Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
Pina Colada is a CBD-forward cannabis cultivar best known in seed catalogs and dispensary menus as CBD Lilly, an alias that appears on several retail platforms. The nickname “Pina Colada” comes from its tropical bouquet that evokes pineapple, coconut cream, and fresh-cut fruit. In consumer-facing listings, it is commonly labeled a sativa-leaning hybrid, prized for clear-headed functionality rather than heavy euphoria.
Public-facing data points reinforce that identity. The Leafly page for Pina Colada (aka CBD Lilly) aggregates 31 user reviews and lists “Focused” as the top reported effect, a consistent theme among CBD-dominant chemovars. That same page highlights myrcene and caryophyllene among the dominant terpenes, aligning with the cultivar’s fruit-forward nose and calming, body-attentive finish.
While multiple breeders have offered “Pina Colada”-named selections over the years, the CBD Lilly moniker anchors this profile to a specific CBD-rich line. The majority of verified retail COAs and consumer reports tie this cultivar to moderate THC and robust CBD, often at ratios above 2:1. For patients and daytime users, the combination of tropical flavor and functional calm is the hallmark of the Pina Colada experience.
History and Breeding Origins
The Pina Colada/CBD Lilly line emerged during the early 2010s wave of CBD-focused breeding in Europe and North America. As patient demand for non-intoxicating relief grew, several breeders selected high-CBD phenotypes from existing sativa families and stabilized them across filial generations. CBD Lilly was one such project, refined to deliver reliable CBD expression with a tropical terpene profile.
The precise parental lineage has not been publicly codified by all seed distributors, a common reality in the CBD era where proprietary selections and clone-only mothers were guarded. However, vendor notes repeatedly describe a sativa-leaning backbone with quick finishing times and strong tropical fruit aromatics. That constellation of traits suggests African or Southeast Asian influence paired with a CBD donor line.
By the mid-2010s the cultivar found a foothold in medical markets due to its gentler psychoactivity and uplifting clarity. As CBD analytics standardized, buyers and cultivators began seeing reproducible CBD:THC ratios in posted lab reports, solidifying the cultivar’s reputation. Over time, “Pina Colada” became a sensory shorthand among consumers, while “CBD Lilly” served as the breeder-facing identity.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypes
Because multiple vendors have circulated CBD Lilly seed lines and cuts, phenotypic variation exists, yet core traits are stable. Growers frequently report a medium-tall sativa structure with efficient internode spacing and a quick transition into flowering. The cultivar tends to finish faster than many sativa-leaners, a trait that increases its appeal for both indoor and outdoor growers.
Hunting through a 10-seed pack typically reveals two or three standout keepers that hit the target CBD content and flavor intensity. Several growers note a “pineapple-forward” pheno and a “coconut-cream” pheno, with a third expression that leans more floral-herbal. All three generally maintain the cultivar’s signature clarity and gentle body relaxation, with only slight differences in perceived potency.
Lab-tested phenotypes often fall in the CBD-dominant window rather than the fully CBD-only space. That means THC is present at functional but moderate levels, often below 7% but sometimes higher, depending on selection and environment. Because CBD expression is polygenic and environment-sensitive, reputable breeders emphasize testing each keeper under your local conditions.
Appearance and Bud Structure
Pina Colada produces medium-density colas with a sativa-leaning spear shape, tapering gracefully toward the tip. Calyxes stack in segmented clusters rather than forming ultra-tight golf balls, which helps airflow and reduces mold pressure. The foliage is lime-to-forest green, with occasional lavender accents in cooler night temperatures late in flower.
Trichome coverage is abundant but presents as a crystalline sheen rather than the ultra-thick, greasy frosting associated with hash-queen cultivars. Under magnification, most trichomes are long-stalked capitate glandular heads, ideal for capturing aromatic volatiles. Pistils begin a light tangerine and darken toward amber as the plant ripens.
Wet trim reveals a clean calyx-to-leaf ratio that makes hand manicuring efficient, with many growers reporting 10–20% trim loss relative to wet weight. Dried flowers retain their structure without collapsing, indicating a solid calyx density and healthy cuticular layer. Well-grown examples show very light foxtailing only at high PPFD, which can be mitigated with dialed-in heat and VPD.
Aroma and Terpene Bouquet
True to its name, Pina Colada opens with top notes of ripe pineapple and freshly cut tropical fruit. Secondary notes recall sweet coconut cream and vanilla yogurt, likely shaped by a myrcene- and caryophyllene-forward matrix interacting with esters and minor terpenes. On the grind, bright lemon-lime zest emerges, pointing to limonene and possibly ocimene contributions.
The aroma is medium-loud in a jar but becomes notably expressive when broken up or vaporized. In rooms with good air exchange, the bouquet diffuses within minutes, suggesting a volatile profile dominated by monoterpenes. While the base is sweet, a faint peppery-spicy undercurrent appears on deeper inhales, typical of caryophyllene.
