Written by Ad OpsOrigins, Breeding History, and Naming
Moon Cheese is a contemporary UK-born cultivar that leans hard into the classic Cheese mythology while updating it for modern growers. The strain is associated with Supernatural Seeds UK, a female-led breeding collective that publicly lists a feminized autoflower version called Moon Cheese Auto. That positioning matters because UK Cheese, a famed Skunk #1 phenotype from the 1990s, remains a cultural touchstone for British cannabis genetics. Moon Cheese channels that heritage with an accessible, resilient auto format designed for small tents and fast turnarounds.
Breeder blurbs and retailer listings reference Pink Skunk leanings, which hints at a sweet-berry twist layered onto the salty, funky Cheese core. In practice, that likely means a Skunk-forward base with either a sweet-fruit donor or a selection that emphasizes anthocyanin expression and candied top notes. While exact parentage is not formally published, the naming and aroma cues point to a Cheese x Skunk framework reinforced by an autoflower donor such as a stabilized Ruderalis line. That formula is consistent with many autos that retain flagship flavors while compressing the lifecycle to 70–90 days from seed.
Supernatural Seeds UK describes its team as gardeners who spent years perfecting their lines, and that long-cycle pheno selection typically shows up as stability in structure and terpenes. Feminized autos require careful backcrossing and stress testing to minimize intersex expression under variable light cycles. The fact that Moon Cheese is marketed as a reliable autoflower suggests a multi-generation stabilization program, often 5–7 filial or backcross steps in reputable auto projects. The result is a cultivar that behaves predictably under 18–20 hours of light with limited photoperiod sensitivity.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Variation
The most credible lineage hypothesis places Moon Cheese as a Cheese-forward hybrid with Skunk influence and an autoflowering Ruderalis component. UK Cheese itself is a Skunk #1 selection known for its piercing, savory aroma, creamy lactone-like undertone, and social, giggly effects. Layering a Pink Skunk element would contribute sweeter esters and possible berry-floral terpenes, nudging the nose from purely savory into a sweet-sour funk. Autoflower donors rarely dominate the flavor equation but reliably compress flowering time and shrink stature.
Phenotypically, growers can expect stout internodes, lateral branching, and an ovate leaf shape that transitions from broader in early veg to narrower through bloom. Autos often top out at 70–110 cm indoors, and Moon Cheese fits this pocket-friendly profile for discreet setups. Expect medium to high calyx-to-leaf ratios, which simplify trimming and increase resin exposure to airflow. Color expression may include pink-salmon pistils and occasional lavender sugar leaves under cooler night temps below 20°C.
Two main phenos are likely in the seed pack: a classic savory Cheese-dominant cut with buttered toast and funky rind, and a sweeter Pink Skunk leaner with berry yogurt and citrus zest. Both phenos should retain the unmistakable skunky backnote anchored by caryophyllene and myrcene. If the breeder’s selection pressure is tight, the variance will show up more in top notes than in structure or finish time. Growers often report 5–10% variation in height and resin density across 5–10 plants of stabilized autos.
Visual Appearance and Bud Structure
Moon Cheese produces dense, golf-ball to egg-shaped flowers with tightly stacked calyxes that swell noticeably in the last two weeks. Buds often exhibit a pale lime-to-olive base color with amber to coral pistils that curl inward as trichomes mature. Under strong LED lighting with balanced blue-red spectra, sugar leaves can pick up plum tones, especially in phenos that lean into the Pink Skunk side. The overall impression is frosted and lively, with resin heads that stand tall and refract light clearly.
Trichome coverage is a standout feature, indicating high terpene and cannabinoid production potential. Most growers will see a dominant field of cloudy heads with 5–15% amber at optimal harvest, though time windows vary by grow style. Resin stalks look thick and resilient, which translates into sticky trim scissors and an above-average return for ice water hash or dry sift. That said, the true showstopper is how the gland density emphasizes the cheese rind aroma even before a jar is cracked.
Bud density trends medium-high without the rock-hard bricking that can complicate drying. The calyx formation provides plenty of surface area for airflow during the curing process. Expect 2–4 grams per average main cola nug post-cure in a well-run indoor grow with 2–3 secondary branches per plant. Manicured buds finish with a crystalline sheen that hints at the cultivar’s potency.
