Sage

S.A.G.E. is a mostly Sativa hybrid crossed from an Afghani landrace and an original Haze strain. Its name conjures up its appealing herbal scent but is also an acronym for Sativa/Afghani Genetic Equilibrium. Indeed, at 20-25% THC, S.A.G.E. strikes an equilibrium between the sedative properties of Indica and energizing Sativa effects.

Buds of S.A.G.E. are very leafy but fluffy and loose like pure Sativas. Trichomes are plentiful – in fact, hash made from S.A.G.E.’s copious resin won second place in the 1999 Cannabis Cup.  When cured, the large, sticky flowers are an earthy green to brown. The deep sage scent, typical of Haze, makes for a woody taste with a hint of fruit. This nuanced flavor profile won S.A.G.E. 2nd prize in a 2001 Cannabis Cup blind taste test. This strain burns smoothly and has a sweet sensation on exhale.

With equal parts of cerebral buzz and body stone, S.A.G.E. comes on quickly. Users describe a mostly tranquil, lightheaded high that persists longer than average. Although the narcotic calm of parent Afghani is present, it is tempered by a particular mental clarity. These potent, well-rounded effects can lend themselves to either motivation for daytime tasks or too focused relaxation. This strain can be particularly creative, clearing the mundane distractions that typically cloud perception. Aside from its mentally grounding properties, S.A.G.E. can also be beneficial for insomnia and chronic pain relief.

Because of its stable, mostly landrace lineage, S.A.G.E. is particularly resistant to fluctuations in environmental temperature and can be grown indoors or outdoors. Growers describe plants as 4 to 5 feet high, with a long flowering time – 9 to 10 weeks indoors and ready for harvest in late September. Although a slow grower, this strain has large yields, and calyxes can double during flowering time. Topping off the taller fan leaves before flowering can help light reach these lower flowers.

S.A.G.E. is a rare strain that pulls off the balancing act between couchlock and a racing mind. A mix of landrace genetics from almost every global region where cannabis grows indigenously, its quality is obvious in its rich flavor and stable high.