Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
Animal House is a contemporary, high-potency hybrid that sits squarely within the modern “Animal” family of cannabis cultivars. The name is used by multiple producers to represent in-house selections or phenotypes derived from Animal Mints or Animal Face lines, which are known for heavy resin, strong gas-and-mint aromatics, and a deeply relaxing high. Because “Animal House” is not tied to a single breeder’s released seed line, the exact genetics can vary by region and brand, but the experiential profile consistently trends toward potent euphoria with body-numbing calm.
In consumer markets, Animal House often appears as a house-exclusive cut, which is likely where the “House” moniker originates—an internal phenotype chosen by a cultivation team for its bag appeal and potency. This naming convention can lead to confusion with close relatives like Animal Face and Animal Mints. Nonetheless, reported effects and lab results tend to mirror those relatives: high THC content, caryophyllene-forward terpenes, and a pronounced “gas and cookie dough” flavor with cooling mint and pine undertones.
If you are evaluating Animal House on a menu, check the certificate of analysis (COA) for clarity on cannabinoids and terpenes. Because the name spans multiple in-house selections, lab data is the most reliable way to set dosage expectations. Generally, consumers consider Animal House a nighttime-leaning hybrid suitable for seasoned users seeking strength and that classic modern “cookie + OG” fusion.
History and Origins
The Animal family rose to prominence in the late 2010s, driven by breeders like Seed Junky Genetics and a West Coast appetite for dessert-leaning strains that still deliver OG-grade power. A pivotal cultivar is Animal Mints, widely reported as Animal Cookies crossed to SinMint Cookies, which fused cookie-dough sweetness with a minty, fuel-laced backbone. Another anchor is Animal Face—credited to Seed Junky Genetics—reported as Face Off OG x Animal Mints, and known for its striking potency and full-body numbness.
Animal House appears to be part of this lineage ecosystem, typically representing an in-house phenotype or cross that channels the same traits: dense trichome coverage, loud gas-mint aroma, and heavy, calming effects. Retailers and cultivators sometimes market such phenotypes under their own brand names to signal exclusivity and consistency. In practice, that means “Animal House” may vary slightly from state to state, but the core experience remains familiar to fans of Animal Face or Animal Mints.
While Animal House itself isn’t a headliner on curated lists like Leafly’s 100 best weed strains of all time for 2025, its parents and cousins have shaped the modern market. OG Kush-derived lines and cookie hybrids have dominated top-shelf menus for several years, with “Animal” strains repeatedly showing up in regional best-seller roundups. This family’s staying power comes from a combination of bag appeal, robust terpenes, and reliably high THC—traits that Animal House typically preserves.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypes
Because there is no single, universally recognized breeder release for Animal House, the most accurate way to think about its genetics is as a branded, in-house selection from the Animal Face / Animal Mints family tree. The most common reported ancestry for closely related cultivars is Animal Face (Face Off OG x Animal Mints) or direct Animal Mints crosses. In practice, an “Animal House” cut may be an Animal Face phenotype, an Animal Mints backcross, or a parallel cross that retains the defining gas, mint, and cookie-dough profile.
Face Off OG contributes that classic OG Kush structure and potency: sharp fuel, pine, and a narcotic, heavy-lidded calm. Animal Mints, which Leafly characterizes as high in THC and mostly calming, brings the minty sweetness and abundant resin production that anchors this family’s bag appeal. The combination typically yields a hybrid with a 60/40 indica-leaning effect profile, though some phenotypes lean more balanced or even sativa-like on the mental uplift at onset.
Growers often select phenotypes based on a few key traits: terpene intensity, trichome density, and bud hardness. Many Animal House cuts show golf-ball to spear-shaped colas that finish tight and sticky, with a pronounced calyx swell in late bloom. The best examples deliver lab-verified total terpenes above 2.0% by weight and THC in the mid-20s, alongside robust yields for a dessert-leaning hybrid.
Appearance and Bag Appeal
Animal House typically produces medium-large, conical buds with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio and very dense structure. The flowers are often lime to forest green with occasional purple flecking, especially when grown in cooler night temperatures during late flower. Bright orange to rust-colored pistils contrast against a frosty, almost opalescent trichome blanket that can make the buds appear sugar-dusted.
Under magnification, trichome heads commonly present as cloudy to amber in late harvest windows, signaling a heavy, relaxing effect. The sheer trichome coverage is a core part of this strain’s visual appeal, with resin often layering onto adjacent sugar leaves. Finished buds break apart with a satisfying snap, reflecting both proper curing and the cultivar’s inherently low moisture content at market-ready dryness.
In jars, Animal House usually stands out even before opening—terpenes can escape as a faint halo of mint, fuel, and sweet dough. Bag appeal is frequently rated as “premium” by consumers, with many examples earning high marks in dispensary cases due to crystal density and uniform structure. Those visual signals tend to correlate with potency in this family, though lab testing is the definitive measure of strength.
