In this guide, we’ll discuss the calming effect of indica-dominant strains such as Granddaddy Purple to the vibrant creativity of sativa champions like Purple Haze. Brace yourself as we unravel the best purple strains of weed for pain, anxiety and creativity.
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What makes weed purple?
There’s something about the royal purple hue that intrigues cannabis enthusiasts. Purple strains of weed are aesthetically pleasing, and you may spend a few minutes just admiring it especially when paired with a purple bong.
But what makes certain weed strains have this royal hue? In this case, we can thank certain flavonoids called anthocyanins.
Most of us know chlorophyll is responsible for the green coloration in plants. It also helps with photosynthesis by allowing the plant to convert sunlight into energy. However, as the cannabis plant matures, the production of chlorophyll drops. This allows pigments such as anthocyanins to manifest, slowly turning the green color into reds, purples and blues.
Also, the cannabis plant produces more anthocyanins in cold temperatures. As the temperature drops, chlorophyll production takes a natural pause; thus, flavonoids accumulate. What’s more, if a weed strain has a predisposition for anthocyanins, this may lead to purple or red hues.
Top 5 purple strains of weed
Now that you know what makes weed turn purple, here is a detailed list of the best purple strains you might consider trying.
Purple Punch Strain
Purple Punch is a rare indica-dominant hybrid created by breeding deliciously powerful Granddaddy Purple and classic Larry OG. The weed strain boasts 80% indica and 20% sativa.
Purple Punch is known for its one-two punch euphoric lifted effects and super high.
Purple Punch appearance, flavor, and aroma
The buds in Purple Punch are fuzzy and bright with neon undertones. The buds are covered with amber-colored trichomes, inspiring a bold appearance. Red pistils also accentuate this striking look.
Purple Punch has a unique aroma profile. The strain packs a complex blend of fruity and sweet fragrances. However, you’ll notice faint hints of herbs and earthy scents.
This delicious dessert-like strain has an overwhelmingly sweet flavor. On the first hit, you’ll experience sweet and grape-like notes. You’ll also notice a blueberry, candy, and slightly vanilla taste with every toke. The sweet flavor also dominates on the exhale, leaving a pleasant taste on your taste buds.
Purple Punch THC and terpene profile
The strain packs a significant amount of THC, about 18-20%. Hence, avoid taking large amounts, which could lead to unpleasant side effects. Purple Punch has a low CBD content of about 1%.
The strain has over thirty isolates. However, three dominant terpenes contribute to its outstanding flavor, aroma, and potency. They include Limonene, Myrcene and Caryophyllene.
Purple Punch effects
The Purple Punch effects lean more toward the indica side. After the first hit, the cannabis strain can knock you out, and you’ll experience full-body relaxation. However, the presence of sativa will quickly deliver cerebral effects.
This state allows you to be quite functional while enjoying the euphoric effects of the Purple Punch strain.
Purple Kush Strain
The next purple weed strain is Purple Kush, known for its powerful and relaxing euphoria. The pure indica strain was created in Oakland, California, by breeding Hindu Kush from Pakistan-Afghanistan and Purple Afghani.
Purple Kush is a fortified descendant of the Kush weed family. The close genetic roots make the strain one of the most potent indicas available.
Purple Kush appearance, flavor and aroma
The weed strain has average-sized flowers with tightly packed buds, demonstrating its Afghani descent. The buds are covered with a thick layer of sticky trichomes, making Purple Kush a particularly valuable strain when producing hash and other concentrates.
The cannabis strain is almost entirely purple, especially the leaves. The buds change to a deeper hue as they mature. However, you’ll also notice the striking orange undertones, giving them a beautiful contrast.
Besides its remarkable aesthetics, Purple Kush has a unique taste and aroma. It has an earthy, almost sandalwood scent. However, after closer inspection, you’ll enjoy sweet, fruity notes like grape.
When lit, the flowers emit a fruity and hash-like odor and smoke, which may irritate sensitive tissues and lead to coughing. Upon exhale, however, this strain releases a sugary grape-like taste reminiscent of a dessert wine like Moscato or Sherry.
THC and terpene profile
Purple Kush has an interesting chemical profile. It packs a whopping 22% THC; hence, if you’re a novice consumer, take it slow.
Notably, this purple weed strain has little to no CBD content, typically hovering around 0.1%.
Linalool
The most dominant terpene in the Purple Kush strain is Linalool. This terpene has a floral and spicy profile. Linalool may manage issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
Myrcene
Myrcene creates an earthy, fruity, and clove-like smell. However, in higher concentrations, it exudes a pungent scent. This terpene has awesome anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
alpha-Pinene
This cannabis terpene has a fresh, earthy smell that might remind you of your walks in the forest. Research has shown that alpha-pinene may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Caryophyllene
The terpene has a spicy, woody and elegant smell. Caryophyllene has the potential to manage inflammation.
