Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
Alien Moon Pie is an indica-leaning cultivar bred by the boutique breeding house In House Genetics, a name well known for dessert-forward and resin-heavy lines. The strain’s moniker is a playful synthesis of extraterrestrial power and confectionery comfort, immediately hinting at a blend of gas, pine, and sweet bakery notes. Growers and consumers report a relaxing body effect paired with a calm, clear headspace, making it popular as a late-afternoon or evening selection.
As a mostly indica hybrid, Alien Moon Pie typically presents compact internodes, thick lateral branching, and dense flower clusters that finish relatively quickly. While exact lab-reported numbers vary by phenotype and grow conditions, many retail menus describe this cultivar as potent and terpene-rich. Expect a profile that balances classic OG-adjacent brightness with a creamy, pastry-like finish.
The strain has gained a following for translating its name into the jar and the joint, often delivering a marshmallow-chocolate sweetness over a subtle diesel spine. In House Genetics’ reputation for keeper-level seeds helps drive interest in phenohunting this line. For patients and connoisseurs alike, Alien Moon Pie stands out as both reliable and intriguing, with enough variability among phenos to reward careful selection.
Breeding History and Origins
In House Genetics developed Alien Moon Pie as part of their broader focus on resin-forward dessert cultivars. The breeder’s catalog is known for crosses that emphasize bag appeal, trichome density, and strong terpene expressions suitable for both flower and hash production. Given that heritage, Alien Moon Pie was purpose-bred to check boxes for potency, flavor, and extract yield.
Public, breeder-verified parentage for Alien Moon Pie has not been universally published by third-party sources, and seed vendors sometimes list incomplete or shorthand lineage. What is consistent across grower reports is the indica dominance, early-to-mid finishing times, and a terpene spectrum that overlaps with both OG/Alien lines and pie-themed dessert cultivars. This aligns with In House Genetics’ house style of blending modern dessert aromas with classic fuel and pine.
The Alien name evokes the lineage that traces back to Alien Kush and Alien OG branches, historically prized for lemon-pine-fuel complexity and narcotic body effects. The Pie reference often points toward confection-leaning families such as Cherry Pie, Key Lime Pie, or Wedding Pie, strains known for syrupy sweetness and creamy undertones. While the specific recipe may be kept close by the breeder, the sensory and structural traits consistently mirror that hybridized heritage.
Across legal markets, the strain arrived in small-batch drops before being more widely propagated by experienced home growers and boutique cultivators. As with many In House Genetics releases, early adopters reported vigorous plants with high resin production and stout, indica-typical architecture. That early word-of-mouth positioned Alien Moon Pie as a keeper candidate for both flower jars and solventless hash presses.
Genetic Lineage and Indica Heritage
Alien Moon Pie’s indica dominance is evident in its growth pattern, recovery speed from training, and compact flower set. Indica-leaning hybrids typically stretch 1.3 to 1.8 times after the flip to 12-12 light, and Alien Moon Pie commonly falls near the lower-middle of that range. The result is a manageable canopy that responds well to topping and screen-of-green setups.
The Alien side of the profile hints at OG-adjacent ancestors with citrus, pine, and fuel notes. Meanwhile, the Pie motif implies dessert-leaning parents that contribute a sugary, toasted, or creamy character. Combined, the two sides create a layered bouquet that can smell like lemon-fuel on the first break and marshmallow cocoa on the second.
This duality often manifests in phenotypic splits across small batches of seeds. Some plants skew gassy and pine-forward with sharper, more mentholated terps, while others skew confectionary with pronounced vanilla, chocolate, and sweet dough. Phenohunters typically flag keeper cuts that harmonize those poles without sacrificing resin coverage or yield.
Visual Appearance and Bud Structure
Alien Moon Pie tends to display dense, golf-ball to spear-shaped colas with tight calyx stacking. Mature flowers are heavily trichome-laden, often showing a frost that appears almost sugar-coated from a distance. Under magnification, bulbous, cloudy capitate heads dominate, an encouraging sign for dry-sift and rosin makers.
