Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Origins
Apes in Space is a mostly indica cultivar created by Exotic Genetix, a Washington-based breeder known for resin-forward, dessert-leaning hybrids that still deliver power and structure. Exotic Genetix has produced numerous cup-winning lines over the past decade, and Apes in Space fits their mold of dense, trichome-heavy flowers with a sweet-gas bouquet. While Exotic Genetix has not widely published a canonical parentage for this release, growers and retailers place it squarely in the indica-dominant side of the stable.
Third-party genealogy trackers illustrate the strain’s footprint in modern breeding. Seed-finder databases document Apes in Space as a contributing parent in crosses like Space Cookies, signaling that the cultivar has become a building block for newer hybrids. This pattern mirrors the way Exotic Genetix strains such as Grease Monkey and Falcon 9 entered the breeding ecosystem and subsequently appeared in pedigrees across Europe and North America.
On the consumer side, marketplace data links Apes in Space to terpene clusters known for spicy, earthy, and gassy tones. Leaf-focused resources that group strains by chemotype list Apes in Space alongside White Truffle in similarity maps, a cut famed for high beta-caryophyllene and humulene. That placement hints at the aromatic backbone and body-heavy effect profile that users consistently report when discussing Apes in Space.
Commercially, Apes in Space found favor among indoor craft growers around the late 2010s to early 2020s, the era when indica-leaning dessert-gas genetics dominated top-shelf menus. Its reputation for dense, bag-appeal nugs and reliable resin output made it a logical pick for hash makers and flower-first brands alike. In legal markets, indica-leaning exotics regularly account for a majority of top-selling eighths, and Apes in Space aligns with that demand curve by pairing potency with recognizable connoisseur aromatics.
Genetic Lineage and Heritage
Exotic Genetix has not publicly standardized a definitive, breeder-verified lineage disclosure for Apes in Space, which is increasingly common as houses protect proprietary lines. Nonetheless, the cultivar’s growth habits, flavor spectrum, and resin profile are consistent with the Cookies and Glue era genetics that populate much of the Exotic Genetix catalog. The result is an indica-leaning hybrid that presents compact internodes, substantial calyx swell, and gassy-sweet aromatics associated with beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene.
Independent strain family trees and breeding notes confirm that Apes in Space has been used as a parent in downstream hybrids. One example documented in genealogy listings shows Apes in Space appearing in crosses feeding into Space Cookies, underscoring that breeders see stable, desirable traits worth locking in. The way it passes down structure, resin density, and a fuel-forward top note has made it a credible pillar for contemporary dessert-gas projects.
Given its mostly indica heritage, it is reasonable to frame Apes in Space as a line bred for body relaxation, physical ease, and heavy trichome coverage rather than racy head effects. Growers report that it stacks into hard golf balls and crowns, which typically indicates indica dominance of at least 60 to 70 percent in the background. However, until a breeder-side parentage card is formally published, any specific mother and father claims remain speculative and should be treated as inference rather than fact.
Chemically, the cultivar clusters in the caryophyllene-forward family that is often shared by Gorilla, Cookies, and hybridized Gelato descendants. These families frequently test with total terpenes in the 1.5 to 3.0 percent by weight range in commercial labs, with top-three terpene stacks dominated by beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and either myrcene or humulene. Apes in Space sits comfortably in that neighborhood according to retailer profiles and aroma descriptions connected to it across legal markets.
Appearance and Structure
Apes in Space produces dense, indica-leaning buds with a high bract-to-leaf ratio that makes for an eye-catching trim. The primary coloration runs from deep forest green to darker olive, and many phenotypes express anthocyanin purples when flowered in cooler night temperatures below about 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Oversized, fire-orange pistils often weave through the canopy, setting up a strong contrast against the snow-white trichome blanket.
The resin production is a hallmark. Under magnification, capitate-stalked trichomes are abundant and bulbous, a trait that hash makers look for because it aids in mechanical separation during ice water extraction. On dried, cured flower, this presents as a frosted sheen that can appear almost metallic under bright light and contributes heavily to shelf appeal.
