-late flower. Many growers find success targeting EC 1.6–2.0 in coco/hydro and 1.4–1.8 in soilless mixes; avoid excessive nitrogen after week 4 to prevent leafy buds. Cal-mag is important under LEDs; aim for 100–150 ppm Ca and 40–60 ppm Mg in solution.
Defoliation should be measured. Remove large fan leaves that shade primary sites around week 3 and optionally again at week 6, but retain enough leaf to support metabolism in this long-flowering sativa. Supplemental carbohydrates are generally unnecessary; focus on stable environment, consistent irrigation, and balanced feed.
Watch for late-stage foxtailing if canopy temps exceed 27°C or if PPFD is pushed beyond plant capacity. A slight drop in night temps during the final two weeks can encourage color development and terpene preservation. Many growers reduce EC 10–20% in the final 10 days, with an optional 7–10 day flush depending on media and nutrient line.
Cultivation: Environment, IPM, and Stress Tolerance
Haze-dominant plants can be sensitive to swings in environment. Keep air exchange steady and ensure cross-canopy airflow with oscillating fans above and below the canopy. This line tolerates training stress well in veg but avoid hard bends on woody stems after week 3 of flower.
Integrated Pest Management is essential for long bloom windows. Preventative releases of predatory mites (e.g., Neoseiulus californicus for mites, Amblyseius swirskii for thrips/whitefly) can maintain balance. Biologicals like Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens are useful for powdery mildew suppression when applied in veg; avoid foliar applications in late flower to protect trichomes.
Outdoors, choose a site with full sun, good airflow, and low late-season humidity, or move to a rain-sheltered greenhouse in October. Botrytis is the primary risk in dense, late-finishing colas; proactive thinning, staking, and humidity control are your allies. The cultivar shows decent resilience if kept within its comfort band: consistent irrigation, moderate EC, and rock-solid environmental control.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing Best Practices
Trichome maturity should guide harvest. For a vivid, electric effect, many target mostly cloudy with 5–10% amber; for a slightly deeper body component, allow 10–15% amber. Pistil coloration alone can mislead on Hazes; rely on a jeweler’s loupe or microscope.
Dry in 10–14 days at 60°F/60% RH in darkness with gentle air exchange but no direct airflow on buds. This slow dry protects monoterpenes like terpinolene and limonene, which are highly volatile. When stems snap, move to curing jars or bins at 62% RH and burp daily for the first week, then weekly for 4–6 weeks.
Aim to keep water activity in the 0.55–0.65 range for long-term stability. Research on stored cannabis suggests THC slowly oxidizes to CBN over months at room temperature; limiting heat, oxygen, and light reduces potency loss. Opaque, airtight containers at cool temperatures (15–18°C) help preserve both cannabinoids and terpenes, with minimal headspace to reduce oxidation.
Phenotype Expression and Selection Tips
Two primary phenotype axes commonly appear: Moonshine-leaning and Ghost Train-leaning. Moonshine-heavy cuts often show more tropical fruit on the nose, slightly lighter, airier flower structure, and a shimmering, euphoric clarity. Ghost Train-leaning phenos carry a sharper lemon-pine-fuel profile, denser spears, and more assertive potency that some find racier.
Flowering time spans reflect these differences. Moonshine-leaning expressions may finish in 63–70 days with a spritely effect curve. Ghost Train-leaning cuts can run 70–84 days, trading a few extra days for louder potency and denser calyx stacks.
For selection, track aroma during late veg rubs and early flower stem scratches—terpinolene-rich phenos often shout citrus-lilac even before week 3. Keep meticulous notes on internode spacing, stretch factor, and resin onset (many standouts frost early by week 4–5). If you hunt for extraction, watch for phenos with greasy, thick trichome heads and high return potential; Ghost Train-leaning cuts often excel in hydrocarbon and rosin.
Comparisons to Parent Strains and Similar Hazes
Compared to Moonshine Haze, the cross generally shows greater density and a louder lemon-fuel top note thanks to Ghost Train Haze #1. The effect remains cheerful and creative but can feel more forceful in the first 45 minutes. Flavor shifts from pure tropical-citrus and floral candy toward citrus-pine with a peppered edge.
Relative to Ghost Train Haze #1, the cross often has a sweeter, fruitier entry and a slightly smoother inhale. The OG bite is dialed back a notch, while the Haze incense and lilac tones are more present. Many users describe the hybrid as a friendlier, more aromatic Ghost Train that retains ferocious clarity.
When stacked against other terpinolene-dominant sativas like Super Lemon Haze or Jack Herer, Moonshine Haze x Ghost Train Haze #1 sits on the racier, higher-octane end. It lacks Jack’s heavy spice-herb body and leans less sugary than Super Lemon Haze, providing a drier, pine-cedar tail. As a daytime driver, it’s squarely for those who want a crisp launch rather than a mellow coast.
Outdoor and Greenhouse Notes
In Mediterranean climates, plant out after last frost once nights remain above 10°C. Use raised beds or large fabric pots (50–100 L) with living soil to buffer feeding and improve drought resilience. Trellis early to prepare for October winds and the weight of maturing colas.
Aim for full sun—at least 8 hours daily. Drip irrigation with mulched surfaces maintains even moisture and reduces weed pressure. Foliar IPM should conclude by early flower; thereafter rely on canopy management, airflow, and beneficial insects.
