By Luke Sumpter

Acapulco Gold shot to stardom following the landrace’s integration into the United States cannabis community in the 1960s. Today, almost every cannabis grower has heard of this strain. Even if you haven’t smoked her, chances are many of your favourite varieties are related to this superstar. Below, you’ll discover where Acapulco Gold came from, how she grows, and what she feels like to blaze.


The History of Acapulco Gold

Acapulco Gold first showed up in the United States back in 1964. Known for its stunning golden appearance and high levels of THC (for the time), this variety quickly ascended the ranks and became a highly prized cultivar across the world.

The variety started out as a landrace originally cultivated in the Guerrero Mountains of Mexico. Here, the famous smuggler Gary Tovar claimed that the unique colour of its buds occurred due to specific environmental factors, namely the manner in which the Pacific Ocean’s winds dried the buds on the branch. The precise lineage of the strain remains shrouded, but Acapulco Gold likely descended from other landrace varieties and eventually became genetically stabilised in isolated agricultural pockets.

Acapulco Gold Cannabis Strain
Acapulco Gold Cannabis Strain

Nowadays, many seed banks sell their own version of Acapulco Gold. Some of them can trace the genetics back to Mexican origins, whereas others have slapped the title on unrelated hybrids.

Either way, landraces arise as a plant becomes accustomed to its immediate surroundings. Thus, many breeders claim that the famed golden nuggets of Acapulco Gold are only available from plants exposed to the Acapulco sun and Gulf winds. Cannabis lovers that grow this strain elsewhere still experience great results, but fail more times than not to produce those quintessential flowers.

Acapulco Gold ranks as one of the most famous landrace cannabis strains of all time. However, specific environmental conditions are required to unlock what made her so special in the first place—her golden buds.

What Is Acapulco Gold Like to Grow?

Acapulco Gold features a tall and slender build; her long, thin leaflets add the final touch to her obvious sativa morphology. However, growers are able to tame this giant fairly easily with the right techniques, making her suitable for indoor cultivation. However, don’t expect to cram this cultivar into cupboards or boxes and expect things to go well.

Below are the main considerations you need to keep in mind in order to grow Acapulco Gold successfully, both indoors and outdoors.

Space
Naturally, as a large sativa landrace, the Acapulco Gold strain requires a good amount of space. Indoors, you’ll need a medium-to-large grow tent, while outdoors, you’ll require a spot with good sun exposure (at least 8 hours) and decent shelter from harsh weather conditions.
Humidity
Acapulco Gold’s large colas don’t take kindly to excess moisture and consistent heavy rainfall. Under these conditions, they’re very likely to develop mould. If you plan to grow Acapulco Gold outdoors in such conditions, consider raising plants in a ventilated greenhouse.
Heat
Acapulco Gold originated under the beating Mexican sun. She needs heat to unleash her full genetic potential. Place her in the sunniest spot in your garden, and keep her under cover at the start and end of the season in case of frost.
Nutrients
This towering strain needs plenty of nutrients to pack on size. Plant her in fertile soil rich in organic matter. Worm castings and chicken pellets are a great option at the start of the season to ensure long-lasting fertility. Treat plants to liquid feeds of worm tea, seaweed, and KNF preparations throughout the growing cycle.
Stealth
If stealth ranks as one of your highest priorities when growing cannabis, then you won’t get on very well with this strain. Her tall and abundant growth can make her difficult to manage for novice growers; you’re better off opting for a shorter and stockier variety.

If you choose to grow Acapulco Gold indoors, employ topping, LST, and ScrOG to keep her relatively small while optimising productivity. Under strong lights, you can expect to harvest up to 500g/m² after a flowering time of 70–75 days.

Outdoors, you can leave Acapulco Gold to grow as she pleases. Under these conditions, she’ll develop a large, dense central cola flanked by smaller nugget-like buds. Prepare enough stash jars for a massive yield ready to harvest during the middle of October.

Acapulco Gold needs plenty of room to grow, but several training techniques can keep her small enough to cultivate indoors. Provide her with enough nutrients and good soil, and you’ll reap a very heavy reward.

Flavour and Aroma: What to Expect from Acapulco Gold

Acapulco Gold gained such an impressive reputation in part because of her delicious terpene profile. Collectively, these molecules converge to treat users to a blend of earth, chestnut, fruit, and spice. The principal molecules responsible for these flavours include:

  • Caryophyllene: This terpene and cannabinoid contributes spicy aromas and physically soothing properties.
  • Myrcene: Stoning in nature, this terpene also occurs in mango and hops, where it adds a fruity taste.
  • Limonene: This fruity and citrusy terpene adds a clear-headed element to Acapulco Gold.

Overall, Acapulco Gold serves up a pleasant sensory experience. Enjoy flavours of fruit, spice, and earth.

Acapulco Gold Cannabis Taste
Acapulco Gold Cannabis Taste and Effects

What Are the Effects of Acapulco Gold?

An average THC content of 19% made Acapulco Gold quite the cognitive wrecking ball back in the day. However, these levels are fairly modest by today’s standards. Still, many users revel in her more grounding and easygoing effects. Instead of catapulting your mind to the moon, this strain will keep you slightly elevated yet clear-headed—and deeply relaxed.

Acapulco Gold exerts a pleasant and relatively gentle high that stimulates the mind while relaxing the body.

Acapulco Gold Cannabis Effects
Acapulco Gold Cannabis Effects

Get to Know Acapulco Gold

You’re now aware of where Acapulco Gold comes from and what she’s like to grow. You’re also familiar with her effects, taste, and aroma. Now, all that’s left to do is try her for yourself! If you have the space and the freedom to grow, then you’ll quickly autumn in love with the productivity of this beloved landrace. Though you may be able to get your hands on true Acapulco Gold cannabis seeds, you can also consider growing descendants of this strain, including numerous Skunk, Haze, and Diesel varieties.

Shining Silver Haze
23_genetic background_1 Haze x (Skunk x Northern Light)
33_Yield indoors_1 600 - 650 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 120 cm
25_flowering time_1 9 - 11 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 21%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 75% Indica 25%
34_yield outdoor_1 600 - 650 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 180 - 220 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late October
22_Effect_1 Heavy

Buy Shining Silver Haze

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: