Grease Monkey
Breeder: Exotic Genetix
Grease Monkey is a resin-drenched indica-leaning hybrid from Exotic Genetix that pairs GG4's legendary trichome production and diesel funk with Cookies & Cream's vanilla-cream sweetness. A 2018 High Times Cannabis Cup winner, it has become one of the most prolific breeding parents in the Exotic Genetix catalog with 77+ documented crosses on SeedFinder. Known for heavy sedation, dense colas, and exceptional hash-washing potential. Grease Monkey was created by Exotic Genetix, a Pacific Northwest breeder known for meticulous genetic curation. The strain first appeared during the 2016-2017 grow seasons and quickly gained recognition. The GG4 parent (originally called Gorilla Glue #4, developed by GG Strains) is among the most potent and resinous cultivars ever bred, contributing extreme stickiness and diesel fuel aromatics. The Cookies & Cream parent (Starfighter x Girl Scout Cookies) adds sweet vanilla-cookie flavor, creamy smoke quality, and euphoric effects. THC content ranges widely from 16 to 35 percent depending on phenotype and growing conditions, with premium batches routinely testing 25 to 30 percent. Dominant terpenes are caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene, and linalool, producing an aroma described as diesel fuel, vanilla cookies, sweet cream, and earthy musk.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Gorilla Glue #4 x Cookies & Cream
Gorilla Glue #4 (Sour Dubb x Chem Sister x Chocolate Diesel) contributes extreme resin output, diesel-pine terpenes, and powerful body effects. Cookies & Cream (Girl Scout Cookies x Starfighter F2), Exotic Genetix's 2014 Denver Cannabis Cup Best Hybrid winner, adds vanilla-cream aromatics, dense bud structure, and balanced euphoria.
Lineage Dispute
Breeder's SeedFinder listing states 50/50 Indica/Sativa and specifies 'Cookies & Cream F2' as the pollen donor; most dispensary and consumer sources report 70/30 indica-dominant using 'Cookies & Cream' without the F2 designation.
Terpene Profile
Caryophyllene —
Myrcene —
Limonene —
Pinene —
Linalool —
Aroma: Vanilla jet fuel with earthy skunk and black pepper. Initial nose is sweet and creamy with nutty undertones; breaking buds releases pungent diesel and sharp gassy funk inherited from GG4.
Flavor: Sweet vanilla and nutty cream on the inhale; diesel fuel and earthy skunk emerge mid-palate; exhale leaves a spicy, peppery caryophyllene bite with lingering vanilla-cookie sweetness.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Cerebral euphoria and mood elevation arrive within minutes, followed quickly by a spreading warmth through the limbs.
Deep full-body relaxation with heavy sedation. Mental calm without total fog in moderate doses; higher doses produce pronounced couch-lock and strong appetite stimulation. Users report feeling glued to the couch with a satisfied, lazy contentment.
Duration: Long-lasting; 2–3+ hours of primary effects with residual sedation extending well beyond.
Commonly Reported Uses
Grower's Notes
Grease Monkey is an indica-dominant hybrid bred by Exotic Genetix from Gorilla Glue #4 (GG4) and Cookies & Cream (Starfighter x Girl Scout Cookies). The plant grows to a medium height with a bushy, compact structure that stays manageable indoors. Stretch during the transition to flower is moderate — expect the plant to increase 1.5 to 1.8 times its pre-flip height, which is compact and predictable compared to sativa-leaning hybrids. The vigorous lateral branching produces a dense canopy that requires proactive management for light penetration and airflow.
Growth Structure and Training
Training is essential for maximizing Grease Monkey's yield potential. Top the main stem early in veg at the fourth or fifth node to force lateral branching and create multiple main colas instead of a single dominant top. Low-stress training through bending and tying down branches creates an even, flat canopy that exposes more bud sites to direct light. SCROG netting works exceptionally well with this cultivar's natural bushiness. SOG (sea of green) is also effective, using many smaller plants to fill the canopy quickly. Defoliate the lower third aggressively by the end of the stretch period — the plant's density means lower sites will receive almost no light without intervention, and removing this growth improves airflow where botrytis risk is highest.
Flowering Time and Harvest
Flowering time is 8 to 9 weeks (56 to 63 days) indoors, with most phenotypes ready for harvest around day 60. Outdoor plants finish in mid-October in the Northern Hemisphere. Trichome maturation is steady; harvest when trichomes show 10 to 20 percent amber on the calyxes for the full sedative, body-heavy effect this strain is known for.
Indoor yields are generous
400 to 500 grams per square meter (roughly 1.5 to 2.0 pounds per light) with proper canopy management. Outdoor plants can produce 500 to 600 grams each — up to 21 ounces per plant — given a full growing season with early start, warm climate, and adequate root space.
