If you’ve been in the cannabis scene for a while, you may be familiar with purple weed. But if you’re new, think of it like the ‘unicorn’ of weed—rare, eye-catching, and hyped.
Hyped? Oh, for sure!
Even top artists from the pop industry can’t stop mentioning purple weed in their raps or songs.
Artists like Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, A$AP Rocky, and many more promoted it through their work.
But is all the hype around weed with purple flowers worth it?
Today, we’re exploring the side of purple weed you might not know. You will be learning about what it is, why weed flowers turn purple, and the best purple weed strains.
What is Purple Weed?
The name itself gives away the story. It’s a cannabis strain that develops a vibrant violet or purple color on its leaves, flowers, and stems.
The thing that makes purple weed “the Purple weed” is its exotic look, unique flavors, and pop-culture hype.
But the real question is—what makes cannabis leaves and flowers turn purple?
Is it due to temperature, light, or just genetics? And is it better in any way than orange, green, or other types of weed?
Why Weed Leaves Turn Purple
The short answer to why weed leaves turn purple is genetics, temperature, nutrient deficiencies, and light exposure.
All these factors contribute to the weed flowers and leaves turning purple.
Let’s explore each of these factors in detail:
Factors that Directly Cause Purple on Weed
1. Genetics/Anthocyanins
Some specific cannabis strains have water-soluble pigments known as anthocyanins.
These anthocyanins are responsible for the weed’s purple color. These can give blue, red, and purple colors depending on the pH level of cannabis plants.
- If pH < 7: Anthocyanins give the weed a red color
- If pH ≈ 7: Anthocyanins give the weed a purple color
- If pH > 7: Anthocyanins give the weed a blue color
These pigments, also found in blueberries, redberries, and plums, give them their colors.
Granddaddy Purple and Purple Haze are strains with a bright purple color because they are rich in anthocyanins.
Our caring physicians in Florida are here to help you qualify for your medical marijuana card.
Factors that Indirectly Cause Purple on Weed
From now on, everything we discuss will indirectly contribute to some cannabis turning purple.
By ‘indirectly,’ we mean these factors influence anthocyanins, which then make the purple flower weed.
1. Temperature
Temperature is one of the reasons that gives weed leaves a purple hue.
Cooler temperatures activate anthocyanins.
Cannabis plants experience a reduction in chlorophyll at 50°F or 10°C.
The purple hue on the weed becomes more visible as the chlorophyll fades and anthocyanins become more dominant.
2. Light
The light turns weed leaves purple.
Yes, UV exposure enhances anthocyanin production in cannabis.
The more anthocyanins, the greater the chance that the weed will develop a purple hue.
Is purple weed stronger than green or red?
Now, onto the burning question—is purple weed stronger than regular weed?
The answer is a clear No.
It has been confirm that the color of the weed doesn’t determine whether purple weed is better or stronger than green weed.
Granddaddy Purple and Purple Haze are fan favorites for their strong potency. However, plenty of green strains offer the same powerful effects.
The quality or potency of weed depends on cultivation methods, terpene content, and the cannabinoids it contains.
What are the best purple weed strains?
1. Granddaddy Purple
One of the most famous purple strains of weed is Granddaddy Purple.
It is made by crossing Purple Urkle and Big Bud.
It has won multiple cannabis cups and was bred specifically for potency and medicinal use.
Effects: Relaxing, eases stress, great for sleep
Flavor: Sweet, fruity, grape
2. Purple Haze
Purple Haze is among the most popular weed strains. It is named after the Jimi Hendrix iconic 1967 song.
It is an 80% Sativa-dominant strain that remains a classic in Dutch coffee shops.
It’s great for daytime use when you lack creativity or are unable to focus.
Effects: Euphoric, energetic, creative
Flavor: Blueberry, earthy, spicy
3. Mendocino Purple
Mendocino Purple is one of the top purple weed strains. It is known for its award-winning genetics and deep purple hues.
It was even named High Times’ Strain of the Year in 2007 and has influenced many modern cannabis cultivars.
Effects: Mellow, energizing, relaxing
Flavor: Earthy, sweet, berry-like
Ready to try one of these strains?
Florida dispensaries carry a wide selection of purple and other popular cannabis varieties.
Conclusion
Anthocyanins are a pigment found in cannabis that turns weed purple. Several factors enhance anthocyanin production, including light and temperature.
However, saying that purple weed strains are better or stronger than other weed strains is wrong.
There may be some with more potency and some milder because of the THC, CBD, and other cannabinoid content.
Ready to Get Your Florida Medical Marijuana Card?
If you have any questions related to weed strains or are looking to get a medical marijuana card near you, MY FLORIDA GREEN can help.
We offer a fast and secure process for obtaining a medical marijuana card in Florida. Our experienced cannabis doctors and easy-to-use digital platform make it simple from start to finish.
Whether you’re new to medical cannabis or seeking to renew your cannabis card, MY FLORIDA GREEN provides personalized support to ensure you receive the guidance you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is some weed purple?
Weed turns purple due to high levels of anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are pigments that give cannabis purple or red color. Anthocyanins become more visible as chlorophyll breaks down due to cold temperatures and light exposure. So, the higher the anthocyanins, the more the chances of cannabis flowers to turn purple.
Is purple weed good or bad?
No, it’s not true that purple weed is better than regular weed. The high comes from the cannabinoids and terpenes present in the plant, not its color. Some people enjoy purple strains for their aesthetics, but they don’t necessarily taste or work better than green ones. You can consume purple weed like any other strain because it is not harmful, just like regular weed.
What is purple weed?
“Purple weed” is a general term for any weed species with purple-colored leaves or flowers, often including deadnettle, henbit, and thistles. It is not a single species but a visual classification.
What makes weed purple?
Purple coloration in plants is caused by anthocyanins, natural pigments produced due to genetics, cold temperatures, nutrient stress (especially phosphorus), or environmental factors.
What are the weeds with purple flowers called?
Common weeds with purple flowers include Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum), Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea), and Thistle species. Identification depends on leaf shape, growth pattern, and flower structure.
Why is my weed bleeding purple in water?
If plant material releases purple color in water, it’s due to anthocyanin pigments dissolving, which can happen when cells break down or are damaged. This is normal and not harmful.
How to get rid of purple weeds in lawn?
To remove purple weeds:
- Hand-pull when soil is moist (remove roots)
- Apply a selective broadleaf herbicide (2,4-D, dicamba)
- Maintain a dense, healthy lawn (mowing, fertilizing, overseeding)
- Prevent regrowth with pre-emergent herbicides
