Harmony, creativity, extravagance, pride, peace, mystery and magic. A mesmerizing color, purple represents something different for everyone (almost always something good). It’s no surprise that most of us are so enthralled with purple weed strains. There’s Purple Haze, but no Purple Rain (yet). For variations on the theme, there’s Grape Ape and Sour Grapes. Our team at Elevate is here to guide you through all the purple weed strains, and throw in a little botany lesson, too.
Purple cannabis may seem magical, but it’s really just a plant with the right combination of nature and nurture. Most purple weed comes from indica strains, which can often result in a mellower and more relaxed high. The exact effects depend on the specific strain, though, so have some fun with it!
Remember back when you learned that chlorophyll makes plants green, and sunlight is needed to produce chlorophyll? That’s basically what’s happening with purple weed. The compound anthocyanin, which also gives blueberries and eggplants their distinct hues, makes some weed strains turn purple.
Anthocyanin is affected by the pH of the plant and is usually overshadowed by chlorophyll for most of the growing season. Acidic plants show more red in color while alkaline plants are more blue. If there’s a neutral pH, you get the pretty purple hues that we all love.
Some strains have a naturally higher concentration of active pigments besides chlorophyll — primarily carotenoids and anthocyanins. In darker and cooler environments, plants produce more anthocyanin than chlorophyll, leading to that distinctive deep indigo-purplish shade. You’ll notice this same unique color in concentrates made from purple strains — some may have a naturally purple or darker hue.
Purple cannabis flower and buds are a rare treat, and the phenomenon has been glorified in pop culture. Songs like Jimi Hendrix’s acid rock anthem ‘Purple Haze’ or A$AP Rocky’s southern influenced ‘Purple Swag’ reference the appeal of violet–colored cannabis.
From earthy to floral to fruity, purple cannabis delivers the flavor. Here are some of the most popular strains, so you’ll have a good starting point when you come in to shop with us.
The information about these products’ effects is anecdotal. This article is a consumer information piece, not a replacement for professional medical advice or treatment. In other words, these are merely the reputations of the strains and your results/effects may vary.
Granddaddy Purple (GDP)
This is the OG, which has been around since 2003. It’s an indica strain derived from Purple Urkle and Big Bud and has THC levels up to 23%. GDP has been known to relax people down to their toes.
Purple Urkle
This is another indica strain with a decent THC content (20%). Nobody knows its exact origins, but it’s often used for pain, stress, and insomnia relief. Purple Urkle has an interesting flavor profile, blending sweet tropical notes with a distinct whiff of skunk.
Purple Haze
This Jimi Hendrix-inspired strain is sativa-dominant, so it’s got a more creative and cerebral high than indica strains. Purple Haze is a hybrid of Purple Thai and Haze, so you might get a seriously creative high that also leaves you quite content.
Purple Kush
This one comes close to GDP for THC content—a wonderful 22%. It’s the best thing to come out of Oakland since Steph Curry. Purple Kush is pure indica, a mix of Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani, and like GDP, is best for seasoned aficionados. The high is said to be blissed-out, extremely relaxing, and long-lasting.
Sour Grape
If you want to relive your Sour Patch Kids experience with a mellow high, try Sour Grape. It’s a blend of GDP and Sour Diesel and is tart enough that you might find yourself puckering up.
Purple weed isn’t any “better” than other strains, it’s just purple. It does take a certain level of expertise to work with the inherently pigmented blue and purple strains, so say a little “thank you” to the master growers who bring them to you.
At Elevate, we’ve got a wide range of quality purple strains of cannabis with different flavor profiles and therapeutic benefits. Tell us what you like and we’ll help you find the perfect purple match for you.
Before we open our virtual doors, we gotta ask.