When you think of purple weed do you think of indica strains? While many cannabis strains with prominent purple coloring tend to be indica, not all of them are. 

Cannabis bud comes in all sorts of colors and smells. It is also incredibly diverse and is able to produce many cannabinoids and terpenes such as CBN, CBG and a host of other beneficial compounds, as well as a variety of colours ranging from dark green to orange and of course, even purple! 

There are few colors found in cannabis bud that pop out as much as purple does. If you’re looking for aesthetically pleasing strains, you really can’t go wrong with purple cannabis. 

These strains are absolutely breath-taking to observe and even more enjoyable to smoke. 

Want the full run-down purple weed? Here’s what you need to know!

What is Purple Weed?

Purple weed is sometimes affectionately called ‘purple buds’ or ‘purps.’ 

Purple weed is exactly what it sounds like – weed that is purple or features the colour purple in some prominent way or another. You may have seen ones with such a deep purple that they even look black. You’ll likely still see lots of green and other colors, but purple is often the dominant color.

This purple coloring may inspire thoughts of a sleepy couch-lock producing weed. If you think of the best sleep of your life, you’ve likely smoked some of the most amazing indica strains out there such as Purple Kush, Purple Punch or Purple Haze. 

That said, not all purps are of indica origins, with others belonging to the sativa or hybrid categories.

The differences between sativa vs indica and indica vs sativa are less important here, as each purple bud will be unique. 

The best thing you can do is to try purple cannabis for yourself and see what effects they have on you. The high may be more impacted by THC content, but other compounds also play a significant role.

The purple color comes from a compound that comes with other benefits. For example, there are pain-reducing properties associated with the compound you’ll discover below. 

So getting some purple cannabis may be the right choice for you if you’re suffering from pain problems.

Why Does Weed Turn Purple?

marijuana

While it’s fun to think that purple weed imparts a special and unique high,the purple color has nothing to do with cannabinoids or terpenes directly. 

Instead, the purple color in buds comes from molecules called anthocyanins. These compounds are produced and accumulated in plant cells and are related to protection from light damage and UV radiation.

These water-soluble pigments can also be found in numerous other types of plants including fruits and vegetables. Major examples that you have eaten before include blueberries, cherries, grapes and nuts. 

Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoids, along with flavonols and flavones. They are also categorized as Phenolic compounds. All of these features may not be as important as knowing what effects they produce.

For example, the previously discussed anthocyanin has shown potential in reducing pain and offering anti-inflammatory benefits.

cannabis growth

Regarding the plant growth, the growing conditions also have a large impact. As opposed to strain genetics, the soil environment has a more significant impact on this coloring. The production of anthocyanins depends on the soil pH, along with other factors like temperature and lighting. 

That being said, the strain must be functionally able to produce this coloring since not all strains will turn purple even if grown in the perfect soil and growing conditions!

Getting these parameters set just right takes time but the effort results in spectacular buds. That being said, to enhance the production of anthocyanin, the use of shorter wavelengths, specifically blue and UV light, is used.

On the other hand, it appears that using lighting with green light hues can impede anthocyanin production. 

So what does this mean? 

Not all strains can grow purple, and those that CAN turn purple have to be grown under the most optimal conditions in order to turn purple.

The next time you’re hitting some of that purple sticky icky, remember to be appreciative of the fact that its quality bud beyond any shadow of a doubt! 

What Strains have Purple Marijuana?

Now that we know what causes our favourite weed strains to turn purple, let’s explore some of the deliciously dank purple options that are available! 

GRAND DADDY PURPLE

Grand Daddy Purple

In general, if you see ‘purple’ in the name, you’ll likely find some dark purple weed. And Grand Daddy Purple is not an exception.

A famous west coast strain, a cross between Mendo Purps, Skunk, and Afghanistan bred by EC Genetics. It’s got undeniably good looks, but the buzz and uplifting effects are the full package!

This strain is known for its uplifting euphoric highs and the ability to provide physical relaxation and get rid of pain, sleeplessness, and stress.

When it comes to aroma, you can recognize it for its subtle and earthy smell with sweet overtones typical of Kush varieties.

If you are someone who looks for great euphoric highs, consider trying Purple Kush.

PURPLE PINEBERRY

Purple Pineberry

If you love purple strains you have to try this one. Pain is known to be almost instantly relieved with this strain. This heavy body buzz is perfect for a good night’s sleep. 

Depending on the person, some taste berry while others taste more of the pine undertones. The scent is much like the taste: fruity with hints of lemon, cedar, and grapes.

Having dinner and don’t know what to have for a dessert? Try Purple Pineberry.

PURPLE BANANA BREATH

Purple Banana Breath

Purple Banana Breath is a potent and tropical indica hybrid strain that’ll make you go bananas. This strain is a rare phenotype of Banana Breath, a cross between Mendo Breath and Banana OG.

Unlike its mainstream cousin, Purple Banana Breath packs a more indica-heavy punch. A strain of distinction, this rare cultivar offers tokers an incredible potency on average! If that’s not enough, this strain also delivers a delicious tropical flavour that combines freshly sliced bananas, citrus and island musk together all in one package. Don’t miss out on this strain! You might just go bananas if you do!

Should you Try Purple Weed?

Congratulations – you’re a bonafide master of purple kush. The next time you’re having a sesh with your friends and the topic of purple weed comes up, you can tell them that the purple colour comes from anthocyanins and that these flavonoids are produced under optimal growing conditions.

In short, you can tell them that they’re smoking some quality bud. 

Beyond looking amazing, this purple hue also comes with pain-reducing effects

Be sure to try out some of the best purple weed strains such as Grand Daddy Purple, Purple Punch, Purple Banana Breath, and Grand Daddy Purple. They will leave you uplifted and in a good, happy mood in addition to providing relaxation to your limbs and mind. 

There is a big wide world of cannabis out there to explore. Your journey with cannabis isn’t nearly complete until you at least get to try some high-quality purple kush. Get high off a purple cannabis strain to discover the benefits for yourself.

Happy trails!