Let’s talk about purple weed. You’ve probably seen those eye-popping photos online or maybe your buddy pulled out some bud that looked like it came from Willy Wonka’s factory. It’s not just a filter or some weird grower trick (well…sometimes it is). But purple weed is real, it looks cool, and it gets people talking. But does it really mean it’s better? Let’s break down everything you could ever want to know about purple weed.
Why Does Weed Turn Purple?
Alright, here’s the science without making your head spin.
The purple color in weed comes from pigments called anthocyanins. These are naturally occurring compounds found in tons of plants like blueberries, eggplants, and even some flowers. They’re responsible for those rich purples, blues, and sometimes even reds.
In cannabis, anthocyanins can show up for a few reasons:
| Factor | How It Affects Color |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Some strains are just built to turn purple. They have higher anthocyanin levels naturally. |
| Temperature | Cooler temps, especially at night, can trigger the plant to express more purple hues. |
| pH Levels | The pH of the soil can influence how anthocyanins show themselves, though this is more subtle. |
| Nutrient Stress | Sometimes deficiencies or stress can bring out colors, but this isn’t ideal. |
Bottom line: Some weed turns purple because it’s in the strain’s DNA. Other times, growers tweak the environment to bring it out.
Is Purple Weed Stronger or Better?
Here’s where the debate gets real. A lot of people think purple weed is more potent or tastes better. Truth is:
- Color doesn’t equal quality. Just because your bud looks like it belongs on Instagram doesn’t mean it’s going to blow your mind.
- Potency depends on cannabinoids, especially THC and CBD levels. Color has zero impact on that.
- Terpenes = Flavor & Aroma. Sometimes purple strains have a fruity, berry-like flavor, but that comes from terpenes like myrcene, not the color.
Where Did the “Purple Means Better” Myth Start?
Some say it goes back to old-school strains like Granddaddy Purple or Purple Haze that were popular for their looks AND effects. Over time, people started associating that color with top-shelf quality, even if it wasn’t always true.
Reddit threads, Quora debates, and cannabis forums are full of people arguing this.
Spoiler alert: Purple doesn’t automatically mean better.
Purple Weed vs. Regular Green Weed
| Feature | Purple Weed | Regular Green Weed |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Striking purple hues, very photogenic | Classic green shades, sometimes frosty with trichomes |
| Flavor | Sometimes berry-like or fruity (depends on strain) | Wide range – earthy, piney, fruity, etc. |
| Potency | Depends on strain, not color | Depends on strain, not color |
| Price | Sometimes marked up for looks | Standard pricing unless rare |
| Grow Difficulty | Some purples need specific temps | Usually more forgiving |
Common Myths About Purple Weed
- Myth: Purple weed is always stronger.
- Truth: Strength comes from THC/CBD, not color.
- Myth: You can force any weed to turn purple.
- Truth: Only strains with the right genetics can really go purple. Others might just look sickly if you try.
- Myth: Purple weed tastes better.
- Truth: Sometimes it has unique flavors, but that’s terpenes doing the work, not the color.
- Myth: Cold temps always make weed purple.
- Truth: Cold can help bring out color if the plant has the genetics for it.
Best Purple Weed Strains to Try
If you’re into the purple look and want strains that actually deliver on flavor and effects, here’s your go-to list:
- Granddaddy Purple (GDP)
- Classic. Relaxing. Grape and berry flavors.
- Purple Haze
- Sativa-dominant. Uplifting. Psychedelic vibes with a sweet aroma.
- Purple Kush
- Heavy indica. Couch-lock potential. Sweet, earthy taste.
- Purple Punch
- Sweet and fruity. Great for stress relief.
- Blackberry Kush
- Dark purple buds. Sweet berry flavor. Heavy, sleepy effects.
- Grape Ape
- Deep purple, grape aroma. Indica-heavy chill.
- Mendocino Purps
- Balanced high. Nutty, caramel flavor.
- Purple Urkle
- Skunky, grape notes. Relaxing.
- Blueberry
- Sometimes gets purple hues. Famous for its berry flavor.
- Forbidden Fruit
- Tropical, sweet, and sometimes a purple tint.
What Reddit and Growers Say About Purple Weed
If you dive into r/microgrowery or r/trees, you’ll find mixed opinions:
- Some growers say purple strains are overhyped and don’t yield as much.
- Others love the bag appeal and flavors.
- Many agree that forcing purple through stress isn’t worth it, it can hurt potency or flavor.
