Understanding the Grape Ape Cannabis Strain
Strain Type: INDICA
Grape Ape has become a popular indica cannabis choice for enthusiasts who enjoy its unique qualities that produce a calming experience. The strain is also valued for its potential medical benefits for relief from anxiety, muscle pain, and to alleviate insomnia. The bud has a beautiful, deep purple coloration and hints of green and blue and is covered by a lovely thick layer of resinous, milky white or amber trichomes.
This appearance gives Grape Ape fantastic ‘bag appeal’ for shoppers. Apart from its striking look, it treats the other senses as well with a sweet, grape-like aroma and berry flavor profile. As beautiful as it is, Grape Ape also provides potent effects as a result of its high THC content and low CBD levels which make it an extremely popular indica strain throughout the cannabis community. Following is a brief overview of the Grape Ape cannabis strain.
Lineage of Grape Ape Cannabis
The Grape Ape indica strain was cross-bred from three legendary and potent indica strains: Medocino Purps, Skunk #1, and Afghani. Each brings distinctive qualities to produce a versatile, hardy, and visually stunning plant.
Mendocino Purps – This pure indica strain is identified by its sweet aroma and, as the name implies, was first cultivated in Mendocino County, California. The strain’s deep purple color contributes to Grape Ape’s striking appearance. It’s valued for its relaxing properties and is a parent to a variety of hybrid cannabis strains.
Skunk #1 – This legendary strain has been a crowd pleaser for almost 50 years, and is a mix of Acapulco Gold, Colombian Gold, and Afghani and known for its pungent, skunky aroma. Like Mendocino Purp, Skunk #1 has been used to create several well-known and popular strains like Cheese and Sour Diesel, and in Grape Ape’s case adds a combination of sativa and indica traits to the Grape Ape strain.
Afghani – This popular indica strain is believed to have originated in the mountains of Afghanistan and may be one of the earliest cannabis strains grown in the world. It’s identified by a sweet and earthy scent, and is valued for providing soothing and relaxing effects. It’s a hardy plant with natural resistance to insects, animals, and disease which makes it appealing as a parent strain, and in addition to Grape Ape, is found in Northern Lights, Blueberry, and other hybrid strains.
Flavor and Aroma of Grape Ape
Although there are varying explanations for the ‘ape’ in the name ‘grape ape’ cannabis, which include experiences of ape-like heaviness or a potential gorilla-like appetite for munchies, the ‘grape’ part is easier to determine. The flower gets its name from the grape-like, fruity aroma and taste of the flower. When a bud is broken up, it gives off a pleasant grape-candy smell.
The chemical compounds that provide plants with their unique aromas and flavors are called terpenes. In the case of Grape Ape, three terpenes are primarily responsible for its sweet scent and relaxing effects.
- Myrcene is perhaps the most abundant terpene in Grape Ape cannabis strains, providing a berry-like scent and taste and producing a soothing, calming feeling.
- Caryophyllene is a terpene that’s also found in pepper and cloves and gives the Grape Ape flower a peppery taste.
- Pinene, which you might guess from its name, lends properties to the bud that give it an invigorating pine-needle aroma. It’s a terpene that has been shown to produce anti-anxiety effects and help manage arthritis and muscle soreness.
THC and CBD Content in Grape Ape
The THC and CBD content of Grape Ape plays a significant role in potential benefits and calming effects of the flower, makes it a potent cannabis choice for users who want to kick back and relax. Grape Ape is a high-THC level indica strain, with levels ranging from 18 percent to 25 percent that make it a potent choice for reducing anxiety and stress. The flower’s CBD levels are much lower, often below 1 percent which is not enough to significantly moderate the effects of the THC. However, it does work in conjunction with the THC to produce the ‘entourage effect’ that results from THC and other cannabinoids working in unison to create a fuller cannabis experience.
Effect of Grape Ape
Grape Ape is favored for its qualities that produce calmness and tranquility and a deeply relaxing experience. Its sedative properties make it an ideal choice for users looking to unwind at the end of a day or overcome insomnia at night. In fact, because the flower is so potent it’s best used in the nighttime because one outcome for many people is sleepiness. Grape Ape produces a powerful body high and deep relaxation that helps alleviate stress and reduce muscle soreness. Some users report feelings of euphoria and happiness, as well as an increase in appetite.
Uses of Grape Ape
Grape Ape is a popular cannabis choice for both recreational and medicinal uses, and is enjoyed for its distinctive flavor and aroma for a fuller sensory experience.
Recreational cannabis users enjoy the flower for its full-body calming effect and both physical and mental relaxation. Its soothing properties help reduce stress and anxiety, creating a laid-back experience suitable for low-key social situations. Grape Ape has potent sedative effects which make it a popular choice for ending a hectic day or preparing for a good night’s sleep and waking up refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
Medicinal cannabis users find Grape Ape helpful for dealing with nagging pain, whether temporary or chronic. It’s been successful treating migraines and arthritis and mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Grape Ape has also been shown to stimulate appetite and reduce nausea, which is helpful for people undergoing treatments that affect desires for food.
Whether the intention is recreational or medicinal, it’s best to consume Grape Ape when there are no pressing obligations and spending an evening ‘couch-locked’ is a welcome time. As with all cannabis, if the strain is unfamiliar, it’s advisable to go slow and gradually increase dosages. To optimize the calming effect of Grape Ape, a relaxing environment is preferable and calming activities like listening to music or meditating enhance the entire experience.
Growing Grape Ape
Grape Ape can flourish being grown indoors or outdoors, although novice growers may find it a frustrating plant to master. However, the end result can be rewarding and enjoyable. Grape Ape does well in a controlled environment where conditions can be easily monitored and maintained. It requires nutrient-rich, draining soil and maintaining proper pH levels is vital for healthy growth.
During the vegetive stage, the plant needs about 18 hours of light. During the flowering stage, follow a schedule of 12 hours light and 12 hours of darkness. If growing indoors, use high-quality grow lights. Outdoors, the plant demonstrates a resistance to disease and insects due to its Afghani heritage.
Because the plants rarely grow taller than 4 feet, they respond well to the Sea of Green (SOG) growing method for growing multiple plants in one space. This method requires regular pruning, topping, and trimming to allow air flow and light between leaves to prevent mold or mildew from forming on the plant. Grape Ape usually flowers within 7 to 8 weeks, although it might take slightly longer outdoors. One rule of thumb to follow is to pick the buds when the trichomes appear milky white. Growers can expect a harvest of roughly 74 grams of flower per square foot of plant.
Potential Side Effects of Grape Ape
Experiences using Grape Ape can be different for different people. Generally, if properly consumed, Grape Ape should provide a wonderful, calming experience. However, as with any cannabis product there may be potential side effects which, in the case of Grape Ape, can be easily mitigated. Dry mouth or cottonmouth is a common side effect so it’s recommended to stay hydrated throughout use. Dry eyes are another possible reaction to Grape Ape. This condition can be remedied with eye drops. Consuming too much Grape Ape too quickly may also result in ‘couch lock’, a feeling of heaviness that makes it difficult to move. Fortunately, this feeling is usually temporary and the effects are rather mild. Creating a safe, comfortable environment before consuming can make the episode more enjoyable. Always consume in moderation and be aware of THC limitations.
