ACDC Strain Review
Although high CBD strains don’t have the same psychoactive effects as high THC strains, ACDC is still buzz-worthy. By this we mean its strong potency and fascinating genetics give the flower a knock-out blend of happy and blissful effects. While still giving the smoker a traditional CBD experience of physical calm and relaxation.
In addition to its incredible strength and powerful genetics, this strain has a gorgeous appeal, with its bright shimmer, sweet minty aroma, and delicious flavorful smoking profile.
In this review, you’ll learn all about this plant, how it came to life, what its strengths are, and details about how it looks, smells, and tastes.
History & Genetics of the ACDC Strain
One might think the name of this strain relates to the famous rock band. But, it’s not connected to them in the least. In fact, the name may surprise you. ACDC stands for Alternative Cannabinoid Dietary Cannabis. The creator of this plant, Dr. William Courtney, was a physician from Northern California.
On a trip to Spain, he picked up some Cannatonic seeds from the cannabis company, Resin Seeds. His intention was to take them home and develop a new strain for juicing. More specifically, his focus was on the fan leaves of the plant because this is where high concentrations of the raw, non-decarboxylated cannabinoids like CBDa, CBGa, THCa live.
This is one very important element of the plant, especially for those looking for medicinal benefits of raw cannabinoids, who also juice or make smoothies for health reasons. But, the flower on the plant is popular and valued as well for its large concentrations of CBD. It’s up to 19% in some cases.
Those who smoke it or decarboxylate and infuse the buds into oil, experience a unique set of benefits as well, which we’ll discuss in the ‘Effects’ section below.
Furthermore, the genetics of this strain resulted from the cross of Cannatonic and a Ruderalis. Crossing these two resulted in a 50/50 hybrid with equal amounts of Indica and Sativa genetics. And although the Cannatonic strain can produce large levels of THC, the ACDC strain has a 20:1 ratio of CBD to THC.
Appearance & Aroma
The buds of the ACDC plant are tight, compact, and a bit fluffy. And they’re also small to medium in size compared to other nugs, because of its Ruderalis genetics. But don’t let the size fool you, they may appear small, but they pack a mighty punch in potency and have a divine aroma.
When you hold ACDC flower in your hand and analyze its features from all angles, you’ll notice its majestic beauty. The buds are colored in light and bright green hues with warm, rustic orange-colored pistols (tiny hairs) weaving in and out of the buds. Plus, they’re adorned with shining white crystals or trichomes that not only give the flower a gorgeous appearance but let you know how potent they are.
As for the aroma, this is another stand-out feature of the strain. A skillfully cured bud will have insatiable herbaceous, piney, and peppery flavors with subtle notes of skunk and wood. All of this depends on the development of the terpene profile. And how strong each of the individual aromas come through.
Effects
Many will look at the genetic profile to get a glimpse into the effects of ACDC, such as its Indica or Sativa dominance. But, when it comes to the experience of smoking or consuming a strain, the cannabinoid and terpene profiles are largely at play here.
So, the high levels of CBD along with trace amounts of CBG and Delta 9-THC in this strain matter. Also, the combination of the terpenes myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool has a lot to do with how you’ll feel.
Those who’ve experienced the strain say it helps with stress, anxiety (because of CBDs anxiolytic properties), and focus. Even more, other users report feeling an internal calm, a balanced mood, were able to concentrate better and felt the effects work as a mild sedative.
Furthermore, because of the high concentration of cannabidiol, this is also a very attractive and helpful strain for medical patients.
Feedback from users says it offsets the negative side effects of chemo, reduces pain in their body, and helps with PTSD symptoms, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. Another major benefit of legalized cannabis products, like ACDC, is its role in providing an alternative. An alternative to conventional norms, like alcohol for instance.
Sometimes people turn to alcohol as a way to self-medicate, to block out their pain, suppress their emotions, turn off the frightening visions. This isn’t unusual, this is becoming more of the norm. People want and need to function on some level, so they do what they have to do. But, this is no way to live.
This isn’t a viable approach to health and wellbeing. Alcohol is a low vibrational drug that only takes you further down the rabbit hole. Plant medicine, however, such as the ACDC strain, has therapeutic properties. These properties work to nurture and uplift, rather than hindering your healing progress.
This is why people who start smoking cannabis or consuming it via a tincture or edible get relief. They don’t wake up with hangovers and depression. Hemp brings balance and wholeness back to a body and mind that’s frustrated, sad, beaten down, and fatigued.
It works with the body to create peace and harmony, to restore the balance that once was, and to make life livable again. Not only livable but enjoyable. And we all deserve that.
Growing info
You can grow this strain indoors or out, but if you live in a colder climate the flowering time could take a little longer. On average this stage of the growing process takes about 9 to 10 weeks. Because of its Ruderalis genetics, the plants don’t reach really tall heights.
At full maturity, they only reach a few feet in height, which works very well in a limited grow room, tent, or closet. However, the plants do grow wide and bushy, so you’ll need adequate horizontal space to accommodate this kind of growth.
Two very important things to note, if you’re considering growing ACDC at home. One is the need for minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. Also, the plant doesn’t have a natural resistance to pests, so pest control measures need to be part of the ‘grow plan’.
Tasting notes
The tasting notes are similar to the aroma of the strain. Given the terpene levels, the most prominent taste when smoking ACDC is a sweet, earthy flavor with notes of pine and pepper. And just like the smell of the buds, some skunky and woodsy notes can come through on the inhale and exhale.
Who can benefit from using ACDC?
Anyone with high anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by the stressors of the world, burned out, or in need of a deeply relaxing night of sleep can benefit from a nice fat ACDC joint.
It’s also a great medical strain that has been used by patients with epilepsy, cancer, PTSD, and pain.
Besides knowing what this plant can do on a specific level, it’s good to think about this plant in another light. Having this strain in your stash or medicine cabinet isn’t only beneficial for the times you’re struggling with pain, sleep, or anxiety. You can think of it as general wellness, taking a preventative approach to your health and feeling good each and every single day.