Written by Ad OpsIntroduction to Monkey Business
Monkey Business is an indica-heritage cannabis cultivar developed by Secret Society Seed Co., a breeder known for small-batch, pheno-driven projects. With its roots clearly in the broadleaf end of the spectrum, this strain aims for heavy-bodied relaxation, dense resin production, and compact plant architecture. The breeder identity and heritage are concrete, while many fine-grained details remain intentionally guarded, a common practice among boutique houses.
Indica-leaning cultivars tend to emphasize physical ease, sleep support, and a calm mental state, and Monkey Business is positioned in that tradition. Growers and consumers who favor evening use and full-flavored, terpene-rich flowers will find the profile here aligned with those goals. While published lab work specific to Monkey Business is limited, the strain fits neatly within modern indica expectations around potency, terpene intensity, and grower ergonomics.
The name invites curiosity, but the execution here is all business: thick calyx-to-leaf ratios, trichome saturation, and a finish that rewards careful dry and cure. Secret Society Seed Co. targets cultivars that are both garden-friendly and connoisseur-grade, and Monkey Business appears designed to check both boxes. The following guide distills what is known, what can be inferred from its indica heritage, and how to coax top-tier results in cultivation and consumption.
History and Breeding Background
Secret Society Seed Co. bred Monkey Business as part of a wave of modern indica projects that emphasize resin-forward flowers and manageable plant size. Boutique breeders often use multi-generational pheno hunts, backcrosses, and selective line-breeding to fix traits like short internodes, broad leaves, and high trichome density. While the precise parental cross is undisclosed, the brand’s footprint suggests a focus on reliable structure and richly layered terpenes.
Across North American markets, indica-leaning chemovars rose in popularity for their evening functionality and straightforward garden performance. State lab data from mature markets generally show flower potency averages near the 18–22 percent THC range, with premier batches surpassing 25 percent in well-grown conditions. Breeders targeting this segment increasingly select for terpene totals in the 1.5–3.5 percent range by weight, which materially affect aroma intensity and perceived effects.
Monkey Business emerged against that backdrop, aiming to deliver high-grade resin and a sensory profile that stands out in jars and on the palate. Secret Society Seed Co. tends to protect proprietary pedigrees, which preserves market differentiation and lets them iterate without external pressure to disclose every step. That secrecy is common in the craft seed world and should be read as strategy rather than opacity.
Disambiguation and Naming
Monkey Business the strain should not be confused with marketing that plays on the same phrase for unrelated cultivars. For example, product copy for Sorbet #4 by DNA Genetics has been advertised with a line that says it is not monkey business, underscoring its Gorilla Glue #4 pedigree according to online listings. Likewise, a SeedSupreme sales page for Grape Ape uses the punchy header No Monkey Business in its bud basics description, which is not a reference to a distinct Monkey Business cultivar.
These instances show how the phrase gets used broadly in cannabis retail language, often as a playful way to signal potency or seriousness. The cultivar discussed here is a specific indica-line strain bred by Secret Society Seed Co., distinct from Sorbet #4, Grape Ape, or any other strain using the wording in advertising. When purchasing seeds or flower, verify the breeder and the label to ensure you are engaging with the genuine Monkey Business line.
Disambiguation matters because cultivar names and marketing blur easily online, especially when sellers repurpose catchy phrases. If your retailer cannot provide breeder attribution to Secret Society Seed Co., you are likely not looking at the same genetic line described in this article. Always request a certificate of analysis and ask for breeder provenance if authenticity is a concern.
Genetic Lineage
Secret Society Seed Co. lists Monkey Business as an indica-heritage strain, but the precise parentage has not been publicly disclosed as of the time of writing. This is common for boutique breeders who guard intellectual property and may continue iterating the line through selections and backcrosses. Without formal release notes, any precise cross named in public would be speculative and should be treated with skepticism.
Even without exact parents, indica-leaning lines commonly draw from Afghan, Hindu Kush, Mazar, Northern Lights, or purple-leaning stock, given their short stature and dense floral clusters. Modern breeders also integrate contemporary resin monsters for yield and bag appeal, often selecting for myrcene and caryophyllene heavy profiles. Monkey Business fits well within that tradition, targeting compact morphology and terpene-saturated flowers that carry weight in the grinder.
