Afghan Haze is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain bred from a pure Afghani and a Haze male, known for a clear, creative head high with a relaxed body underneath. It was conceived by Nevil Schoenmakers in the early 1990s and is kept today by Shantibaba’s Mr. Nice Seedbank in Amsterdam. Leafly lists about 16% THC.
Afghan Haze Strain at a Glance
| Type | Sativa-dominant hybrid |
|---|---|
| Lineage | Afghani × Haze |
| Breeder / origin | Nevil Schoenmakers and Shantibaba (Mr. Nice Seedbank) |
| THC | About 16% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Low |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, Limonene, Terpinolene |
| Aroma and flavor | earthy, woody, nutty, floral, herbal tea, flowery, herbal, skunk |
| Reported effects | focused, creative, uplifted, euphoric, relaxed |
| Best for | daytime creative work, art and music, fans of old-school haze |
| Flowering time | About 70 days (10 weeks) |
Where Afghan Haze Comes From
Afghan Haze is a classic Dutch-era cross. SeedFinder’s entry from Mr. Nice Seedbank says Nevil Schoenmakers conceived it at The Seed Bank in the early 1990s, and Weedmaps and Leafly both credit Nevil together with Scott Blakey, better known as Shantibaba. Blakey’s Mr. Nice Seedbank still offers it.
The recipe is simple: a pure Afghan mother pollinated by a Haze male. SeedFinder’s genealogy traces the Haze side back to Colombian sativa lines, and Weedmaps describes the Haze male as having Thai and Colombian roots. Leafly lists Inferno OG and Critical Haze among its offspring.
Afghan Haze Effects: What It Feels Like
Leafly reviewers most often tag Afghan Haze as focused, creative and uplifted, while Weedmaps users lean toward euphoric, relaxed and happy. The description that fits most reports is a clear, energizing headspace paired with soothing body relief. Several reviewers say it helped them stay on task with art projects, and some mention giggles or a floaty body feel.
One reviewer described a mental lift that eased into relaxation, and Leafly notes that larger doses can help with sleep. At about 16% THC on Leafly, it is moderate by modern standards, but haze highs can still feel racy for some people.
Afghan Haze Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
Leafly lists earthy, woody and flowery as the top flavors, and Weedmaps describes a nutty, earthy aroma with some users tasting herbal tea and skunk. Opinions on taste vary among reviewers, which is common for older seed lines with phenotype variation.
Leafly lists myrcene as the dominant terpene, followed by limonene and terpinolene. Terpinolene is a typical haze marker, adding a fresh, slightly floral and fruity note. Weedmaps cites one lab sample heavy in alpha-pinene, limonene and caryophyllene, so terpene profiles shift between phenotypes.
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Limonene: bright citrus, also found in lemon and orange peel
- Terpinolene: fruity, piney and herbal, common in classic sativas
Terpene levels vary from grower to grower and batch to batch, so check the lab label on the package. Learn more in our guide to cannabis terpenes.
Side Effects and How to Use Afghan Haze
Leafly reviewers list dizziness, dry mouth and headaches. A few people say it did nothing for their pain. As with most haze crosses, heavy doses can feel busy in the head.
With Afghan Haze, as with any strain, a smaller dose usually avoids anxiety or grogginess. Our cannabis safety guide covers what to do if you take too much.
Do People Use Afghan Haze for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers most often mention reaching for Afghan Haze during stress (41%), depression (30%) and pain (28%), and Weedmaps notes that the breeder recommends it for medical users seeking pain relief. These are breeder and user reports, not clinical evidence.
These are user reports, not clinical findings. For what research actually supports, see our cannabis health and research section, and talk to your doctor before using cannabis for a health condition.
Growing Afghan Haze
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Flowering: About 70 days (10 weeks)
- Yield: 350 to 450 g/m² indoors; 350 to 450 g per plant outdoors
- Environment: Indoor, outdoor or greenhouse; outdoor harvest mid-October
According to the breeder’s notes on SeedFinder, Afghan Haze flowers in about 10 weeks and yields 350 to 450 g/m² indoors or 350 to 450 g per plant outdoors, with outdoor harvest in mid-October in the Northern Hemisphere. The breeder stresses that phenotype selection matters for both yield and finishing time, and recommends it for growers who already have some experience rather than first-timers. It was never sold as feminized seed. A mid-October finish overlaps with the rainy season in the Pacific Northwest and similar climates, so outdoor growers there should watch colas for mold or use a greenhouse.
Home-grow rules depend on the state: adults can grow at home in states such as California (six plants per residence), Michigan (12 per residence) and Oregon (four per household), while Washington and Illinois allow home growing only for registered medical patients. Check your state in our cannabis laws by state guide before you plant anything.
Strains Like Afghan Haze
- Afghani: the indica side of its lineage
- Super Silver Haze: another classic Dutch haze hybrid
- Amnesia Haze: a clear, creative haze high
- Lemon Haze: haze effects with a brighter flavor
- Jack Herer: a focused, creative sativa-leaning classic
Browse more sativa strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Sativa Strains to Explore
Agent Orange · AK-47 · Alaskan Thunder Fuck · ACDC · Acapulco Gold · 503 Wifi · All sativa strains
Where to Buy Afghan Haze
Dispensary menus change every week, and Afghan Haze may be sold under its own name, as a cross or as a pre-roll or vape. The fastest way to find it is to check store menus online before you go. In Long Beach, browse Long Beach dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Stilo Supply and Haven Cannabis Marijuana and Weed Dispensary – Downtown Long Beach. In Grand Rapids, browse Grand Rapids dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Olswell-Grand Rapids and Jars Cannabis. You can also browse licensed dispensaries in every state we cover. Adults 21 and older can buy with a valid photo ID; see cannabis laws by state for purchase limits.
Afghan Haze FAQ
Is Afghan Haze indica or sativa?
It is sativa-dominant. SeedFinder lists it as mostly sativa despite the Afghan half.
What is Afghan Haze a cross of?
A pure Afghani crossed with a Haze male.
Who bred Afghan Haze?
Nevil Schoenmakers conceived it in the early 1990s, and Shantibaba’s Mr. Nice Seedbank still sells it.
How strong is Afghan Haze?
Leafly lists about 16% THC, which is moderate by today’s standards.
How long does Afghan Haze take to flower?
About 10 weeks, according to the breeder.
For adults 21+ in legal states. Strain information reflects breeder descriptions, lab data and user reports; effects vary by person and batch. Not medical advice.