Grow what you like. Don’t chase color at the expense of quality.
Can You Make Weed Turn Purple at Home?
Kinda. But only if your plant’s genetics allow it. Here’s what growers do:
- Control Night Temps: Drop nighttime temps by 10-15°F. Cooler nights can trigger color changes.
- pH Tweaks: Some play with soil pH, but it’s a fine line, too much and you’ll stress the plant.
- Pick Purple Genetics: Your best bet. Choose strains known for going purple.
Note: Avoid going overboard. Chasing color can sometimes reduce bud quality.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Looks cool as hell | Not always stronger |
| Bag appeal = Higher price | Some strains yield less |
| Unique flavors (sometimes) | Can be tricky to grow right |
Final Thoughts: Is Purple Weed Worth It?
Honestly? It depends what you’re after. If you want buds that look killer in your stash jar and maybe taste a bit fruity, purple weed is fun. But if you’re chasing pure potency or medical effects, don’t get distracted by color.
Stick to trusted strains, know your grower (or dispensary), and remember: looks aren’t everything…but they sure are fun.
Stay lifted, stay curious, and happy toking.
FAQ’s
1. What exactly is purple weed?
Purple weed refers to cannabis strains that exhibit purple, violet, or sometimes reddish hues, thanks to pigments called anthocyanins. These pigments, also found in blueberries and eggplants, naturally occur in certain cannabis genetics and show up when chlorophyll decreases.
2. Why does cannabis turn purple?
- Genetics: Only strains with the right DNA express anthocyanins
- Temperature: Cooler night temps typically below ~50°F (10°C) can break down chlorophyll and bring out purple
- pH Level: Soil acidity/alkalinity can shift anthocyanin color: acidic = red, neutral = purple, alkaline = blue
- Light Exposure: UV or intense light can help enhance pigment expression.
3. Is purple weed stronger or more potent?
Nope. The color doesn’t affect potency that relies on THC/CBD levels. People often assume purple = stronger, but it’s a myth .
4. Does purple weed taste or smell different?
Sometimes. Purple strains might have fruity or berry-like notes, but that comes from terpenes, NOT the anthocyanins.
5. Can you force any strain to go purple?
Short answer: No. Without the right genetics, stressing plants (cold, nutrient deprivation) just risks hurting yield or health, won’t magically produce deep purple buds.
6. Are purple strains more expensive?
Often yes. Since they stand out visually, dispensaries may charge a premium. But price should reflect cannabinoid/terpene profile, not color.
7. Do purple strains offer unique health benefits?
Maybe, but not directly. Anthocyanins have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in other foods like berries and cabbage but baked/smoked cannabis likely delivers less than whole-food forms. No evidence purple weed itself has extra cannabis-specific effects.
8. Are purple cannabis strains more medical (indica) than recreational (sativa)?
A lot of popular purple strains are indica-dominant (Granddaddy Purple, Purple Kush), but some sativa-dominant examples exist (Purple Haze)
9. Will the entire plant turn purple?
Usually it’s buds and leaves, not the stems or whole plant. Intensity depends on anthocyanin levels, growers’ methods, and harvest timing .
10. Is purple weed natural or artificially colored?
Legitimate purple weed is naturally purple. However, rumors exist about some growers falsifying color with dyes or terpenes sprays.
11. When did purple weed become popular?
Back in the 1970s, cultural icons like Purple Haze popularized it. Breeders have crossed genetics to boost these traits since then .
12. Does purple weed have health benefits like blueberries?
Anthocyanins in plants can have health benefits like antioxidants. But since cannabis is usually smoked, any potential benefit from anthocyanins is likely far lower than eating anthocyanin-rich foods.
13. How do I grow purple bud at home?
- Use purple genetics (e.g., Purple Kush, GDP).
- Expose them to cooler nights late in flowering.
- Keep pH neutral, use good light, avoid stressing the plant.
14. Can the plant turn red, blue, black?
Yes! Anthocyanins can show red or blue depending on pH and genetics. Some strains are naturally almost black or dark blue
15. Is purple weed real weed?
Totally. As in “Is purple weed real?” Yes, the phenomenon is natural and legitimate (not a hallucination or scam).
Sources
- https://greenhealthdocs.com/purple-weed
- https://leafwell.com/blog/purple-leaves-weed
- https://www.hytiva.com/strains/hybrid/purple-bud
- https://www.cannaconnection.com/strains/purple-bud
- https://vertsdispensary.com/what-is-purple-weed/