The Rise of a Legend: Super Silver Haze by Green House Seed Company
In the vast landscape of cannabis genetics, certain strains transcend the ordinary and become legendary. Super Silver Haze by Green House Seed Company stands as one of these remarkable achievements—a strain that has left an indelible mark on cannabis culture worldwide. The story behind this iconic strain is as captivating as the experience it delivers, weaving together the brilliance of master breeders, the perfect genetic combination, and unprecedented competitive success.
The Golden Era of Cannabis Breeding
The 1990s represented a golden age in cannabis breeding. This transformative decade witnessed the emergence of many strains that would become household names among enthusiasts. White Widow, Sour Diesel, OG Kush, Jack Herer—all these classics emerged during this fertile period of innovation. But even among these giants, Super Silver Haze would rise to claim its own special place in cannabis history.
What makes the story of Super Silver Haze particularly fascinating is the extraordinary talent behind its creation. When we examine the pedigree of this strain, we uncover a convergence of some of the most brilliant minds in cannabis breeding.
The Master Breeders Behind the Legend
The creation of Super Silver Haze involved several pivotal figures in cannabis breeding history. At the heart of this story is Nevil Schoenmakers, often called "The King of Cannabis"—a title bestowed upon him by High Times magazine in 1985. Schoenmakers was a true pioneer, founding The Seed Bank of Holland in the 1980s, which became the first seedbank to advertise directly to the public through High Times magazine. He was also the first breeder to export cannabis seeds from the Netherlands to the United States and globally.
After selling The Seed Bank to Sensi Seeds in 1991, Schoenmakers joined forces with Arjan Roskam to form Green House Seed Company. This partnership would prove incredibly fruitful, achieving early success when their White Widow strain captured first place at the Cannabis Cup in 1995.
Another key figure in this tale is the legendary breeder Scott Blakey, better known as Shantibaba. His expertise was instrumental in creating White Widow, and he would later contribute significantly to the development and refinement of haze genetics.
According to posts from Shantibaba himself, the breeding landscape of the time was complex, with many competing claims about strain origins and development. As he described it: "Now the female seed story saved a lot of seed companies who never really breed seed... It is therefore obvious to me why Arjan (who is a very marketing person nothing more) and Franco come out every year with a new name plant..."
The history becomes particularly interesting when we examine the collaboration between these breeding titans. Nevil and Shantibaba worked together on various Haze strains during the early to mid-90s, with Super Silver Haze emerging as the crown jewel of their efforts.
A Trinity of Cannabis Royalty
What makes Super Silver Haze truly special is its impeccable genetic lineage—a trinity of cannabis royalty: Skunk #1, Northern Lights #5, and the original Haze. Each parent strain contributed unique and valuable characteristics:
- Skunk #1 provided robust growth characteristics and unparalleled resilience
- Northern Lights #5 added profound psychoactive potency and ease of cultivation
- Original Haze brought the quintessential sativa high—uplifting, cerebral, and energetic
This genetic combination created something greater than the sum of its parts—a strain with remarkable growth patterns, distinctive appearance, and a perfectly balanced effect profile.
Unprecedented Championship Success
Super Silver Haze didn't just enter the cannabis scene—it conquered it. In an achievement that remains unmatched to this day, Super Silver Haze claimed first place at the High Times Cannabis Cup for three consecutive years: 1997, 1998, and 1999.
This unprecedented "three-peat" championship run cemented Super Silver Haze's reputation as one of the greatest sativa-dominant strains ever created. This level of consistent excellence is comparable to the dominance of the Chicago Bulls in 1990s basketball—a dynasty that defined an era.
The Green House team continued their success with haze genetics, producing other cup winners including Haze #1 in 2006 and Super Lemon Haze, which claimed back-to-back first-place victories in 2008 and 2009.
The Distinctive Character of Super Silver Haze
What makes enthusiasts continually return to Super Silver Haze decades after its creation? The answer lies in its distinctive character and profile.
The flowers grow medium to large in size, developing dense and sticky structures. Most notably, the buds become thickly coated in trichomes, giving them a silvery appearance that inspired the strain's name. The bright green leaves are accented by vibrant orange pistils, creating a visually striking flower.