Calyx swell is pronounced by week seven of bloom in well-managed rooms, with colas that are conical and stack up with minimal internodal distance. The structure tends toward hard colas that resist collapse if trellised, though the mass demands support in late flower to prevent branch bending under weight. Growers frequently report that a single top followed by lateral training yields uniform satellites and reduces the risk of oversized, botrytis-prone main spears.
Trim quality is typically high due to the limited sugar leaf protrusion, improving bag appeal and reducing post-harvest labor. Because leaf-to-flower ratio is low, skilled wet trimming is fast and yields a high percentage of smokable flower from total biomass. The end result is a collection of chunky, hand-friendly nugs that hold their shape in jars and grind cleanly without excessive stick or clump.
Aroma
The nose on Apes in Space is loud and layered, combining dessert-shop sweetness with assertive gas. The top notes present as diesel and kerosene, a volatile, fuel-like impression often attributed to the interplay of caryophyllene, humulene, and sulfur-containing aroma compounds in the broader chemotype. Underneath, there is a doughy, cookie batter sweetness that suggests a Cookies-era influence, with hints of vanilla and cocoa.
Secondary aromas lean earthy and woody, with a forest-floor tone on the break and grind. Subtle black pepper and clove nuance appear after the initial gas blast, a classic tell of beta-caryophyllene dominance. Limonene contributes a bright edge that can read as candied orange or lemon zest, cutting through the heaviness of the base.
In cured flowers stored correctly at 58 to 62 percent relative humidity, the bouquet stays stable for eight to twelve weeks without flattening. Over-drying below 55 percent RH or curing above 64 percent RH can mute the sweet top notes and push the profile toward a duller, earthy core. When dialed in, however, Apes in Space consistently throws a complex aroma that shifts between pastry case and pump handle.
Compared to strains grouped near it in terpene maps, such as White Truffle, Apes in Space is often a touch sweeter and less overtly mushroom-umami. The overlay of cookie dough and chocolate dust on a diesel frame sets it apart even when the underlying terpene stack is similar. This makes it an easy recommendation for fans of spicy-gassy strains who still want a confectionary accent.
Flavor
The flavor follows the nose tightly, delivering a sweet fuel on the first pull that lingers on the palate. On the inhale, creamy cookie and vanilla tones come forward, quickly met by a wave of diesel that coats the mouth. The exhale introduces black pepper, cocoa nib, and faint herbal pine, and the aftertaste hangs with a syrupy, gassy sweetness.
In combustion, a clean cure and 60 to 62 percent jar humidity help preserve the sugar-bakery notes, whereas overdrying can leave the pepper and gas dominant. Vaporization at 350 to 380 degrees Fahrenheit highlights the limonene and linalool components and brings out a more citrus-forward sweetness. Higher vaporization temperatures in the 390 to 410 range lean into caryophyllene’s pepper and can produce a heavier, chocolaty diesel.
Pairings work well with dark coffee, high-cacao chocolate, and toasted nuts, which amplify the roast and cocoa threads in the profile. The smoke is dense but not acrid when properly cured, and resin rings develop quickly on papers, a sign of the cultivar’s oil content. Overall, Apes in Space is a mouth-coating hybrid that preserves complexity across different consumption methods from glass to convection vaporizers.
Because of the terpene balance, the flavor remains pronounced even after multiple pulls, a trait that heavy users value for consistency. This robustness is especially noticeable in joints or blunts, where the sweetness persists into the final third rather than washing out early. In concentrate form, expect the gas to jump, with cold-cured hash rosin expressing a deeper diesel and pepper backbone punctuated by vanilla and caramelized sugar.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Apes in Space is typically a high-THC cultivar, in line with Exotic Genetix’s portfolio and consumer expectations for indica-leaning exotics. Across legal market testing for similar indica-dominant dessert-gas lines, THC commonly ranges from 19 to 26 percent by weight, with outliers pushing toward 28 percent in dialed grows. Total cannabinoids often land in the 22 to 30 percent range when minor cannabinoids are included.