Aroma Profile: From Savory Cheese To Pink Skunk
The Moon Cheese nose opens with a distinct dairy-meets-funk signature reminiscent of aged cheddar or washed rind cheeses. That savory baseline is layered with earthy skunk, a slight garlic-bread warmth, and a smudge of toasted nuts. As the jar breathes, brighter tones emerge: lemon-lime zest, faint strawberry hard candy, and a clean eucalyptus snap on the finish. The interplay creates a push-pull between comfort-food richness and sparkling fruit.
In fresh-ground flower, the top notes intensify to a tangy yogurt vibe with berries and tropical esters. This is where the Pink Skunk callbacks make sense, as those cuts often carry beta-ocimene and esters that read as confectionary. The mid-notes stay grounded in caryophyllene and humulene, giving the nose a peppery-spicy framework that lingers on the palate. Stick your face in the grinder and the funk spikes, driven by oxidized sulfur volatiles typical of Skunk heritage.
During bloom, the room note is assertive even at week 4, which is a tell that filtration is non-negotiable for urban growers. A 6-inch carbon filter rated for 400–600 CFM can handle a 4x4 tent running 450–550 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, but by week 8 intensity will rise 20–40%. Pairing a fresh carbon filter with a prefilter sleeve and negative pressure keeps the signature in check. Post-cure, the aroma stabilizes and gains a creamy, buttery depth that rewards patient jar work.
Flavor and Consumption Experience
On the inhale, Moon Cheese delivers a creamy, slightly salty note that tastes like buttered toast with a thin smear of funky cheese. Almost immediately, lime zest and berry-candy flashes brighten the top, making it surprisingly refreshing for a savory-dominant strain. The smoke is medium-bodied and oily, which carries flavor across the palate without harsh bite. Exhales finish peppery and herbal with a faintly sweet aftertaste that lingers for one to two minutes.
Vaporizers at 180–190°C accentuate lemon-lime and strawberry top notes, shifting the experience to a fruit-forward profile. At 200–205°C, the savory bassline and caryophyllene pepper pop, and the vapor thickens with increased sedative weight. Combustion preserves the classic Cheese nostalgia but can mute the brightest candy tones if temperatures run hot. A slow burn with 12–13% moisture content in the flower keeps the joint even and aromatic.
Rosin pressed at 90–95°C typically yields a light-gold sap with pronounced fruit esters, while 100–105°C brings out the cheesier depth at a slight cost to brightness. Hydrocarbon extracts can concentrate the funky rind component but require a skilled purge to avoid solvent notes behind the dairy nuance. For edibles, decarbing at 115–120°C for 40–50 minutes balances THCa conversion with terpene preservation. The cooked flavor trends savory-herbal in fats, making it excellent in compound butters.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Metrics
Moon Cheese is positioned as a modern, mid-to-high potency auto, a category where finished flower typically tests between 17–23% THC by weight. Most batches will cluster around 18–21% THC with less than 1% CBD, matching the chemotype I profile common to Cheese-Skunk descendants. Minor cannabinoids such as CBG often land around 0.3–0.8%, with trace THCV in the 0.1–0.4% range. Total cannabinoids commonly reach 20–25% when including minors.
Potency expression depends on light intensity, DLI, and harvest timing. A plant averaging 40–45 mol m⁻² d⁻¹ DLI during peak flower under a well-tuned LED can outperform the same genetics at 30–35 mol m⁻² d⁻¹ by 10–20% in measured THC. Harvesting at 5–15% amber trichomes generally correlates with maximal THC while preserving some heady lift, while pushing to 20–30% amber increases perceived sedation by 10–15% for many users. Autos harvested prematurely at week 8 can underperform by 2–4 percentage points of THC versus a full 10–11 week run from sprout.
Concentrates from Moon Cheese flower often exceed 65–75% THC in rosin and 70–80% in hydrocarbon extracts, reflecting robust resin heads. Hash yield is a pragmatic metric of resin quality; experienced washers report 2.5–4.0% return by fresh frozen weight for Cheese-derived cultivars, with 3% being a strong benchmark. Bubble hash quality peaks when wash temperatures are held at 1–4°C and agitation is gentle to preserve head integrity. If returns dip below 2%, it often indicates early harvest or insufficient cold-chain handling.
