Pennywise is an indica-dominant, high-CBD cannabis strain bred from Harlequin and Jack the Ripper, known for a roughly 1:1 balance of THC and CBD and a coffee, pepper and lemon aroma. It was bred by Subcool’s TGA seed company and named after the clown in Stephen King’s novel It. The high is mild and clear-headed, with a slow-building body calm rather than a strong buzz.
Pennywise Strain at a Glance
| Type | Indica-dominant hybrid, high CBD |
|---|---|
| Lineage | Harlequin × Jack the Ripper |
| Breeder / origin | TGA Subcool Seeds (Subcool’s The Dank) |
| THC | 8–15% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | 8–15% |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, Terpinolene, Pinene |
| Aroma and flavor | fresh coffee, black pepper, lemon, earth, pepper, woody, spicy, bubblegum |
| Reported effects | relaxed, calm, clear-headed, mellow |
| Best for | low-intoxication use, evening wind-down, people sensitive to THC |
| Flowering time | 60–67 days |
Where Pennywise Comes From
Pennywise was bred by Subcool, the late founder of TGA Subcool Seeds (later Subcool’s The Dank), by crossing Harlequin, a well-known high-CBD sativa, with Jack the Ripper, TGA’s own racy, potent sativa. SeedFinder, Leafly and AllBud all give that pairing. The name comes from the clown in Stephen King’s It, in keeping with TGA’s habit of pop-culture strain names.
The point of the cross was balance. The breeder reported that more than 70% of tested samples came in between 12 and 15% CBD with roughly equal THC, while Leafly lists about 8% of each and AllBud about 9 to 10%. Either way, the ratio is close to 1:1, which made Pennywise one of the better-known balanced strains of the early medical market. Leafly lists Deadlights, another name from the same novel, as an offspring.
The breeder describes four main phenotypes that vary between fingery and round buds and between pale green and purple color, so jars sold as Pennywise can look quite different.
Pennywise Effects: What It Feels Like
Pennywise is not a strain for people chasing a heavy high. SeedFinder’s breeder notes describe a clear head, an immediate sense of well-being and a slow-onset body feel. Leafly reviewers most often report relaxed, sleepy and focused, and AllBud users describe it as calming, mellow, happy and uplifting. Several AllBud reviewers note the high is mild, which is the expected result of CBD balancing the THC.
In practice, a small amount takes the edge off without much mental fog, which is why people use it during the day or when they need to stay functional. Larger amounts lean sleepier. Because THC is still present, it is not a non-intoxicating strain, so first-timers should still start low.
Pennywise Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
The breeder describes the aroma as anything from fresh-ground coffee and black pepper to lemon bubblegum, depending on phenotype. Leafly users tag the flavor as pepper, woody and spicy-herbal, and AllBud adds coffee, sour citrus and a sweet, fruity edge. The smoke is described by the breeder as smooth and full-bodied, and some AllBud reviewers mention a piney aftertaste.
Leafly lists myrcene as the dominant terpene, followed by terpinolene and pinene. Myrcene gives the earthy base, terpinolene a fresh, herbal top note, and pinene the piney finish.
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Terpinolene: fruity, piney and herbal, common in classic sativas
- Pinene: fresh pine, also found in pine needles and rosemary
Terpene levels vary from grower to grower and batch to batch, so check the lab label on the package. Learn more in our guide to cannabis terpenes.
Side Effects and How to Use Pennywise
Leafly reviewers most often mention headache, dry mouth and dry eyes. AllBud users say higher doses can bring sleepiness, and one reported brief dizziness. Because the high is gentle, the bigger risk for most people is disappointment if they expected a strong THC strain.
If you are new to Pennywise, start with one small inhalation or 2.5 mg in an edible and wait before taking more; see our dosing guide.
Do People Use Pennywise for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers most often say they reach for Pennywise during anxiety (44%), stress (40%) and pain (39%), and AllBud users mention muscle tension, cramps and headaches. Balanced THC and CBD strains are popular with people who want relief from everyday tension with less intoxication, but these are user reports, not clinical evidence. Talk to a clinician before using cannabis for a health condition.
These are user reports, not clinical findings. For what research actually supports, see our cannabis health and research section, and talk to your doctor before using cannabis for a health condition.
Growing Pennywise
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Flowering: 60–67 days
- Yield: Medium
- Height: Short to medium
- Environment: Indoor or outdoor
SeedFinder lists a flowering window of 60 to 67 days, short to medium height and a medium yield, and the breeder recommends it for both indoor and outdoor gardens. Most phenotypes stretch very little, so the breeder suggests topping once. It is described as very resistant to powdery mildew, which helps in damp climates. Because the four phenotypes differ in bud shape and CBD content, growers who want a consistent ratio should test their keeper plants.
Home-grow rules depend on the state: adults can grow at home in states such as California (six plants per residence), Michigan (12 per residence) and Oregon (four per household), while Washington and Illinois allow home growing only for registered medical patients. Check your state in our cannabis laws by state guide before you plant anything.
Strains Like Pennywise
- Harlequin: its high-CBD parent
- ACDC: another well-known high-CBD strain
- Cannatonic: a classic balanced THC and CBD strain
- Charlotte’s Web: a CBD-forward option with even less THC
Browse more indica strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Indica Strains to Explore
Permanent Chimera · Phishhead Kush · Pineapple Chunk · Peanut Butter Cup · Peanut Butter Cookies · Peach Ringz · All indica strains
Where to Buy Pennywise
Dispensary menus change every week, and Pennywise may be sold under its own name, as a cross or as a pre-roll or vape. The fastest way to find it is to check store menus online before you go. In Medford, browse Medford dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Budz Mart and Budz Barn. In Detroit, browse Detroit dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Green Genie Cannabis Company and 420 Dank Detroit. You can also browse licensed dispensaries in every state we cover. Adults 21 and older can buy with a valid photo ID; see cannabis laws by state for purchase limits.
Pennywise FAQ
Is Pennywise indica or sativa?
It is usually listed as an indica-dominant hybrid. SeedFinder lists it as mostly indica, and AllBud calls it 70% indica.
What is Pennywise a cross of?
Harlequin crossed with Jack the Ripper.
Who bred Pennywise?
Subcool of TGA Subcool Seeds, later known as Subcool’s The Dank.
How much CBD does Pennywise have?
It runs close to a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio. Leafly lists about 8% of each, AllBud about 9 to 10%, and the breeder reported many samples at 12 to 15% CBD.
Does Pennywise get you high?
Yes, but mildly. It contains roughly as much THC as CBD, so most people feel calm and clear rather than very high.
What does Pennywise taste like?
Coffee and black pepper, with lemon and a bubblegum sweetness in some phenotypes.
For adults 21+ in legal states. Strain information reflects breeder descriptions, lab data and user reports; effects vary by person and batch. Not medical advice.