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
Primary Effects
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
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
Primary research: Anti-inflammatory
Concentration Levels
Cannabinoid Profile
Therapeutic Profile Matches
Based on Harlequin'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
anxiety
- cbd dominant ratio matches profile
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports anxiety
- 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
inflammation
- 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
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
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
do Vale TG, et al. Sedative effects of myrcene in mice Phytomedicine. 2002
Demonstrated dose-dependent sedative and motor-relaxant effects in mice.
- 4
Lorenzetti BB, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of myrcene Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1991
Found peripheral analgesic activity in animal models.
- 5
Rao VS, et al. Antinociceptive action of myrcene Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 1990
Investigated pain-modulating mechanisms in animal studies.
- 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
Falk AA, et al. Bronchodilator effects of α-pinene Xenobiotica. 1990
α-Pinene showed bronchodilator activity in humans.
- 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
Salehi B, et al. Biological activities of α-pinene: A comprehensive review 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. β-Caryophyllene reduces neuropathic pain via CB2 and PPAR-γ European Journal of Pain. 2014
Showed dual mechanism for neuropathic pain relief.
- 12
Bahi A, et al. Anxiolytic-like effect of β-caryophyllene Physiology & Behavior. 2014
BCP reduced anxiety via CB2 receptor activation.
- 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
Tambe Y, et al. Gastroprotective effects of β-caryophyllene Planta Medica. 1996
BCP protected gastric mucosa in ulcer models.
- 15
Silvestro S, et al. Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) Journal of Cellular Physiology. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD's therapeutic applications.
- 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
Devinsky O, et al. Cannabidiol for treatment-resistant epilepsy 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. CBD reduces anxiety in social anxiety disorder Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011
CBD reduced anxiety in simulated public speaking test.
- 20
Burstein S. Cannabidiol as an emergent therapeutic strategy for reducing inflammation Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2015
Review of CBD's anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- 21
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol for treatment of insomnia Permanente Journal. 2019
66.7% of patients reported improved sleep.
- 22
Boyaji S, et al. Cannabidiol for chronic pain management Current Opinion in Anesthesiology. 2020
Review of CBD's analgesic mechanisms.
- 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. Cannabinoids for neuropathic pain Journal of Pain Research. 2017
Review of clinical trials for neuropathic pain.
- 26
Lutge EE, et al. Dronabinol for AIDS-related anorexia Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013
Systematic review of appetite stimulation evidence.
- 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
Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020
Review of THC effects on sleep architecture.
- 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
Dominant Terpene
Myrcene
Earthy, musky, clove-like
Want to try Harlequin? Get your medical marijuana card today.
Get Your CardRelated by Genetics
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