Nutrient Management
Grease Monkey is a heavy feeder that appreciates more nutrition than the average hybrid, particularly during flower. Feed heavier than usual during veg to build strong vegetative structure and root mass. During bloom, increase phosphorus and potassium significantly — extra PK and organic acids during flowering stimulate flower production and boost trichome density. Some growers report that feeding at full manufacturer recommendations or slightly above produces the best results, which is unusual for a Cookies-lineage strain. Monitor for overfeeding by watching leaf tips, but this cultivar's appetite is genuine. Organic growing media produce excellent flavor expression, emphasizing the vanilla-cookie-diesel terpene profile.
Environment and Climate
Environmental control is straightforward but strict. Maintain daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with slightly cooler nighttime temps. Relative humidity should be 50 to 60 percent during veg, dropping to 40 to 50 percent in early-to-mid flower, and down to 40 to 45 percent in the final two to three weeks. This is the most critical environmental parameter — the incredibly dense buds are a prime target for mold and mildew. Air circulation through the canopy via oscillating fans is non-negotiable, and adequate exhaust to manage humidity spikes after watering is essential. Growing in a greenhouse provides extra warmth for cooler climates while still allowing airflow control.
Light requirements follow standard photoperiod protocol: 18 to 20 hours during veg for vigorous growth, 12/12 to trigger and sustain flowering. High-quality LED panels or HPS lamps both work well. The plant responds to high light intensity — 800 to 1000 PPFD at canopy during peak flower drives the extreme resin production this cultivar is known for.
Bud structure is the defining physical trait
rock-hard, golf-ball-dense nugs coated in an extremely thick layer of trichomes. The buds are so dense they can feel almost unnaturally heavy relative to their size. The GG4 parent contributes the famously sticky, greasy resin profile — trimming tools need constant cleaning as the resin builds up rapidly. Occasional purple hues develop with cooler nighttime temperatures, adding visual contrast to the frosty, pale-green-to-olive base color. Orange pistils thread through the dense clusters.
Pest and Disease Resistance
Pest and disease management centers on the bud density issue. Botrytis (bud rot) is the primary threat — the rock-hard colas trap moisture in their cores, and even brief humidity spikes during late flower can trigger it. Scout the largest colas daily during the final two to three weeks by gently checking where the stem enters the cola. Spider mites, thrips, and aphids should be addressed with preventive IPM during veg; the dense canopy creates microhabitat that favors these pests. Powdery mildew can appear during the veg-to-flower transition if humidity and airflow aren't managed.
Wash and Extraction
Grease Monkey is exceptional for concentrate production. The extreme resin density from the GG4 parent combined with the complex terpene contribution from Cookies & Cream makes it a top-tier choice for rosin, ice water hash, and solvent-based extractions. Flower rosin presses on well-cured material report returns in the 20 to 22 percent range. The dominant terpenes — caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene, and linalool — carry through extraction with excellent clarity. Fresh-frozen processing into bubble hash or live rosin preserves the diesel-vanilla-cream profile. Sugar leaf trim is highly productive for dry sift due to the generous trichome coverage that extends well beyond the calyxes.
Drying should be slow and controlled
hang whole plant or branches in a dark room at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 55 to 60 percent humidity for 10 to 14 days until small stems snap. The dense buds take longer to dry internally than their surface suggests — check the thickest colas for moisture before jarring. Cure in sealed jars for a minimum of two to three weeks with daily burping during the first week. The vanilla-diesel-cookie aroma develops significantly during cure, and the smoke smoothness improves dramatically between weeks two and four.
History & Origin
Bred by Exotic Mike at Exotic Genetix in Tacoma, Washington. Created by crossing the legendary GG4 clone with a Cookies & Cream F2 male. Won the 2018 High Times Cannabis Cup in Michigan and holds multiple additional Cannabis Cup awards. Became one of Exotic Genetix's most decorated and commercially significant releases, spawning an extensive lineage of descendant strains. Cookies & Cream, its mother line, had already won the 2014 Denver Cannabis Cup Best Hybrid, making Grease Monkey a cross of two cup-winning genetics.
Awards & Recognition
- ●1st Place — 2018 High Times Cannabis Cup, Michigan
- ●Multiple additional Cannabis Cup wins (per Seeds Here Now / Exotic Genetix catalog)
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Grease Monkey as a parent:
Frequently Asked Questions
7 common questions about Grease Monkey
What is Grease Monkey and what are its genetics?