If pedigree transparency matters to you, ask vendors for breeder notes or F1/F2 designations and release years. Many seed companies provide limited lineage hints privately, even if they do not publish full pedigrees. In the meantime, evaluate this cultivar based on its agronomic performance and chemical profile, which are ultimately more actionable than names on a branch of the family tree.
Appearance and Plant Morphology
Monkey Business presents as a classic indica-heritage plant with stout branching, thick petioles, and broad leaflets. Internodal spacing typically ranges from 2 to 5 centimeters under adequate light, producing a bushy silhouette amenable to topping and low-stress training. Mature plants indoors often finish between 70 and 110 centimeters depending on veg time, while outdoor specimens can exceed 160 centimeters if untopped.
Flowers are dense, golf-ball to cola-sized clusters with high calyx-to-leaf ratios that trim cleanly. Expect heavy glandular trichome coverage by mid-flower, with capitate-stalked heads forming a frosty layer that appears silvery under white LEDs. Pistil coloration usually transitions from cream to tawny orange as maturity approaches, while bract tips can show lime to forest green hues.
Under cooler night temperatures late in flower, some indica lines exhibit anthocyanin expression at leaf margins and sugar leaves. If this line contains purple-leaning ancestry, you may see faint lavender speckling, though that is phenotype-dependent and not guaranteed. Resin stickiness is notable at harvest, often necessitating frequent trimmer glove changes and clean snips.
Root vigor is strong in well-aerated media, with rapid lateral expansion in fabric pots sized 3 to 7 gallons indoors. The plant responds predictably to SCROG frames, filling a 60 by 60 centimeter footprint with 2 to 3 main layers if trained early. This compact, orderly structure makes Monkey Business suitable for small tents and multi-strain runs where canopy uniformity is prized.
Aroma and Flavor
Indica-heritage strains like Monkey Business often express layered earth, spice, and sweet fruit notes anchored by myrcene and caryophyllene. Reported profiles include earthy-sweet top notes, a diesel-pine backbone, and a faint peppery exhale, consistent with limonene and humulene contributions. When cured properly, the bouquet deepens, and volatile monoterpenes become more apparent on the first break of the jar.
On inhalation, anticipate a smooth, resinous mouthfeel with an initial wave of sweet herb and a spicy tickle on the palate. The mid-palate may present a woody or cedar-like tone, particularly in phenotypes rich in farnesene or terpinolene traces. Exhalation tends to concentrate pepper and forest-floor nuances, leaving a lingering herbal sweetness.
Users often note that the intensity of the aroma scales with total terpene content more than with THC alone. Batches that test around 2.0 to 3.0 percent total terpenes by weight typically show markedly stronger jar appeal. As always, curing at 60–62 percent relative humidity preserves monoterpenes better than dry cures that dip below 55 percent RH.
Cannabinoid Profile
Published certificates of analysis specific to Monkey Business are sparse, but the strain sits in a potency band common to modern indica-dominant flower. In mature regulated markets, retail flower averages roughly 18–22 percent THC by weight, with high-performance batches testing 24–28 percent. For Monkey Business grown under optimized conditions, a projected typical range of 20–26 percent THC is plausible, with CBD generally under 1 percent.
Minor cannabinoids often detected in indica-leaning chemovars include CBG in the 0.2–1.0 percent range and CBC in trace amounts below 0.5 percent. While these are small fractions by weight, minor cannabinoids can modulate perceived effects through receptor cross-talk and entourage mechanisms. Note that batch-to-batch variance can be significant, and even clones respond differently across environments.
Consumers should request a current COA for each lot, as potency drift during storage is real. Studies have shown THC can decarboxylate and degrade into CBN over time, a process accelerated by heat, light, and oxygen. Flower stored above 25 degrees Celsius or in bright light can lose measurable percentages of monoterpenes within weeks, and sensory quality declines in parallel.