For consumers, perceived strength is a cocktail of cannabinoids, terpenes, and tolerance. A 20% THC Moon Cheese flower with 2% terpenes can feel stronger than a 22% THC sample at 0.8% terpenes due to enhanced entourage effects and faster absorption. Expect a quick onset with peak intensity at 15–25 minutes for inhalation and 90–150 minutes for edibles. Duration commonly runs 2–3 hours for smoked or vaped sessions and 4–6 hours for edibles.
Terpene Profile and Chemovar Typing
Based on its sensory signature and lineage cues, Moon Cheese typically presents a terpene profile anchored by beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, humulene, and limonene. In well-grown flower, total terpene content often ranges from 1.5–2.5% by weight, which is above the median for commercial indoor. Caryophyllene frequently lands around 0.4–0.8%, myrcene 0.6–1.2%, humulene 0.2–0.5%, and limonene 0.2–0.6%. Secondary contributors may include linalool 0.05–0.2% and ocimene 0.05–0.15%.
Caryophyllene is notable because it binds to CB2 receptors, potentially modulating inflammation. Myrcene tends to amplify body relaxation and can speed onset of perceived sedation at doses over 0.5% in flower. Humulene adds a resinous, woody quality and is often discussed for appetite-modulating effects, though evidence is preliminary. Limonene contributes the citrus lift that cleans up the finish and supports elevated mood.
From a chemovar perspective, Moon Cheese fits a savory-sweet hybrid class with a moderate myrcene backbone and assertive caryophyllene-humulene pair. If the pheno leans Pink Skunk, you may see slightly higher ocimene and a cooler, more floral top note, particularly evident at lower vaporization temperatures. Cooler night temperatures can also boost anthocyanin expression but do not necessarily change terpene percentages significantly. Post-harvest handling, especially a slow dry at 60–62% RH, preserves volatile monoterpenes that define the candy-funk interplay.
For extraction, terpene mass balance matters. Expect 15–30% terpene carryover into rosin relative to flower content at low-temp presses, with higher retention in hydrocarbon extracts. Terp fractions can concentrate limonene and ocimene disproportionately, giving a brighter nose than the source flower. That dynamic explains why Moon Cheese extracts sometimes present surprisingly fruity despite a savory-dominant smoke.
Experiential Effects, Onset, and Duration
Most users report a balanced, mood-forward high with an early cerebral lift followed by warm physical relaxation. The first 5–10 minutes can feel chatty and creative, with sensory enhancement and a soft glow behind the eyes. By 30–45 minutes, the body effect blooms into a floaty ease that melts shoulder tension without fully sedating. At moderate doses, coordination stays intact and the vibe remains social and giggly.
Dose matters. A single 0.25–0.35 gram joint or 2–3 pulls from a vaporizer yields a clear, buoyant plateau suitable for cooking, music, or conversation. At 0.5 grams smoked or equivalent, the body heaviness takes the lead and couch magnetism becomes real, particularly in later evening. For many, the window between productive and puddle is a 15–25% dose increase, so titration pays dividends.
Tolerance shifts the arc. Daily heavy consumers may find Moon Cheese a reliable daytime-to-evening option, rating it a 6–7 out of 10 in potency where 10 is knockout. Infrequent users might rate the same batch an 8 out of 10 with a more pronounced mental fog at peak. Food intake also modulates effects; a fed state can reduce peak intensity by 10–20% and delay onset by several minutes.
Side effects are typical of THC-dominant hybrids: dry mouth, red eyes, and occasional short-term memory blips at higher doses. Anxiety risk is moderate and often linked to overconsumption or stimulant co-use, but the caryophyllene backbone tends to soften jitteriness. Pairing with hydration and a calm setting reduces adverse events for most users. Duration settles at 2–3 hours inhaled, with a gentle taper rather than a crash.
Potential Medical Uses and Evidence
While Moon Cheese is not a medical product, its profile aligns with several common symptom targets reported in cannabis research. The caryophyllene content suggests potential for inflammation modulation via CB2 pathways, which some preclinical studies associate with reduced inflammatory responses. Myrcene and humulene may contribute to muscle relaxation and perceived pain relief, especially in combination with THC’s central analgesic mechanisms. Limonene’s mood-elevating properties could support stress reduction and a mild anxiolytic effect for certain users.
