Marijuana Strain Descriptions
Harlequin
Cannabis Strain Summary
Terpene Profile- Primary
Myrcene (dominant - earthy, musky, tropical mango notes); contributes calming properties without heavy sedation
Terpene Profile- Secondary
Pinene (alpha and beta - fresh pine, Christmas tree notes); Beta-caryophyllene (spicy, peppery, woody accents); Trace amounts: humulene; phellandrene; alpha-bisabolol. Overall profile: understated, musky earth transitioning to sweet tropical fruit with herbal-spicy exhale
The Experience- Common Effects
Mental: clear-headed alertness; subtle mood elevation; lucid state with light euphoria; slightly dreamlike or contemplative without distraction; minimal cognitive impairment; facilitates conversation and creative work. Physical: gentle warm relaxation spreading through body; muscle tension ease without heavy sedation; pain dulling/softening rather than elimination; post-exercise endorphin-like sensation; diffuse comfort. Mood: functional elevation; stress reduction; minimal anxiety or paranoia (CBD counteracts THC anxiety)
The Experience- Duration
Primary effects: 2-3 hours inhalation; subtle aftereffects: 1-2 additional hours; gentle comedown without crash or brain fog; no notable morning-after effects even from evening use
The Experience- Onset
Gentle, gradual onset; effects begin 5-10 minutes post-inhalation; full experience develops over 15-20 minutes; lacks rapid intensity of high-THC strains
The Experience- Potential Side Effects
Mild headaches in some users (especially CBD-unaccustomed); occasional dizziness at higher doses; mild stimulation may interfere with sleep in sensitive individuals; insufficient for those seeking heavy sedation or intense intoxication
Strain Type
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid
Not Recommended For
Deep sedation or heavy body-load sessions; intense psychoactive experiences; profound consciousness alteration; bedtime use for stimulation-sensitive individuals (avoid 3-4 hours before sleep); heavy physical labor or intense athletics requiring different cannabinoid profiles
Lineage and Origins
Developed in Northern California in the early 2000s by Mr. Green of House of David Collective. Created from four landrace genetics: Colombian Gold (1970s phenotype), Thai sativa from regions near Laos, Swiss landrace sativa, and Nepali indica from Mustang State. Originally bred for hash production but surprised breeders with high CBD expression. Pioneering high-CBD strain in U.S. medical cannabis movement.
Cannabanoid Profile
CBD: 6-15% (commonly 7-10%); THC: 7-15% (commonly 4-7%); typical ratio 5:2 CBD-to-THC; some phenotypes approach 1:1 ratio. Newer phenotypes claim 20%+ CBD with sub-1% THC (hemp-compliant). CBG and CBC present in trace amounts. Balanced profile provides entourage effect with gentle psychoactivity; CBD modulates THC's anxiety-inducing potential. Moderate THC allows functional use; substantial CBD offers therapeutic relief without impairment
Comparable Strains
ACDC (20:1 CBD-to-THC, more sedating, higher CBD percentage); Cannatonic (1:1 ratios available, slightly more psychoactive, sweeter pine flavor); Harle-Tsu (18-21% CBD, more indica influence, woody tea-like flavor, Harlequin offspring); Ringo's Gift (variable 1:1 to 24:1 ratios, spicy hash and mint flavors, Harlequin descendant); Sour Tsunami (diesel aroma, myrcene-terpinolene dominant, pioneering CBD strain)
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Cultivation Resilience
Moderate resilience to pests and environmental stress; not particularly hardy compared to pure landrace genetics; susceptible to botrytis and powdery mildew in humid conditions; requires humidity management and good airflow; responds well to preventative pest management; adapts to both soil and hydroponic cultivation
Cultivation Flowering Time
8-10 weeks; most phenotypes finish around 9 weeks; harvest timing impacts CBD-to-THC ratio (earlier harvest ~8 weeks preserves higher CBD; extended flowering shifts toward THC); trichome monitoring essential (target mostly cloudy with 10-20% amber)
Cultivation Yield
Indoor: 350-700g/m² (12-25 oz/m²) depending on phenotype and methods; Outdoor: 21-25 oz per plant in appropriate climates; generous yields with proper care; training techniques (SCROG, topping, LST) increase yield potential
Cultivation Plant Structure
Medium to tall height; lateral branching; elongated flowering (sativa-dominant pattern); dense, resinous, sticky buds requiring structural support during final flowering weeks; typical sativa shape - bushy with strong lateral branching when managed; requires vertical space indoors or training techniques
Cultivation Quality Indicators
Dense structure; generous trichome coverage (thick crystalline coating); medium-green coloration; orange-to-red pistils; prominent aromatic expression (musky earth to tropical fruit); proper 2-4 week cure enhances terpene preservation and smoothness; sticky, resinous texture