From Green to Violet: The Truth Behind Purple Cannabis

Purple Cola of a Cannabis Plant. Photo by Esteban López

Granddaddy Purple, Purple Haze, Purple Urkle… just hearing these names sparks excitement for cannabis lovers everywhere. These legendary strains are celebrated not just for their rich violet hues but also for the intrigue they bring to the cannabis world. Purple has long been a color of royalty, luxury, and rarity—so it’s no surprise that purple cannabis strains have an almost mythical appeal. But is the color just for show, or does it actually influence the effects? And how does a bright green plant transform into rich shades of purple?

At Starbird, we’re all about helping our guests understand the magic behind their favorite cannabis. Let’s get to the root of what makes purple weed so special—and whether that royal color is more than just eye candy.

What Makes Weed Purple ?

Why do some cannabis strains flaunt stunning purple hues? The secret lies in anthocyanins—water-soluble pigments found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, eggplants, and grapes. These natural compounds don’t just make plants visually striking; they also serve as powerful antioxidants, protecting them from environmental stress.

   The green tint of cannabis comes from the chlorophyll. When temperatures drop, cannabis plants slow their chlorophyll production and kick their anthocyanin production into high gear. Cold conditions—typically around 65°F or lower—trigger this response as the plant works to defend itself. This stress-induced shift results in deep purples, rich violets, and even hints of blue emerging in the buds and leaves.

Interestingly, many of the most vibrantly purple cannabis strains are Indicas, and that’s no coincidence. Indica genetics trace back to Afghan and Hindu Kush landraces, which evolved in the harsh, mountainous regions of Central Asia. These colder climates naturally encourage anthocyanin expression, giving many Indica strains their signature purple shades.

But don’t be fooled—not all purple cannabis is Indica. With the right environmental manipulation, hybrids and even Sativas can develop that same mesmerizing coloration. So, while genetics play a role, growers can influence the appearance of their plants by carefully controlling temperature, light exposure, and other key factors.

Whether you're drawn to purple cannabis for its striking beauty or the potential benefits of anthocyanins, one thing’s for sure—it’s more than just a pretty plant; it’s science at work.

Visual Analysis of Why Cannabis Turns Purple

Does Purple Weed Have Unique Effects?

Contrary to popular belief, the distinctive violet hues of certain cannabis strains do not contribute to their psychoactive effects in any meaningful way. Since most purple-tinted strains tend to be indica-dominant hybrids, their effects are often described as relaxing, body-heavy, and sedating. This has led many to assume that the more purple weed strains are stronger indicas, but that’s not always the case. Strains vary widely, and purple sativas and hybrids exist too.

A perfect example is Purple Haze, a legendary sativa popularized by Jimi Hendrix, known for its cerebral, uplifting, and energizing effects—the complete opposite of a heavy-hitting Indica. Because purple strains can be found across the cannabis spectrum, there’s no single effect tied to color alone. If anything, the idea that purple weed is inherently stronger or more sedating is likely a placebo effect rather than an actual chemical difference. In reality, cannabinoid content, terpene profile, and strain genetics are what truly shape the experience. While purple weed remains highly sought after, it’s more for its striking aesthetic than any unique effects or taste.

Granddaddy Purple flowering. Photo by webdonkey

How Does Purple Cannabis Affect Other Products?

Purple cannabis isn’t just eye-catching in flower form—it can also influence the appearance of other cannabis products like vapes, concentrates, and even edibles.

When purple strains are used to make concentrates like crumble, live rosin and live resin, the resulting extract often appears darker than those made from green buds. This is because anthocyanins and other plant compounds can carry over during the extraction process, affecting the final color. However, a darker concentrate doesn’t mean its lower quality—purity and potency depend more on the extraction method and overall cannabinoid content than the color alone.

Similarly, when purple cannabis is used in vape cartridges or infused into edibles, the pigments can slightly alter the appearance. Some edible products, like tinctures or infused oils, might take on a deeper hue, but this is purely cosmetic.

At the end of the day, whether green or purple, the most important factor in any cannabis product is quality. Always look for well-extracted, properly stored products from reputable sources to ensure the best experience.

A good quality sugar, with a beautiful dark amber color.

Purple Cannabis vs. Black or Damaged Weed: What’s the Difference?

Not all dark-colored cannabis is created equal. While deep purple hues are a natural and desirable trait in certain strains, overly dark or blackened weed can sometimes indicate poor cultivation, improper curing, or even damage. So, how can you tell the difference between vibrant purple cannabis and weed that’s been scorched or remediated?

Purple cannabis gets its color naturally due to environment and genetics. Properly grown purple should still look fresh, with a healthy trichome layer and a strong aroma.

On the other hand, blackened or scorched weed can result from excessive heat, nutrient imbalances, or improper drying and curing. Buds that appear brownish-black, brittle, or overly dense may have been exposed to high temperatures, degrading the cannabinoids and terpenes. This can lead to a harsh taste and diminished potency. 

   Make sure all your concentrates and vapes look natural as well. A deep amber, or golden brown color is very normal in cannabis. However, a black, tar-like or cloudy appearance indicates poor quality product. This product could have been made with aged and oxidized cannabis and is subpar quality. Alternatively, the product may not have been purged correctly and still contains residual solvents like butane, which is harmful to the lungs. It could also be expired, so it has simply degraded in quality as time passed and its increasingly exposed to the elements.

Additionally, remediated cannabis—weed that has been treated to remove mold, pesticides, or contaminants—sometimes darkens during processing. While remediation is sometimes necessary for safety, overly processed buds may lose their original potency, aroma, and texture. 

The best way to ensure you’re getting high-quality cannabis is to check for moisture balance, aroma, trichome coverage, and overall structure. Whether purple or green, fresh, properly cured cannabis should always be aromatic, sticky, and rich in terpenes—not dry, burnt, or lifeless.

This sugar has darkened over time, a sign of oxidation and degradation. Expired products loses potency, flavor and smoothness. Make sure to properly store all concentrates for optimal quality.

 Though purple strains are eye-catching and beautiful, true quality goes way beyond appearances. You’ll always want to prioritize substance over style. Sure, indicators like frosty buds or branch like nugs are always a green light, but try not to let industry trends and flashy appeal dictate all of your choices. The bottom line is, amethyst colored weed is not inherently better quality than its green sisters. Although it often leans Indica, don’t assume the most sedative or relaxing effect correlates with the color of the buds. The psychoactive properties will be dictated by cannabinoids, terpenes and strain genetics. 

Enjoying purple strains doesn’t mean you’re consuming the wrong way either. Our Salem dispensary always values quality and customer satisfaction. If seeing those glistening violet crystals makes your heart sing, then there’s no reason to deviate from what you enjoy most. Consult with our budtenders, be open to recommendations, and continue your journey of getting high, with whatever shades of weed you like. 

Fly high!