Patients with neuropathic pain often prefer THC-dominant hybrids for nighttime use, and Moon Cheese’s body melt fits that use-case. In surveys, 60–70% of medical cannabis patients report meaningful pain relief after THC-rich inhalation, though individual outcomes vary. The strain’s shift from bright to relaxing also suits appetite support, with many users noticing hunger cues within 45–60 minutes. For sleep, the cultivar may help with sleep latency at moderate doses but can paradoxically energize some users at low doses due to limonene and heady onset.
Anxiety and depression outcomes are mixed in the literature, and prudent dosing is paramount. Low to moderate inhaled doses have been associated with transient anxiolysis in some users, while high doses can provoke anxiety or tachycardia. People with a history of panic should start with single inhalations spaced by 10–15 minutes to find a comfort zone. Medical oversight is recommended when using cannabis in conjunction with other medications.
There is growing interest in terpenes as modulators, but clinical data remain limited compared to cannabinoids. Still, the combination of caryophyllene, limonene, and low linalool often yields an uplift-then-unwind trajectory that patients find practical in late afternoon or early evening. As always, start low, go slow, and consider delivery methods; vaporization provides faster feedback and easier titration than edibles. Documentation of dose and outcomes can help users identify their personal therapeutic window.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Autoflower Focus
Moon Cheese Auto is designed for simplicity and speed, thriving under 18–20 hours of light from seed to harvest. From sprout to chop, most growers finish in 70–90 days, with peak quality often arriving around days 78–85 in optimized environments. Autos do not rely on darkness to trigger bloom, so keep the photoperiod constant to avoid stress. Because veg is brief, early root establishment and gentle training are crucial.
Germinate with a 24–36 hour soak and paper towel method, or sow directly into the final container to avoid transplant shock. For soil or coco, a 3–5 gallon container balances root volume with auto timelines, promoting stable moisture and nutrient availability. Maintain seedling temps at 24–26°C with 65–70% RH to hit a vapor pressure deficit near 0.8–0.9 kPa. As true leaves develop, begin a light nutrient program at 0.6–0.8 mS cm⁻¹ EC.
By day 14–21, plants settle into preflower, and you can increase light intensity to 450–600 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ at canopy. Keep RH at 55–60% and temperatures at 24–27°C to support rapid growth. Avoid heavy topping on autos; instead, use low-stress training like gentle tie-downs to open the canopy. A single light defoliation around day 28–35 can improve airflow without stalling growth.
Flowering accelerates from day 28 onward, with rapid bud set by day 35–42. Shift nutrition to bloom ratios emphasizing potassium and phosphorus while maintaining sufficient nitrogen to keep leaves healthy. Increase EC to 1.4–1.9 mS cm⁻¹ depending on medium and cultivar hunger cues. Aim for a daily light integral of 35–45 mol m⁻² d⁻¹ during peak flower for dense, terpene-rich buds.
Odor control becomes critical by week 5. Replace carbon filters every 9–12 months or earlier if you notice odor breakthrough, and ensure negative pressure in the tent. Good airflow matters; target 0.5–0.7 m s⁻¹ gentle breeze across the canopy using oscillating fans. Keep RH at 45–50% late flower to reduce botrytis risk in dense Cheese-leaning colas.
Lighting, Nutrition, and Irrigation Parameters
LEDs with balanced spectra in the 3000–4000K range deliver strong results for Moon Cheese. Start seedlings around 200–300 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, advance to 450–600 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ in early flower, and finish at 600–800 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ for resin stacking. If supplementing CO2 to 900–1200 ppm, you can push intensity to 900–1000 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ while maintaining 26–28°C canopy temperature. Keep light distance so that leaf surface temperatures remain within 1–2°C of ambient.
In coco, maintain pH at 5.8–6.2 and use a feed-to-runoff schedule with 10–20% runoff to prevent salt buildup. Soil growers should aim for pH 6.2–6.8 and feed every other irrigation or as needed by the soil’s cation exchange capacity. Calcium and magnesium support are vital under LEDs; 100–150 ppm combined Ca/Mg can prevent interveinal chlorosis and blossom-end rot analogs. Silica at 50–100 ppm can reinforce cell walls and improve stress resistance.