Aroma and Flavor
Open a jar of Animal House and you can expect a layered bouquet: sharp gasoline and pine first, followed by sweet, doughy cookie notes and a cooling mint finish. Caryophyllene-driven spice often shows up as black pepper or clove on the back end of the inhale, giving the nose structure and heat. Many cuts also carry earthy, woody undertones that ground the dessert-like sweetness with classic OG depth.
On the palate, the first impression is often fuel and sugar cookie with a hint of resinous pine. As the smoke evolves, a minty-cool sensation can tingle the sinuses, reminiscent of its Animal Mints heritage. The exhale tends to be spicy-sweet, with lingering notes of pepper, cocoa nib, and a subtle citrus rind that points to limonene.
The aroma intensity is typically high, and the profile persists from grind to final pull, a hallmark of robust terpene content. When well-cured, Animal House remains flavorful at lower temperatures in vaporizers, where limonene and myrcene shine. Combustion tends to amplify caryophyllene spice, which many consumers perceive as a warm, calming finish.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Animal House commonly tests high in THC, reflecting its Animal Face/Animal Mints lineage. Expect THC to fall in the 20–28% range by weight in legal markets, with elite indoor runs occasionally exceeding 30% on COAs. CBD is usually minimal (<1%), while minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBC typically appear in the 0.1–1.0% range combined.
While THC is the primary driver of potency, it is not the sole determinant of the perceived high. Industry guidance, echoed in Leafly’s coverage of strong strains, underscores that aromatic compounds can enhance and shape a strain’s effect. In practice, a cut of Animal House with 24% THC and 2.5% total terpenes often “hits” harder than a 28% sample with only 1.0% terpenes, illustrating the entourage effect.
For dosing, experienced users often find 5–10 mg THC via inhalation equivalents sufficient for relaxation, while new consumers should start far lower. In flower form, a single 0.25–0.5 g session can deliver robust effects due to the strain’s terpene density and cannabinoid strength. Consumers sensitive to anxiety should approach cautiously and consider micro-inhalations to assess personal tolerance.
Terpene Profile and Aromatic Chemistry
Terpenes define Animal House’s signature nose and significantly shape its effects. Across lab analyses of related “Animal” cultivars, the dominant terpene is commonly beta-caryophyllene (peppery-spicy), with supporting roles from limonene (citrus-bright) and myrcene (musky-earthy). That trio mirrors profiles documented in similar strains like Animal Runtz, where limonene, myrcene, and caryophyllene recur.
Total terpene content in top-shelf flower typically ranges from 1.5–3.5% by weight, and elite batches can reach 4.0% under optimal cultivation and curing. In mg/g terms, that equates to roughly 15–35 mg of terpenes per gram of flower. In caryophyllene-forward chemovars, caryophyllene often accounts for 0.4–1.2% absolute content, with limonene and myrcene each commonly falling between 0.2–0.8%.
Leafly’s explainer on terpenes emphasizes that these aromatic compounds drive distinctive scents in cannabis and herbs, and they contribute meaningfully to flavor. They also likely modulate the subjective high; for example, caryophyllene is unique among common cannabis terpenes for its ability to bind to CB2 receptors, which may influence inflammation pathways. Limonene is frequently associated with mood elevation, while myrcene is often linked to sedation and “couchlock,” a combination that aligns well with Animal House’s user reports.
Secondary terpenes often detected in this family include pinene (pine, focus), humulene (herbal, anti-inflammatory synergy), and linalool (floral, calming). Pinene can add a bright forest note and may counteract some short-term memory fuzziness for certain users. Linalool, present at modest levels, can deepen relaxation—especially noticeable in late-evening sessions.
Experiential Effects
Users consistently describe Animal House as delivering a fast-onset head change followed by a deep, body-centered calm. Early in the session, euphoria and a heightened sense of good humor can boost sociability and creativity. As the high settles, a heavy, tranquil body sensation spreads, softening physical tension and melting stress.
Leafly’s profile of the closely related Animal Face highlights a full mind-and-body-numbing high that drifts into physical and mental bliss. That description maps closely to what Animal House fans report: a profound exhale into comfort with minimal mental chatter. Similarly, Animal Mints’ “mostly calming” reputation shows up here as a wave of composure and ease.
At higher doses, couchlock is possible, especially with caryophyllene-forward, myrcene-rich cuts. Dry mouth and dry eyes are common side effects, and novice users may experience lightheadedness if they overconsume. For daytime use, microdosing or pairing with caffeine can help maintain function, but most consumers reserve Animal House for late afternoon or evening.
