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Hybrid

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

Any Time

Primary Effects

CalmClarityPain ReliefFocus

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

Every claim cites peer-reviewed research
How We Research

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

Understanding Myrcene

Learn about this terpene

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Terpene Profile

Myrceneprimary
Earthy, musky, clove-like~0.52%

Primary research: Sedation & Relaxation

Pineneprimary
Fresh pine, forest, evergreen~0.45%

Primary research: Mental Clarity

Beta-Caryophyllenesecondary
Spicy, peppery, woody, clove-like~0.32%

Primary research: Anti-inflammatory

Concentration Levels

Dominant (>1.0%)
Primary (0.5-1.0%)
Secondary (0.1-0.5%)
Trace (<0.1%)

Cannabinoid Profile

CBD

15-24%

Seizure Reduction

THCPsychoactive

0.5-6%

Pain Relief

Therapeutic Profile Matches

Based on ACDC's terpene and cannabinoid profile, it may be well-suited for these therapeutic applications:

muscle spasms

59%
Moderate Match
  • High myrcene content supports muscle spasms & spasticity
  • High beta-caryophyllene content supports muscle spasms & spasticity

epilepsy

59%
Moderate Match
  • high cbd ratio matches profile
  • High beta-caryophyllene content supports epilepsy & seizures
  • Best used anytime, aligning with condition needs

chronic pain

57%
Moderate Match
  • High myrcene content supports chronic pain
  • Best used anytime, aligning with condition needs

migraines

56%
Moderate Match
  • High myrcene content supports migraines & headaches
  • Best used anytime, aligning with condition needs

anxiety

53%
Moderate Match
  • 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. 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.

    PubMed: 34368215View Source
  2. 2

    Sewell RA, et al. The Effects of β-myrcene on Simulated Driving Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2023

    Found myrcene alone did not significantly impair simulated driving performance.

    PubMed: 37126442View Source
  3. 3

    do Vale TG, et al. Sedative effects of myrcene in mice Phytomedicine. 2002

    Demonstrated dose-dependent sedative and motor-relaxant effects in mice.

    PubMed: 12587690View Source
  4. 4

    Lorenzetti BB, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of myrcene Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1991

    Found peripheral analgesic activity in animal models.

    PubMed: 1753786View Source
  5. 5

    Rao VS, et al. Antinociceptive action of myrcene Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 1990

    Investigated pain-modulating mechanisms in animal studies.

    PubMed: 1983142View Source
  6. 6

    Lee GY, et al. Alpha-pinene enhances memory via acetylcholinesterase inhibition Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders. 2017

    α-Pinene inhibited AChE and improved memory in mice.

    PubMed: 28359064View Source
  7. 7

    Falk AA, et al. Bronchodilator effects of α-pinene Xenobiotica. 1990

    α-Pinene showed bronchodilator activity in humans.

    PubMed: 2238697View Source
  8. 8

    Nam SY, et al. Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities of α-pinene Phytotherapy Research. 2014

    α-Pinene reduced IgE-mediated allergic inflammation.

    PubMed: 24227599View Source
  9. 9

    Salehi B, et al. Biological activities of α-pinene: A comprehensive review Biomolecules. 2019

    Most comprehensive review of pinene pharmacology.

    PubMed: 31443395View Source
  10. 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.

    PubMed: 18574142View Source
  11. 11

    Klauke AL, et al. β-Caryophyllene reduces neuropathic pain via CB2 and PPAR-γ European Journal of Pain. 2014

    Showed dual mechanism for neuropathic pain relief.

    PubMed: 24338862View Source
  12. 12

    Bahi A, et al. Anxiolytic-like effect of β-caryophyllene Physiology & Behavior. 2014

    BCP reduced anxiety via CB2 receptor activation.

    PubMed: 24582908View Source
  13. 13

    Horvath B, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of β-caryophyllene Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 2012

    BCP reduced inflammation markers and oxidative stress.

    PubMed: 22569421View Source
  14. 14

    Tambe Y, et al. Gastroprotective effects of β-caryophyllene Planta Medica. 1996

    BCP protected gastric mucosa in ulcer models.

    PubMed: 8923806View Source
  15. 15

    Silvestro S, et al. Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) Journal of Cellular Physiology. 2020

    Comprehensive review of CBD's therapeutic applications.

    PubMed: 31960376View Source
  16. 16

    Devinsky O, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome New England Journal of Medicine. 2018

    Phase III trial leading to FDA approval of Epidiolex.

    PubMed: 29768152View Source
  17. 17

    Devinsky O, et al. Cannabidiol for treatment-resistant epilepsy Lancet Neurology. 2016

    Open-label trial showing 36.5% reduction in seizures.

    PubMed: 26724101View Source
  18. 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.

    PubMed: 30624194View Source
  19. 19

    Bergamaschi MM, et al. CBD reduces anxiety in social anxiety disorder Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011

    CBD reduced anxiety in simulated public speaking test.

    PubMed: 21307846View Source
  20. 20

    Burstein S. Cannabidiol as an emergent therapeutic strategy for reducing inflammation Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2015

    Review of CBD's anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

    PubMed: 25997150View Source
  21. 21

    Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol for treatment of insomnia Permanente Journal. 2019

    66.7% of patients reported improved sleep.

    PubMed: 30624194View Source
  22. 22

    Boyaji S, et al. Cannabidiol for chronic pain management Current Opinion in Anesthesiology. 2020

    Review of CBD's analgesic mechanisms.

    PubMed: 32740152View Source
  23. 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.

    DOIView Source
  24. 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.

    PubMed: 26103030View Source
  25. 25

    Aviram J, Samuelly-Leichtag G. Cannabinoids for neuropathic pain Journal of Pain Research. 2017

    Review of clinical trials for neuropathic pain.

    PubMed: 28860855View Source
  26. 26

    Lutge EE, et al. Dronabinol for AIDS-related anorexia Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013

    Systematic review of appetite stimulation evidence.

    PubMed: 23539665View Source
  27. 27

    Smith LA, et al. Cannabinoids for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015

    High-quality evidence for CINV efficacy.

    PubMed: 26561338View Source
  28. 28

    Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020

    Review of THC effects on sleep architecture.

    PubMed: 31767987View Source
  29. 29

    Novotna A, et al. Nabiximols for spasticity in multiple sclerosis European Journal of Neurology. 2011

    Phase III trial showing efficacy for MS spasticity.

    PubMed: 21696543View Source

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

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Related by Genetics

Harlequin

sativa

Charlotte's Web

hybrid

Cannatonic

hybrid

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