CBD content is generally minimal, commonly registering below 0.5 percent. Minor cannabinoids that can appear meaningfully include CBG in the 0.1 to 1.0 percent window and CBC in the 0.1 to 0.3 percent window. These trace cannabinoids may subtly influence subjective effects by modulating the receptor landscape, though their concentrations are not the primary drivers of Apes in Space’s experience.
From a pharmacokinetic standpoint, inhaled THC reaches peak plasma concentrations rapidly, typically within 10 to 30 minutes, with noticeable onset in 2 to 10 minutes. Subjective effects commonly persist for 2 to 4 hours for inhalation and 4 to 8 hours for oral routes, depending on dose and tolerance. Because Apes in Space skew high in THC, new users should start low, aiming for one or two small inhalations or a 2.5 to 5 milligram oral dose, titrating slowly.
Potency expression depends heavily on cultivation environment, harvest timing, and cure quality. Harvesting when trichomes are 70 to 80 percent cloudy with 10 to 15 percent amber often balances psychoactivity and body relaxation for indica-leaning hybrids. Overripe harvest windows can elevate sedative qualities while slightly muting perceived euphoria, which some medical users might prefer for evening use.
Terpene Profile and Aromatics Chemistry
Apes in Space clusters into a caryophyllene-dominant chemotype with limonene and either myrcene or humulene most often rounding out the top three. In commercial lab testing across indica-leaning dessert-gas hybrids, total terpene content commonly spans 1.5 to 3.0 percent by weight, and Apes in Space typically presents within that envelope. Beta-caryophyllene often appears in the 0.4 to 0.8 percent range, limonene in the 0.2 to 0.6 percent range, and myrcene or humulene between 0.1 and 0.7 percent, depending on phenotype and environment.
Beta-caryophyllene is unique among major terpenes for its direct agonist activity at CB2 receptors, which are implicated in immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. This pharmacology aligns with user reports of body relaxation and physical ease. Humulene adds a woody, herbal bitterness and is sometimes cited in research as an appetite-modulating terpene, while limonene contributes mood-brightening, citrus energy that lifts the otherwise heavy base.
Myrcene, historically associated with sedative synergy in indica-labeled cultivars, fits the body-forward reputation of Apes in Space, though its exact role in sedation remains debated in the scientific literature. Linalool, often present in the 0.05 to 0.2 percent range, can add floral sweetness and support relaxation, particularly in evening use. Trace terpenes such as ocimene, pinene, and valencene may appear and sharpen the top end with green-herbal and orange-zest facets.
These terpene distributions also explain the strain’s adjacency to White Truffle on terpene-similarity maps published by consumer platforms. White Truffle and its sister cuts frequently express elevated caryophyllene and humulene, albeit with a slightly earthier, umami lean. Apes in Space generally reads sweeter and more cookie-forward on the nose, a distinction that growers can often smell by week five of flower as limonene and light vanillins become more pronounced.
Experiential Effects
As a mostly indica cultivar, Apes in Space leans into body relaxation, muscle ease, and a calm, steady mood. Users commonly describe a warm, spreading heaviness in the limbs within 10 to 20 minutes of inhalation, followed by a soft euphoria that smooths intrusive thoughts. The headspace tends to be clear enough for casual conversation or low-focus tasks at modest doses, with sedimentary couchlock emerging at higher intake levels.
The arc of effects is well-suited to late afternoon and evening. A single joint shared among two to three people typically yields two to three hours of comfortable relaxation for average-tolerance users. Edible preparations made from this cultivar extend the duration significantly, with a slower ramp and a deeper body experience that many describe as weighted but not foggy when dosed responsibly.
Common side effects mirror those of other high-THC indica-dominant hybrids. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most frequently reported nuisances and can be mitigated with hydration and saline eye drops when needed. At higher doses, some individuals may experience orthostatic lightheadedness or transient anxiety; these effects generally resolve as plasma levels fall and can often be avoided by starting with small doses.
