HARLEQUIN, CANNATONIC, & HIGH-CBD CANNABIS

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most common cannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant. CBD is non-psychoactive, but produces a wide range of medicinal effects. Until recently, CBD was virtually impossible to find within medical cannabis varieties in the United States. In Europe, the Hortapharm team, and later GW Pharmaceuticals, were the first to recognize the incredible value of CBD. In the U.S., Martin Lee, Fred Gardner, and Sarah Russo helped to lead the search for high-CBD cultivars and promote their use through Project CBD. This non-profit was specifically established by Lee and Gardner to encourage the broader dissemination of CBD cultivars.

Within a year, over a dozen varieties had been identified. Within two years, Harlequin, Sour Tsunami, Omrita Rx, Cannatonic, and others became available at a few dispensaries in California and Colorado. Cuttings were also being distributed of Harlequin and Cannatonic. By late 2012, the first nearly pure CBD cultivars began to emerge, including a Cannatonic C6 with a 35 to one CBD to THC ratio, also called ACDC.