For dosing, remember that a single 0.25-gram inhaled serving of 22 percent THC flower contains roughly 55 milligrams of total THC before combustion losses. Inhalation bioavailability varies widely, often modeled between 10 and 35 percent depending on technique, device, and individual physiology. Start low and titrate, especially if you are sensitive to high-THC chemovars.
Terpene Profile
Although exact lab averages for Monkey Business are not yet widely published, the expected terpene ensemble skews toward myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene. In indica-leaning cultivars, myrcene frequently anchors the profile in the 0.5–1.0 percent range by weight, conferring earthy, musky sweetness and a relaxing synergy with THC. Caryophyllene commonly lands around 0.3–0.8 percent, adding peppered spice and engaging CB2 receptors for potential anti-inflammatory support.
Limonene, often between 0.2 and 0.6 percent, brightens the top end with citrus lift and may contribute to mood elevation. Secondary players like humulene, linalool, and farnesene appear in trace to moderate levels, shaping woodsy, floral, and green-apple nuances. Total terpene content in well-grown indoor batches frequently falls between 1.5 and 3.5 percent, with outliers reaching above 4 percent in dialed-in environments.
Cultivation and post-harvest handling have outsized influence on terpene outcomes. Lowering flower room temperatures to 22–24 degrees Celsius in late bloom, minimizing excessive airflow over colas, and curing at 60/60 (60 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 percent RH) can preserve monoterpenes dramatically. Conversely, fast-drying above 26 degrees Celsius or storage below 50 percent RH typically flattens aroma and shortens flavor persistence on the palate.
Experiential Effects
Monkey Business leans into the classic indica experience: a steadily building body melt with a calm, rounded mental state. The onset with inhalation is usually felt within 2 to 10 minutes, peaking around the 30- to 45-minute mark. Most users report 2 to 3 hours of primary effects, with residual relaxation extending beyond that window.
At moderate doses, expect muscle looseness, ease of physical tension, and a tranquil, mood-softening quality. The headspace is present but not racing, favoring quiet focus or restful inactivity rather than task-switching productivity. At higher doses, couchlock potential increases, and time perception can slow, making this strain better suited for evening routines.
Potential side effects track with high-THC indica norms: dry mouth, dry eyes, and transient short-term memory lapses. In sensitive individuals, rapid intake can provoke brief anxiety; pacing inhalation and choosing lower-THC batches can mitigate this. As always, effect profiles are dose-dependent and modulated by set, setting, and individual tolerance.
Potential Medical Uses
Patients seeking relief from musculoskeletal pain, spasms, or post-exertional soreness may find Monkey Business useful due to its body-centric relaxation. THC has been studied for analgesic properties in neuropathic and inflammatory pain, and the presence of beta-caryophyllene may complement via CB2 receptor activity. Many users anecdotally report relief in the 5 to 15 milligram inhaled THC range, titrating as needed.
Sleep support is a standout use case among indica-heritage strains. When consumed 60 to 90 minutes before bed, sedative synergy between myrcene and THC can shorten sleep latency for some individuals. Avoid very high doses close to bedtime if next-day grogginess is a concern; a modest 2 to 5 inhalations can be sufficient for many.
Anxiety responses are individualized; while some find limonene-forward profiles uplifting without jitter, others may experience transient unease at high THC. Those sensitive to intoxication can consider microdosing strategies or pairing with CBD in the 10 to 20 milligram range to buffer THC intensity. Always start on the low end and keep notes to find your personal therapeutic window.
Appetite stimulation and nausea relief are also plausible benefits, given THC’s well-documented orexigenic effect. For patients undergoing appetite-suppressing treatments, small pre-meal inhalations can help; monitor caloric goals and hydration alongside use. As with any cannabis regimen, coordination with a healthcare professional is recommended, especially if you take medications that interact with CYP450 pathways.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Monkey Business grows as a cooperative indica-heritage plant suited to indoor tents, greenhouses, and outdoor beds in temperate zones. Flowering time for indica-dominant cultivars typically runs 8 to 9.5 weeks, though some phenotypes prefer a full 10 weeks for terpene finish. Indoors, expect yields in the 450 to 600 grams per square meter range under high-efficiency LEDs; outdoors, well-trained plants can produce 0.5 to 1.5 kilograms per plant depending on veg length and site quality.
