Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
Monkey Pox is a modern hybrid cannabis cultivar bred by Smoke One Genetics, a boutique breeder known for high-resin, flavor-forward lines. The name is intentionally provocative and memorable, aligning with the trend of pop-culture-inspired strain names that stand out in menus. Importantly, this is a cannabis strain unrelated to any human or animal disease; it is simply nomenclature within a plant-breeding context.
The heritage is indica/sativa, pointing to a balanced hybrid architecture rather than a landrace or purebred line. In practical terms, consumers can expect a mix of body relaxation and a clear, functional headspace at moderate doses. The breeder has not publicly disclosed parent stock at the time of writing, which is common with proprietary lines to protect breeding IP.
The Monkey Pox label also signals a likely connection to resin-heavy contemporary polyhybrids common in the 2018–2024 era. These cultivars often prioritize yield of trichomes, bag appeal, and layered terpenes over single-note aromatics. As a result, Monkey Pox tends to be positioned for both connoisseur flower and solventless extraction markets where resin quality is paramount.
History and Breeding Background
Smoke One Genetics developed Monkey Pox during the wave of dessert-forward and gas-forward hybrids that defined the late 2010s and early 2020s. While precise release dates are not publicly archived, its emergence fits the broader shift toward hybrids that test in the high-teens to mid-20s for THC and carry multi-terpene bouquets. These offerings were tailored to consumers who increasingly demanded both potency and distinctive flavor.
The breeder’s decision to keep the full pedigree close to the chest is consistent with competitive breeding practices. In the U.S. and Canadian legal markets, popular crosses can be replicated and renamed quickly, encouraging breeders to protect their lines. This practice has led to more phenotype selection by consumers and more emphasis on brand trust rather than parentage transparency.
Monkey Pox likely underwent several rounds of phenotype hunting to stabilize traits such as resin density, bud structure, and terpene intensity. Growers typically select from dozens to hundreds of phenotypes when building a production-ready cultivar. Such selection reduces variance in yield and chemical expression, helping cultivators deliver consistent results crop after crop.
Genetic Lineage and Heritage
Monkey Pox is labeled indica/sativa, pointing to a polyhybrid derived from contemporary North American breeding pools rather than a single landrace ancestor. In these pools, breeders frequently touch lines descended from cookies, OG, and diesel families to achieve the modern dessert-plus-gas profile. While the name may evoke the 'monkey' lineage seen in Grease Monkey or Monkey Berries, no official pedigree link has been published.
Expect a genotype that allows moderate phenotypic variance, especially if grown from seed rather than clone. Phenotypes can range from slightly more indica-leaning plants with chunkier nodes to more sativa-leaning plants with taller internodal spacing. This variability can be managed with consistent training techniques and a stable environment.
From an agronomic perspective, indica/sativa hybrids often finish in 56–65 days of flowering under 12/12 photoperiod, with some phenotypes pushing to 70 days. Final timing will depend on trichome maturity rather than day count alone. Producers targeting solventless extraction may push a few extra days to maximize resin head ripeness and yield.
Visual Appearance and Structure
Monkey Pox typically presents a dense, conical flower structure with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio that eases trimming. Buds often show lime to forest-green hues, with occasional anthocyanin expression producing purples if nighttime temperatures dip by 3–5°C late in flower. Orange to rust pistils weave through a thick frosting of glandular trichomes.
Under magnification, capitate-stalked trichomes are abundant, with head diameters commonly in the 70–120 µm range. This is the size band favored by many solventless extractors for ice-water hash separation. A visible blanket of mature, cloudy resin heads is a visual indicator that harvest is near.
Internodal spacing is usually moderate, producing stackable colas under proper training. A well-managed canopy can produce uniform top sites with minimal larf. Growers often report that selective defoliation in weeks 3 and 6 of flower helps light penetration without compromising vigor.
Aroma and Terpene Expression
Reports from growers and consumers describe Monkey Pox as aromatic in the jar, often rating 7–9 out of 10 for aroma intensity. The bouquet typically opens with ripe fruit and sweet cream notes layered over earthy, peppery spice. Secondary elements can include a diesel or petrol edge, suggesting the presence of caryophyllene and humulene alongside limonene.
On grind, the profile becomes louder and more complex, with volatile top notes released rapidly. Many users note a blend of overripe tropical fruit and a faint nutty or cookie-dough underpinning. This aligns with the dessert-plus-gas direction that dominates current connoisseur preferences.
Terpene expression is influenced by cultivation parameters, especially late-flower temperature and humidity. Cooler nights in the final two weeks often preserve monoterpenes that would otherwise volatilize. Proper dry and cure practices can retain 60–80% of terpene content relative to peak plant levels, based on producer reports using slow-dry protocols.
Flavor Profile and Combustion Quality
Flavor tracks the nose closely, with sweet, fruity top notes balancing a mild peppery finish. On glass or a clean joint, the inhale is often described as creamy or confectionary, while the exhale carries earth, gas, and a hint of spice. This contrast creates a layered experience that remains distinct from single-note citrus or pine cultivars.
