Candyland | Cannabis Strain Review & Effects
Also known as: Candy Land
Granddaddy Purple × Platinum Cookies
Candyland is a sativa strain (Granddaddy Purple × Platinum Cookies) with THC levels of 19-24%. It features a caryophyllene-dominant terpene profile and is known for uplifted and happy. Best used during the morning.
THC
19-24%
CBD
0.1-0.2%
Best Time
Primary Effects
Flavor Notes
Sweet, Earthy, Spicy, Candy
Aroma
Sweet candy with earthy spice and subtle floral notes
Research Sources
23 peer-reviewed studies
Verified Via
PubMed / DOI
Evidence
Research-Backed
Updated
December 2025
What is Candyland?
Candyland is a sativa strain (Granddaddy Purple × Platinum Cookies) with THC levels of 19-24%. It features a caryophyllene-dominant terpene profile and is known for uplifted and happy. Best used during the morning.
About Candyland Strain
Candyland is a sativa-dominant hybrid that unexpectedly emerged from crossing indica Granddaddy Purple with Platinum Cookies. Despite its indica parentage, it delivers uplifting, energetic effects with a sweet, candy-like flavor. Winner of the 2012 KushCon and popular for its mood-enhancing properties.
Related Reading
Terpene Profile
Concentration Levels
Cannabinoid Profile
- 1
Tagen M, et al. Vaporized D-limonene selectively mitigates the acute anxiogenic effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2024
Johns Hopkins study showing limonene specifically reduces THC-induced anxiety in humans.
- 2
Vieira AJ, et al. Limonene: Aroma of innovation in health and disease Chemico-Biological Interactions. 2018
Comprehensive review of limonene's anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.
- 3
Kiecolt-Glaser JK, et al. Olfactory influences on mood and autonomic, endocrine, and immune function Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2008
Lemon scent exposure improved mood and reduced norepinephrine.
- 4
Sun J. D-Limonene: safety and clinical applications Alternative Medicine Review. 2007
D-limonene showed gastroprotective effects and clinical safety.
- 5
Rogerio AP, et al. Preventive and therapeutic anti-inflammatory properties of the sesquiterpene alpha-humulene in experimental airways allergic inflammation British Journal of Pharmacology. 2009
α-Humulene reduced airway inflammation via NF-κB inhibition.
- 6
Fernandes ES, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of compounds alpha-humulene and (-)-trans-caryophyllene isolated from the essential oil of Cordia verbenacea European Journal of Pharmacology. 2007
α-Humulene showed anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects.
- 7
Fiorini D, et al. Pharmacological review of α-humulene Phytochemistry Reviews. 2024. doi:10.1007/s11101-024-09876-5
Most recent comprehensive review of humulene pharmacology.
- 8
Legault J, Dahl W, et al. Antitumor activity of balsam fir oil: production of reactive oxygen species induced by alpha-humulene as possible mechanism of action Planta Medica. 2003
α-Humulene showed antitumor activity via ROS production.
- 9
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.
- 10
Whiting PF, et al. Cannabinoids for medical use: A systematic review and meta-analysis JAMA. 2015
Comprehensive review finding moderate evidence for chronic pain.
- 11
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.
- 12
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.
- 13
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.
- 14
Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 2020
Review of THC effects on sleep architecture.
- 15
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.
- 16
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.
- 17
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.
- 18
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.
- 19
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.
- 20
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.
- 21
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.
- 22
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.
- 23
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.
Research Verification
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is Candyland a sativa if GDP is the parent?
Candyland demonstrates how hybrid genetics can surprise breeders. Despite Granddaddy Purple's indica effects, the cross with Platinum Cookies produced sativa-dominant phenotypes with uplifting effects.
What awards has Candyland won?
Candyland won the 2012 KushCon and has been recognized at multiple cannabis competitions for its unique flavor profile and uplifting effects.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Sativa
- Genetics
- Granddaddy Purple × Platinum Cookies
- Breeder
- Ken Estes
- Best Time of Use
- Morning
- Availability
- moderate
- Grow Difficulty
- moderate
Dominant Terpene
caryophyllene
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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