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Acapulco Gold

Acapulco Gold is one of the highly sought-after sativa-dominant strains and is considered a cult classic. It originates from Acapulco, Mexico, and was popularized in America in the ’60s, becoming well known for its potent high and euphoric effects.

This strain has a relatively high THC content, ranging from 18% to 25%. However, its CBD levels are practically nonexistent. Acapulco Gold may be useful for managing anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue.

Experienced users feel a joyful, energizing high, making it popular for morning or daytime use. However, novices must be aware that its potent effects may be overwhelming and should approach this strain cautiously.

Acapulco Gold is a popular strain, considered by many as being “top-shelf” or “connoisseur cannabis.” Many users enjoy its energizing, euphoric effects, so much so that it earned its place on High Times magazine’s Greatest Strains of all Time list. Its name is a nod to its beginnings in Acapulco, Mexico, while the “Gold” in its name is due to its golden brown buds.

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Cannabinoids

Tetrahydrocannabinol

THC

18%-25%

Cannabidiol

1

1%

Strain types

  • 20%Indica
  • 80%Sativa

Aromas

  • Coffee
  • Honey
  • Wood

Flavors

  • Pungent
  • Earthy

Terpenes

The terpenes in Acapulco Gold give rise to the strains’ potential therapeutic effects, which are highly sought-after.

  • Myrcene

  • Beta-Caryophyllene

  • Pinene

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are not currently tested for in individual cannabis strains, so the flavonoid content of Acapulco Gold is unknown. However, it will contain the flavonoids in all cannabis varieties: cannflavins A, B, and C.

Effects

Acapulco Golds has been reported to have the following effects:

  • Energizing
  • Euphoria
  • Clarity
  • Motivating
  • Focus

The following adverse effects have also been reported:

  • Paranoia
  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety
  • Dry Mouth
  • Dry Eyes

Acapulco Gold is highly sought after for a good reason. Users experience one of the purest sativa highs known to cannabis. The high experienced is both motivating and energizing. The powerful cerebral high makes many feel euphoric and clear-headed. This makes Acapulco Gold a popular morning or daytime option. The high lasts around two hours or more for people with lower tolerance levels.

Medical Applications

Although this strain is often used among recreational users, it can also be therapeutic. Acapulco Gold’s euphoric and uplifting effects may also be good for people with depression. It’s essential, though, to consider the potent high experienced with this strain when deciding on using it for medicinal purposes.
closeup of acapulco gold nug
Depression

Acapulco Gold has uplifting and euphoric effects that may be useful for managing depression when used in low doses.

Organ Systems

  • Brain & Nervous System
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

THC can blunt the effects of cortisol on stress receptors over time, meaning it can reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia associated with PTSD.

Organ Systems

  • Mental / Emotional

Dosing

Acapulco Gold has high THC levels, so those choosing to utilize this strain for anxiety and/or depression should take their time on it and go slow and low. If inhaling, only take a puff or two, see how you feel, then redose 20 minutes later if you feel you need more. You will need to find your “therapeutic zone,” where the cannabinoids have a positive effect without overly intoxicating.

If you are dosing via tincture or edible, a good starting dose is between 2.5 mg and 5.0 mg. Sublingual and edible administration can be more powerful and long-lasting than inhalation, and even seasoned experts can find their effects overwhelming. However, it is also generally easier to dose tinctures and edibles with greater precision, as smoked or vaped flowers are not easy to dose for their cannabinoid content accurately.

It is also worth remembering that everyone is different, and so what works for one person may not work for another, even if they are using cannabis for the same reasons. Individual differences in a person’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) mean that a particular type of cannabis may work for you but not necessarily someone else (and vice-versa).

Growing

Acapulco Gold is relatively difficult to grow as no clear guidelines are available. However, the strain has grown best in conditions resembling its indigenous Mexican climate.

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Height

If grown indoors, the plant reaches up to 3.6 feet tall. However, the plant can be grown outdoors, where it grows significantly taller, up to 6.6 feet. Therefore, many prefer to grow this plant outdoors to maximize its growth potential.

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Humidity and Temperature

Acapulco Gold grows best in conditions similar to its origins in Acapulco, Mexico: a warm and humid climate. The minimum humidity is around 40%, and can tolerate up to 85%. The strain also enjoys high temperatures of between 68 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Flowering

The Acapulco Gold flowering time is around 60-75 days. The strain has a long growing season and will be ready to be harvested around mid-October, depending on growth conditions. When ready for harvest, it produces average yields of around 17 ounces per square meter and up to 53 ounces per plant if grown outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s Acapulco Gold good for?

Acapulco Gold is good for those experienced users looking for an enjoyable, energetic high. It’s a good strain to kick-start the morning with or to enjoy during the day due to its energetic effects. Although it is a hard-hitting strain, which is highly sought after in recreational use settings, it has the potential for therapeutic effects. It may help combat some symptoms of depression due to its euphoric effects.

Is Acapulco Gold an indica or a sativa?

Acapulco Gold is predominantly a sativa strain, testing at around 80% sativa and just 20% indica.

How does Acapulco Gold make you feel?

Acapulco Gold makes users feel euphoric and energized. Many users enjoy this potent high, making it a sought-after sativa variety in the industry. However, inexperienced users may be overwhelmed by its potent high and feel negative side effects, including anxiety and mild paranoia.

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