Vaporization at 175–195°C accentuates the brighter fruit and citrus tones driven by monoterpenes like limonene and myrcene. Combustion in joints brings forward the sesquiterpenes, highlighting caryophyllene’s pepper and humulene’s woody bitterness. Many consumers find the flavor persists through the first two-thirds of a joint without harshness if properly cured.
Ash color and burn uniformity depend heavily on post-harvest handling and flushing practices. A clean, white-to-light-gray ash with minimal crackle typically signals well-finished flower. When cured to 0.55–0.62 water activity, Monkey Pox tends to grind fluffy and roll easily with strong flavor carry.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Public lab datasets specific to Monkey Pox are limited, but comparable modern hybrids commonly test at 18–26% THC by dry weight, with total cannabinoids reaching 20–30%. CBD is typically low (<1%), while CBG can appear in the 0.2–1.2% range in some phenotypes. Trace cannabinoids such as CBC and THCV may appear at 0.05–0.3% each.
For dosing context, a 0.33 g joint at 22% THCA contains roughly 72 mg of THCA prior to decarboxylation. Inhalation bioavailability varies widely (10–35%), so an average user may absorb 7–20 mg of THC from that joint. First-time or low-tolerance consumers often find 1–5 mg inhaled THC equivalent to be a comfortable starting range.
Onset for inhaled THC is rapid, typically 2–5 minutes to initial effect and 10–20 minutes to peak. Effects commonly last 2–3 hours depending on dose, tolerance, and individual metabolism. Edible preparations using Monkey Pox flower will have delayed onset (30–120 minutes) and longer duration (4–8 hours).
Terpene Profile and Minor Aromatics
While exact percentages vary by phenotype and cultivation, total terpene content in well-grown modern hybrids often falls between 1.2–2.8% of dried weight. Monkey Pox is frequently reported with a dominant beta-caryophyllene spine (0.3–0.8%), paired with myrcene (0.4–1.2%) and limonene (0.2–0.6%). Supporting terpenes may include humulene (0.1–0.4%), linalool (0.05–0.3%), and ocimene or terpinolene in trace to minor amounts.
Caryophyllene is unique in that it binds to CB2 receptors, which is hypothesized to contribute to perceived anti-inflammatory effects. Myrcene often presents as musky, herbal, and can modulate the subjective sedation of THC at higher doses. Limonene contributes bright citrus notes and is frequently associated with mood elevation in consumer reports.
Beyond the top terpenes, esters and aldehydes produced during curing can add creamy or dough-like nuances. Properly managed slow-drying favors retention of volatile monoterpenes responsible for the fruit-forward top notes. Producers targeting maximum terp intensity often dry at 16–18°C and 58–62% RH for 10–14 days before curing.
Experiential Effects and Onset
Monkey Pox presents as a balanced hybrid, offering an initial wave of uplift and focus that settles into a calm body ease. At low to moderate doses, many users report clearheaded functionality suitable for socializing or creative tasks. At higher doses, the body load increases, with heavier eyelids and couchlock becoming more likely.
The head change typically arrives within minutes of inhalation, with a warm, euphoric bloom behind the eyes. Peak effects are commonly felt by 30–45 minutes, with a gradual taper over the next two hours. Music appreciation and sensory detail are frequently noted, making it popular for low-key evenings and artistic activities.
Common side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes, which consumer surveys place in the 30–60% prevalence range across high-THC strains. Fast heart rate and mild anxiety can appear in sensitive individuals, especially above 15–20 mg THC inhaled. Hydration, mindful pacing, and a calm environment help most users avoid discomfort.
Potential Medical Applications
As a high-THC, terpene-rich hybrid, Monkey Pox may offer benefits for certain types of pain, stress, and sleep issues for some patients. The National Academies (2017) concluded there is substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults, though effect sizes are modest. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity and the presence of myrcene and humulene may contribute to perceived anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing effects.
Patients with stress and anxiety sometimes report relief at low doses, likely aided by limonene and linalool’s calming aromatics. However, higher THC doses can be anxiogenic in some individuals, so start-low, go-slow remains a best practice. For sleep, evening use at moderate doses can help with sleep latency, though heavy next-day grogginess may occur if dosing is excessive.
For appetite stimulation and nausea, THC has documented antiemetic and orexigenic properties in clinical settings. Inhaled routes allow rapid titration when appetite or nausea fluctuates, with onset in minutes. Patients should consult healthcare providers, especially if on medications with known cannabinoid interactions (e.g., warfarin, clobazam) due to potential CYP450 involvement.
Cultivation Guide: Planning, Medium, and Environment
Monkey Pox performs well in both soil and soilless media; coco coir with perlite (70/30) is a popular choice for rapid growth and tight feed control. For soil, select a well-aerated mix with 25–30% perlite and ample organic matter. Start plants in 1 L containers and up-pot to 3–5 gal (11–19 L) for indoor grows; outdoors, 25–50 gal fabric pots support vigorous root systems.