Duration typically lasts 2–3 hours for inhaled flower, with a pronounced peak in the first 45–90 minutes. The comedown is usually gentle, often leaving a lingering afterglow of quiet contentment. Concentrates made from Animal House can intensify all phases, so step up gradually if you are transitioning from flower.
Potential Medical Uses
Anecdotal reports suggest Animal House may help manage stress, anxiety, and insomnia due to its calming, body-heavy character. The caryophyllene-limonene-myrcene matrix could make it suitable for individuals seeking mood elevation followed by deep physical relaxation. Users with situational anxiety often appreciate the strain’s quick relief and steadying mental calm at lower doses.
For pain and inflammation, caryophyllene’s CB2 activity is frequently cited as a mechanistic rationale, though clinical human data remain limited. Myrcene’s association with muscle relaxation and perceived sedation may also contribute to relief from spasms and tension-related headaches. Patients with chronic pain sometimes favor Animal family strains at night, when stronger, longer-lasting effects are desirable.
Sleep support is a common theme among medical users, with many reporting easier sleep onset and fewer nocturnal awakenings. If insomnia is linked to ruminative stress, the euphoric but quieting headspace can be especially helpful. For new patients, starting with a single small inhalation and waiting 10–15 minutes before redosing is a prudent approach.
As always, individual responses vary, and cannabis can interact with medications. Medical users should consult a clinician, especially if managing cardiovascular conditions, mood disorders, or using sedative pharmaceuticals. Tracking effects in a journal—dose, timing, symptom relief, and any adverse events—can help refine personal protocols over time.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Difficulty and vigor: Animal House-type cuts typically grow as medium-height, vigorous hybrids with strong apical dominance and sturdy lateral branching. Expect a 1.5x–2.0x stretch after the flip to 12/12, which makes topping and trellising essential to control canopy height. The cultivar’s dense bud structure demands strategic defoliation and airflow to mitigate botrytis risk in late flower.
Environment: In veg, target 24–28°C daytime temperatures with 60–70% RH, and maintain a VPD around 0.8–1.2 kPa. In flower, shift to 22–26°C day and 50–55% RH in weeks 1–4, tapering to 45–50% RH in weeks 5–7 and 40–45% in the final 7–10 days; aim for a VPD of 1.1–1.5 kPa. Provide 700–900 µmol/m²/s PPFD in early flower, ramping carefully up to 900–1,100 µmol/m²/s for dialed-in, CO2-enriched rooms.
Lighting and CO2: Under high-efficiency LEDs, a DLI of 35–45 mol/m²/day in flower supports dense, resinous buds. If supplementing CO2 in a sealed room, maintain 1,100–1,300 ppm during lights-on; without CO2, stay closer to 700–850 µmol/m²/s PPFD to avoid photoinhibition. Keep canopy temperatures stable and avoid >2–3°C swings to protect terpene retention.
Substrate and pH/EC: In coco/hydro, run 5.8–6.1 pH; in soil/soilless, keep 6.2–6.8 pH to optimize nutrient uptake. A general EC of 1.6–2.2 (800–1,100 ppm 500-scale) in mid-flower is typical, depending on genetics and light intensity. Calcium and magnesium demands are moderate-high; target roughly 150–200 ppm Ca and 50–80 ppm Mg in solution for LED gardens.
Nutrition and feeding: Provide a nitrogen-forward vegetative feed, then pivot to higher P and K from week 3 of flower onward. Supplemental sulfur during mid-late flower can support terpene synthesis; amino-chelated micros aid stress resilience. Avoid overfeeding late; a 7–10 day taper to lower EC helps improve burn quality without starving the plant.
Training and canopy management: Top 1–2 times in veg and employ low-stress training to even the canopy. Install a trellis net before the flip and consider a second layer by week 2–3 of flower to support swelling colas. Defoliate lightly in week 3 and again in week 6 to open interior airflow while preserving enough leaf for photosynthesis.
Flowering time and yields: Expect an 8–9 week bloom for most Animal House phenotypes, with some elite cuts preferring 63–70 days for maximum terpene and potency expression. Indoors, yields of 450–600 g/m² are achievable with strong environmental control and training; outdoors, 600–1,000 g per plant is possible in full sun with long seasons. Watch trichome heads closely—milky with 5–15% amber is a common harvest target for a relaxing, but not overly stupefying, effect.
IPM and disease prevention: Dense flower clusters require consistent airflow—maintain 0.3–0.5 m/s canopy airspeed and robust exhaust turnover. Integrate biological controls and scheduled sanitation, and avoid late foliar sprays to protect trichomes. Keep substrates evenly moist—wet/dry swings invite stress that can reduce terpene output and yield.
