Strain:  Super Silver Haze

From:  De Rokerij (Amstel) – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Pickup Date:  11/19/2011

This is an informal review for a strain which we picked up while in Amsterdam, one of the first samples on the trip.  This Super Silver Haze grabbed our attention immediately among the choices on display, as we were fresh off a long plane ride and looking for an uplifting, yet not nerve-jangling Sativa.  The crisp yet pungent eucalyptus-citrus sweetness given off by the fairly small (by Colorado standards) jar was enough to make us grab some, but it also looked to have a nice, calyx-heavy structure and a moderate amount of trichomes.

One thing we noticed about Amsterdam herb is that it appears to be cured well overall, with a spongy yet snappy texture which breaks up perfectly info a fluffy mix for joints.  The different in humidity from Colorado to Amsterdam is probably responsible for a lot of that, but we really appreciated the change and this SSH was no exception.  We rolled up a large slim cone and it tasted pretty wonderful down to the paper, with a soft sweetness and the signature SSH citrusy kick.

An immediate mood uplift as well as a roaring body effect set us right early on, and the enduring effect made the rest of the walk to the hotel a dream-like affair. which admittedly can be dangerous among the whirring bicycles, trams, and cars that cover Amsterdam’s streets.  This strain gave us exactly what we were looking for in terms of effect, just putting a huge smile on our faces and relaxing the body enough to ease the tension of a 9 hour plane flight.

After taking some of the remaining herb home to photograph, we noticed the prevalence of amber-headed trichomes, which seemed to really take the edge off of this strain and make it more outwardly relaxing and stoney than it would be otherwise.  However, we also saw what appearedd to be a couple of spider mites, which is an unfortunate discovery for such an otherwise pleasing sample.  Because of Amsterdam’s murky coffeeshop supply chain, it’s difficult to assign blame on anyone in particular for bug issues, as this strain may have been grown in a greenhouse or outdoors.  Still, it’s disappointing, but we also have to remember that the mites themselves aren’t anything harmful (we can only hope the strain wasn’t improperly sprayed with pesticides — it burned clean and was very smooth, so there were no indications of that), and Amsterdam cannabis is non-medical, effectively lowering the bar for cleanliness and quality compared to the medical cannabis of Colorado.

White Fire OG #2 (aka “Wi-Fi OG”)

(OGRaskal’s Fire OG Kush x Krome’s “The White”)

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(the above sample was grown personally by Scott of Rare Dankness Seeds and is from the same the same batch which won the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam)

MOONSHINE HAZE STRAIN INFORMATION

General Information

Type:  Sativa-dominant hybrid

Genetics:  Soma’s Amnesia Haze x Nevil’s Wreck (E-32 Trainwreck x Neville’s Haze)

Geographic Origin:  Colorado, USA

Seed Company/Clone:  Rare Dankness Seeds

Description:  This hybrid stunned the world when it won the 2011 High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam for the Best Seed Company Sativa after being entered by first-time competitor Rare Dankness Seeds.  It’s a classic fusion of some of the best Hazes the Dutch scene has to offer with just a little bit of Cali genetics (the Trainwreck) to spice up the package.  Its spear-shaped and pointed colas take after the Trainwreck, but otherwise it takes most strongly after the sweet Amnesia Haze, carrying slight elements of the reedy, slightly musky Neville’s Haze as well.

History

Story:  Scott, master breeder for Rare Dankness Seeds said that this strain resulted from conversations with friends over the years about what a strain must have in order to win a Cannabis Cup.  Amsterdam is known for its love of Haze genetics, but it’s also the place where the judges are perhaps most jaded on the holiest of holy strains Amsterdam has to offer… this lead to Scott creating the Moonshine Haze, using the wonderful workhorse Nevil’s Wreck male to impart extra potency, trichome coverage, and aroma to the Amnesia Haze.  The strain was entered in the Sativa category and High Times Senior Cultivation Editor Danny Danko announced it as the Seed Company Sativa 1st place winner, eliciting a “rebel yell” from Scott, who was in the audience nearby.  This award finished off what ended up being a sweep for Colorado genetics in Amsterdam for the Seed Company cups.

Awards:  2011 High Times Amsterdam Cannabis Cup – 1st Place Seed Company Sativa

Growing Information

Flowering Time:  92 days for the Cup-winning phenotype

Preferred Growing Medium:  Scott primarily grows in  a very regimented hydroponic setup, and these plants are no exception.  As they take a long time to flower, it’s advisable to flip lighting to 12/12 when they’re under 18″ unless high ceilings are available.  The plant responds well to SCROG techniques and will form a large footprint rather easily due to the candelabra-like side branching imparted by the Trainwreck.

Patient Expectations

Appearance:  The nugs tend to be more pointed than rounded, and have a very strong and bold green coloration, with a classic look thanks to the bright orange pistils.  It has large calyxes for its lineage and gets a boost of trichome density from the Trainwreck which makes certain areas of the buds look almost gray at times (especially the underside of leaves).