Coloration often includes dark forest greens with occasional anthocyanin flashes when night temperatures drop toward 15 to 18 Celsius late in flower. Rust to copper pistils knit through the canopy, contrasting against the pale glisten of mature resin glands. Trim quality further elevates the bag appeal, as the small sugar leaves are typically caked in trichomes and can be saved for high-grade hash.
Nug density is on the firm side, typical of indica-dominant genetics bred for boutique flower structure. Buds break apart with a satisfying snap rather than a crumble when properly cured. Stems are moderately thick and supportive, but staking or trellising is recommended during late bloom to prevent leaning.
Aroma: From Alien Fuel to Moon Pie Confection
The top-note impression often begins with a citrus-fuel pop reminiscent of classic OG and Alien lines. Many growers report a lemon-pine brightness paired with herbal spice and a whiff of diesel. This volatile front end greets the grinder and becomes more pronounced after the first few twists.
Mid-notes evolve toward cocoa, vanilla, and sweetened cream, evoking the Moon Pie namesake. A marshmallow-like softness is common, especially in phenos that test high in limonene and linalool alongside caryophyllene. The interplay between bakery sweetness and evergreen sharpness is a hallmark of standout jars.
On the backend, earthy humulene and myrcene can anchor the profile with a loamy, slightly woody dimension. The result is a rounded bouquet that feels layered rather than linear. In sealed glass, the perfume usually intensifies after a 14 to 28 day cure, and many users report terpene peak expression near weeks three to six post-harvest.
Flavor Profile and Combustion Quality
Alien Moon Pie’s flavor tracks the aroma, opening with lemon zest and pine sap before unfolding into chocolate wafer and vanilla icing. The inhale often carries the brighter citrus-fuel, while the exhale leans into marshmallow, cocoa, and sweet dough. Some phenos finish with a light peppery tickle attributable to beta-caryophyllene.
The smoke is usually medium-bodied and creamy when cured at 60-62 percent relative humidity. Vaporization between 175 and 205 Celsius can preserve the delicate confection notes while still releasing gas and spice. Many report that the flavor lingers on the palate longer than average, a desirable trait for connoisseur flower.
Combustion quality is generally clean if the plant is flushed appropriately and dried slowly. Ash color tends to be light gray to near-white under optimized nutrient balance and cure. The resin ring that forms during a slow burn is often pronounced, reflecting the cultivar’s high trichome output.
Cannabinoid Profile: THC, CBD, and Minor Players
While potency varies by phenotype and cultivation, Alien Moon Pie is widely regarded as a high-THC cultivar. Dispensary lab listings across indica-dominant dessert lines commonly land in the 22 to 28 percent THC window, with select top-shelf cuts testing above 30 percent in ideal conditions. A reasonable working expectation for most growers is 20 to 26 percent total THC under competent indoor lighting.
CBD is typically minimal, often falling below 1 percent and more commonly in the 0.05 to 0.4 percent range. Such low CBD levels mean the psychoactive profile is driven primarily by delta-9-THC and its interaction with terpenes. Inexperienced consumers should approach with small initial doses despite the strain’s calming reputation.
Minor cannabinoids can contribute to the experience even in fractional percentages. CBG commonly appears between 0.2 and 1.0 percent in indica-dominant dessert cultivars, and CBC may register in the 0.1 to 0.4 percent range. Trace THCV has been reported in some OG-adjacent lines, but typically at or below 0.2 percent in this category.
Total active cannabinoids often sum between 23 and 30 percent for well-grown samples, reflecting both THC and minors. Environmental controls, harvest timing, and curing practices can swing measured potency by several percentage points. For example, harvesting when trichomes are mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 percent amber often correlates with peak perceived potency for many indica hybrids.
