Grape Ape Strain

Grape Ape is famed worldwide for its genetics, unique appearance, and amazing smoking experience. It’s a multi-award-winning strain, including Green Cups in 2005 and 2006, as well as placing first in the Concentrate category at the High Times Medical Cup in 2011.

It is a heavily Indica-dominant strain, with it being 90% Indica and 10% Sativa. It has an incredibly rich lineage, with it being a cross of Mendocino Purps, Skunk #1, and Afghani.

Grape Ape Strain

Each of its parent strains is famed and revered in its own right for providing powerful highs, that are enjoyed both recreationally, and for medicinal purposes.

It’s known for its unique and vibrant appearance, with large dense buds that exhibit shades of purple and red amongst its deep green leaves, whilst its sticky trichome-covered flowers exude a strong fruity aroma.

Strain History

Genetics

A heavy Indica-dominant strain with a split of 90/10, it was created by crossing Mendocino Purps, Skunk #1, and Afghani. Mendocino Purps is an award-winning Northern California Indica-dominant crossbreed that provides calming and sedative effects.

Afghani is a truly iconic strain that came to the U.S. from the Middle East in the 1970s. Skunk #1 is a Sativa-dominant strain that gives the user an uplifting and engaging high.

These varied genetics provide a truly powerful high, with the effects of the Skunk #1 bringing some balance with the heavy body highs of the other parents.

Origin

The strain was originally propagated by Apothecary and Barney’s farm, it’s believed to be a phenotype of the famous Grandy Daddy Purple.

Barney’s Farm is a notorious coffee shop and seed breeder located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Apothecary Genetics started in Washington but is now located in Southern California.

Both of these companies have a stellar reputation worldwide for their cultivation of new strains and for providing high-quality products.

Strain Appearance

Grape Ape has large, dense, well-rounded buds, that are wrapped in tightly-curled leaves.

The rich, deep green of the leaves is lit up by the purples and reds that shine through, whilst the buds are covered with copper-colored pistils. It’s coated in sticky trichomes, whilst the dazzling white layer of resin stands out.

Strain Flavor

This strain has a fruity flavor, with notes of grape and berry, whilst it has an almost candy-like sweetness. This contrasts deliciously with the earthy skunk notes that delicately tingle the palette when exhaling. There is also a spicy floral undertone that remains in the aftertaste.

Strain Aroma

A truly delectable aroma oozes from this strain, both when growing and when smoked. Before it’s harvested, the plants themselves give off a potent fruity smell with hints of grape and berry.

When consumed, it creates a rich, dense, smooth, and fruity smoke, that can give off the earthy notes of the skunk lineage on the exhalation. Strains with a similar aromatic experience include Granddaddy Purple or Purple Kush.

Strain Cannabinoids

Grape Ape’s THC count ranges between 15-25%, though it’s often around 20% with most phonemes.

It’s a deceptively powerful smoking experience, that may catch some off guard with its potency. Its CBD count is frequently around 0.6%, though some growers have reached up to 2%.

Strain Terpenes

Packed with powerfully acting terpenes, this strain provides aromatic delight and numerous medicinal benefits. Myrcene is the dominant terpene, it can be found in thyme and lemongrass, which brings earthy aromas to the strain.

It has strong muscle-relaxant capabilities, with strong sedative effects, helping out those with insomnia or associated sleeping difficulties.

Pinene imparts a distinctive aroma of pine whilst also acting as an anti-inflammatory, assisting in pain relief, relaxation, and aiding in memory, and respiratory function.

Caryophyllene brings aromas of cinnamon and cloves, whilst relieving anxiety and pain, reducing cholesterol, preventing Osteoporosis, and treating seizures.

Side Effects

As with many strong strains, the most common side effects noted are dry eyes and extreme dry mouth. It’s important to keep a drink close by to remain hydrated and comfortable, whilst getting some fresh air can help alleviate dry eyes if you don’t have eye drops nearby.

The psychoactive effects of this strain set in slowly as they creep up on you. This can wipe out inexperienced smokers and even keep the most ardent of users locked to their couches.

If it’s your first time-consuming Grape Ape, then it’s advisable to take it slowly and not use it excessively. In heavy doses, you could feel overwhelmed and disorientated.

It could bring on feelings of nausea, dizziness, an uncomfortable stomach, or headaches. It can also induce paranoia in those susceptible to that feeling, so always tread carefully with Grape Ape.