Purple Kush effects
This weed strain has a faster onset, and you’ll experience an immediately uplifting euphoric high. This state of mind will allow you to relax and unwind after a long, tiring day. Also, you may end up giggling uncontrollably.
Its calming nature makes it ideal if you want to enjoy a relaxing, uninterrupted sleep. Due to its high potency, Purple Kush may have numbing effects, relieving pain even after a heavy workout.
However, it’s worth noting that the strain may bring out munchies. Hence, make an effort to have a snack on standby.
Purple Haze Strain
Purple Haze is a sativa-dominant purple weed made popular by the iconic 1967 Jimi Hendrix song of the same name. In the song, Jimi cried about how a woman he loved left him in a purple haze. The effect resonated within the cannabis community, leading to the birth of this popular strain.
It was created by crossing the rare yet popular Purple Thai and Haze. This sweet hybrid strain contains 85% sativa and 15% indica.
Purple Haze appearance, flavor, and aroma
Like most purple-toned strains, Purple Haze has a sweet and fruity aroma reminiscent of sweet berries with spicy undertones.
Purple Haze releases an earthy, pungent smell that fills up a room. However, it also exudes sweet undertones and hints of blueberry.
THC and terpene profile
This purple weed strain has a THC content of around 17%. However, cannabis growers are always looking for ways to improve. Now, there are batches of the Purple Haze weed strain with up to 25% THC.
The weed strain also has a unique terpene profile, including myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, and more. These terpenes work synergistically with cannabinoids to increase the high feeling through the entourage effect.
Purple Haze Effects
Purple Haze is fast-acting, and you’ll immediately experience increased energy levels. The strain also boosts your creativity. This makes it ideal if you want to tackle that to-do list that requires mental clarity.
Also, it’ll make you more social and talkative. Smoke some Purple Haze and you may even begin a conversation with your neighbor over the fence.
However, one of the drawbacks of Purple Haze is dry mouth. But you can easily avoid this by staying hydrated.
Granddaddy Purple
Another purple strain of weed is Granddaddy Purple, or GDP. The indica dominant strain was made by breeding Purple Urkle and Big Bud and has been a popular strain since its release in 2003.
Granddaddy Purple appearance, taste, and smell
You can easily identify this legendary weed strain by its densely packed, overgrown buds with deep purple and orange hairs. The buds are covered with white trichomes.
Regarding flavor, GDP has an earthy, fruity taste similar to fresh berries. This flavor ensures a pleasant and smooth experience.
Granddaddy Purple has a berry-like aroma mixed with earth. However, this unique smell gets delightful as the bud matures.
Potency level
He’s not your typical granddaddy. GDP has a high THC content ranging from 17% to 27%. For this reason, it’s important to tread carefully, especially if you’re new to smoking cannabis. The presence of CBD adds to its more therapeutic properties.
GDP has many terpenes, such as Myrcene and Pinene, further contributing to its potency.
Effects of Granddaddy Purple
GDP packs an insane amount of THC, so expect it to have a faster onset. Consumers usually report that GDP produces an uplifting and happy cerebral high. Then, the body falls into full body relaxation, making it easy for you to get much needed sleep.
As it has sedating effects, avoid consuming GDP when you have a physical task at hand. Instead, consume it when you want to relax and be lazy while watching movies or listening to music.
Like other potent strains, GDP can potentially produce undesirable effects such as dry mouth and dizziness. Hence, ensure you follow the recommended dosage to avoid side effects, which can affect the whole experience.
Purple Runtz
Breeding Gelato #33 with Zkittlez led to the birth of Purple Runts, a strain known for its euphoric calming effects, making it ideal for managing stress, pain, and anxiety.
Also known as Purple Runts, Purple Runtz has a lower THC content of about 14% and is ideal for both novice and veteran smokers.
Purple Runtz flavors
Looking for a sweet strain? Purple Runtz has a sweet, fruity taste reminiscent of grape or pear. The extraordinary taste may leave you wanting for more.
Purple Runtz effects
This strain of purple weed provides a well-balanced experience for both mind and body. You’ll enjoy a relaxing body high. You’ll also experience an uplifting buzz that can improve moods and energy levels.
Best purple strains of weed
Purple toned cannabis strains are popular amongst cannabis enthusiasts for its alluring aesthetics and unique properties. The best purple strains of weed include Purple Kush, Purple Haze and Granddaddy purple.
