Thanks to the ingenuity of cannabis cultivators, there are an insane amount of new weed strains popping up every year, so much so that it’s hard to keep up and know which are the next big thing and which are a hard pass. While some people have their go-to strains that they know and love (and will never stray from), many stoners like to test out the waters and experiment with new strains and their effects. Imagine this, you compiled a huge to-do list to finish by the end of the weekend, but it’s already 3 p.m. on Sunday and you’ve only just brushed your teeth and changed into “real” clothes. Kick it into high gear and remain laser focused on the tasks at hand with a few puffs of Zookies. If that sounds like you, read on for our full Zookies strain review that covers everything from genetics and price to its effects, flavor profile, and reviews from stoners who have given it a try.
What is the Zookies weed strain?
No, it’s not the name of Paris Hilton’s teacup Pomeranian (that would be awfully cute though), Zookies is a potent cannabis strain born and bred in sunny California by the popular cannabis brand, Alien Labs. Founded by Ted Lidie of Redding, California, Alien Labs is known for producing amazing top-shelf flower with unique terpene profiles that are simply unmatched. While the company wasn’t launched until 2013, Lidie comes from a long line of cannabis cultivators and saw the way the cannabis industry was headed very early on. You may not know it, but many of the most popular marijuana strains were dreamt up by master cultivators at Alien Labs. Mars OG, Animal Cookies, Zkittlez, Do-Si-Dos, and Wedding Cake are just a few weed strains that skyrocketed Lidie and Alien Labs to cannabis stardom.
Zookies strain indica or sativa
Just like Willow Smith, the Zookies strain also comes from celebrity parents and the funniest thing is that it was created completely by accident! Zookies strain genetics come from crossing Animal Cookies and GG4 (Gorilla Glue 4), also known as Original Glue sometime around 2014 to 2016. The result was a phenomenal new hybrid strain with only the best characteristics passed down from both parents. If you want to take it back even further, Animal Cookies is a clone-only hybrid strain born from crossing GSC (Girl Scout Cookies) with Fire OG. The award-winning Original Glue strain is also a hybrid and was made by mixing Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel. Like it's parents, the Zookies strain is also an evenly balanced hybrid strain, and a very potent one at that. This strain typically tests at 21% THC or more with some people reporting 28% THC levels. You won’t get couch locked like a dank indica, but you also won’t be buzzing with energy like a daytime sativa. The Zookies marijuana strain really is the best of both worlds.
Quick facts Zookies weed strain
Name: Zookies
Cultivator: Alien Labs
Location: West Coast, California
Availability: Rare
Genetics: Animal Cookies and GG4 (Gorilla Glue 4)
Strain: Balanced hybrid (50% indica and 50% sativa)
Potency: 21%-28% THC
Other cannabinoids: Less than 2% CBD, 1% CBG
Nug characteristics: Dense with dark purple undertones
Dominant terpenes: Caryophyllene and limonene
Flavor: Sweet, nutty, pepper, diesel
Effects: Focused, relaxed, euphoric
Benefits: Anxiety, stress, depression, chronic pain, muscle cramps, muscle spasms
Zookies strain review
Just because a marijuana strain has star-studded parents, doesn’t mean their love child will also be a sensation. This isn’t true for the Zookies weed strain, which has pretty much everything stoners are looking for all wrapped up in a dazzling green nug. Since it’s very rare, if you ever come across Zookies at the dispensary counter, don’t pass up the chance to give this weed strain a try.
Zookies strain effects
Newbies be warned, the Zookies weed strain ranges from medium to high potency and should be smoked with caution. You’ll feel the high come on almost instantly with strong body effects and a normal level of head high. Just like the strain itself, which is an even 50% sativa and 50% indica, the effects are also balanced and will not overwhelm you. It’s the perfect marijuana strain for getting some work done, checking off the to-do list, running errands, or doing housework since you’ll feel extra focused. While you’ll also feel a sense of ease and relaxation, this hybrid strain won’t drag you down and give you couch lock. It works well for both daytime or evening smoke sessions and is one of those dry herbs that can get you giggling in an instant and feeling euphoric.
When it comes to medicinal properties, many potheads report that the Zookies strain has helped them manage chronic pain, reduce stress and anxiety, assist with depression, and alleviate muscle cramps and spasms. This cannabis strain is also chosen by artists and musicians since it inspires creativity.
Zookies strain flavor and terpenes
If you love the Cookies family because of its flavor, you’re going to fall head over heels for the Zookies weed strain. Inhale a sweet and nutty cookie flavor with a hint of spicy pepper thanks to genetics inherited by Animal Cookies. On the exhale you’ll experience the earthy and diesel-like qualities that GG4 is known for. Get a whiff of a nug and you’re in for a complex aroma that has a little bit of everything from an earthy, peppery, floral scent with rich cookie overtones coupled with a touch of spice and tropical fruits.
