Grape Ape Strain Information & Review

Everyone loves something different about Grape Ape, a strain that’s been winning major awards since the early 2000s.

Some love its sweet grape-and-berry flavor and aroma. Some love its potent mood-boosting and body-relaxing effects. Medical patients love the way they say it helps them deal with stress and pain. And those who appreciate weed’s aesthetics love Grape Ape’s beautifully colored buds that are green and purple with pistils that are often a shade of copper.

This strain is highly indica-dominant, usually in a 90/10 indica/sativa ratio, which is why its strong body stone is so prominent. Grape Ape is largely considered a nighttime treat that can lead to sedation and sleep, although its euphoric head high is enjoyable as well.

Grape Ape is easy to grow, making it widely available in all legal states (and most illegal states as well).

Effects and Side Effects

Grape Ape hits hard, but it doesn’t hit fast. Users new to the strain can easily be overwhelmed if they consume too much of it before they realize how it will affect them.

The experience begins with an uplifting head high, which eases mental stress and leaves most people clear-headed and focused, although some say they feel more spacey than centered. The cerebral effects are relatively gentle, soothing, and happy.

Then, the 90% indica content of Grape Ape takes over. It starts with tingling in the arms and legs, which is followed by blissful relaxation that slowly creeps throughout the body. The experience is likely to wind up with the user pretty much locked to the couch for the duration of the high (unless they’re stumbling to the kitchen so they can satisfy the inevitable munchies).

The strength of the body stone depends in part on how much a user smokes, but it doesn’t take much for them to lose interest in physical activity. Sedation and sleep usually follow a heavy smoke sesh, which is why Grape Ape is not a great strain for daytime use.

Cottonmouth and dry eyes, along with some dehydration, are quite common side effects after spending a little time with Grape Ape (along with lethargy once the body high hits). The potency of the high can occasionally lead to headaches or dizziness, and might rarely induce anxiety or paranoia in users who also deal with those issues when they’re not stoned.

Positive Effects:

• Energy: 2/5
• Creative: 2/5
• Pain: 4/5
• Stress: 4/5
• Sleep: 3/5
• Mood: 4/5

Negative Effects:

• Paranoid: 1/5
• Dry Mouth: 5/5
• Dry Eyes: 5/5
• Lethargy: 4/5
• Cough: 3/5

Bottom Line: Grape Ape is a very popular strain because of its strong, extremely relaxing body high that can lead to sedation and possibly pain relief; the head high that precedes it is euphoric but calm and enjoyable.

Medical Conditions

Patients say that Grape Ape is very useful for dealing with a number of medical issues.

Some like it because of its stress-relieving cerebral effects which are said to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, and possibly help with more serious mental health issues like bipolar disorder, OCD, and PTSD.

Those suffering from chronic pain say that the strong indica relaxation is noticeable; patients with conditions and diseases like fibromyalgia and arthritis sing the praises of Grape Ape. It’s also favored by athletes or others who regularly have to deal with sore or tense muscles, aches, and pains, and many people with insomnia or sleep quality issues rely on the strain.

Flavor and Aroma

Grape Ape is a delight for the senses.

Everyone agrees that this weed has a delightful grape aroma, but there can be disagreement about the other aspects of its scent. Some smell berries and candy, others notice hints of earth or skunk. The most common description — other than delicious — is that Grape Ape smells much like grape Jolly Ranchers. Some experienced smokers say it smells a lot like GDP.

The taste is slightly different but still yummy. Berries assume a more prominent role alongside grape in Grape Ape’s flavor profile, with flowers and a bit of skunk in the aftertaste.

Flavor and Aroma Ratings:

• Earthy: 3/5
• Citrus: 2/5
• Fruity: 5/5
• Spice: 2/5
• Wood: 3/5

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

Like many heavy-hitting strains, Grape Ape’s effects aren’t fully dependent on its THC content which is potent but not overwhelming. The strain averages around 18% THC (but can range into the low-to-mid 20% level in batches from high-quality growers). Grape Ape relies as much on its lineage as on its THC in order to deliver its effects.

The levels of CBD and other major cannabinoids are typically low, although some batches have been tested and found to approach 1% CBD content.

A large assortment of terpenes is responsible for the distinctive and delicious taste and flavor of Grape Ape, and for boosting the effectiveness of its THC through the entourage effect. They include myrcene, carene, phellandrene, caryophyllene, pinene, and limonene. The purple color of the strain? Credit that to the flavonoid pigments known as anthocyanins.

Lineage

California’s Apothecary Genetics created Grape Ape, although there are several other versions of the strain that subsequently hit the market, and Barney’s Farms now sells the “legitimate” seeds.

Grape Ape was originally a cross of indica Mendocino Purps, indica Skunk #1, and an Afghani indica landrace strain. It’s not difficult to see where Grape Ape’s powerful indica effects come from. Its aroma, flavor, and color are largely dependent on the sweetness and characteristics of Mendocino Purps.

Similar Strains

The effects of Grape Ape have often been compared to Gorilla Glue #4 because of the full-body melt it delivers. Parent strain Mendocino Purps, as well as Granddaddy Purple and Purple Kush strain, provide much of the same bag appeal, relaxation, and happy head high, although the last two are much more sedating and aren’t as “grapey.”

If you’re looking for a similar sensory experience, check out Grape Kush, Sour Grape, or Grape God. You won’t be disappointed.

Grape Ape Strain Review: FAQ

Q: Is it difficult to find Grape Ape at dispensaries?
A: Not at all. It’s a very popular strain that’s produced widely and should be available at the majority of retail outlets in most legal states.

Q: Is Grape Ape a good choice for home growers?
A: Yes, as long as you have a little experience and a little flexibility in your grow room or garden. The strain likes heat and low humidity, so it’s not suitable for outdoor growing in most climates. However, it flourishes indoors as long as there’s enough room to space out the plants; it bushes out (as a mostly-indica strain), so providing enough air circulation is crucial for success. Grape Ape flowers fairly quickly, and it produces high yields — particularly when conditions are right for outdoor growing.