Compared to racier sativa-leaning strains, Apes in Space is less likely to induce rapid heart rate or overstimulation in susceptible users. The caryophyllene-forward terpene stack, combined with a robust THC backbone, usually yields a smooth landing rather than a sharp comedown. For many, the sweet spot is one or two modest inhalations, which provide tranquility and physical ease without overly dampening motivation.
Potential Medical Uses
The combination of high THC with a caryophyllene-dominant terpene profile makes Apes in Space a plausible option for patients seeking evening relief. Patients managing stress and generalized anxiety often report that indica-leaning, caryophyllene-forward chemotypes help reduce somatic tension when dosed conservatively. For those with muscle tightness, spasms, or neuropathic discomfort, the body-focused relaxation can be an asset at night.
Inflammation-related pain may benefit from the CB2 agonism of beta-caryophyllene in concert with THC’s analgesic properties. While clinical evidence remains emergent, preclinical work supports caryophyllene’s potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic roles, suggesting a basis for anecdotal pain relief. Many patients pair 2.5 to 5 milligrams of oral THC from Apes in Space with a small inhaled booster to cover the acute and extended windows of symptom control.
Sleep support is another common use case. Doses that are too high can lead to next-morning grogginess for some users, so titration is important; a modest 5 to 10 milligram edible or two to three inhalations about an hour before bed often provides sufficient sedation without heavy fog. Appetite stimulation can also be present, especially in humulene-lighter phenotypes, making it relevant for patients struggling with appetite in the evening.
As always, individuals with cardiovascular concerns, a history of panic reactions to THC, or those taking medications that interact with cannabinoids should consult a clinician before use. For daytime medical needs where functionality is paramount, microdoses in the 1 to 2 milligram THC range or a single, shallow inhalation may provide noticeable symptom relief with minimal intoxication. Recording effects in a simple journal for a week or two can help pinpoint optimal dose and timing.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Apes in Space performs best in controlled indoor environments and greenhouses where you can lock in stable temperature, humidity, and light intensity. As a mostly indica, it exhibits compact internodes, strong apical dominance after topping, and a tendency to form dense, heavy colas. This structure produces top-tier bag appeal but demands attention to airflow and dehumidification to keep botrytis and powdery mildew at bay late in flower.
Environment and climate targets are straightforward. In veg, run 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit by day with 60 to 65 percent relative humidity to encourage rapid growth; a VPD of roughly 0.8 to 1.1 kPa works well. In early to mid flower, shift to 74 to 80 degrees with 50 to 55 percent RH, then taper to 45 to 50 percent in late flower to harden the finish, shooting for a VPD of 1.2 to 1.5 kPa.
Lighting intensity should scale with stage. Provide 300 to 500 PPFD in early veg, 500 to 700 PPFD in late veg, and 700 to 900 PPFD in flower for non-CO2 rooms; with enriched CO2 to 800 to 1,200 ppm, you can push 900 to 1,100 PPFD in flower. Daily light integral targets of 35 to 45 mol per square meter per day in bloom are sensible for quality-forward grows with balanced yield.
Media choice is flexible. Apes in Space thrives in high-quality peat or coco blends with added perlite for aeration, as well as inert hydroponic setups like rockwool when precise fertigation is available. In soil or soilless, maintain pH around 6.3 to 6.8; in coco and hydro, keep 5.8 to 6.2. Root-zone oxygenation is critical, so water to a modest 10 to 20 percent runoff in container culture and avoid prolonged saturation.
Nutrition needs track a classic indica-dominant pattern. In veg, an EC of 1.2 to 1.6 with a balanced N-P-K and steady calcium and magnesium keeps the canopy lush and vertical growth steady. In flower, ramp EC to 1.8 to 2.2 by week four, then hold until week seven, easing off to 1.2 to 1.4 in the final 10 to 14 days if you prefer a lighter finish.
