What makes some cannabis strains turn purple?

Humans have always had an eye for aesthetically pleasing things. This is because it suggests that the user has impeccable taste and unique preferences. Hence, it is not surprising to see the continuous rave about cannabis plants with purple strains. These strains of cannabis are deemed unique and exquisite. Although they are a sight to behold, their uniqueness boils down to the age-long concept of genetics and environmental factors. Both factors in combination with other criteria are instrumental to the eventual outlook of any cannabis plant.  The cannabis Sativa is a plant genus that has several varieties and strains each with its peculiarities. 

Come with us as we explore the behind-the-scenes of this nature’s beauty. 

Why are some cannabis strains purple?  Behind the color purple. 

There are various speculations concerning the purple color of some cannabis strains. Some have viewed it as a sort of malformation or abnormality. Others attribute its color to its sweetness. This second speculation is perhaps the most ridiculous of the two. This is because of the age-long practice of linking sweet things to fanciful colors. 

Both of these speculations are wrong according to research. At the core of the color of this strain lies the efficient combination of genetics and external environmental factors. 

• These factors include PH, temperature, and light levels.
• According to Herbies, Anthocyanin is also a significant influencer of the purple hue assumed by this set of plants. 
• Normally, as a result of the chlorophyll pigments present in most plants, the plants assume a green color.
• However, the reverse is the case for plants with purple hues.
• Anthocyanin doesn’t have a fixed color hence the reason for a variety of plant colors.

It is worthy of mention that this cannabis does not become purple from the outset. What occurs is that it first assumes a green tint, particularly throughout spring and summer. It is during the fall season that its attractive purple color comes out. 

This is because, during this time of the year, chlorophyll pigments are subjugated thus activating the functions of anthocyanins.

Hence time and season are pivotal factors to consider when planting seeds with Purple strains tendencies.  As stated above, the soil PH factor is also a veritable determinant of the eventual color of the plant. 

The following proven results would corroborate this assertion. 

(1). An acidic soil medium will produce a red plant. 

(2). An Alkaline PH favors the germination of blue plants. 

(3). A neutral soil PH favors the blossoming of purple strains of cannabis. 

What are anthocyanins? 

Anthocyanins are simply water-soluble flavonoids or vacuolar pigments that give plants a variety of colors. Although the eventual color is largely predicated on the soil PH. These colors range from red to blue to black and purple. In other words, this chemical compound is the artist behind nature’s beautiful purple art. 

The reason for the purple strains on some cannabis plants can be linked to an overconcentration of anthocyanins. You should note that Anthocyanin production flourishes in Neutral and slightly acidic PH levels. 

Are purple strains more potent?

This question is frequently asked by cannabis enthusiasts and the answer to this question is a huge NO. According to Highway420, the reason for the preferential treatment accorded to purple strains stems from a notion of assumed superiority. The beauty or aesthetic appeal of a product is no testament to its efficacy. Basing something as huge as efficiency on something as fickle as beauty is a disappointment waiting to happen. Hence it is quite shocking to see people prefer to use the purple strains of cannabis over others.

Viewing this rave over purple cannabis strains through the lens of addiction doesn’t help much as it becomes confusing.  This is because the addictive compound contained in cannabis (tetrahydrocannabinol) is at a minimal level in purple strains.

The conception that purple strains of cannabis give a certain kind of ‘high’ is a flawed notion as psychoactivity and episodes of mind alterations are linked to the presence of THC not the purple hue of the plant. 

How to grow purple cannabis strains 

Although cannabis seeds are exquisite, lucrative, and aesthetically pleasing, grooming them is not a chore. As long as you possess the appropriate seeds and a suitable environmental condition, you can plant them. 

You should steer clear of any grooming theories that do not have scientific backing. This is because a vast majority of some statements on this niche are wild assertions.  Statements such as ‘starving your cannabis strain make it develop a purple hue’ is one lacking scientific explanations. 

You too can grow this purple colored strain by: 

1. Planting viable seeds with purple cannabis strains tendencies: 

The importance of genetics in replicating both physiological and morphological traits cannot be overemphasized. There is only so much anthocyanins can do. Hence, you would have to get seeds with a natural propensity for producing cannabis plants with purple hues. Failure to do this is like chasing air. Seeds of plants like purple haze and purple push are good examples.  

Regardless of the concentration of flavonoids, cannabis species would assume their genetic color. 

2. Attempt a fall temperature simulation. 

As stated above, the purple color of the plant comes out during the fall season due to certain factors. Factors such as the cold temperature of this season are facilitating factors since it breaks down chlorophyll and activates anthocyanins. However, do not cross the line of moderation and subject your cannabis plant to an extremely cold temperature. Doing this would kill your cannabis strain. 

For clarity, the strains should be subjected to a nighttime temperature of 50°F or 10°C. 

Wrapping up.

The only difference that lies between purple cannabis strains and other strains is their color and the concentration of anthocyanins. Scientific research has not shown the correlation between purple cannabis strains and a special feeling of ecstasy.  Neither has it linked potency to the purple variant of the cannabis strain. Purple cannabis strains are just attractive purple cannabis plants. No more, no less. 

By Soubhik Chakrabarti 

Last Updated on June 8, 2022 by Icy Tales Team