Get to Know Your Favorite Strain | Candyland

A heavy-hitting lineage, candy-like aroma, AND stimulating effects? Discover the compounds driving the sweet, fruity aroma of the Candyland strain!

The Candyland strain sounds innocent, but this cross between Granddaddy Purple (GDP) and Bay Platinum Cookies is more like 3D Chess than a lighthearted game of Catan. Fortunately, with its potent euphoria and SWEET flavors, you’re a winner every time you play Candyland.

Ken Estes, the same cultivator who brought us Granddaddy Purple, wanted a version with better mold resistance that was more suited for daytime use. He crossed a male GDP with a female Bay Platinum Cookies, resulting in a strain that’s sweeter, easier to grow, and with “nice, deep veins of purple.”¹

In a 2018 interview with Skunk, he even said it was the strain he was most proud of next to Granddaddy Purp.² Sure, Oregon included it on their list of banned strain names in 2016 saying its similarity to the “child’s board game by Hasbro” would appeal to children.³ However, if we’re being honest, that only makes us want it more!

Read on and learn about the compounds behind Candyland’s uplifting blend of earthy citrus and berries.

Candyland | Terpene Profile

Also known as Kandyland, this cultivar has shockingly sweet notes of berries and citrus. First, those “candy” notes hit hard, followed by a comforting base of earthy, peppery spice. That might sound overwhelming, but the overall experience is smooth, sweet, and leaves you wanting more.

None of that would be possible, however, without the unique combination of aromatic compounds like dominant terpenes β-Caryophyllene, Cadinene, and d-Limonene.

The beta-Caryophyllene isolate is responsible for the spicy, peppery taste of black pepper and the woodsy smell of clove oil, basil, hops, oregano, rosemary, and true cinnamon.

Unlike beta-Caryophyllene, much less is known about the terpene isolate Cadinene. Its aroma is fresh and has a woody, herbal quality (think patchouli) with slight elements of vetiver and mint. It’s also dominant in other exotic cannabis profiles like Zen and Blueberry Muffin.

Today, we know cannabis flavorants like Tropicannasulfurs play a significant role in tropical citrus aromas. However, that doesn’t mean d-Limonene doesn’t still perform some heavy lifting in the sweet citrus notes of Candyland. This terpene is often found in fruits like lemons, limes, grapefruits, oranges, etc.

Want the details about what’s driving tropical, citrus cannabis aromas? Read all about it in The Science of Exotic Cannabis III: The Trio of Tropicanna!

In all honesty, we’re never done analyzing! With our recent flavorant discoveries, we’ve begun identifying more nuanced compounds like isopropyl butyrate and isobutyl hexanoate. These sweet esters were identified early in our analysis of fruity strains like Papaya, and we’re curious if they play a role in Candylands' iconic sweet aroma.

We’re always collecting data to create the most accurate profiles of your favorite cultivars. Speaking of data...

Candyland | Terplytics

Our proprietary Terplytics system is the next generation of cannabis analytics. It allows us to deliver the most advanced botanical testing for exploratory research, sensory quantification, strain validation, product development, and consumer insights. It’s also how we developed the Exotic Factor and the Loud Factor.

TERPLYTICS

EXOTIC FACTOR: 93%

LOUD FACTOR: 66%

The Exotic Factor measures the intensity of exotic flavors and aromas — sweet, fruity, or creamy notes. We don’t know about you, but that definitely sounds like Candyland! Exotic profiles can be found in both sativa and indica cultivars, and the compounds that contribute to these aromas are typically esters, alcohols, and/or aldehydes. 

Other cultivars with high Exotic Factors include Blue Dream, FPOG, GDP, Jelly Rancher, Orange Apricot, and more.

The Loud Factor quantifies the pungency or “loudness” of a strain. Unlike Total Aromatics by Weight, the Loud Factor assigns scores to individual compounds based on their pungency.

This is important because some aromatic compounds, like flavorants Indole and  Skatole, are incredibly pungent even when present in small amounts (think parts per billion). That’s why simply comparing the total aromatic compounds of two strains wouldn’t tell you which one is “louder.” So, when we say a cultivar has a high Loud Factor, we have the data to back it up.