In greenhouses, dehumidification is crucial from late September onward. Roll-up sides, horizontal airflow fans, and heat-assisted night drying can keep RH under 60% during critical weeks. Blackout systems can be used to finish earlier in September, trading a small yield reduction for reduced botrytis risk.
Post-Processing and Extraction Potential
This cross shines in solventless and hydrocarbon extraction due to plentiful, bulbous trichome heads. Rosin yields from standout phenos can reach 20–25% from premium fresh-frozen material; average yields often fall in the 15–20% range. Hydrocarbon runs tend to capture the lemon-pine-lilac bouquet vividly, producing lively, seltzer-bright concentrates.
For live rosin, harvest at peak terpene expression around day 70–75 in many cuts, freezing material immediately to preserve monoterpenes. Ice water hash benefits from gentle agitation; fragile Haze heads can shear if overworked. Post-process at low temperatures to maintain volatiles—curing rosin between 10–16°C can coax a creamy, stable texture without burning off top notes.
Distillate masks the cultivar’s complexity; if aiming for flavor, focus on terpene-preserving methods. Terp fraction reinfusion can help, but the native profile is the star. Consumers consistently report that the live resin, live rosin, and sugar wax forms deliver the strain’s signature citrus-spark best.
Dosing, Tolerance, and Responsible Use
For new users, one to two small inhalations are typically sufficient to gauge the strain’s stimulatory ceiling. Many experienced consumers find 5–10 mg THC equivalent via vapor or smoke delivers a productive, energetic session, while 10–20 mg can tip into intensely heady territory. Edible doses should start very low due to long duration and higher body load.
Because THC can transiently elevate heart rate, avoid combining high doses with intense cardio. Hydration and a light snack often smooth the onset for those prone to jitters. If anxiety arises, CBD-rich flower or tincture can sometimes take the edge off in a 1:1 to 2:1 CBD:THC ratio.
Always observe local laws for cultivation and possession. Effects vary by individual, set, and setting; plan first experiences in comfortable, low-demand environments. For medical usage, consult healthcare providers for interactions, dosing, and contraindications.
Data Snapshot and Expected Ranges
Flowering time: 63–84 days indoors; mid–late October outdoors in temperate zones. Stretch: 1.5–2.25x post-flip depending on phenotype and training. Yield potential: 450–600 g/m² indoors; 600–750 g/m² under CO2 and high PPFD; 500–1200 g per outdoor plant with full-season finish.
Potency: THC commonly 20–27%; CBD usually <0.5%; total cannabinoids 22–31% in optimized runs. Terpenes: total 1.5–3.0% by weight typical; terpinolene often dominant at 0.4–0.9% of flower mass; limonene 0.2–0.6%; pinene 0.1–0.4%; beta-caryophyllene 0.1–0.3%; myrcene 0.2–0.5%. Onset: 2–5 minutes inhaled; peak 20–30 minutes; duration 2.5–4 hours inhaled.
Environment targets: flower 22–26°C day, 18–22°C night; RH 55–60% early, stepping to 42–45% late; PPFD 700–1000 without CO2, 900–1100 with CO2; pH 6.2–6.8 soil, 5.7–6.1 coco/hydro; EC 1.6–2.0 in solution for mid bloom. Dry/cure: 60°F, 60% RH for 10–14 days; cure 62% RH for 2–6 weeks. Storage: cool, dark, airtight to reduce oxidation and terpene loss.
Why Enthusiasts Seek This Cultivar
Few modern crosses deliver such a faithful Haze experience with contemporary resin density. The nose is unmistakable—lemon-lime spritz over pine and lilac, with just enough Ghost Train snarl to keep things edgy. The effect is relentlessly bright and engaging, excellent for daylight creativity and sociable tasks.
Growers value the cultivar for its willingness to fill a screen and its trimmer-friendly calyx-to-leaf ratio. While the flowering window runs longer than cookie and dessert lines, the payoff in terpene sparkle and potency is substantial. Extractors prize the cultivar for lively, high-return terps that cut through in live formats.
For collectors of Rare Dankness genetics, Moonshine Haze x Ghost Train Haze #1 reads like a greatest-hits album. It anchors the breeder’s identity—award-winning Haze character and headline-grabbing strength—into a single, coherent package. In a market full of sweet, heavy dessert profiles, this strain stands out as bright, dry, and exhilarating.
Conclusion: A Rare Dankness Sativa With Teeth
Moonshine Haze x Ghost Train Haze #1 embodies the Rare Dankness ethos: take iconic Haze scaffolding and tune it for modern expectations of potency, resin, and flavor density. It is mostly sativa by design, bred for a clear, kinetic high and a terpene profile that reads citrus-pine with floral lift. Consumers seeking daytime focus and creative elevation will find a reliable spark here if they respect the strain’s intensity.
From a cultivation standpoint, it rewards planning—train early, manage stretch, and keep the late bloom dry and steady. The yield-to-quality ratio is excellent when dialed, and careful drying and curing preserve the hallmark lemon-lilac signature. For extraction, the cultivar’s greasy trichome heads and sparkling top notes translate beautifully into live products.
Ultimately, this cross is a love letter to sativa traditionalists and a reminder that Hazes, when executed well, remain unmatched for bright, functional euphoria. Bred by Rare Dankness Seeds and steeped in high-performance genetics, it is both a nod to the past and a benchmark for what modern Haze can be. Approach with intention, and it delivers a memorable, high-definition ride.
