Written by Ad OpsHistory and Origin
Alien Glue is a modern, resin-forward cultivar developed by Flavour Chasers, a boutique breeder known for remixing proven American genetics for European growers. Emerging in the mid-to-late 2010s during the height of the Glue craze, it was designed to capture the knockout potency and stickiness of Gorilla Glue while deepening the indica body feel. The breeder positions Alien Glue as a mostly indica selection, and growers consistently report an unmistakably heavy, evening-leaning profile. The name signals both lineage and intent: a Glue descendant with an extraterrestrial twist.
The broader context for Alien Glue’s creation lies in Gorilla Glue #4’s dominance of cups and dispensary menus after 2014. GG4’s original High Times Cannabis Cup wins spurred a wave of derivative crosses because its THCA content often tallied 22–30% in well-grown samples, with extract yields frequently exceeding 18%. Flavour Chasers tapped that proven chemistry as a foundation and layered in an Alien line to add compact morphology, cool-weather coloration, and a more tranquil finish. The result is a cultivar that often tests high for THC while remaining workable in small to mid-sized indoor rooms.
By the late 2010s, Alien Glue phenotypes were circulating in UK and EU seed circles, appreciated for their forgiving vegetative growth and dense, easy-to-trim colas. Hobbyists noted how the strain responded well to SCROG and LST, a carryover from GG4’s sprawling but pliable frame. With consistent environmental control, many home growers reported yields above 500 g/m², a benchmark that made Alien Glue a practical performer in addition to a potent showpiece. Its resin output also translated well to solventless extraction, adding to its early appeal.
In terms of identity, Alien Glue’s brand has remained associated with Flavour Chasers, helping distinguish it from other similarly named Glue hybrids. While various seedbanks and clone-only cuts may use the Alien Glue moniker, the Flavour Chasers version is the reference point for a mostly indica expression. As knowledge of the cultivar spread, so did reports of two dominant phenotypes—one more Glue-leaning and gassy, another slightly spicier and more compact. This mild phenotypic breadth gave growers flexibility to select according to desired aroma and structure.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding Notes
Alien Glue traces to a Gorilla Glue #4 cross with an Alien-family cultivar through Flavour Chasers. Public strain notes and grower reports most commonly cite the Alien parent as Alien Technology, an Afghan-indica line known for earthy spice and durable structure. Some community write-ups reference Alien OG instead, but both paths converge on the same overarching profile: indica-dominant morphology with Glue-grade resin. Because different seed lots and regional cuts exist, cultivators should verify source genetics when uniformity is critical.
From the GG4 side, Alien Glue inherits aggressive trichome production, a petrol-meets-earth base note, and vigorous lateral branching. The Alien contributor typically tightens internodes, incrementally boosts cold tolerance late in flower, and introduces a sandalwood or chai-like spice. Together, these inputs produce dense colas that remain relatively compact compared to many sativa-leaning Glue hybrids. The cross is engineered for heavy bag appeal and a quietly sedative finish.
Genetically, this is a polyhybrid rather than an inbred line, so expect moderate phenotypic variance. In side-by-side hobby grows, growers often report a 60:40 split between Glue-dominant and Alien-leaning expressions in small seed runs of 10–20 plants. Measured purely by structure, this translates to variable internode length and cola stacking, with a coefficient of variation in plant height commonly around 10–15% under uniform light intensity. Selection and cloning rapidly improve uniformity in subsequent cycles.
Chemotypically, Alien Glue behaves as a Type I (THC-dominant) cultivar with consistently low CBD. THC outcomes are strongly environment-sensitive, particularly to total daily light integral (DLI), nutrient balance, and root-zone health. Under optimized conditions indoors, many growers report THCA content in the mid-20% range with high terpene totals between 1.5% and 3.0% by dry weight. Outdoors in temperate climates, terpene richness can improve while absolute THC may moderate slightly due to variable light quality.
Breeding-wise, the cross emphasizes hybrid vigor that shows during early vegetative growth in increased leaf area index and fast apical advancement. The Alien influence reins in stretch after flip, so most gardens see 1.5–1.8x vertical expansion after initiating 12/12. This balance reduces trellising complexity compared to lankier Glue hybrids while preserving the mass of well-lit tops. In short, Alien Glue was conceived to be easier to manage without sacrificing potency or resin coverage.
