The animal face strain has become one of the most talked-about cannabis varieties in North America, and for good reason. This award-winning hybrid earned first place at the prestigious 2022 Emerald Cup Awards, cementing its reputation among both recreational users and medical patients. Created by the legendary Seed Junky Genetics in Southern California, Animal Face brings together powerful genetics from Face Off OG and Animal Mints to deliver exceptional potency and balanced effects.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes the animal face strain special, from its genetics and terpene profile to its effects and medical applications. Whether you’re curious about trying it for the first time or just want to learn more, this guide covers everything you need to know about this standout strain.
The Genetics Behind Animal Face
Animal Face comes from carefully selected parent strains that each bring something unique to the table. Face Off OG, an indica-dominant phenotype of the famous OG Kush, contributes heavy-hitting effects and that classic gassy, piney aroma that West Coast cannabis lovers know well. This parent is known for its sedative qualities and impressive THC content, which explains where Animal Face gets some of its punch.
The other half of the equation is Animal Mints, itself a hybrid of Animal Cookies and SinMint Cookies. This lineage adds sweet, minty cookie flavors along with powerful euphoric effects that balance out the heavier indica influence. Animal Mints regularly tests between 25% and 32% THC, so it’s no surprise that Animal Face inherited exceptional potency from both sides of its family tree.
There’s some debate about whether animal face strain leans more sativa or indica. Some sources classify it as sativa-dominant with a 60:40 ratio, while others call it indica-dominant or perfectly balanced. Honestly, the label doesn’t matter as much as the actual experience, which combines cerebral stimulation with deep physical relaxation regardless of the technical classification.
Potency That Packs a Punch
One thing everyone agrees on is that animal face strain is seriously potent. THC levels typically range from 25% to 30%, with some exceptional batches pushing above 30%. This puts it in the upper tier of cannabis strength, making it better suited for experienced consumers who’ve built up some tolerance.
Besides the high THC content, Animal Face contains minimal CBD at around 0.1% to 0.2% and roughly 1% CBG. That small amount of CBG might not sound like much, but cannabigerol is gaining recognition for potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties that could enhance the overall experience. The combination creates a cannabinoid profile that’s all about potency and therapeutic potential rather than balanced CBD ratios.
Flavor and Aroma Profile
The smell of animal face strain is where things get really interesting. This isn’t your basic cannabis aroma—it’s a complex blend that changes as you explore it. The initial scent hits you with sweet, nutty notes mixed with pronounced diesel and gasoline undertones. Then you’ll catch pine and earthy layers alongside mint and cookie-like sweetness inherited from the Animal Mints parent.
When you actually smoke or vape it, expect a sweet, nutty flavor on the inhale with mint and earth coming through on the exhale. The diesel and pine notes become more prominent as the buds burn, creating a full sensory experience. Some batches express unique characteristics like kiwi, black licorice, or fruity cereal flavors depending on the specific phenotype and growing conditions.
The dominant terpenes responsible for this aromatic complexity include caryophyllene (spicy, peppery), limonene (citrusy, bright), and myrcene (earthy, musky). Total terpene content frequently hits between 1.5% and 3.0%, which is higher than average and explains why the smell literally jumps out of the jar when you open it. This rich terpene profile doesn’t just affect flavor—it also influences how the strain makes you feel.
What to Expect: Effects and Experience
Animal face strain delivers a fast-acting experience that starts with an immediate cerebral rush. Within minutes, you’ll feel a wave of euphoria washing over you, boosting your mood and clearing mental fog. This initial head high is uplifting and intense, though it can make focusing on tasks pretty challenging. It’s perfect for unwinding but not ideal if you need to stay productive.
As the cerebral effects peak, deep physical relaxation starts taking over. You’ll notice tingles spreading from head to toe as muscle tension melts away and a grounding, euphoric body feel sets in. Despite what some sources say about sativa dominance, the indica-like body effects become increasingly prominent as the high progresses. Most users report that effects last between 1.5 to 2 hours, which is longer than many comparable strains.
The balanced nature of this strain makes it surprisingly versatile. Lower doses can work for daytime use if you want to stay somewhat functional, while higher doses definitely lean toward evening relaxation and sleep. Just don’t expect to tackle anything demanding—animal face strain is better suited for gaming, watching movies, or having conversations rather than work that requires sustained concentration.
Medical Applications Worth Knowing
Beyond recreational use, animal face strain offers legitimate therapeutic benefits that attract medical cannabis patients. The combination of uplifting cerebral effects and calming terpenes makes it particularly effective for managing stress and anxiety. That euphoric mental state helps interrupt anxious thought patterns, while the limonene terpene contributes mood-enhancing properties.
Pain management is another major application. The anti-inflammatory properties of caryophyllene, combined with high THC content and myrcene’s sedative qualities, help address chronic pain conditions. Medical patients report significant relief from muscle spasms, inflammation, arthritis, and cramps after using this strain. It’s also helpful for depression and low mood thanks to those mood-elevating effects that shift your mental perspective.
At higher doses, the sedating body effects help tackle insomnia and sleep difficulties. The relaxing properties ease both mind and body, promoting natural sleep onset without leaving you groggy the next morning. Plus, like many high-THC strains, it definitely stimulates appetite, which can be valuable for patients dealing with appetite loss due to medical conditions or treatments.
Side Effects and Beginner Tips
The most common side effects are pretty standard for high-THC cannabis: dry mouth and dry eyes. These are easy to manage with water and eye drops. However, some users—especially those new to potent strains—might experience mild paranoia, anxiety, dizziness, or headaches. The intensity of the cerebral effects can occasionally feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared for it.
If you’re new to animal face strain or cannabis in general, start low and go slow. Seriously, this isn’t the strain to test your limits with on the first try. Beginners should take just one puff and wait 15-20 minutes to assess effects before consuming more. Even experienced consumers report being impressed by its strength, so there’s no shame in taking it easy.
Having a light snack before consumption and staying hydrated throughout the experience helps minimize potential side effects. Also, set appropriate expectations—this isn’t a productivity strain. Plan your consumption around leisure time when relaxation is the goal rather than before work or important responsibilities.
Finding and Storing Animal Face
Animal face strain appears in legal cannabis markets across the United States and Canada, though availability can be limited due to its rarity and popularity. You’ll find it in multiple formats including whole flower, pre-rolls, live resin cartridges, concentrates, and vape products. Pricing varies by market and quality, but premium batches typically command higher prices reflecting the strain’s award-winning status.
Always purchase from licensed, reputable dispensaries to ensure product authenticity, accurate cannabinoid testing, and proper quality control. Once you’ve got it, proper storage is essential to maintain potency and terpene profile. Store your cannabis in airtight glass containers away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep temperatures between 60-70°F with relative humidity around 55-62% if possible. The high terpene content means aroma and flavor can degrade quickly if you’re not careful with storage conditions.
Conclusion
Animal face strain represents modern cannabis breeding at its finest. The combination of Face Off OG and Animal Mints genetics creates a powerhouse experience that balances cerebral euphoria with deep physical relaxation. With THC levels consistently hitting 25-30% and a rich terpene profile dominated by caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, it’s no wonder this strain won first place at the 2022 Emerald Cup.
Whether you’re seeking stress relief, pain management, better sleep, or just an exceptional recreational experience, animal face strain delivers on multiple fronts. Just remember to respect its potency, start with small doses if you’re new to it, and give yourself time to fully enjoy the balanced effects that have made this strain a standout in contemporary cannabis culture.