Environment and lighting: In veg, target 24–28 degrees Celsius with 60–70 percent relative humidity and a VPD of 0.8–1.1 kPa. Provide 300–500 PPFD with an 18/6 photoperiod, increasing to 600–900 PPFD in bloom under a 12/12 cycle. In late flower, lowering canopy temperatures to 22–24 degrees Celsius and RH to 45–50 percent preserves volatile terpenes and mitigates botrytis risk.
Nutrition and media: In coco or hydro, maintain pH 5.8–6.2; in soil, 6.2–6.8. EC guidelines for indica-leaning plants often run 1.2–1.6 in early veg, 1.7–2.0 in early flower, and 2.0–2.2 in peak bloom, tapering during the final 10–14 days. Emphasize nitrogen in veg with an N-P-K roughly 2-1-1, transition to a bloom ratio near 1-2-2, and supplement calcium and magnesium consistently in coco-based systems.
Training and canopy management: Top above the 4th to 6th node to encourage lateral branching and create 6 to 12 strong tops per plant. Low-stress training combined with a single-layer SCROG at 20 to 30 centimeters above the pots evens the canopy and optimizes light distribution. Defoliate strategically at day 21 and day 42 of flower to improve airflow, avoiding excessive strip that can stress indica phenotypes.
Irrigation cadence: In coco, small, frequent feeds maintain oxygenation; aim for 10–20 percent runoff to prevent salt buildup. In soil, water deeply and less often, allowing the top 2–3 centimeters to dry between events. Target media moisture content that avoids swinging from saturated to bone dry, as wide swings can reduce calcium uptake and cause blossom-end issues at calyx tips.
CO2 and airflow: If supplementing CO2, 1,000–1,200 ppm during lights-on can support higher PPFD and drive photosynthesis, provided nutrition is balanced. Maintain gentle, multidirectional airflow across and above the canopy to discourage microclimates. Exchange room air regularly to control humidity spikes during lights-off, a critical window for mold prevention in dense indica flowers.
Integrated pest management: Start with clean stock and use sticky cards for monitoring. Beneficial insects like Amblyseius cucumeris and Amblyseius swirskii can help with thrips and whitefly pressure, while Hypoaspis miles targets fungus gnat larvae in media. Apply horticultural oils or biologicals such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis in early veg if needed, avoiding late-flower sprays to protect trichomes and terpenes.
Outdoor and greenhouse strategy: Choose a site with 8+ hours of direct sun, good air movement, and well-draining soil amended with compost and aeration. In Mediterranean climates, plant out after last frost and plan for a harvest window from late September to mid-October, depending on latitude. Use trellis nets or tomato cages to support heavy colas and prevent wind breakage late in season.
Phenotype selection: Run at least 5–10 seeds if possible to assess vigor, internode spacing, and terpene intensity, then select and clone winners. Look for phenotypes that finish within 60–67 days with strong calyx stacking and minimal larf. Favor plants that keep RH in check naturally via open structure when defoliated modestly; this trait reduces PM risk in humid locales.
Harvest timing: Inspect trichomes with a 60x loupe and harvest when the majority of heads are cloudy with 10–20 percent amber for a heavier effect. Pistil color alone is not reliable; seek uniform calyx swell and a slight terpene crest that you can smell strongest just before lights-on. For a brighter effect, harvest earlier with fewer amber heads, understanding that potency and sedative quality may shift subtly.
Dry and cure: Aim for a slow dry of 10–14 days at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 percent RH with low air movement. When small stems snap and larger ones bend, move flowers to glass or stainless containers for cure at 62 percent RH, burping daily for the first 10–14 days. Properly cured batches stabilize in 3–6 weeks, showing measurable improvements in flavor persistence and smoke smoothness.
Post-harvest metrics: Target a finished water activity of 0.55–0.65 to balance microbial safety with terpene retention. Total terpene loss can exceed 30 percent with hot, dry cures, so keep conditions stable. Store long term in opaque, airtight containers at 15–18 degrees Celsius to minimize oxidation and preserve potency.