The terpene profile of Super Silver Haze creates a complex aromatic tapestry. Myrcene, limonene, and α-pinene feature prominently, creating a delicious blend of sweet, spicy, and earthy scents with hints of citrus, pine, and skunk. This initial woody fragrance transforms upon consumption, revealing the fruity sweetness from its Skunk lineage and subtle metallic hints from the Northern Lights parentage.
As one breeder described it: "It has an excellent breed for those who wish to possess the stash of stashes and leaves one gasping for reality. This complex hybrid is in the cutting edge in practical Haze hybrids, designed to astound the grower and consumer alike."
Global Influence and Legacy
From its origins in the Netherlands, Super Silver Haze quickly spread its influence globally. It became a staple in coffee shops and dispensaries worldwide, from the winding canals of Amsterdam to the bustling streets of California and beyond.
Its impact extended far beyond consumption. Super Silver Haze inspired a generation of breeders and growers, leading to the creation of numerous hybrids and variants. Many of these offspring carried the "Silver" or "Haze" nomenclature, acknowledging their prestigious lineage.
The strain also became known by various names in different regions—S5 Haze, Amnesia Haze, and others—sometimes with slightly altered genetics but always with a nod to the original masterpiece.
Conflicting Histories and the Mystery of Creation
Part of what makes the story of Super Silver Haze so fascinating is the conflicting narratives surrounding its development. Different accounts attribute varying levels of involvement to different breeders, and the precise timeline of events remains somewhat disputed.
As with many legendary cannabis strains, the true history may never be fully known. This mystery only adds to the allure and mystique surrounding Super Silver Haze. It's exciting to wonder about the true history—this curiosity pushes us to dig deeper and conduct our own research to further expand our collective knowledge of cannabis genetics.
Some accounts suggest the strain was primarily Arjan Roskam's creation, while others credit Nevil and Shantibaba as the main architects. Regardless of which version is most accurate, what remains undisputed is the extraordinary quality and impact of the final product.
The Enduring Appeal
Despite being nearly 30 years old, Super Silver Haze remains in high demand and continues to outperform many contemporary strains. This longevity speaks to the exceptional quality of its breeding and the timeless appeal of its characteristics.
People who have experienced Super Silver Haze often describe it as immediately euphoric and notably potent. Users frequently report feeling energized and creative, making it popular for social gatherings or artistic pursuits. Many have noted that the effects tend to last longer than average, providing an extended experience.
As one grower put it: "This strain became synonymous with a premium sativa experience, and would go on to be arguably the greatest sativa of the era."
A Testament to Cannabis Breeding Excellence
The story of Super Silver Haze isn't just about a popular strain—it's about the pursuit of excellence in cannabis breeding. It demonstrates how the right combination of genetics, expertise, and vision can create something truly extraordinary that stands the test of time.
The strain represents a perfect balance between accessibility and complexity—approachable enough to appeal to a wide audience while offering enough depth and nuance to satisfy the most discerning connoisseurs.
When we look at Super Silver Haze today, we see not just a successful cannabis strain but a cultural touchstone—a product that defined an era and continues to influence how we think about cannabis breeding and consumption.
For a strain to maintain its popularity and prestige for nearly three decades speaks volumes about its quality. Super Silver Haze achieved its legendary status through genuine merit—exceptional genetics bred by some of the most talented individuals in the field.
Whether you're a cannabis historian, a breeding enthusiast, or simply curious about the stories behind legendary strains, Super Silver Haze by Green House Seed Company represents one of the most fascinating chapters in cannabis cultivation history—a true triumph of breeding skill and genetic selection that continues to captivate the imagination of enthusiasts worldwide.
By Erik
Sources:
https://mrnice.nl/forum/threads/the-origins-of-haze.1606/
https://www.thcfarmer.com/threads/shantibaba-setting-the-record-straight.60023/
https://www.alchimiaweb.com/blogen/origins-haze/
https://mrnice.nl/dhtml/strains.php?id=35
https://www.seedsman.com/us-en/blog/super-silver-haze-story-behind-the-seeds
https://www.nysohigh.com/post/super-silver-haze
WA States Advertising Disclaimer. Just In Case.
- "This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming.";
- "cannabis can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.";
- "There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product."; and
- "For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children."