Nitrogen should be robust in weeks 2–4, around 120–160 ppm, then taper modestly as flowers set to avoid dark, overly leafy buds. Phosphorus in bloom can range from 60–90 ppm, while potassium can rise to 200–250 ppm in mid-flower during bulking. Watch electrical conductivity; values higher than 2.0 mS cm⁻¹ risk tip burn on autos that have less recovery time. If leaves claw or edges crisp, reduce EC by 10–20% and monitor runoff.
Irrigation frequency is a lever for quality. In coco, small, frequent feeds (2–5 times per day) maintain steady root zone EC and oxygenation, driving faster growth and larger yields. In soil, allow for a light dryback between waterings; weights of pots can be used to infer 30–50% water content loss before rewatering. Always oxygenate and match solution temperature to 18–21°C to protect roots.
Training, Pest Management, and Troubleshooting
Because Moon Cheese Auto has a narrow veg window, prioritize low-stress training. A gentle bend of the main stem at day 18–24 spreads hormones and creates multiple tops without shocking growth. Avoid aggressive topping; if you must, a single top at node 3–4 around day 15–18 can work on the most vigorous phenos. Strategic leaf tucking keeps critical bud sites exposed to light with minimal stress.
Integrated pest management should start before you ever see a bug. Sticky cards, weekly leaf inspections, and prophylactic applications of biologicals like Bacillus subtilis or Beauveria bassiana can keep common pests at bay. Spider mites and thrips are the usual suspects under LED environments; maintaining VPD and airflow, plus keeping the room clean, are your best first-line defenses. If infestation occurs mid-flower, opt for mechanical removal and predatory mites rather than sprays to protect terpenes.
Troubleshooting nutrient issues begins with the basics: pH, EC, and environment. Clawed leaves and dark, glossy foliage signal nitrogen excess; lighten the feed and increase runoff. Interveinal chlorosis in mid-veg suggests magnesium deficiency, especially under high-intensity LEDs; add 30–50 ppm Mg and reassess. Slow growth and drooping in early veg often come from overwatering, especially in large pots with young autos; reduce volume and increase aeration.
Harvest Timing, Drying, Curing, and Storage
Moon Cheese rewards patience at the finish line. Monitor trichomes across several sites; aim for mostly cloudy with 5–15% amber for a balance of clarity and body. If you prefer heavier sedation, let amber rise toward 20–25%, but expect a small drop in peak THC as oxidation increases. Pistils will be 70–90% turned, and calyxes will appear swollen and firm.
Drying is where the aroma becomes three-dimensional. Target 10–14 days at 18–20°C and 58–62% RH with very gentle airflow to avoid terpene loss. Whole-plant or branch hanging can slow the dry to the sweet spot, especially for compact Cheese-leaning flowers. A quick dry under 5 days often yields hay notes and flattens the fruit-candy top end.
After drying, trim carefully and jar with 62% humidity packs or calibrated hygrometers. Burp jars daily for the first week, then every other day for the next two weeks, keeping internal RH between 58–62%. Over a 3–6 week cure, the dairy-sour funk softens into a creamy, complex bouquet while berries and citrus become more articulate. Terpene retention improves when jars are kept dark and cool, ideally at 15–18°C.
For storage, oxygen and heat are the enemies. Use airtight glass, avoid frequent opening, and consider vacuum-sealed mylar for long-term holds. Even under ideal conditions, terpene content declines 10–20% over three months, so rotate stock. If making extracts, freeze fresh, untrimmed buds at harvest to preserve volatile compounds for live resin or live rosin.
Yields, Performance Metrics, and Grower Benchmarks
In dialed indoor environments, Moon Cheese Auto can yield 80–150 grams per plant in 3–5 gallon containers. On a per-area basis, growers regularly hit 400–550 g m⁻² under 600–800 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ with 18–20 hours of light. Supplemented CO2 and high-frequency fertigation in coco can push yields toward the upper bound. Outdoors in temperate summers, expect 60–120 grams per plant depending on latitude and day length.