Medical Benefits

Grape Ape is a hugely popular strain for medicinal use, as its varied terpene profile provides a wide range of medicinal properties and benefits. It’s a heavy Indica that provides deep relaxation to the mind and body.

Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties greatly aid those seeking relief from chronic pain, relieving tension in joints and muscles, reducing the severity of migraines and arthritic discomfort.

It can provide great relief to those suffering from insomnia or related sleeping issues, reducing the physical and psychological discomfort they may be suffering with.

Used in small doses it can aid the reduction of anxiety, whilst it’s also useful in the treatment of seizures, respiratory issues, and reducing cholesterol. For anyone struggling with eating, this strain will greatly increase the user’s appetite whilst combating nausea associated with eating difficulties.

The calming and sedative effects of this strain can help those with depression, stress, or PTSD to switch off from their anxieties, fears, or worries. Those undergoing chemotherapy can be helped by powerful nausea reducing effects of the strain.

Strain Review

Grape Ape is a fantastic strain for smokers, both for recreational use and its medicinal properties. With a rich lineage containing iconic strains, it’s no surprise that it is so highly sought after.

The unique and distinct colors, combined with the glistening white resin, make this a strain as beautiful to look at, as it is delicious to consume.

Its potent, fruity, and sweet smell is present even during the growing stage, though this packs quite a punch on the nostrils. As such, if you’re growing discreetly, or in a shared space, good ventilation is essential.

The sweet fruity flavors of grape, berry, and candy dance on the tongue, whilst the spicy aftertaste will leave you licking your lips and wanting more.

It’s a smooth and full-bodied smoke with touches of skunk and hash, a smoke that will engage all of your senses as you feel its effects tingle through your body.

It is without a doubt an incredibly strong strain to smoke, so it should be treated with the utmost respect and caution.

Use in moderation for a blissful and relaxed state of mind and body, as heavy usage will see you stuck to the couch for hours on end.

Best suited for relaxing evenings and overnight medicinal use, as its creeping, and slow-acting psychoactive effects can catch even the most experienced user off guard.

Grape Ape, with its strong terpene profile, provides a wealth of medicinal benefits for both mental and physical relief. Relief from pain, soreness, and tension allows the user to feel comfortable in their body, due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties.

It helps clear anxious thoughts and combat stress, depression, and PTSD. It’s widely used to combat insomnia and other sleeping issues, whilst its nausea combating abilities can help those with eating difficulties.

This incredible strain is adored and appreciated worldwide, and it’s not difficult to see why. Combining a rich and varied heritage, sweet and fruity aromas, smooth smoke, and incredibly healing power, Grape Ape could not be more highly recommended.

Strain Grow information

Grape Ape is a durable and resilient strain that can be grown indoors or outside. It’s not recommended for novices as it requires attentive care and plant management, it’s not a strain you can leave to its own devices. It requires regular trimmings of the top leaves, as its bushy leaves are likely to grow laterally.

This will help ensure that the whole plant has equal access to water, nutrients, light, and oxygen. Indoors, the plant requires consistent circulation of air, so fans are advised if possible.

It thrives in warmer temperatures outdoors, though for the best results, growing in a greenhouse is advised, as it couples the benefits of growing outdoors whilst providing shelter from challenging weather conditions. Its durability is highlighted by its high level of resistance to disease and insects.

The plant will rarely grow above 4 feet in height, so it’s suitable for those with limited growing space.

To bring out the deep purples, it’s advised to expose the plant to colder temperatures during the flowering stage. This activates the anthocyanins that create the vibrant pigmentation of the strain.

Seeds

You can go to the source and order the seeds from the creator’s Apothecary Genetics and Barney’s Farm, though this depends on the laws in your state.

As an ever-increasingly popular strain, the demand for Grape Ape only continues to rise. This can lead to some difficulties or prolonged waiting times, though most suppliers will offer you a similar strain if they are out of stock.

Flowering Time

When growing indoors, it will usually take between 7 and 8 weeks for the plants to reach the flowering phase. When grown outdoors, the best time to harvest is late September or early October.

Strain Yield

Grape Ape provides good yields of around 16 ounces per square meter when it’s cultivated indoors. Growing outdoors can provide a huge 28 ounces per plant if continued care and plant management are undertaken.

Dave Roberts
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