Appearance
Alien Glue presents dense, frosted flowers with a distinctive calyx-forward build and minimal sugar leaf after proper defoliation. Buds range from golf-ball nuggets to alert, spear-shaped colas where light penetration is strong. Average cola girth is robust, and an above-average calyx-to-leaf ratio makes for efficient trimming. Visually, it sits squarely in the modern frost-first aesthetic.
Pigmentation leans lime to forest green with tangerine pistils that oxidize into deeper pumpkin tones by late flower. Under cool night temperatures, especially below 18–19°C in the final two weeks, some phenotypes express mauve to plum anthocyanins along sugar leaves. Trichome coverage is heavy, with bulbous, cloudy heads often reaching 70–120 microns in diameter at maturity. Macro photography reveals a carpeted look reminiscent of GG4, a trait prized by hashmakers.
When dried and cured correctly to 60–62% relative humidity, flowers retain a tight, slightly tacky feel that rebounds under gentle compression. Typical whole-bud weights of 1–3 g are common for top colas, with tumbled larf minimized if early shaping is performed. The resin character is adhesive enough that scissors gum up quickly, a practical hallmark of its Glue ancestry. This stickiness is also a proxy for extract potential.
Bag appeal is strong due to the contrast of bright pistils against a frosted backdrop and uniform nug geometry. A light dusting of trichomes over even the subtending sugar leaves underscores potency at a glance. Under LED lighting with high blue content during late veg, coloration remains vivid and helps accentuate the depth of resin in showcase jars. Retail-facing growers rank it highly for shelf presence and photo friendliness.
Aroma
Alien Glue’s aroma is unmistakably Glue-forward: gassy, earthy, and solvent-like in the top notes. Beneath the diesel sheen, the Alien side introduces a spiced, woody, and lightly herbal undercurrent. Many users describe a forest-floor base of humus and pine with a sweet-sour edge that blooms as jars open. It is a bold scent, and not especially discreet.
Primary terpenes typically include myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, with limonene and humulene frequently in secondary positions. That mix creates a nose that is both pungent and warm, like diesel splashed on wood and citrus peel. As flowers cure for 21–30 days, sharper solvent notes mellow and a sweet, slightly creamy undertone can emerge. The bouquet tends to become rounder with a proper cure.
Breaking a nug intensifies the petrol and reveals more nuanced spice—cardamom-sandalwood hints are sometimes noted. A faint pepper tickle at the back of the nose aligns with caryophyllene and its sesquiterpene co-travelers. Growers who keep relative humidity consistent during curing report more stable aromatic persistence over months. Temperature spikes over 24°C during cure risk volatilizing monoterpenes and flattening the nose.
Overall intensity rates high; in informal 10-point aroma scales among hobbyists, Alien Glue often scores 8–9 for punch. This is not a subtle cultivar, and odor control is advised in shared spaces. Carbon filtration at 1.5–2.0x room air exchanges per minute is typically enough to keep the profile contained. In small tents, supplemental ozone in exhaust systems should be used with caution to avoid terpene oxidation near the canopy.
Flavor and Consumption Characteristics
The flavor follows the nose: diesel-first with earthy depth, then a trailing spice that lingers on the palate. On inhalation, many users perceive a sour-gas pop along with pine and dark soil. Exhale trends sweeter and creamier, tempering the solvent bite with wood and a faint vanilla-like roundness. The finish is long and resinous.
Combustion produces a dense, oily smoke that can be chesty if the cure is rushed, so patience pays off here. A slow, 10–14 day dry around 60% RH and 18–20°C yields smoother, more coherent flavors. Rolled joints preserve layered complexity, while glass pieces accentuate sharp fuel notes. For flavor chasers, vaping highlights subtleties the bowl can bulldoze.
Vaporization at sensible temperature steps can showcase the terpene spectrum. Many users find 170–180°C unlocks citrus-pine high notes from limonene and pinene, while 190–200°C brings out spice and wood from caryophyllene and humulene. Above 200°C, heavier compounds dominate and the vapor thickens, nudging effects toward the sedative side. Keeping the initial pulls below 190°C can prolong the session’s flavor arc.
In concentrates, Alien Glue leans toward gassy-sweet profiles that remain stable in live resin or rosin formats. Solventless rosin yields of 18–22% from quality fresh-frozen have been reported by home processors using 4–5% flower moisture. The same Glue stickiness that complicates trimming translates to satisfying melt and a mouth-coating finish. Purge and low-temp dabs preserve the spice note that makes this cultivar distinctive.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Alien Glue is a THC-forward cultivar with consistently low CBD. In lab-tested samples from Glue-heavy lines, THCA content typically falls between 22–28% by dry weight under optimized indoor conditions. Total THC after decarboxylation generally lands around 18–26%, with top-shelf outliers occasionally scraping 27–30%. CBD usually remains below 0.5%, classifying the chemotype as Type I.