Grease Monkey is a hybrid cannabis strain (70/30 Indica-dominant) bred by Exotic Genetix. It is a cross of Gorilla Glue #4 x Cookies & Cream, testing at 22–30% THC. Grease Monkey is a resin-drenched indica-leaning hybrid from Exotic Genetix that pairs GG4's legendary trichome production and diesel funk with Cookies & Cream's vanilla-cream sweetness. A 2018 High Times Cannabis Cup winner, it has become one of the most prolific breeding parents in the Exotic Genetix catalog with 77+ documented crosses on SeedFinder.
What does Grease Monkey smell and taste like?
Grease Monkey's dominant terpenes are Caryophyllene, Myrcene. The aroma is described as vanilla jet fuel with earthy skunk and black pepper. initial nose is sweet and creamy with nutty undertones; breaking buds releases pungent diesel and sharp gassy funk inherited from gg4.. The flavor profile features sweet vanilla and nutty cream on the inhale; diesel fuel and earthy skunk emerge mid-palate; exhale leaves a spicy, peppery caryophyllene bite with lingering vanilla-cookie sweetness..
What are the effects of Grease Monkey?
Cerebral euphoria and mood elevation arrive within minutes, followed quickly by a spreading warmth through the limbs. Deep full-body relaxation with heavy sedation. Mental calm without total fog in moderate doses; higher doses produce pronounced couch-lock and strong appetite stimulation. Duration is typically long-lasting; 2–3+ hours of primary effects with residual sedation extending well beyond.. Commonly reported uses include Chronic pain, Muscle spasms, Stress and anxiety, Insomnia.
How hard is Grease Monkey to grow?
Grease Monkey is rated moderate difficulty. It flowers in 8-9 weeks, reaches medium in height, and yields 400-500 g/m² indoors. Best suited for indoor, outdoor, greenhouse environments.
What are the parent strains of Grease Monkey?
Grease Monkey is a cross of Gorilla Glue #4 and Cookies and Cream. Gorilla Glue #4 (Sour Dubb x Chem Sister x Chocolate Diesel) contributes extreme resin output, diesel-pine terpenes, and powerful body effects. Cookies & Cream (Girl Scout Cookies x Starfighter F2), Exotic Genetix's 2014 Denver Cannabis Cup Best Hybrid winner, adds vanilla-cream aromatics, dense bud structure, and balanced euphoria..
What strains were bred from Grease Monkey?
Grease Monkey has been used as a parent in several notable crosses, including Donkey Butter, Apes in Space, Carmelita, Truffle Monkey, Greasy Runtz. Its genetics contribute to a wide range of modern cultivars.
Has Grease Monkey won any cannabis awards?
Yes. Grease Monkey has received recognition including 1st Place — 2018 High Times Cannabis Cup, Michigan; Multiple additional Cannabis Cup wins (per Seeds Here Now / Exotic Genetix catalog).
Sources & References (23)
- SeedFinder.eu — Grease Monkey (Exotic Genetix) strain info and 77 documented hybrids
- Seeds Here Now — Grease Monkey Vault Release (breeder history)
- ThisIsWhyImHigh.com — Grease Monkey strain profile
- Zamnesia Seeds — Grease Monkey grow data
- MSNL Seeds — Grease Monkey strain review
- 420 Magazine — 2025 flower rosin hunt thread (20–22% rosin return at 185–200°F)
- Future4200.com — Solventless wash thread
- Choice Cannabis Seeds — Exotic Genetix product listing
- Cannaflower — Grease Monkey review
- SeedFinder.eu — Cookies & Cream lineage
- Grower's Notes cultivation sources:
- Blimburn Seeds Grease Monkey grow guide — https://blimburnseeds.com/blog/marijuana-crop-guide/how-to-grow-grease-monkey-weed-strain/
- Get Seeds Right Here clone guide — https://www.getseedsrighthere.com/product/grease-monkey-clone/
- Wallflower Cannabis House ultimate guide — https://wallflower-house.com/grease-monkey-strain/
- SeedFinder Exotic Genetix strain info — https://seedfinder.eu/en/strain-info/grease-monkey/exotic-genetix
- MSNL Seeds strain review — https://www.msnlseeds.com/uk/blog/grease-monkey-strain-review
- This Is Why I'm High awards and effects — https://thisiswhyimhigh.com/strains/grease-monkey
- Elevate Cannabis strain profile — https://elevatecannabis.com/strain/grease-monkey/
- Cannabis Training University grow info — https://cannabistraininguniversity.com/strains/grease-monkey/
- Cannaconnection grow guide and yields — https://www.cannaconnection.com/strains/grease-monkey
- Leafly Grease Monkey strain page — https://www.leafly.com/strains/grease-monkey
- Leafly Gorilla Glue #4 parent info — https://www.leafly.com/strains/original-glue
- Leafly Cookies and Cream parent info — https://www.leafly.com/strains/cookies-and-cream
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