Terpene Profile: Dominant Aromatics and Their Effects
Most reports place Alien Moon Pie’s total terpene content in the moderate-to-high band, around 1.5 to 2.8 percent by dry weight. Beta-caryophyllene is frequently dominant, often ranging from 0.3 to 0.9 percent, lending peppery warmth and potential CB2 receptor activity. Limonene commonly tracks between 0.2 and 0.8 percent, driving citrus brightness and perceived mood elevation.
Myrcene often appears in the 0.2 to 0.7 percent range, contributing to earthiness and the classic indica body feel. Linalool may express in the 0.05 to 0.25 percent band, supporting floral sweetness and relaxation. Humulene adds woody, herbal depth at roughly 0.1 to 0.3 percent, and can complement caryophyllene’s spicy facets.
These terpenes work synergistically with THC to shape the overall effect. Beta-caryophyllene has been studied for anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic potential via CB2 agonism in preclinical models, aligning with many users’ reports of body ease. Limonene has been associated in human and animal studies with mood support and stress modulation, which helps explain the strain’s balanced calm without heavy cognitive fog when dosed moderately.
Batch-to-batch variation is normal, especially with seed-grown plants where phenotypes diverge. Phenohunters often keep cuts that maintain at least 2.0 percent total terpenes while preserving both gas and confection notes. Dialing in environmental stability, including consistent VPD and gentle late-flower temperatures, helps lock in volatile terpenes by harvest.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Most users describe Alien Moon Pie as a grounded, body-forward experience with a clear, unhurried headspace. Initial onset within 2 to 5 minutes for inhalation often brings a gentle uplift and sensory softening. Within 15 to 25 minutes, the body relaxation becomes more pronounced, easing muscular tension and downshifting stress.
At moderate doses, the strain supports calm conversation, cozy media time, or low-effort creative tasks. At higher doses, the indica heritage can tip the session toward couchlock and a strong desire to snack. Many reserve this cultivar for post-work decompression, evening routines, and pre-sleep wind-downs.
Duration generally spans 2 to 3 hours for inhaled forms, with a lingering afterglow that can extend beyond that in sensitive individuals. Edible preparations extend onset to 45 to 120 minutes and can last 4 to 6 hours or more. As always, dose and tolerance are the main variables determining intensity and duration.
Adverse effects are typical of high-THC cannabis and include dry mouth, dry eyes, and occasional dizziness when overconsumed. Individuals prone to anxiety with potent sativas often find Alien Moon Pie’s indica tilt more forgiving, especially due to its soothing terpene ensemble. Nonetheless, new users should start low and wait to assess effects before redosing.
Potential Medical Applications
The indica-leaning, body-centric character of Alien Moon Pie makes it a candidate for evening symptom management. Patients report relief with chronic musculoskeletal discomfort, tension headaches, and post-exertion soreness. The presence of beta-caryophyllene and myrcene may complement THC’s analgesic potential by modulating inflammatory pathways.
For stress, rumination, and situational anxiety, the limonene-linalool tandem commonly offers calming support without heavy mental clouding at modest doses. Many users note improved ability to disengage from stressors and transition into rest or leisure. This makes the strain a reasonable option for after-work decompression or pre-sleep routines.
Sleep support is frequently cited, especially when dosing later in the evening. Indica-dominant chemotypes with myrcene and linalool have been associated in observational data with improved sleep onset and depth. Patients often aim for a window that allows 60 to 90 minutes after inhalation for peak sedation to dovetail with bedtime.
Appetite stimulation is another common outcome, useful for those experiencing decreased appetite due to stress or certain medications. However, individuals managing caloric intake should plan snacks accordingly to avoid unplanned overeating. As with any cannabis-based regimen, medical decisions should be made in consultation with a clinician who understands cannabinoid therapy and local regulations.
