Sativa

Harlequin | Cannabis Strain Review & Effects

Colombian Gold x Thai x Swiss Landrace x Nepali Indica

Harlequin is a sativa strain (Colombian Gold x Thai x Swiss Landrace x Nepali Indica) with THC levels of 4-7%. It features a Myrcene-dominant terpene profile and is known for clarity and relaxation. Best used during any time of day.

CBD

8-16%

THC

4-7%

Best Time

Any Time

Primary Effects

ClarityRelaxationFocusMild Euphoria

Flavor Notes

Earthy, Mango, Sweet, Musky

Aroma

Earthy mango sweetness with musky undertones

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 Harlequin?

Harlequin is a sativa strain (Colombian Gold x Thai x Swiss Landrace x Nepali Indica) with THC levels of 4-7%. It features a Myrcene-dominant terpene profile and is known for clarity and relaxation. Best used during any time of day.

About Harlequin Strain

Harlequin is a sativa-dominant CBD strain known for its reliable 5:2 CBD:THC ratio. This balanced cannabinoid profile provides mild relaxation with clear-headed focus, making it an excellent introduction to cannabis for new users or those sensitive to THC. The strain's landrace genetics from four different regions contribute to its complex, stable profile.

Related Reading

Terpene Profile

Myrceneprimary
Earthy, musky, clove-like~0.48%

Primary research: Sedation & Relaxation

Pineneprimary
Fresh pine, forest, evergreen~0.42%

Primary research: Mental Clarity

Spicy, peppery, woody, clove-like~0.28%

Primary research: Anti-inflammatory

Concentration Levels

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

Cannabinoid Profile

8-16%

Seizure Reduction

THCPsychoactive

4-7%

Pain Relief

Therapeutic Profile Matches

Based on Harlequin'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

anxiety

58%
Moderate Match
  • cbd dominant ratio matches profile
  • High beta-caryophyllene content supports anxiety
  • 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

inflammation

55%
Moderate Match
  • High pinene content supports inflammation
  • cbd dominant ratio matches profile
  • 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.

  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.

  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.

  4. 4

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

    Found peripheral analgesic activity in animal models.

  5. 5

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

    Investigated pain-modulating mechanisms in animal studies.

  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.

  7. 7

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

    α-Pinene showed bronchodilator activity in humans.

  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.

  9. 9

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

    Most comprehensive review of pinene pharmacology.

  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.

  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.

  12. 12

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

    BCP reduced anxiety via CB2 receptor activation.

  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.

  14. 14

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

    BCP protected gastric mucosa in ulcer models.

  15. 15

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

    Comprehensive review of CBD's therapeutic applications.

  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.

  17. 17

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

    Open-label trial showing 36.5% reduction in seizures.

  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.

  19. 19

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

    CBD reduced anxiety in simulated public speaking test.

  20. 20

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

    Review of CBD's anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

  21. 21

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

    66.7% of patients reported improved sleep.

  22. 22

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

    Review of CBD's analgesic mechanisms.

  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.

  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.

  25. 25

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

    Review of clinical trials for neuropathic pain.

  26. 26

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

    Systematic review of appetite stimulation evidence.

  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.

  28. 28

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

    Review of THC effects on sleep architecture.

  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.

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

What is the CBD:THC ratio in Harlequin?

Harlequin typically maintains a 5:2 CBD:THC ratio, meaning it has about 2.5 times more CBD than THC. This creates mild, manageable effects with therapeutic benefits.

Is Harlequin good for anxiety?

Many users find Harlequin helpful for anxiety due to its CBD content, which may buffer THC's potential anxiety-inducing effects. The clear-headed experience makes it suitable for daytime use.

Quick Facts

Type
Sativa
Genetics
Colombian Gold x Thai x Swiss Landrace x Nepali Indica
Breeder
Mr. Green
Genetic Family
CBD-Rich Family
Best Time of Use
Any Time
Availability
moderate
Grow Difficulty
moderate

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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