Yield optimization tips: Keep canopy height uniform within 5–8 centimeters to maximize PAR efficiency in small tents. Map PPFD with a handheld meter to reduce hotspots over 1,000 PPFD unless CO2 is supplemented. In living soil, topdress with bloom amendments at flip and again around day 28, monitoring leaf color to avoid excess nitrogen past mid-flower.
Common pitfalls: Overfeeding late flower can stunt terpene expression and leave a harsh mineral taste. Excess RH swings during lights-off invite botrytis in tight indica colas; use dehumidifiers or raise nighttime setpoint temperatures to maintain a target VPD of 1.1–1.3 kPa. Avoid aggressive late-flower defoliation that can shock plants and reduce resin output.
Quality Assurance, Testing, and Compliance
Before sale or personal benchmarking, test a representative sample for potency, terpene profile, residual solvents if applicable, heavy metals, microbes, and mycotoxins. Water activity should land between 0.55 and 0.65; values above 0.70 increase mold risk and can fail compliance in regulated markets. A full COA allows you to validate that the cannabinoid and terpene projections for Monkey Business align with your batch.
Slugging jars with humidity regulators is helpful, but monitor with a calibrated hygrometer to avoid creeping RH. If results drift low, rehydrate gradually in a controlled environment rather than adding water or peel, which can introduce microbes. For long-term storage, nitrogen flushing and vacuum-sealed, light-proof packaging slow oxidative loss of monoterpenes and THC.
Label accurately with harvest date, batch ID, and cure completion date to facilitate first-in, first-out rotation. Consumers increasingly look for total terpene percentage alongside THC, and well-cured indica flower with 2.0–3.0 percent terpenes often commands a premium. Transparent data builds trust and helps distinguish authentic Monkey Business from similarly named or marketed products.
Market Position and Comparables
Monkey Business competes in the indica-dominant space where consumers prioritize evening relaxation, thick resin, and pungent jars. Comparable experiences are often found in lines like Original Glue phenotypes, Grape Ape, or Northern Lights hybrids, though each has its own chemical fingerprint. In markets where terpene percentages are published, many top-shelf indica jars hit 2–3 percent terpenes alongside 20–26 percent THC, a performance band Monkey Business aims to inhabit.
Remember that the phrase monkey business is used in marketing for unrelated strains, including Sorbet #4 writeups referencing Gorilla Glue #4 lineage and a Grape Ape sales page using No Monkey Business as a slogan. These are not the same cultivar, nor do they indicate shared genetics. When in doubt, confirm breeder attribution to Secret Society Seed Co. to ensure you are evaluating the intended strain.
From a buyer’s perspective, Monkey Business will appeal to those who want dense, trim-friendly buds that are potent without being sharp or racy. If you enjoy caryophyllene-forward spice with earthy-sweet undertones and a weighted body feel, this cultivar fits the bill. Calibrate expectations toward calm rather than stimulation, and select batches with robust terpene totals for the deepest flavor and effect.
Consumer Tips and Responsible Use
For new users, a single inhalation followed by a 10-minute wait is a prudent starting point; experienced users can step to 2–4 inhalations and reassess. Edible dosing should start low, typically 2.5–5 milligrams THC, because indica-leaning effects can feel heavier when metabolized through the liver. Always allow at least 2 hours before redosing edibles to avoid stacking peaks.
Inhalation effects onset quickly and can last 2–3 hours, while oral routes extend to 4–8 hours depending on dose and individual metabolism. Pair use with hydration and light snacks if appetite rises, and avoid alcohol co-administration, which can intensify impairment. Plan use for times when responsibilities are complete, especially during your first sessions with a new batch.
Store cannabis locked and out of reach of children and pets, and never drive or operate machinery while impaired. If you are on medications that use CYP3A4 or CYP2C9 metabolic pathways, consult your clinician about possible interactions with THC and CBD. Keep notes on strain, batch terpene percentage, and dose to refine what works best for your goals over time.
