- ACDC is a hybrid Hybrid strain originating from USA (Western US), dating back to 2011.
- Lab tests place its THC content at approximately 0.5-2%.
- Its lineage runs through Cannatonic phenotype (Ruderalis hybrid x MK Ultra), making it a key reference point for breeders.
- Understanding its ancestry explains both its flavour profile and its characteristic effects.
- Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene — driving its signature aroma and effects.
About ACDC
ACDC is a high-CBD, low-THC phenotype of Cannatonic, bred by crossing a Ruderalis-hybrid with MK Ultra. The plants grow moderately tall with dense, crystal-covered buds. The aroma is sweet and earthy with pine, floral, and woody undertones with subtle citrus notes. The flavor is mild and smooth with sweet earth, pine, and herbal notes. The effects are what make ACDC truly special: minimal psychoactivity due to its 20:1 CBD:THC ratio, providing relaxation, mental clarity, and effective symptom relief without intoxication. ACDC became the standard-bearer for the high-CBD movement in America, proving that cannabis could deliver profound medical benefits without the 'high' that many patients wished to avoid.
Flavor Profile
The Story & Lineage Origin
ACDC emerged as a phenotype of Cannatonic, a strain originally bred by Spanish seed company Resin Seeds as a high-CBD cross (G13 Haze x Ruderalis hybrid). The ACDC phenotype was discovered by American cultivators who recognized its extraordinary cannabinoid profile and stabilized the cut for medical use.
ACDC gained national attention around 2011-2012 as the high-CBD movement gained momentum, becoming the go-to strain for patients seeking symptom relief without psychoactive effects. The strain was particularly popular for treating epilepsy, chronic pain, anxiety, and inflammation.
ACDC's success was instrumental in changing the public conversation around cannabis, demonstrating that the plant's therapeutic value extended far beyond THC intoxication. It remains one of the most important medical strains in modern cannabis history.
Seeds & Availability
ACDC was bred by Resin Seeds (original Cannatonic), Stabilized by US cultivators. Official seed packs from the breeder and authorized retailers sell out fast and are frequently counterfeited — verify pack authenticity (breeder logo, batch codes) before buying, and expect phenotype variation between packs.
Genetic Background
Cannatonic (G13 Haze x Ruderalis hybrid) — phenotype selected for high-CBD, low-THC expression
Phenotypes & Cultivars
ACDC is available in the following phenotypes and cultivars:
Terpene Profile
ACDC is dominated by Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene. These compounds shape the strain's aroma, flavor, and reported effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the THC percentage of ACDC?
ACDC typically tests at 0.5-2% THC content in lab results, though actual potency varies by phenotype, growing conditions, and harvest. The balanced hybrid effects make it versatile for different tolerance levels.
Is ACDC a sativa or indica?
ACDC is a hybrid cannabis strain (Hybrid). Bred from Cannatonic phenotype (Ruderalis hybrid x MK Ultra), its effects lean on a balanced hybrid experience. Users report: Relaxed, clear-headed, calm, focused, reduced anxiety, minimal psychoactivity.
ACDC strain review — what to expect
ACDC is known for Relaxed, clear-headed, calm, focused, reduced anxiety, minimal psychoactivity. The most famous high-CBD strain in modern cannabis. A Cannatonic phenotype with an extraordinary 20:1 CBD-to-THC ratio, ACDC revolutionized medical cannabis by delivering therapeutic effects without psychoactive intoxication. The aroma profile features sweet earth, pine, floral, woody, subtle citrus. Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene.
What are the phenotypes of ACDC?
ACDC expresses several phenotypes and cuts, including ACDC, ACDC pheno. The dominant phenotypes often show subtle differences in structure, flowering time, color expression, and terpene balance while sharing the same core genetics.
What is ACDC crossed from?
ACDC was bred from Cannatonic phenotype (Ruderalis hybrid x MK Ultra). Detailed ancestry: Cannatonic (G13 Haze x Ruderalis hybrid) — phenotype selected for high-CBD, low-THC expression. This cross produces the strain's characteristic effects, terpene profile, and growth pattern.
What terpenes are in ACDC?
ACDC is dominated by Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene. These aromatic compounds shape the strain's signature flavor, aroma, and contribute to its reported effects through the entourage effect.
How much does ACDC yield and how long does it flower?
ACDC has a flowering time of 9-10 weeks and produces medium yields. Plants reach medium to tall height, making it better suited for larger grow spaces with vertical room.
What is ACDC and where does it come from?
ACDC is a hybrid cannabis strain that originates from USA (Western US). It belongs to the 2010s era of cannabis genetics. The most famous high-CBD strain in modern cannabis. A Cannatonic phenotype with an extraordinary 20:1 CBD-to-THC ratio, ACDC revolutionized medical cannabis by delivering therapeutic effects without psychoactive intoxication.
What is the genetic background of ACDC?
ACDC has the following ancestry: Cannatonic (G13 Haze x Ruderalis hybrid) — phenotype selected for high-CBD, low-THC expression.
Is ACDC indica or sativa?
ACDC is a hybrid cannabis strain. Learn how in indica vs sativa classification differs in our strain guide.
What does ACDC smell and taste like?
ACDC has a Sweet earth, pine, floral, woody, subtle citrus aroma, with flavors described as Sweet earth, pine, herbaceous, floral, mild wood. Its dominant terpenes are Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene.
What are the effects of ACDC?
Users report Relaxed, clear-headed, calm, focused, reduced anxiety, minimal psychoactivity.
Recommended Lineage & Breeding Guides
Deepen your understanding of ACDC's genetics and history with our editorial research:
Medical Applications
ACDC is commonly associated with: