Harlequin
Harlequin
Also known as: Harlequin CBD
Overview
Harlequin is a sativa-dominant hybrid cannabis strain created by Mr. Green of the House of David Collective, who crossed three landrace sativa strains (an early 1970s Colombian Gold male, a Thai strain, and a Swiss landrace) with a Nepalese indica strain. This unique combination resulted in the strain being approximately 75% sativa, with the Thai, Swiss, and Colombian landraces providing sativa-leaning characteristics while the indica attributes derive from its Nepali parentage. Harlequin was among the first high-CBD strains discovered in the United States and became one of the first "CBD strains" offered in dispensaries during the late 2000s. Originally bred to be a hash-producing strain, Mr. Green had its CBD levels tested when friends reported that while they loved the smell, taste, and frosty appearance, it didn't get them very high, surprising him with results of 7% CBD and 7% THC.
The strain is characterized by its distinctive CBD-to-THC ratio of approximately 5:2, with laboratory measurements showing samples containing between 4-10% THC and 6-15% CBD. Harlequin buds are typically dense and round, colored in a rich forest green with vibrant rusty-orange pistils and amber trichomes. The strain has won multiple Cannabis Cup awards for its CBD content, including recognition at both the 2014 Cannabis Cup and 2019 Highlife Cup. The strain's name is believed to reference the brightly-patterned costumes of traditional Italian clowns, reflecting its "patchwork" genetics from multiple landrace varieties.
Effects
Reported Medical Uses
- Users report relief from chronic pain
- May help with anxiety and stress management
- Often used for inflammation and arthritis
- Users report benefits for fibromyalgia
- May assist with PTSD symptoms
- Often used for muscle relaxation
- Users report benefits for multiple sclerosis symptoms
- May help with nausea
This is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Possible Negative Effects
Growing Information
Harlequin produces tall plants with large yields and has a flowering period of roughly 8-9 weeks, with outdoor harvests expected around mid-October in the Northern Hemisphere. The strain is moderately easy to grow and should be ready to harvest in as little as 8 weeks, though 9-10 weeks is more common, producing high yields of frosty, large buds covered in crystals. For outdoor cultivation, it requires temperatures between 70-85°F and can grow quite tall, well over 6 feet in some cases, requiring support for the large, dense buds toward the end of growth. Because CBD levels degrade more rapidly than THC, it should be harvested early, and growers should ensure steady airflow and regulate humidity. The strain is considered beginner-friendly, with resilient DNA and forgiving temperament making it easy to grow when provided with correct conditions.