Phenohunting tips: Prioritize selections with a caryophyllene-limonene top and a secondary of myrcene or pinene if you want the classic gas-mint-cookie profile. Stress-test candidates under moderate drought or light fluctuation to identify resilient keepers that hold terps under pressure. Record wet trim weight, dry yield, terpene mg/g, and potency to make data-driven final selections.
Harvesting, Drying, and Curing Best Practices
Harvest timing is critical for this family; Animal House often peaks for flavor between day 60 and day 68, but choose by trichome maturity rather than the calendar. Aim for milky trichomes with a smattering of amber to preserve an uplifting onset with a relaxing finish. Growers seeking maximum sedative effect might allow 20–30% amber, accepting a slight loss of brightness in exchange for heavier body effects.
For drying, the “60/60” method—60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH—over 10–14 days preserves volatile monoterpenes like limonene and myrcene. Maintain gentle air movement without blowing directly on the flowers, and keep the room dark to reduce terpene oxidation. Stems should snap, not bend, when you transition to curing.
Curing in airtight containers at 58–62% RH for 3–8 weeks polishes flavor and smooths the smoke. “Burp” jars daily for the first week, then every few days, watching for any signs of moisture rebound or off odors. Properly cured Animal House will present a loud nose from the moment the jar opens and maintain that intensity through the final bowl.
Storage matters—keep finished flower cool (55–65°F), dark, and dry, using UV-resistant containers. Avoid frequent open/close cycles that vent terpenes; consider dividing into smaller jars for portion control. Under ideal storage, terpenes remain vibrant for months, supporting consistent consumer experiences.
Comparisons to Related 'Animal' Family Strains
Compared to Animal Face, Animal House is often indistinguishable in effect for many consumers: both deliver a euphoric mental lift that settles into full-body calm. The difference, where it exists, usually lies in specific phenotypic nuances—slightly more mint, a sharper fuel bite, or a marginally shorter/longer finish. If your favorite part of Animal Face is the numbing body quality Leafly highlights, you’ll likely find Animal House comparable.
Against Animal Mints, Animal House tends to skew less overtly mint-forward on the palate and more balanced between sweet dough and gas. Animal Mints is widely rated as “mostly calming,” and Animal House shares that character while sometimes bringing a bit more OG bite and pine due to Face Off OG influence in many lineages. In blind tastings, experienced users often identify Animal House by its peppery caryophyllene finish intertwined with cooling mint.
Animal Runtz leans more confectionary, layering Zkittlez-like fruit candy over the Animal base; its typical terpene triad—limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene—echoes Animal House but with a sweeter, fruitier arc. If you prefer a fruit-forward dessert strain, Animal Runtz is a plausible substitute; if you want gas, cookie dough, pine, and mint in equal measure, Animal House is the better fit. All three can be potent, so dosing discipline applies across the family.
Lab Testing, Quality, and Buying Tips
Because “Animal House” is a name used for in-house selections, rely on the COA rather than the name alone to guide purchase decisions. Look for THC in the mid-20s, total terpene content ≥2.0% by weight, and a terpene profile led by caryophyllene with support from limonene and myrcene. If available, examine minor cannabinoids—CBG around 0.3–1.0% can add dimension to the effect.
Inspect buds visually: tight, well-formed colas with evenly distributed trichomes and intact heads signal careful handling. A cold, mint-gas aroma with spicy-sweet undertones should bloom on break-up; muted or hay-like scents suggest poor cure. Avoid over-dry samples (<50% RH in the jar) that can taste harsh and shed terpenes quickly.
Price point often reflects cultivation quality for this family due to yield potential and high demand. However, value-oriented batches can still perform if terpene content is strong—many users prioritize terps over raw THC percentage. When in doubt, buy small, test at home at a low dose, and scale your purchase once you confirm the batch matches your preferences.
Market Context and Popularity
The Animal lineage aligns with national consumer trends favoring dessert-forward profiles layered on OG potency. Leafly’s annual roundups and harvest guides have chronicled the rise of Gelato, Zkittlez, Cake, and Glue crosses since 2020, and the Animal family has comfortably ridden alongside that wave. In regional lists, such as New York’s year-end highlights, caryophyllene-rich, couchlock-and-euphoria strains consistently earn top billing—an archetype Animal House fits well.
Even when not explicitly listed among the “Top 100” of 2025, Animal-adjacent offerings remain staples on premium menus. In markets like New York, dispensaries that specialize in top-tier flower often feature Animal Mintz derivatives, signaling sustained demand. That persistent popularity stems from a clear value proposition: power, flavor density, and exceptional bag appeal in one package.
For producers, the family also makes economic sense. These plants can yield competitively while commanding premium shelf prices, especially when terpene numbers are high. The result is a feedback loop where consumer preference and cultivator incentives reinforce the Animal family’s prominence—keeping cuts like Animal House in steady rotation.
