Monster Cookies is an indica-dominant hybrid that builds on some strong and flavorful genetics. This strain is a cross between the omnipresent Girl Scout Cookies and the flavorful and eye-catching Granddaddy Purple. This background gives the flowers a relaxing high and a complex, fruity taste. Although it’s known to be a potent variety, cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has found Monster Cookies to have a modest range of 10% to 15% THC composition.

This strain is distinguished by medium-sized nugs that hold their shape thanks to a dense indica-type bud structure. The sticky and tightly-coiled leaves are predominantly forest green, but are accentuated by deep blue and purple hues -- these vibrant colors are the result of pigments called anthocyanins being stimulated by cold temperatures in the growing process. Short-talked white trichomes give the bright buds a frosty overlay; they also make this a difficult strain to break up by hand. Monster Cookies has a mostly berry and grape-tinged flavor profile, much like parent strain Granddaddy Purple. Breaking up or burning the buds gives off more of a spicy, incense-like quality, compliments of the OG Kush in this strain’s lineage. Cured properly, it has a smooth, easy smoke that tastes dank and sweet on the exhale. This is also a particularly pungent strain, so smokers trying to keep their consumption under wraps should take the necessary precautions.

Monster Cookies has a high that creeps up on the user, slowly conferring a heavy body stone. The temptation to melt into the nearest possible couch may prove overwhelming for many. Although some cerebral stimulation may occur, this strain’s mental qualities are mostly dictated by its deep physical relaxation. Smokers will feel fully at ease -- content to remain in one place, but uplifted enough to be social and chatty. Because of these trippy, dreamy qualities, Monster Cookies is probably not the best choice for those looking to accomplish work or finish errands.

Because of this strain’s potency, cannabis newcomers should moderate their initial dosage and then scale up if necessary.

Its almost narcotic effects gives Monster Cookies strong analgesic effects for medical cannabis patients. It can be an effective way to relieve aches and pains -- both incidental from injury or soreness and chronic from conditions like fibromyalgia. It has also been said to soothe headaches and migraines and, in large enough doses, can help users with insomnia to find deep, lasting sleep.

Seeds of Monster Cookies are not commercially available; as such, those looking to grow this strain must obtain clippings from mature plants in order to grow identical “clones.” It can be successfully cultivated indoors or out, although outdoor growing requires Mediterranean-like climates with some humidity and daytime temperatures in the 70 degree Fahrenheit range. Monster Cookies’ plants, like those of many other indica varieties, grow short and bushy with a wide lateral branching system. Growers should look to “top” their plants by trimming any high-growing fan leaves in order to let light and air break through to the dense lower branches. Those looking to bring out the full colorful potential of this strain’s buds should also activate its anthocyanin pigments by exposing the plants to cold weather just before flowering occurs. Monster Cookies flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in late September or early October when grown outdoors. Although it only offers growers an average yield, its flowers are typically large and may need to be held up by makeshift stakes in order to keep from drooping on their branches. After the long process of cultivation, growers should also properly cure their flowers of Monster Cookies to preserve their potency and bold flavor.

Monster Cookies is a great example of the genetic bounty that the phenomenally popular Girl Scout Cookies continues to yield. It’s a quintessential nighttime smoke whose heavy and dreamy high is best enjoyed alone or with a small group of familiar friends. This flower’s fruity, crowd-pleasing taste and its powerful sedative high may mark it as a new favorite for indica fans. Cookie Monster never got his hands on some Monster Cookies, but we’re pretty sure that if he did, he’d demand more.