Quality indicators include terpene content above 1.8%, tight bract stacking, and a smooth, oily burn. Consistent canopy temperatures within 24–27°C and stable VPD contribute significantly to resin density and flavor. A well-run crop will show uniform flower maturity across the canopy with minimal larf. If you see airy lowers, raise PPFD at the edges or adjust training to flatten the canopy.
Efficiency can be tracked via grams per watt and grams per day. Autos that finish in 80–85 days and deliver 120 grams per plant average roughly 1.4–1.8 grams per watt under a 100–150 watt LED per plant. If grams per day falls below 1.2 in coco with good light, reassess irrigation frequency, EC targets, and canopy distribution. Keeping records from run to run is the fastest path to continuous gains.
Buying Tips, Seed Formats, and Authenticity
When shopping for Moon Cheese, look for the feminized autoflower offering that is explicitly tied to Supernatural Seeds UK. Listings that reference Moon Cheese Auto and invoke Pink Skunk traits are aligned with breeder-facing materials curated by UK seed catalogs. Packaging should include germination date ranges, lot numbers, and storage recommendations. Legitimate sellers ship in tamper-evident packs and provide basic cultivation hints.
Because autos are sensitive to early stress, buy fresh stock stored cool and dry to ensure robust germination. Request vendor germination policies; reputable shops often stand behind 80–90% germination rates under standard methods. If your goal is clone selection for perpetual runs, note that autos are not ideal for cloning; seek a photoperiod Moon Cheese cross or a closely related Cheese hybrid for mother stock. Community chatter sometimes mentions photoperiod Moon Cheese cuts, but breeder-verified autos remain the mainstream option.
Counterfeits exist, especially for strains with buzzworthy names. Cross-reference vendor names, breeder attributions, and community grow logs before purchase. A quick authenticity check is consistency of finish time and aroma; legitimate Moon Cheese should land near 75–85 days and deliver a cheese-funk nose with citrus-berry accents. If a plant runs 110+ days and smells floral without funk, you may have a different cultivar.
Context, Credibility, and How This Strain Fits The Market
Moon Cheese sits at the intersection of nostalgia and modern convenience. It packages the iconically British Cheese profile into a fast, compact autoflower format that suits small tents and first-time growers. The breeder identity as a female-led UK collective adds a human story to the genetics and aligns with a broader trend toward transparent, craft-oriented seed makers. The reference to Pink Skunk shows an awareness of palates shifting toward sweet-sour, candy-laced noses.
In a market where average indoor THC hovers around 18–22% and consumers increasingly chase terpene-forward experiences, Moon Cheese hits both marks. Its ability to produce dense, resinous flowers with 1.5–2.5% terpenes positions it competitively against high-end photoperiods on flavor and effect per gram. For retailers, the name carries immediate recognition with Cheese fans while the Moon tag nods to potency and outer-space marketing appeal. For growers, the 75–85 day timeline unlocks 4–5 harvests per year in perpetual autos, boosting annual grams per square meter.
As legalization expands, Savory-Funk meets Candy-Fruit profiles have become rarer amid dessert strain dominance. Moon Cheese brings that umami comfort back without feeling dated, thanks to the citrus-berry sparkle layered on top. Its combination of reliable structure, stout terp production, and approachable growth curve makes it a smart addition to home gardens and boutique catalogs alike. In short, it reads classic, grows modern, and tastes like the best of both worlds.
Acknowledging Live Info and What We Know
Public seed listings in the UK attribute Moon Cheese Auto to Supernatural Seeds UK, with references to a Pink Skunk influence and a feminized autoflower format. The breeder is described as a team of female gardeners who have spent years perfecting their lines, which fits the observed stability in structure and aroma reported by growers. Exact pedigree remains unpublished, but the Cheese and Skunk cues are unmistakable in both naming and sensory profile. Where precise lab data are absent, the ranges and benchmarks provided here reflect typical, well-grown Cheese-Skunk autos in modern indoor environments.
As with all cultivar spotlights, local phenotypes and cultivation practices can shift outcomes. If you run Moon Cheese under different spectra, soil biology, or climate conditions, expect the expression to move within the described ranges. Document your run with canopy temps, RH, EC, pH, PPFD, and harvest timing to build a personal dataset. Sharing those results with the community helps refine collective knowledge for this strain.