Lab reports shared by dispensaries frequently show total terpene content between 1.5% and 2.5% by dry weight in dialed-in runs. Myrcene concentrations often land in the 0.4–1.0% range, with caryophyllene at 0.2–0.6%, and limonene around 0.2–0.5%. Minor terpenes such as humulene, linalool, pinene, and ocimene round out the bouquet in trace-to-modest amounts.
Flavor Profile
On inhale, Pina Colada delivers candied pineapple, sweet cream, and a hint of coconut macaroon. The mid-palate shows a transition to lemon custard and vanilla bean, especially noticeable in convection vaporizers at 180–190°C. A gentle white-pepper note on the exhale cleans up the sweetness and adds structure.
Combustion at lower temperatures preserves the fruit-forward sweetness and reduces throat bite. As the bowl progresses and temperatures rise, caramelized sugar and toasted coconut tones intensify, creating a dessert-like impression. Concentrates made from Pina Colada often amplify the pineapple-citrus top notes while revealing fresh herb and soft pine undertones.
Water-cured or long-cured flower (6–8 weeks) tends to soften the peppery finish and accentuate the creamy coconut aftertaste. Terpene preservation is optimal with slow drying at 60°F and 60% RH, followed by a steady cure in 58–62% RH. Under those conditions, flavors remain stable for several months, with only mild oxidation.
Cannabinoid Profile and Lab Data
Pina Colada is consistently marketed as a CBD-dominant chemovar, with posted COAs in legal markets commonly showing CBD in the 10–18% range by dry weight. THC values often land between 0.5% and 7%, yielding CBD:THC ratios typically from 2:1 up to 10:1. Total cannabinoids frequently aggregate in the 12–22% window for well-grown indoor flower.
In cartridges and extracts produced from CBD-heavy selections, CBD can exceed 60–70% of the total cannabinoid fraction post-refinement, depending on the method. Full-spectrum extracts will preserve the moderate THC fraction, often at single-digit percentages, maintaining the entourage profile. Broad-spectrum or CBD-dominant distillates may strip or minimize the THC portion to meet jurisdictional thresholds.
Consumer-facing database entries corroborate the CBD-forward experience. The Leafly page for Pina Colada (aka CBD Lilly) highlights a focused effect set consistent with CBD-dominant ratios and notes myrcene and caryophyllene as key terpenes. These analytics mirror patient-reported outcomes: clear-headed functionality with reduced intoxication relative to THC-rich strains.
Because cannabinoid expression is sensitive to environment, harvest timing, and drying conditions, COAs remain the gold standard. Labs in mature markets report inter-batch variation even within a single clone, often on the order of ±10–20% relative due to cultivation and post-harvest variables. For medical planning, always verify the specific lot’s ratio and absolute potency before dosing.
Terpene Profile and Pharmacology
Myrcene commonly leads the terpene pack in Pina Colada, lending tropical fruit, mango, and sweet herbal tones. At 0.4–1.0% by weight in many COAs, myrcene can contribute to perceived body relaxation and synergy with cannabinoids. Humulene and pinene often appear as minor contributors, adding herbaceous and fresh pine facets.
Beta-caryophyllene is the second most prominent terpene in many lab reports for this cultivar, usually 0.2–0.6%. Caryophyllene is notable for binding to CB2 receptors as a dietary cannabinoid, with reported Ki values in the low hundreds of nanomolar, contributing to anti-inflammatory signaling without CB1 intoxication. This pharmacology dovetails with the CBD-dominant cannabinoid profile to emphasize body-calming effects.
Limonene frequently ranges from 0.2–0.5%, conferring citrus lift and mood-brightening qualities. Preclinical literature associates limonene with anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activity, and users often report a subtle uplift when it is present alongside CBD. Linalool and ocimene, even in trace amounts, can modulate perceived smoothness and floral brightness in the bouquet.
Total terpene content in dialed-in material often centers around 1.5–2.5%. This puts Pina Colada in the moderate-to-loud category for aroma intensity, especially post-grind. The interplay of myrcene’s fruit sweetness with caryophyllene’s pepper and limonene’s citrus creates the signature pina-colada impression.
Experiential Effects and Consumer Reports
Pina Colada’s effects are typically described as focused, calm, and gently uplifting. Onset after inhalation is usually felt within 5–10 minutes, with a plateau lasting 60–120 minutes for many users. Without heavy THC, the headspace remains clear, and task-switching feels easier than with sedating indica-dominant cultivars.
Functionality is a recurring theme in public reviews. The Leafly listing for Pina Colada (aka CBD Lilly) shows “Focused” as the top-reported effect based on 31 user reviews, affirming its reputation as a daytime-friendly option. Users often mention improved concentration, reduced social anxiety, and light body comfort without couchlock.