Micronutrients matter for this resin-heavy line. Maintain 120 to 160 ppm calcium and 40 to 60 ppm magnesium in coco to avoid mid-flower interveinal chlorosis. Sulfur in the 50 to 80 ppm range during weeks three to six of flower can support terpene synthesis, and a modest silicon supplement helps strengthen branches under heavy colas.
Training and canopy management define the outcome. Top once at the fourth or fifth node, then apply low-stress training to spread the canopy and drive lateral development. A single-layer trellis combined with a light second tuck around week three sets even tops and reduces the risk of oversized mains that trap moisture.
Defoliation should be measured but decisive. Remove large fan leaves that shade lower bud sites around day 18 to 24 of flower to improve light penetration and airflow, then lightly clean up again around day 40 if needed. Avoid over-defoliating indica-leaning phenotypes, as too much leaf removal can slow metabolism and reduce bulk.
Irrigation cadence depends on pot size and media. In 3 to 5 gallon coco or peat blends, once-daily fertigation in early flower moving to twice daily in peak bulking is effective; target 10 to 20 percent runoff to prevent salt accumulation. Rockwool and automated drip systems may run multiple small pulses per day to maintain consistent substrate water content in the 45 to 65 percent range.
Flowering time is typically 56 to 63 days for most Apes in Space phenotypes when grown under optimal conditions. Some growers prefer a 63 to 67 day harvest to deepen resin color and tilt effects toward heavier sedation, but waiting too long can flatten the sweet top notes and push the profile earthier. For most, harvesting when trichome heads are 70 to 80 percent cloudy with 10 to 15 percent amber balances flavor, potency, and effect.
Expected yields under modern LEDs are competitive. In a well-dialed 4 by 4 foot tent with 600 to 700 true LED watts, yields of 1.5 to 2.0 pounds of dry flower are attainable, translating to roughly 450 to 600 grams per square meter for experienced growers. Outdoor plants in favorable climates and 20 to 30 gallon containers can push 700 to 1,000 grams per plant, provided they are topped and supported to manage weight.
Pest and disease management should be proactive. The dense, resinous flowers demand excellent airflow, so place oscillating fans at multiple canopy heights and maintain clean intakes with regular filter maintenance. Implement weekly IPM in veg with biologicals like Beauveria-based sprays or neem-alternative essential oil blends, rotating modes of action to prevent resistance.
Powdery mildew and botrytis are the main disease concerns with large, hard colas. Keep late-flower RH at or below 50 percent and drive sufficient air exchange to remove microclimate stagnation within the canopy. Avoid foliar spraying after week two of flower, and space plants so that leaves are not smashed together, especially in the lower third.
Harvest, drying, and cure practices lock in the dessert-gas profile. Dry whole-plant or on-the-stem at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 percent RH for 10 to 14 days, using gentle air movement that does not directly hit the flowers. After a slow dry, trim carefully and cure in sealed containers at 60 to 62 percent RH, burping daily in the first week, then weekly for three to six weeks.
Hash makers will appreciate the cultivar’s resin mechanics. Bulbous capitate-stalked trichomes lend themselves to ice water extraction, where top-tier phenotypes can return in the mid single digits of fresh frozen input by weight. Cold-cured rosin from these washes tends to center the diesel and pepper while keeping a ribbon of cookie sweetness.
Phenotype selection is worth the effort. When hunting a pack, look for plants that maintain strong lateral structure, push visible frost by week four, and show sweetness on the rub rather than pure gas only. Keep clones of the two or three best performers into a second run and verify that terpene intensity and bud density remain consistent under slightly different feed or environment.
Finally, remember that Apes in Space has already shown up in other breeders’ family trees, including crosses feeding into Space Cookies as documented in public genealogy resources. That speaks to its stability and trait value, particularly for aroma and resin density. If breeding is on your agenda, consider pairing it with a terpene-bright, structurally stretchy partner to maintain complexity while opening the canopy for better airflow.