Scent:  The scent definitely seems to be Amnesia Haze-dominant, with a lightly citrusy, sweet, fresh aroma that is easily-noticed as soon as the jar is opened, though it’s more of a “what’s that lovely smell?” as opposed to “whew, what stinks?” situation.  When ground apart, its already strong pungency increases further, bringing out a slight sandalwood/spice Haziness which adds complexity to the exceedingly pleasant, floral Amnesia smell.  This strain brings to mind several of the best things about Haze, and lovers of that genetic line will undoubtedly find something to their liking here.

Flavor:  Sweet and floral elements are most prevalent on the inhale, but the hint of citrus comes out on the exhale, leaving a lingering Haze note on the palate.  The smoke perfumes the smoke perfumes the room like most good Haze tends to do and is very smooth on the throat and not particularly expansive.

Effects:  Starting off with a near-immediate boost of internal energy and a buzzing sensation throughout the head and body, this Sativa definitely feels as such early on.  Mood is elevated, sensory perception seems heightened, and the mind becomes very active, if a little bit jumpy and frantic at times.  It’s not a very “facial” strain, only providing a little bit of eye and face buzzing early in the duration, residing primarily in the brain instead.  After the stimulating initial effects have subsided a bit (normally around the 1 to 1.5 hour mark), it becomes a wonderfully care-free yet clear-headed Sativa which doesn’t drop mood or “crash” at the end, but rather keeps the user on an even mental keel and fully able to function.  This is a great daytime choice for stimulating the mind and body and generally improving the tone of the day.

Medical Benefits:  It would be a great choice to help combat depression, fatigue, and general malaise, but it also has some anti-inflammatory and light pain relief qualities, especially in the middle part of the duration.  Like many Hazes, it may also aid with certain nerve issues and migraines, though these conditions are often very specific in their treatment.

(examples pictured above were grown by Tierra Rojo for Natural Remedies in Denver, CO — there are also several micron grades of water-extracted hash (known as “solventless wax”) made from S.D.D.C. trim by Essential Extracts)

S.D.D.C. STRAIN INFORMATION

General Information

Type:  Indica-dominant hybrid

Genetics:  East Coast Sour Diesel x Tom Hill’s Deep Chunk

Geographic Origin:  Texas, USA

Seed Company/Clone:  Clone-only, though the two popular phenotypes were selected from seed stock originally

Description:  A wonderful example of hybrid vigor, this strain brings together two strains on nearly opposite ends of the spectrum in the 70+ day flowering Sativa-dominant Sour Diesel and the burly, hashy, trich-covered Indica Deep Chunk.  The flavor and scent expression of the parents changes slightly depending upon medium, phenotype, and growing conditions.  It normally finishes a deep purple color, with both leaves and calyxes darkening as it approaches harvest time.

History

Story:  Bred by Tierra Rojo, this strain has made a home in the Colorado medical marijuana scene, but a special phenotype also still appears in its home state of Texas as the “Texas Hog Plum”.

Awards:  None

Growing Information

Flowering Time:  55-60 days

Preferred Growing Medium:  While it performs just fine in hydro, these plants tend to really respond to a robust soil or soilless mix, something that will keep them deep green and healthy until it’s time to flush.  It forms fairly strong central colas but also has a good amount of leaf, making pruning and a judicious trim necessary.  It handles training well and works for SCROG much better than it does in a single cola SOG style setup — medium sized plants (around 3′) tend to taste and smell best.

Patient Expectations

Appearance:  As it’s growing, the plants have a deep green and purple coloration that stays intact through harvest and drying/curing.  Most plants have large hooked calyxes that “crown” as the plant reaches maturity, with very fat trichome heads which make fabulous water hash.  It has a moderate amount of leaf coverage, but the main colas are thick and have a better calyx-to-leaf ratio than the lower branches.

Scent:  The ECSD comes through most clearly in the scent, which has strong notes of rubber, fuel, skunks.  However, there is a creamy, hashy Deep Chunk sweetness that manages to make its way to the forefront now and then.  The astringent aromas dominate post-grind and this is a strain that is easily-noticed from several feet away when disturbed.

Flavor:  When properly-grown, a deep flavor which nearly matches the pungency of the aroma lingers on the palate after smoking.  The flavor is slightly hashier than the aroma, but still has clear skunk, rubber, and fuel elements, especially on the attack.  The smoke tends to be fairly thick and can cause coughing, but if well-trimmed and cured, it can be very smooth for such a potent smoke.

Effects:  A buzzing throughout the face and head comes on with an immediacy that definitely brings to mind the Diesel side of the family.  It also tends to hit the eyes quite a bit, at times making them burn with effect and continually fluctuating pressure.  The early part of the duration feels rather Sativa in nature (though on the “stoney” and narcotic side of that spectrum) and improves mood while also providing such strong initial potency that it would be difficult to fall asleep.  However, that changes rather quickly (normally around the 1 hour mark) and the Deep Chunk seems to take hold, filling the body with a buzzing relaxation and bringing the mental pace down quite a few notches.  This strain is most suitable for an evening burst of cerebral activity leading into relaxation and eventually sleep.  It’s also useful as an all-day medication for users who can continually consume smaller amounts and remain in the Sativa parts of the effect.

Medical Benefits:  Mood elevation early on, strong ocular effects, body relaxation, light pain relief, anti-anxiety, and digestive relaxation