In addition to cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes are another important aspect of any cannabis strain. Terpenes are naturally produced by plants and are responsible for giving fruits, nuts, and seeds their aroma and flavor. It does not produce any psychoactive effects or get you high. There are roughly 100 terpenes found in the cannabis plant and the combination of these compounds is what creates the complex flavor profiles stoners long for. The Zookies marijuana strain has two dominant terpenes, Caryophyllene and Limonene. Caryophyllene is responsible for that diesel and spicy tingling flavor associated with popular marijuana strains like Sour Diesel, Pineapple Express, and GSC. Also found in black pepper, cinnamon, oregano, and cloves, caryophyllene is associated with aiding in inflammation, anxiety, and depression. Limonene is commonly found in citrus and juniper plants and gives off a fresh scent with a fruit or citrus-like flavor. Wedding Cake and Do-Si-Dos are examples of Limonene heavy strains.
Zookies strain price
Like we mentioned earlier, Zookies is rare and more than likely, it won’t be a regular at your local dispensary. Call ahead or check online to see if your weed shop has Zookies in stock. In California, an eighth will cost you somewhere around $30 to $40 and a 1 gram Zookies vape cart will set you back $40. Dispensaries always have sales if you're a new customer, but also check to see if they have any daily deals like buy one get one free vape cartridges on Tuesdays to get the most bang for your buck. Just don’t sit around when you find Zookies in stock, it probably won’t be there for long. If you do fall in love with Zookies and want to start up a home grow. A five pack of high-quality feminized seeds costs $40 and clones are $20 a pop.
Zookies marijuana strain reviews by users
The following consumer reviews were shared by stoners on Leafly and can help to paint a picture of the strain’s effects and potential health benefits.
Effects
“This strain is nice. I’m a heavy user and it definitely does the job with just one J. I am still able to function and it doesn’t give me couch lock. It gives me more of a body high which I prefer…”
“No paranoia. No anxiety. Just relaxation of the mind and still able to move my body and function. Great for a relaxing evening whilst still needing to be productive.”
“After the 1st bowl of this, I had the urge to get up and do the dishes. This strain definitely doesn't knock me out like a pure indica would, and it also doesn't give me minor anxiety like some pure sativa strains do. Because of those faults, I'm usually looking for a well-balanced hybrid that makes me feel calm, focused, AND energized. This is that strain. I absolutely love it.”
“Long lasting mind and body high. Daily user and it got me good after one bowl. Great for sitting around or getting stuff done.”
Flavor
“Very tasty. Good dough taste with hints of fuel…”
“Fantastic strain! Pungent sweetness with a doughy finish when vaporized, sweetness sticks with you a while after using.”
“I really liked this. It reminded me of butter cookies with the sweet hit and happy feelings yet it had a nice catch up buzz like the Glue usually does without the stuck feeling.”
“Tasted phenomenal, earthy orange with the signature cookie taste on the exhale.”
Health benefits
“[I’m a] disabled veteran with multiple spinal conditions, PTSD, and a plethora of other injuries. This is a great pain relieving strain…”
“Great body high and good with taking the pain away.”
Potency
“I’m heavy on the THC usage and this slaps me in such an invigorating way, very quickly. Once I’m smacked, I cruise and ride the high.”
“Definitely hits right away.”
“Smooth hit in a water bong, great feeling and long lasting, sticky and slow burning, mid range potency, mid range odor.”
“Hands down my favorite strain. It gets me so high off of so little. I smoke almost everyday and I only have to fill my bowl one time to get super high. It’s like I get higher every time.”
Growing Zookies Strain
Zookies marijuana strain is decently easy to grow, but can be difficult to find. Seek out some Zookies seeds or a clone and you’ll be thanking yourself when harvest comes! While not the easiest strain to grow, even beginners will be able to get a sizable yield with this strain which is considered moderately difficult to grow. Be sure to grow in a tall space since indoor plants are around six feet tall and plants growing outdoors often top eight feet. You’ll be happy to know that Zookies plants produce a lot of flowers! Outdoor grows yield at least 16 ounces per plant, while indoor grows usually produce 12 to 14 ounces per square meter. Flowering happens around eight or nine weeks when indoors, while outdoor plants will flower when temperatures begin to drop in October. Keep an eye on humidity issues and pests, two huge problems for its parent strains.
Best bongs and vapes for smoking Zookies
Now that you know all about the Zookies weed strain, head over to your nearest dispensary to see if they have this rarity in stock. If you’re in luck, you’ll need smoking gear that’s just as legendary as the weed you’re about to partake in. Make sure your second stop is the Everything For 420 online head shop, where you’ll find a rotating inventory of smoking accessories with the best prices in town.
These are just a few of our favorite bongs, pipes, and other smoking accessories that are perfect for a date with Zooks.
- Davinci IQ2 Vape - Zookies deserves to be smoked in only the best vaporizer. The Davinci IQ2 dual use vape has all the bells and whistles including a bubbler attachment, ceramic extract tab, and a 0.2 gram dosage pod so you can switch between Zookies dabs and Zookies flower. This high-tech vaporizer is luxury at its finest with precision temperature controls and the ability to track and report your dose per draw and per session.
- Puffco Budsy - If smoking on the low is your vibe, don’t think twice about getting the Puffco Budsy. It looks just like a normal Nalgene water bottle complete with an attached twist top and built-in straw that’s actually the mouthpiece! Attach it to your book bag and no one will know the difference.