At higher doses, some individuals may notice a gently sedative body feel, particularly in phenotypes with higher myrcene expression. However, dysphoria, paranoia, or racing thoughts are reported less frequently than with high-THC varieties. When consumed at night, the cultivar can pair with mellow activities, reading, or deep conversations without overwhelming the mind.
For edible formulations made from Pina Colada, onset ranges from 45–120 minutes depending on formulation and metabolism. The longer tail of edibles can extend the calm focus for 4–6 hours, though sensitive users should titrate carefully. Because CBD can modulate THC’s subjective effects, many report reduced edginess compared to equivalent milligram doses from THC-dominant edibles.
Potential Medical Applications
CBD-dominant cultivars like Pina Colada have drawn interest for anxiety modulation, inflammation control, and adjunctive pain management. Clinical and preclinical data suggest CBD can reduce autonomic arousal and dampen THC-induced anxiety, which aligns with user reports of calm focus. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity complements this by engaging anti-inflammatory pathways in peripheral tissues.
In chronic pain contexts, CBD has shown benefit in certain neuropathic and inflammatory pain models, though effect sizes vary by etiology and dose. Pina Colada’s moderate THC may provide a mild analgesic and mood-elevating edge without strong intoxication. For many patients, that balance improves daytime tolerability and adherence.
For sleep, this cultivar is not a primary knockout agent but can reduce sleep latency when anxiety is a driver of insomnia. Evening use at slightly higher doses, or when paired with linalool-leaning phenotypes, may enhance relaxation. Conversely, daytime microdoses can support task engagement without sedation.
Patients should start with low doses and titrate slowly. Inhalation trials can begin at 1–2 puffs, reassessing after 10 minutes; oral trials might start at 5–10 mg CBD with 1–3 mg THC equivalent if present, adjusting every 2–3 days. CBD’s interaction with CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 means patients on medications like warfarin, clobazam, or certain SSRIs should consult a clinician before use.
Cultivation Guide: Environment and Setup
Pina Colada rewards growers who provide bright light, stable climate, and moderate feeding. Indoors, aim for 700–1,000 µmol/m²/s PPFD in mid-to-late flower under high-efficiency LEDs. A daily light integral in the 35–50 mol/m²/day range supports compact, terpene-rich flowers without stress.
Temperature targets of 75–82°F (24–28°C) by day and 68–72°F (20–22°C) by night maintain metabolism without excessive stretch. Relative humidity of 60–65% in early veg, 50–55% in early flower, and 42–48% in late flower balances transpiration and pathogen risk. Maintain VPD between 1.0 and 1.4 kPa throughout the cycle for optimal gas exchange.
Airflow should be layered: 0.3–0.5 m/s across the canopy with oscillating fans and 1–2 complete room air exchanges per minute, depending on room size. Carbon filtration is recommended; Pina Colada becomes pungent on grind and during late flower. CO2 supplementation to 900–1,200 ppm under high PPFD can increase biomass by 10–25% compared to ambient, based on controlled horticultural research on C3 plants.
Medium choice is flexible. Soilless coco-perlite at a 70:30 ratio offers fast growth and precise feeding, while living soil builds terpene complexity with minimal bottle inputs. In coco/hydro, maintain pH at 5.8–6.2; in soil, target 6.2–6.8 for optimal nutrient availability.
Cultivation Guide: Propagation, Vegetative Growth, and Training
Both feminized and regular seed offerings have circulated, as well as clone-only cuts from keeper phenotypes. Germination rates of reputable stock commonly exceed 90% under 75–80°F (24–27°C) and 95% RH in a dome, with emergence in 24–72 hours. Clonal propagation typically roots in 6–10 days at 78°F (26°C) using 0.3% IBA gel and a gentle light intensity of 150–250 µmol/m²/s.
Veg growth is sativa-leaning but manageable, with internodal spacing that responds well to topping and low-stress training. A two-top manifold or quadline approach produces even canopies and uniform cola development. Screen-of-Green (ScrOG) methods can increase yield per square foot by improving light distribution.
Nutrient profiles during veg should emphasize a 3-1-2 NPK ratio, with EC at 1.2–1.6 mS/cm in coco and 0.6–1.0 mS/cm in living soil inputs. Supplement calcium and magnesium at a combined 100–150 ppm Ca and 50–80 ppm Mg in coco to prevent interveinal chlorosis under LEDs. Silica at 50–100 ppm Si strengthens cell walls and reduces abiotic stress.
Flip to flower once the canopy reaches 70–80% of its final planned footprint, as the cultivar shows a moderate 1.5–2.0x stretch. Clear lollipopping below the net and strategic defoliation at days 21 and 42 of flower increase airflow and bud surface exposure. Avoid overly aggressive leaf stripping; retain enough solar panels to drive terpene synthesis.
Cultivation Guide: Flowering, Nutrition, and Harvest Timing
Flowering time for Pina Colada generally ranges from 56 to 63 days for early-finishing phenotypes, with some expressions reaching 70 days. Outdoors, harvest window typically falls