Cultivation Guide: Environment, Training, and Harvest
Alien Moon Pie’s mostly indica architecture makes it a cooperative plant in controlled environments. Indoors, aim for daytime temperatures of 24 to 28 Celsius in veg and early flower, tapering to 22 to 26 Celsius in late bloom to preserve terpenes. Night temperatures of 18 to 21 Celsius help maintain color and avoid stress while limiting excessive internodal stretch.
Humidity targets of 60 to 70 percent in veg, 50 to 55 percent in early flower, and 45 to 50 percent in late flower are good baselines. Manage vapor pressure deficit around 0.8 to 1.1 kPa in veg and 1.2 to 1.5 kPa in bloom for steady transpiration. Two to three oscillating fans per 1.2 by 1.2 meter tent, plus an active intake and carbon-filtered exhaust, keeps canopy airflow near 0.3 to 0.5 meters per second.
Light intensity should reach 600 to 900 PPFD in late veg and 900 to 1,100 PPFD in mid-to-late flower. With supplemental CO2 around 900 to 1,200 ppm, many growers observe 10 to 20 percent yield gains, provided irrigation and nutrition are tuned. Keep photoperiod at 18-6 for veg and 12-12 for flower, ensuring zero light leaks to prevent stress.
In coco or hydro, set solution pH between 5.8 and 6.2, and in living soil or peat mixes, target 6.2 to 6.8. Electrical conductivity in veg often runs 1.2 to 1.8 mS per cm and 1.8 to 2.4 mS per cm in peak bloom, depending on cultivar hunger and light intensity. Cal-mag supplementation at 100 to 150 ppm is often beneficial when using reverse osmosis water or coco-heavy media.
Alien Moon Pie typically stretches 1.3 to 1.6 times post-flip, so topping and low-stress training are highly effective. Many growers prefer a two- to four-top manifold and a SCROG net to spread the canopy evenly. Strategic defoliation around day 21 and day 42 of flower can improve light penetration and airflow through the dense indica buds.
Irrigation frequency depends on medium and container size. In coco with 3 to 5 liter pots, multiple small irrigations per day targeting 10 to 20 percent runoff can produce fast growth and consistent drybacks of 20 to 35 percent. In soil with 11 to 19 liter containers, water thoroughly every 2 to 4 days, allowing the top 2 to 3 cm to dry before the next event.
Alien Moon Pie appreciates a strong phosphorus and potassium supply from week three through six of flower as buds bulk up. Ease back on nitrogen after the stretch to avoid leafy buds and potential harshness in the final product. A two- to three-week finish window with balanced micronutrients supports resin density and terpene retention.
Expect a flowering time of roughly 56 to 65 days for most phenotypes, with some hash-leaning cuts preferring 63 to 70 days for maximum resin maturity. Harvest readiness is often indicated by swollen calyxes, receding pistils, and trichomes turning mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 percent amber. Gassy-leaning phenos may peak slightly earlier, while dessert-leaning phenos often benefit from the longer end of the window.
Pest and pathogen vigilance is crucial due to the dense cola structure. Preventive integrated pest management using clean intakes, sticky cards, and periodic scouting reduces risk from spider mites and thrips. For botrytis mitigation, maintain moving air, avoid foliar sprays after week three of flower, and keep late-flower humidity below 50 percent.
Outdoors, Alien Moon Pie prefers a warm, semi-arid climate with good diurnal swings. Planting in raised beds with amended living soil and full sun can yield robust bushes, often exceeding 1.5 meters in height with long veg. In regions with early autumn rains, consider greenhouse protection or aggressive late-season thinning to thwart mold.
Yield, Flowering Time, and Phenotype Hunting
Indoor yields commonly range from 450 to 650 grams per square meter under high-efficiency LEDs with 900 to 1,000 PPFD and optimized CO2. Skilled cultivators have reported 1.5 to 2.5 grams per watt on dialed-in runs, though such outcomes depend on environment and cultivar hunger. Per-plant yields in 11 to 19 liter containers often land in the 85 to 200 gram range depending on veg time and training.
Outdoor plants can surpass 500 grams per plant with a long vegetative period, strong sun exposure, and timely trellising. In well-managed greenhouse settings, yields can be even higher while preserving the delicate terpene profile. The strain’s dense flowers and rapid resin build make it attractive for both flower markets and solventless production.
Flowering typically completes in 8 to 9 weeks for most indoor phenotypes, consistent with a mostly indica background. Hash-focused phenotypes may reward a few extra days to maximize mature heads and rosin yield. Monitoring trichomes with a 60x loupe helps pinpoint the optimal harvest window for desired effect.
Phenohunting is where Alien Moon Pie shines due to its balance of gas and confection potential. Keepers often exhibit a 2.0 percent or higher total terpene content, a resin-forward leaf-to-calyx ratio, and a balanced nose that shows both citrus-fuel and marshmallow-chocolate. Selecting for strong branching, moderate stretch, and consistent internode spacing simplifies future runs and increases yield consistency.
Post-Harvest: Drying, Curing, and Storage
A slow dry and patient cure are essential to preserve the pastry notes and volatile citrus top end. Aim for 10 to 14 days at 15 to 18 Celsius and 55 to 62 percent relative humidity with gentle air exchange but no direct breeze on hanging branches. Stems should snap rather than bend before moving to jars.
Cure in airtight glass at 60 to 62 percent relative humidity for two to four weeks, burping once or twice daily during the first week to release moisture and CO2. Water activity between 0.55 and 0.65 supports microbial safety while protecting terpenes. Many report that Alien Moon Pie reaches peak flavor intensity between week three and six of cure.
For long-term storage, maintain a cool, dark environment below 20 Celsius and avoid UV exposure. Oxygen and heat degrade terpenes and cannabinoids, so minimize headspace and consider inert gas purges for extended storage. When properly cured and stored, flavor and potency can remain vibrant for several months, with gradual softening of the brightest citrus notes over time.
Compliance, Testing, and Consumer Safety
Alien Moon Pie, like all regulated cannabis, should be tested for potency, terpenes, residual solvents in extracts, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants according to local laws. Typical state potency certificates report THC, CBD, and total cannabinoids, along with a terpene panel when requested. Total yeast and mold counts and water activity measurements help ensure product stability and safety.
For consumers, start low and go slow is prudent with high-THC indica-dominant strains. New users might begin with one or two small inhalations, waiting 10 to 15 minutes to gauge effect, or 2.5 to 5 milligrams of THC in edible form with a 2-hour assessment window. Combining cannabis with alcohol or sedatives can amplify impairment and should be approached cautiously or avoided.
Cultivators should adhere to state-approved integrated pest management and only apply compliant inputs according to label directions. Post-harvest sanitation and prevention of cross-contamination are critical in shared facilities. Labeling should accurately reflect batch identifiers, harvest dates, and test results to maintain traceability and consumer trust.
Why Alien Moon Pie Stands Out
Alien Moon Pie’s unique charm is how it merges classic Alien-fuel brightness with indulgent dessert undertones. Few strains deliver lemon-pine-diesel on the front and marshmallow-cocoa on the back with such cohesion. That duality, plus dense resin and quick finishing times, makes it an attractive project for both home growers and craft producers.
The breeder behind the line, In House Genetics, is known for curating modern flavor bombs with high bag appeal. Their focus on resin and terpene saturation is evident in Alien Moon Pie’s frost and nose. The mostly indica heritage keeps cultivation manageable while still offering enough phenotype variance to reward selection.
For consumers seeking a relaxing yet mood-bright strain, Alien Moon Pie offers an approachable on-ramp with heavyweight potency. For cultivators, it offers scalability from tent to boutique facility with minimal drama when environmental parameters are respected. Taken together, it earns a spot in the rotation as a comfort-forward strain with connoisseur complexity.