Other cannabinoids appear in trace to modest amounts. CBG totals of 0.3–1.0% are common in potent Glue crosses and contribute subtly to perceived clarity. THCV may register in the 0.1–0.5% range depending on phenotype and environment, rarely enough to drive effects but not zero. CBC is typically detected at 0.1–0.3% in comprehensive COAs.
For dosage context, a 0.25 g joint of 22% THC flower contains roughly 55 mg THC potential before combustion losses. Assuming 40–60% delivery efficiency in smoking or vaping, the user might absorb 22–33 mg THC over a session. That is a robust dose for casual consumers, who often find 5–10 mg sufficient. Alien Glue’s potency profile therefore rewards slow titration.
Decarboxylation dynamics matter for edibles and infusions. THCA converts to THC with an efficiency in the 75–90% range depending on temperature, time, and matrix; 115–120 minutes at 110–115°C typically yields near-maximal conversion without severe terpene loss. Because Alien Glue often carries 1.5–3.0% total terpenes, infused oils can retain meaningful aroma if decarbed carefully and extracted at lower temperatures. Users seeking milder psychoactivity can blend with CBD-dominant material to modify the THC:CBD ratio.
Tolerance and set/setting strongly shape perceived potency. Inhaled onset occurs within 2–5 minutes, peaks at 15–30 minutes, and tapers over 2–3 hours. Edibles onset in 45–90 minutes and can persist 4–6 hours or longer. Given the strain’s mostly indica reputation, plan consumption windows accordingly.
Terpene Profile and Entourage Chemistry
Most Alien Glue cuts present a terpene distribution anchored by myrcene and beta-caryophyllene. Myrcene frequently ranges from 0.5–1.2% of dry weight, contributing herbal-earth and a relaxing baseline. Beta-caryophyllene often registers 0.3–0.9%, adding peppered warmth and acting as a dietary cannabinoid with selective CB2 receptor activity. Limonene typically rides between 0.2–0.7%, lending citrus lift that brightens the gassy core.
Secondary terpenes commonly include humulene (0.1–0.5%) and alpha/beta-pinene (0.1–0.3%). Humulene amplifies woody, slightly bitter edges and may synergize with caryophyllene for anti-inflammatory effects. Pinene contributes a brisk pine snap and can subjectively counterbalance the fogginess of high-myrcene chemotypes. Linalool occasionally appears at 0.05–0.2%, softening the bouquet with floral candor.
The entourage effect of this matrix skews toward calm but not dull, owing to limonene’s lift and pinene’s alertness. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity is frequently cited as a mechanism for perceived body ease and reduced reactivity in inflamed tissues. While precise receptor binding varies across studies, users often describe a low, warm hum through the shoulders and back that aligns with caryophyllene-humulene signatures. Myrcene’s association with couchlock is evident when doses climb.
Harvest timing meaningfully shapes terpene output. Pulling at peak cloudy with minimal amber (about 5%) preserves monoterpenes and keeps the aroma bright, often reading as gassier and more citrus-forward. Allowing 15–20% amber typically deepens the earthy-spice axis and tilts effects more sedative. Post-harvest handling—slow dry at 60/60 and cure in the low 60s RH—helps retain 60–75% of the initial terpene mass at 30 days compared to rushed dry cycles.
For extraction, low-temperature rosin presses at 82–93°C preserve limonene and pinene while recovering abundant caryophyllene. Hydrocarbon extractions at controlled temps can capture a broader fraction, but aggressive purging may shear nuance. Solventless aficionados often favor 90–120 micron bags for Alien Glue to match trichome head size, with wash temps held at 1–4°C to prevent terpene loss. The resulting concentrates typically test 5–10% total terpenes, reflecting the cultivar’s aromatic density.
Experiential Effects and Use Patterns
Alien Glue delivers a fast, heavy onset that begins behind the eyes and spreads downward. Initial euphoria arrives within minutes of inhalation, followed by a palpable loosening of the jaw and shoulders. The headspace settles into a calm, slow-focus mode with a warm, weighted body feel. Music, textures, and food can become unusually engaging as doses escalate.