When creating the Candyland profile, we used a particularly aromatic flower sample. Through our investigative research, we’ve found that different cannabis products (resin, rosin, flower, etc.) can have different aroma and flavor properties. To capture the unique aroma of Candyland, this sample was simply the best for our analysis.

Candyland | Terpene Profile Effects

Psychoactive cannabinoids like THC are what get you high, and Candyland does boast impressive THC levels ranging from 20-24%. However, it’s the aromatic compounds that promote specific effects, which explains why cultivars with the EXACT same cannabinoid levels can promote different experiences. 

Psst! That’s also why THC levels are NOT an indicator of quality.

One cultivar may inspire an all-day board game party, another could send you straight to dreamland before you have a chance to put on pajamas. So, if you like how Candyland makes you feel, thank the combination of cannabinoids AND aromatic compounds.

While terms like indica and sativa don’t actually have anything to do with effects (they refer to plant biology), Candyland is considered a sativa. Just as Ken Estes intended, it’s way more suited for daytime use than its parent GDP. 

Candyland is stimulating and euphoric, peaceful and creative, and ideal for morning, noon, and… ok, maybe not RIGHT before bed. Looking for a mood boost? Need something to help you power through that long list of errands? Reach for Candyland.

Candyland | WHY Infuse Products With The Candyland Terpene Profile

The Candyland Terpene Profile can benefit both product manufacturers and dispensaries. 

For dispensaries, consumers that already enjoy Granddaddy Purple may also enjoy Candyland for its similarities. Conversely, if they like Granddaddy Purple’s flavors and effects but want something they can use throughout the day, budtenders can recommend Candyland-infused products since it’s less sedating.

Additionally, for both dispensaries and product manufacturers, the Candyland terpene profile will appeal to the growing number of consumers who enjoy Candy Gas Cannabis Profiles. 

Candy Gas layers fruity sweetness over a foundation of fuel. This exotic gas category has seen an upsurge in popularity recently from Sherbinski’s wildly gassy and sweet Bacio Gelato to its offspring like Runtz. Candyland may be lighter on the gas, but it absolutely falls into this in-demand category. 

Its fruity quality would be a stand-out flavor for gummies, vapes, infused pre-rolls, and even beverages. Plus, brands can lean into its fun, playful image to create approachable, lifestyle-driven products.

Native Series | True-to-Type Candyland Terpene Profile

Our Native Series is a collection of Advanced Terpene Profiles that taste and smell exactly like the original cannabis material. The best part? They’re botanically sourced, they’re not limited by supply, and you can actually afford them.

Want to put your own spin on Candyland?

Combine Candyland with other profiles and blends for something your customers won’t find anywhere else. Create novel high-intensity aromatics by pairing it with a Cloudburst blend, or add complex earthy bass notes with the hemp-derived profiles from our Terplandia Series. 

Contact us today, and start infusing your products with the unique aroma, flavors, and effects of Candyland!

1. Roberts, C. (2021, April 7). Candyland is the Daytime-Friendly Child of Granddaddy Purple. Cannabis Now. https://cannabisnow.com/strain-review-candyland-gdp/

2. Vergados, J. (2018, August 24). Breeder Diaries: Ken Estes. Skunk Global. https://skunkglobalmarijuanaculture.com/cannabis-world-news/industry-business/interviews/breeder-diaries-ken-estes/

3. Acker, L. (2016, November 4). 14 Marijuana Strain Names Banned in Oregon. Oregonlive. https://www.oregonlive.com/trending/2016/11/14_marijuana_strain_names_bann.html

Infuse Products with Candyland Terpenes TODAY

SHOP Candyland

The name sounds cute, but heavy-hitting genetics make Candyland a potent daytime treat. A sweet mixture of citrus and berries provides a delightful mental lift, while light earthy notes instill peace and relaxation.

SHOP beta-Caryophyllene

A prominent terpene produced in trichomes, beta-Caryophyllene is also found in large quantities in traditional medicinal plants like black pepper, black caraway, cloves, basil, oregano, cinnamon, and many others. This is a uniquely spicy terpene. beta-Caryophyllene is a core ingredient of many contemporary spices, fragrances, soaps, and lotions. 

 

SHOP d-Limonene

As its name suggests, d-Limonene has a loud citrus flavor and smell. It is found in oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits, and many other citrus fruits.