ACDC | Cannabis Strain Review & Effects
Also known as: AC/DC, Alternative Cannabinoid Dietary Cannabis
Cannatonic phenotype
ACDC is a hybrid strain (Cannatonic phenotype) with THC levels of 0.5-6%. It features a Myrcene-dominant terpene profile and is known for calm and clarity. Best used during any time of day.
CBD
15-24%
THC
0.5-6%
Best Time
Primary Effects
Flavor Notes
Earthy, Sweet, Woody, Cherry
Aroma
Earthy and sweet with woody pine and subtle cherry notes
Research Sources
29 peer-reviewed studies
Verified Via
PubMed / DOI
Evidence
Research-Backed
Updated
December 2025
What is ACDC?
ACDC is a hybrid strain (Cannatonic phenotype) with THC levels of 0.5-6%. It features a Myrcene-dominant terpene profile and is known for calm and clarity. Best used during any time of day.
About ACDC Strain
ACDC is a CBD-dominant phenotype of Cannatonic, often testing at 20:1 CBD:THC ratios. With minimal psychoactive effects, ACDC has become a cornerstone strain for medical users seeking CBD benefits without intoxication. Its balanced terpene profile including myrcene and pinene may support both relaxation and mental clarity.
Related Reading
Terpene Profile
Primary research: Anti-inflammatory
Concentration Levels
Cannabinoid Profile
Therapeutic Profile Matches
Based on ACDC's terpene and cannabinoid profile, it may be well-suited for these therapeutic applications:
muscle spasms
- High myrcene content supports muscle spasms & spasticity
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports muscle spasms & spasticity
epilepsy
- high cbd ratio matches profile
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports epilepsy & seizures
- Best used anytime, aligning with condition needs
chronic pain
- High myrcene content supports chronic pain
- Best used anytime, aligning with condition needs
migraines
- High myrcene content supports migraines & headaches
- Best used anytime, aligning with condition needs
anxiety
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports anxiety
- Best used anytime, aligning with condition needs
Match scores are theoretical
These scores are based on terpene/cannabinoid research and do not guarantee specific effects. Individual responses vary significantly. Always consult a healthcare provider.
- 1
Surendran S, et al. Myrcene-What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Frontiers in Nutrition. 2021
Comprehensive review: β-myrcene may potentiate the anti-nociceptive properties of cannabinoids.
- 2
Johnson MB, et al. The Effects of β-myrcene on Simulated Driving and Divided Attention: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Pilot Study Cannabis. 2023
Found myrcene alone did not significantly impair simulated driving performance.
- 3
do Vale TG, et al. Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) n.e. Brown Phytomedicine. 2002
Demonstrated dose-dependent sedative and motor-relaxant effects of myrcene in mice.
- 4
Lorenzetti BB, et al. Myrcene mimics the peripheral analgesic activity of lemongrass tea Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1991
Found peripheral analgesic activity in animal models.
- 5
Liktor-Busa E, et al. Analgesic Potential of Terpenes Derived from Cannabis sativa Pharmacological Reviews. 2021
Comprehensive review of cannabis terpene analgesic effects including myrcene.
- 6
Perry NS, et al. In-vitro inhibition of human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase by salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil and constituent terpenes Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2000
Pinene and other terpenes inhibit AChE with memory implications.
- 7
Ding Y, et al. Eucalyptol, limonene and pinene enteric capsules attenuate airway inflammation and obstruction in lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic bronchitis rat model via TLR4 signaling inhibition Phytomedicine. 2024
Pinene attenuates airway inflammation and obstruction.
- 8
Nam SY, et al. The therapeutic efficacy of α-pinene in an experimental mouse model of allergic rhinitis International Immunopharmacology. 2014
α-Pinene reduced IgE-mediated allergic inflammation.
- 9
Salehi B, et al. Therapeutic Potential of α- and β-Pinene: A Miracle Gift of Nature Biomolecules. 2019
Most comprehensive review of pinene pharmacology.
- 10
Gertsch J, et al. β-Caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2008
Landmark paper: BCP directly activates CB2 receptors.