At modest inhaled servings—1–2 small puffs—users report a comfortable equilibrium with preserved conversation and light tasks. At higher servings, the indica-leaning body effect becomes dominant and couchlock is possible, especially in the evening. Appetite stimulation is common within 30–45 minutes, a pattern seen broadly in THC-dominant strains with myrcene and caryophyllene cores. The comedown is smooth and sleepy.
Physiologically, standard THC effects apply: mild tachycardia (10–20 bpm increase), dry mouth, and occasional dry/red eyes. Anxiety risk appears lower than in sharp, limonene-dominant sativa profiles, but sensitive individuals should still titrate slowly. Pinene can maintain a thread of clarity, yet overconsumption will still produce short-term memory lapses typical of high-THC flower. Hydration and pacing are effective countermeasures.
Functionally, Alien Glue is best suited for evening decompression, post-work recovery, or weekend relaxation. Creative play can flourish at low doses given the euphoria and sensory enhancement; at higher doses, the strain becomes more about body rest than productivity. For group sessions, the pronounced aroma and potent first wave make it a crowd-pleaser with experienced consumers. Novices should begin with one inhalation, wait 10 minutes, and reassess.
Duration varies by route of administration. Inhaled effects generally last 2–3 hours with a 30–60 minute peak, while vaporization at lower temperatures can extend clarity. Edibles or tinctures made from Alien Glue can feel heavier and last 4–6 hours due to 11-hydroxy-THC formation after first-pass metabolism. Plan set, setting, and commitments accordingly.
Potential Medical Uses
As a mostly indica, THC-dominant strain, Alien Glue is commonly leveraged for evening symptom relief. Users with musculoskeletal pain, lower back tension, or post-exercise soreness often report appreciable relief within 15–30 minutes when inhaled. The caryophyllene-humulene tandem may partially underpin perceived anti-inflammatory effects, although controlled clinical data are still developing. The end result is a calmer, less reactive body state that supports rest.
Sleep support is a frequent use case. Myrcene-rich indica profiles correlate in observational studies with improved sleep onset latency, and Alien Glue’s body heaviness complements that trend. Many patients target 5–10 mg THC equivalent 1–2 hours before bedtime via edibles or a few vaporizer pulls 30–60 minutes pre-lights-out. Reports of next-day grogginess are less common at modest doses but increase as total THC climbs.
For anxiety and stress, Alien Glue can help some individuals by damping hyperarousal; others may find THC alone destabilizing. The balance of myrcene and limonene sometimes gives a pleasant mood lift without jitter, but conservative titration is essential. Users prone to THC-induced anxiety often fare better with low doses (2.5–5 mg THC) or by pairing with CBD in a 2:1 or 1:1 CBD:THC ratio. Breathing techniques and quiet environments synergize well with this chemotype.
Appetite stimulation is robust, a property useful in scenarios of reduced appetite or nausea. Inhalation can deliver results within minutes when needed acutely. For chronic pain, neuropathic pain, or spasticity, anecdotal outcomes suggest benefits alongside non-cannabis therapies. Meta-analyses generally support a modest-to-moderate analgesic effect size for THC-rich products, with individualized response variability.
This information is educational and not medical advice. Patients should consult clinicians familiar with cannabinoid medicine, especially when using other sedatives, SSRIs, or blood thinners. Start low and go slow remains the guiding principle: titrate upward across days, not within a single session. Track dose, timing, and outcomes to identify effective, sustainable routines.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Alien Glue rewards attentive but not obsessive cultivation, making it accessible to intermediate growers and scalable for small commercial rooms. Indoors, it thrives in 24–28°C daytime temperatures with 18–22°C nights and a steady vapor pressure deficit (VPD) between 0.9–1.3 kPa. Relative humidity targets of 60–65% in late veg and 45–50% in mid-to-late flower limit pathogen pressure while sustaining terpene production. Under LEDs, a canopy PPFD of 900–1,200 µmol/m²/s in flower with 12/12 photoperiod drives strong yields.
Genetics: Flavour Chasers distributes Alien Glue primarily as feminized, photoperiod seeds, which simplifies sexing and preserves canopy uniformity. Germination rates of quality seed stored at 4–8°C with desiccant often exceed 90% when started in 22–25°C media. For substrates, well-aerated coco or living soil produces predictably dense flowers; hydroponics can boost speed and yield but demands tighter management. Aim for pH 5.8–6.2 in inert media and 6.2–6.8 in soil.
Vegetative growth spans 3–5 weeks for most indoor schedules, depending on target plant count and training. Internodal spacing of 2–4 cm under high blue-spectrum light produces a sturdy frame. Top once or twice by week two of veg to encourage lateral canopy and 6–10 main sites. Low-stress training and an early SCROG net help tame Glue-inherited vigor.
Nutrition should follow a balanced N-P-K ratio with emphasis on nitrogen in veg and potassium in bloom. In coco, common EC targets are 1.2–1.6 mS/cm in veg, rising to 1.8–2.2 mS/cm in mid flower as demand peaks. Keep calcium and magnesium steady, especially under LED, at a combined 150–200 ppm Ca and 50–75 ppm Mg to prevent interveinal chlorosis. Silica supplementation (50–100 ppm) can stiffen stems and reduce lodging.
Flip to flower when plants reach 50–60% of the final desired height, as stretch tends to be 1.5–1.8x. Flowering typically completes in 56–63 days (8–9 weeks), with some Alien-leaning phenos preferring day 63–67 for maximum depth. Watch trichomes: many growers target harvest at cloudy with 5–15% amber for a balanced but heavy effect. Pushing to 20% amber nudges sedation at the cost of some brightness in the nose.
Defoliation helps Alien Glue prioritize tops, but avoid overstripping. Remove large fan leaves blocking prime sites around day 21 of flower and again lightly at day 42. This improves airflow and light penetration, reducing botrytis risk in dense colas. Trellis or bamboo supports are advisable, as resinous, heavy tops can flop late.
Irrigation frequency depends on media and root mass. In coco with 20–30% perlite, multiple small feedings (2–4 per day) to ~10% runoff maintain steady EC and oxygen. In soil, water to 10–15% runoff and allow 20–30% pot mass dryback before rewatering. Avoid prolonged saturation in late flower to limit mold pressure and preserve terpenes.
Integrated pest management should begin on day one. Pre-plant, sanitize rooms and consider beneficials such as Hypoaspis miles (Stratiolaelaps) for soil-dwelling pests. Foliar IPM in veg can include neem-alternative essential oil blends at low rates, ceasing all foliar sprays by week two of flower. Powdery mildew and botrytis are the primary concerns in dense Glue descendants; airflow and RH control are your best insurance.
CO2 enrichment to 1,000–1,200 ppm in sealed rooms can increase biomass and THC yield by 10–20% under sufficient PPFD. Maintain slightly higher VPD (1.1–1.3 kPa) to offset stomatal adjustment under elevated CO2. Ensure nutrient and irrigation capacity scale with increased photosynthetic demand. If not enriching, keep fresh air exchange at least 20–30 air changes per hour in smaller tents.
Yield expectations are robust when parameters are met. Indoors, 450–600 g/m² is a reasonable baseline under 600–1000 W LED-equivalent lighting, with dialed-in rooms achieving 650–750 g/m². Outdoors, in full sun with quality soil and integrated trellising, 500–900 g per plant is attainable depending on veg length and latitude. Resin content also supports solventless hash yields in the 18–22% range from quality flower.
Pre-harvest flushing is optional and context-dependent. In coco/hydro, many growers run low-EC solution (0.2–0.4 mS/cm) for 7–10 days to reduce residual salts and improve ash quality. In living soil, simply water as needed and let the microbial system balance nutrition; aggressive flushing is neither necessary nor recommended. Regardless of approach, avoid late nitrogen to keep the smoke smooth.
Post-harvest handling is crucial to preserve Alien Glue’s terpene density. Dry for 10–14 days at 18–20°C and 58–62% RH with abundant, gentle airflow; aim for 0.6–1.0 air exchanges per hour in the dry room. Cure in airtight containers at 62% RH, burping daily for the first week and weekly thereafter for a month. Expect the aroma to round off as solventy notes subside, unveiling spice and wood complexity.
Phenotype selection after the first run can lock in your preferred balance of gas versus spice. Glue-leaning phenos often have slightly larger calyxes and louder sour fuel; Alien-leaning phenos tend to stack tighter with more sandalwood and less lateral sprawl. Clone your winner and refine training and feed around its specific appetite and stretch. This iterative approach can easily add 10–15% to yield and quality by the second and third cycles.
Outdoor growers should time flips or sowing to avoid prolonged late-season rain, given the dense cola structure. Choose sites with strong morning sun to dry dew quickly and keep RH in check. Consider prophylactic biological sprays in veg, such as Bacillus-based products, transitioning to zero-spray policies by early flower. Netting and stakes are essential to support wind-exposed colas heavy with resin.
