Acapulco Gold Strain & Growing Info

Acapulco Gold may be one of the most famous cannabis strains ever discovered. This Central American strain became so popular in cannabis culture that it inspired names of movies, songs and mentioned in lyrics. The name “Acapulco Gold” became synonymous with high quality cannabis and if it wasn’t for this plant’s genetics… we wouldn’t have strains like Skunk No 1 which has been used to make many other types of cannabis.

Acapulco Gold Strain Lineage & Appearance

Acapulco Gold is one of those cannabis strains that has been around so long that very few people (if any) know about it’s genetic lineage. What we do know is that this strain originated in Acapulco Mexico and that it’s a potent sativa with high THC. The flowers even have a golden appearance to them with gold and brown hues making them look like golden nuggets with a shiny trichome frosting.

While very little about the Acapulco Gold strain genetics is known, it has proven it’s strength and resilience to the elements and immunity to a variety of different diseases and parasites. Whatever strains created this particular cannabis plant, they evolved to ensure that it grows well outside and to be protected from outside attacks. Using the genetics from this Acapulco strain to create other strong cannabis strains with a variety of benefits would also be a good use of this plant.

Acapulco Gold Strain Flavors & Aroma

The smell of Acapulco Gold is like a combination of burnt toffee and butterscotch while the flavor is very similar to nutmeg. Being that Acapulco Gold is a sativa, those flavors and smell are great vibes for camping and outdoor activities especially in the fall and winter months. Beyond the nutmeg flavor, the flavors of Acapulco Gold have been described as spicy, woody, citrus and coffee. The combination of terpenes in this strain is responsible for those unique flavors.

Acapulco Gold Strain Effects & Side Effects

Acapulco Gold is a potent sativa that’s between 75%-85% sativa. The effects are typical of a sativa strain providing focus, energy and possibly inspiration. Most users find this strain to be more functional and use it on a daily basis as they are able to stay ‘clear headed’. The side effects are also typical of sativas but some side effects may only effect those sensitive to higher levels of THC like paranoia. General side effects are like any other cannabis strain being dry mouth and dry eyes.

Benefits of Acapulco Gold Strain

Acapulco Gold is one of those functional sativa strains that helps enhance mental activity and creative flow. Its vibes are generally uplifting and happy so it’s an ideal strain for morning use and/or pairing with your coffee. In combination with the uplifting, happy vibes many users also report using this strain to help with stress, depression and anxiety. Due to it’s natural properties of providing energy, it may be used to help with feeling lethargic. Strains high in THC are also known to be beneficial in helping to increase appetite.

Acapulco Gold THC & CBD Content

Depending on how well it’s grown and the individual phenotype of the strain, Acapulco Gold will often have ranging THC levels of 15-25%. So it will average around 20%-21% THC. The CBD levels in this strain are very low. Expect levels to be far less than 1% CBD. Strains that are high in THC have their own ways of being therapeutic and not just for recreational use. If you do find that the THC levels in this strain are too potent, you can help counteract the effects with CBD oil. This is one of the many reasons why cannabis plants produce both compounds. They balance each other out and on their own have their own benefits.

Acapulco Gold Cannabinoid Profile

Acapulco Gold produces the following levels of cannabinoids on average. Results are from a certified medical cannabis company based in Whistler British Columbia, Canada.

• Total THC 21.10% delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THCA 23.80% + THC 0.22%)
• Total CBD 0.05% Cannabidiol (CBDA 0.06% + CBD 0%)
• Total CBC 0.24% Cannabichromene (0.28% CBCA + 0% CBC)
• Total CBG 2.19% Cannabigerol (CBGA 2.36% + 0.12% CBG)
• Total THCV 0.15% Tetrahydrocannabivarin (0.17% THCVA + 0% THCV)
• Total Terpenes 2.27%

Acapulco Gold Strain Terpene Profile

This strain produces the following terpene profile based on an Acapulco Gold strain grown in British Columbia Canada with 21% THC.

• Terpinolene 0.78%
• Caryophyllene 0.42%
• D-Limonene 0.24%
• Myrcene 0.19%
• Beta-Ocimene 0.15%
• Humulene 0.14%
• Beta-Pinene 0.12%
• Alpha-Pinene 0.09%
• Alpha-Phellandrene 0.08%
• 3-Carene 0.06%

How to Grow Acapulco Gold Strain

Growing Acapulco Gold strain can be a bit of a challenge, especially if your trying to grow it indoors. While some growers may have figured out how to grow it indoors through trial and error, the results are usually not as good as they can be. By growing this strain outside, you can yield 3 times the amount of flower that it would produce if grown indoors. If your growing Acapulco Gold in a greenhouse, yields average 500-700 grams per plant while growing it outside can yield as much as 1000+ grams per plant.

Either way, Acapulco Gold will need plenty of overhead space since its a tall plant reaching 150cm to 200cm (5ft-6.5ft). Its also very resistant to diseases, mold and fungus due to it’s hearty genetics.

Acapulco Gold is best grown outside given its geographical origins. Its best grown in a warm and temperate climates so the closer to the equator you are the better. For all of you growers in Southern California, Acapulco Gold was made for your backyard and will thrive in that climate.

Since this strain is used to being outdoors and being battered by the elements… some low stress training (LST) of your Acapulco Gold plants will create better results. Be sure to test your soil for proper PH levels and nutrients before planting your Acapulco Gold seedling. Using fabric pots with organic potting mix will be your best medium to grow in. This way you have more control over the elements and can move the cannabis plant if you need to.

Acapulco Gold Seeds

While at one point Acapulco Gold was one of the most popular cannabis strains you could find in the 1960’s and 70’s… today it’s very hard to find at any dispensary because of it’s particular growing requirements and current laws around growing outside. Finding Acapulco Gold seeds and growing this strain at home is going to be the best way to get this strain. Even authentic Acapulco Gold seeds are hard to find so its best to order them from a grower/breeder that has been around a while that relies on their established reputation.