Many cannabis enthusiasts are well acquainted with the typical green hues of chlorophyll-rich strains. However, in colder climates, a unique variety thrives: purple weed.
These strains boast stunning shades ranging from deep violet to soft purples. Most are indica or indica-dominant and offer a tantalizing fruity aroma and flavor profile.
Curious to explore the world of purple cannabis? Read our ultimate guide to purple weed strains.
Compounds called anthocyanins and flavonoids cause the purple color in some cannabis strains. These are pigments found in various plants, including fruits and vegetables like blueberries, elderberries, and eggplants.
When cannabis plants are exposed to cold temperatures, especially during the flowering stage, these compounds can be triggered, resulting in the development of purple hues in the leaves, stems, and buds of the plant.
This coloration is often more pronounced in strains with genetics that are predisposed to producing higher levels of anthocyanins and flavonoids.
Nowadays, geneticists and growers purposefully create purple cannabis through genetics and selective breeding.
Purple strains of cannabis originated from regions with colder climates, where cannabis plants naturally developed purple coloring as an adaptive response to the cold.
Specifically, these strains are believed to have originated from mountainous regions in Pakistan, and parts of Central Asia, including the Hindu Kush range in Afghanistan, where temperatures can drop significantly during the growing season.
Over time, selective breeding and cultivation practices have allowed growers to enhance and stabilize the purple traits in certain cannabis strains, resulting in the wide variety of purple strains available today.
Whether purple cannabis is “better” than green cannabis is subjective and depends on individual preferences and needs. Purple weed strains have similar effects to the green varieties of marijuana. The color of cannabis does not determine its quality or potency.
Factors such as cannabinoid and terpene profiles, growing conditions, genetics, and personal preferences determine the overall quality and effects of the cannabis strain.
Some people enjoy the visual appeal of purple cannabis and associate it with certain desirable characteristics, such as unique flavors or effects. However, others may prefer green cannabis for its more traditional appearance or because it aligns with their experiences and preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between purple and green cannabis comes down to preference and the specific qualities and effects that each individual seeks in their cannabis experience.
However, anthocyanins that give purple weed its color act as powerful antioxidants and are thought to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
Are you a grower interested in bringing out the purple in your weed strains? We have a few suggestions for you.
Let’s get to the fun part and discuss some of the best and most popular purple weed strains on the market today.
Our list starts strong with this cross between three parents – Mendocino Purps, Skunk, and Afghani.
Grape Ape is an indica-dominant purple strain that lies at a ratio of 90% indica to 10% sativa. The THC content sits between 18% and 21% with a low percentage of CBD. Take a whiff before smoking and note the solid hint of grape and underlying strawberry notes.
We recommend keeping Grape Ape for nighttime use. It’s a wonderful strain to help with insomnia, anxiety, and chronic stress. However, with these benefits comes significant sleepiness. Grape Ape is known as an uplifting purple strain and can be used to treat muscle tension, pain, loss of appetite, migraines, arthritis, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder.
You’ll experience long-lasting sedative effects after smoking or consuming Purple Urkle cannabis. This is another indica-dominant strain, usually falling at a ratio of 70% indica to 30% sativa. Some have reported a ratio of 80/20% towards indica.
There are myriad flavors and aromas to enjoy with Purple Urkle. You’ll notice dank, musky, earthy notes coupled with fresh grape and berry undertones.
A high THC content in Purple Urkle (ranging from 18% to 26%) has been reported to help with many physical and mental maladies. The list includes, but is not limited to, muscle spasms, autoimmune disorders (e.g. fibromyalgia), joint problems, insomnia, anxiety, depression, nausea, appetite issues, and chronic pain. The CBD content of Purple Urkle is usually under 1%.
Moving on to one of the most popular purple strains, we have Granddaddy Purple. Growers combined Purple Urkle and Big Bud to create this world-famous, competition-winning strain and purple cannabis.
The cannabis terpenes, myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene, present in this weed strain give it a vibrant sweetness of fresh grapes and sugary candy. Mixed in is a staunch, earthy aroma.
The color of Granddaddy Purple is striking, and the effects are potent. Granddaddy Purple is widely used for de-stressing and alleviating mental illness. It’s a deeply soothing strain that may make a user feel lethargic.
Next, we have the multi-award-winning Purple Kush. You’ve likely heard of this classic purple strain originating in Oakland, California.
Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani are the parents of this beautiful dark purple weed strain. Purple Kush is known as one of the strongest purple strains of marijuana because of its potent THC content often peaking at 27%.
Enjoy this strain at night for deep relaxation and pain relief. You’ll find relief from neuropathy, anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, chronic pain, appetite loss, and mood disorders in this sweet and earthy strain. Many cancer patients swear by Purple Kush to help them with their chemotherapy symptoms.
Jimi Hendrix coined the name of the song, but growers who bred Purple Thai and Haze together developed Purple Haze weed.
Purple Haze has a different effect from the other strains we’ve mentioned due to it leaning more toward the sativa side of the spectrum. This strong purple strain of cannabis contains 85% sativa and 15% indica, with 20% THC content, and low CBD content.
The purple tones you’ll see range from medium to dark. You’ll notice mixed berries, earthiness, and lavender in the aroma. And a sweet and sour aftertaste.
Purple Haze helps with regulating mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. The effects of this strain include the following:
Finally, we have another award winner – the bright and vibrant Mendocino Purple. This lovely indica-dominant (60% indica and 40% sativa) strain gives smokers and consumers the giggles and the munchies when they inhale or ingest it.
People have reported the high being a bit of a journey. The beginning stages involve energy, creativity, and focus. Then you’ll feel a deep sedation nearing the end of the high, allowing for a transition into full-body relaxation. Ingest it slowly at night and enjoy the tasty, dessert-like berry flavor before you sleep.
The 22% THC, low CBD, and terpene combination helps users to feel happy and pain-free. Mendocino Purple marijuana has been hailed to treat depression, migraines, and PTSD.
Purple weed strains offer more than just eye-catching beauty—they provide rich flavors and therapeutic benefits. Originating from cooler climates, these strains develop their striking purple hues thanks to compounds like anthocyanins and flavonoids.
Explore the world of purple cannabis at Embarc, where quality meets variety. Discover our range of premium purple weed strains perfect for unwinding, easing discomfort, or sparking creativity.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your cannabis journey, Embarc is your ultimate destination for all things cannabis.