- 11
Klauke AL, et al. The cannabinoid CB2 receptor-selective phytocannabinoid beta-caryophyllene exerts analgesic effects in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain European Journal of Pain. 2014
Showed dual mechanism for neuropathic pain relief.
- 12
Bahi A, et al. β-Caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist produces multiple behavioral changes relevant to anxiety and depression in mice Physiology & Behavior. 2014
BCP reduced anxiety via CB2 receptor activation.
- 13
Horvath B, et al. β-Caryophyllene ameliorates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in a cannabinoid 2 receptor-dependent manner Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 2012
BCP reduced inflammation markers and oxidative stress.
- 14
Tambe Y, et al. Gastric cytoprotection of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene, beta-caryophyllene Planta Medica. 1996
BCP protected gastric mucosa in ulcer models.
- 15
Silvestro S, et al. Molecular Targets of Cannabidiol in Experimental Models of Neurological Disease Molecules. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD's therapeutic applications and molecular targets.
- 16
Thiele EA, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial Lancet. 2018
Phase III trial leading to FDA approval of Epidiolex.
- 17
Devinsky O, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial Lancet Neurology. 2016
Open-label trial showing 36.5% reduction in seizures.
- 18
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series Permanente Journal. 2019
79.2% of patients reported reduced anxiety within first month.
- 19
Bergamaschi MM, et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011
CBD reduced anxiety in simulated public speaking test.
- 20
Burstein S. Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2015
Review of CBD's anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- 21
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series Permanente Journal. 2019
66.7% of patients reported improved sleep in this anxiety and sleep study.
- 22
Urits I, et al. Use of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of chronic pain Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD for chronic pain management.
- 23
Gaoni Y, Mechoulam R. Isolation, structure, and partial synthesis of an active constituent of hashish Journal of the American Chemical Society. 1964. doi:10.1021/ja01062a046
Landmark paper first identifying and synthesizing THC.
- 24
Whiting PF, et al. Cannabinoids for medical use: A systematic review and meta-analysis JAMA. 2015
Comprehensive review finding moderate evidence for chronic pain.
- 25
Aviram J, Samuelly-Leichtag G. Efficacy of Cannabis-Based Medicines for Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Pain Physician. 2017
Systematic review of clinical trials for neuropathic pain.
- 26
Lutge EE, et al. The medical use of cannabis for reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV/AIDS Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013
Systematic review of cannabis for HIV/AIDS symptoms including appetite.
- 27
Smith LA, et al. Cannabinoids for nausea and vomiting in adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015
High-quality evidence for CINV efficacy.
- 28
Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 2020
Review of THC effects on sleep architecture.
- 29
Novotna A, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, enriched-design study of nabiximols (Sativex), as add-on therapy, in subjects with refractory spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis European Journal of Neurology. 2011
Phase III trial showing efficacy for MS spasticity.
Research Verification
All citations link directly to PubMed or the original source. You can verify any claim by clicking the reference link. Learn more about how we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ACDC get you high?
ACDC produces minimal to no psychoactive effects due to its high CBD:THC ratio (often 20:1 or higher). Most users experience calm and clarity without intoxication, making it suitable for work and daily activities.
What is ACDC used for medically?
ACDC is commonly used for pain, anxiety, inflammation, and epilepsy symptoms. Its high CBD content provides therapeutic benefits while the low THC allows for clear-headed functioning.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Hybrid
- Genetics
- Cannatonic phenotype
- Breeder
- Resin Seeds
- Genetic Family
- CBD-Rich Family
- Best Time of Use
- Any Time
- Availability
- moderate
- Grow Difficulty
- moderate
Dominant Terpene
Myrcene
Earthy, musky, clove-like
Want to try ACDC? Get your medical marijuana card today.
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Educational Information
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis products.
Strain Variability
Profiles vary between batches, growers, and growing conditions. Always check lab test results for the specific product you're purchasing.
Beyond Indica/Sativa
Effects are better predicted by cannabinoid and terpene profiles than strain classification. Focus on the chemistry, not the label.
Understanding Therapeutic Profiles
Learn how terpenes and cannabinoids work together to create each strain's unique effects and therapeutic potential through the entourage effect.
Learn About Therapeutic Profiles