Vegetative conditions typically favor 24–26°C day temps, 20–22°C night, with 60–70% RH and a VPD of 0.8–1.2 kPa. Provide 300–500 PPFD in early veg and 500–700 PPFD in late veg, targeting a daily light integral (DLI) of 25–35 mol/m²/day. In flower, step light intensity to 700–900 PPFD (up to 1000–1200 PPFD with supplemental CO2 at 900–1200 ppm).
Nutrient strength can start at 1.2–1.6 mS/cm EC in veg and rise to 1.8–2.2 mS/cm in mid flower, depending on cultivar appetite and medium. Maintain pH 5.7–6.2 in coco and 6.2–6.8 in soil for optimal nutrient uptake. A balanced N-P-K ratio in veg (e.g., 3-1-2) and a bloom formulation with elevated P and K (e.g., 1-2-3) generally performs well.
Cultivation Guide: Training, Flowering, and Yield Optimization
Topping once at the 5th node, followed by low-stress training (LST), creates an even canopy that this hybrid fills efficiently. Many growers top twice, then install a single-layer trellis to spread branches and maximize light interception. A light defoliation at day 21 and a clean-up at day 42 of flower often increases airflow and bud density without over-stressing the plant.
Flowering typically completes in 56–65 days, with some resin-leaning phenotypes benefiting from 63–70 days. Aim for 45–55% RH in early flower and 40–45% late to reduce botrytis pressure on dense colas. Keep day temperatures around 24–26°C and nights 18–21°C; a 3–5°C night drop can coax purple coloration in anthocyanin-prone phenos.
Indoor yields of 450–600 g/m² are attainable under 700–900 PPFD with good canopy management, scaling higher with CO2 and optimized VPD. Outdoors, well-fed plants in full sun and large containers can produce 500–1000 g per plant depending on season length and training. Cal-mag supplementation is often beneficial in coco, particularly under high-intensity LEDs where transpiration-driven demand rises.
Cultivation Guide: IPM, Harvest, and Post-Processing
Dense, resinous flowers can attract common pests including spider mites and thrips; implement an integrated pest management plan from day one. Use sticky cards, weekly scouting, and preventative biologicals like predatory mites (Neoseiulus californicus) in veg. Rotate compatible contact sprays such as insecticidal soap or neem derivatives early in veg, avoiding applications once flowers set.
Harvest readiness is best judged by trichome maturity: target 5–15% amber heads with the majority cloudy for a balanced effect. Flushing for 7–14 days in hydro/coco or easing off nitrogen in living soil improves burn and flavor. Expect a 10–14 day slow dry at 16–18°C and 58–62% RH, with gentle airflow and darkness to preserve terpenes.
Post-dry, cure in airtight jars, burping daily for the first 7–10 days and then weekly for 2–4 weeks. Aim for a stable water activity of 0.55–0.62 for optimal combustion and terpene retention. Properly cured Monkey Pox can retain 60–80% of harvest-day terpene levels, and solventless yields of 3–6% (hash rosin from fresh frozen) are common benchmarks for resin-forward hybrids.
Market Positioning and Comparisons
Monkey Pox competes in the connoisseur hybrid segment dominated by dessert-plus-gas cultivars. Consumers choosing between Monkey Pox, Grease Monkey, and Gorilla Glue phenotypes will notice Monkey Pox’s sweeter fruit and cream accents against a peppery, gassy backdrop. This gives it a broader appeal across sweet-to-savory palates.
For retailers, Monkey Pox slots well into top-shelf flower and solventless SKUs due to resin coverage and nose. Visual bag appeal is strong, with dense, frosted colas and market-friendly coloration. In markets where THC inflation is common, emphasizing terpene content and flavor differentiation can help position the cultivar authentically.
From a grower’s perspective, the cultivar’s moderate flowering time and training responsiveness make it a reliable rotation option. Its balanced hybrid morphology simplifies canopy management in multi-strain rooms. Paired with rigorous post-harvest standards, Monkey Pox can anchor a brand’s flavor-forward lineup.
Key Takeaways and Responsible Enjoyment
Monkey Pox, bred by Smoke One Genetics, is an indica/sativa hybrid built for layered flavor, dense resin, and a balanced effect profile. Expect a terpene spine of caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene, translating to sweet fruit over earth, gas, and pepper. Potency commonly falls in the 18–26% THC range seen across comparable modern hybrids.
Cultivators can target 56–65 days of flower, 700–900 PPFD lighting, and optimized VPD to drive yield and quality. Harvest based on trichome maturity and cure slowly to protect the volatile monoterpenes that define its top notes. With diligent IPM and canopy work, 450–600 g/m² indoors is a realistic goal.
Consumers should start low and go slow, particularly if new to high-THC hybrids. Most users find 1–5 mg inhaled THC a comfortable entry point, with 2–3 hours of duration. As always, follow local laws and avoid impaired driving or operating machinery.
