Have you ever looked at some of the cannabis plants before they are harvested, dried, and cured? If you have, you would agree that there are some very exotic and beautiful varieties of the cannabis flower, such as the purple buds. You may find yourself inquiring about why this plant is taking on a purple hue, well let us set the record straight since bad information is still circling.
When individuals engage in conversation over the purple cannabis, one may get a picture in their head of the plant, which may not be what they expect. Purple hued cannabis can present itself in lighter and darker varieties which may even appear black. Despite the discrepancies in hues, purple cannabis is no less impressive than it sounds. Before we get into why the cannabis community has fallen for the purple buds, why these buds get a purple tinge.
Simply put, cannabis can turn purple due to high quantities of a compound known as “anthocyanins.” Anthocyanins are a water-soluble compound that is present in certain cannabis strains. The compound can turn the cannabis leaves and buds into a variety of purples and blues, which may even appear dark green and black. pH levels, temperature, and light will ultimately influence how the anthocyanins will impact the actual pigments of the plant.
The varieties of the purple hue in some cannabis buds are dependent on how much of the compound is circulating throughout the plant. Anthocyanins are considered a colorant that is responsible for the red, purple, and blue hues, which are also present in many of the fruits and vegetables that we eat as well as in many other inedible plants.
If you are trying to get your plant to turn colors, you should know that colder temperatures cause a breakdown in chlorophyll. By breaking down the chlorophyll, the plant is then allowed the opportunity to display the hues it’s been hiding. Although you should also know that the quantity of anthocyanins needs to be high in order for any color to come through at all, this is determined by the genetics of the plants. Thus, getting beautiful purple plants would mean a perfect combination of genetics and environmental factors.
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Research published in 2004 revealed that not only is anthocyanins responsible for the vibrant colors in many plants, fruits, and vegetables but that it also seems to enhance the “health-promoting qualities” of the substance it’s in. This could account for why the purple buds have gained popularity in the cannabis community, aside from the fact that it is beautiful to look at too.
Anthocyanins belong to a phytochemical group known as flavonoids, which can also be found in cereals, teas, and nuts. The cannabis plant has a high quantity of two chemical groups known as cannabinoids and terpenes. Trailing shortly behind cannabinoids and terpenes in terms of quantity is the flavonoids.
Anthocyanins have been used in traditional herbal medicines for many centuries by many cultures such as Native American, Indian, European, and Chinese. These herbal medicines that were rich in anthocyanin were often derived from dried leaves, berries, storage roots, and even seeds. The compound was used as a treatment for a variety of ailments and conditions ranging from hypertension, liver disorders, bladder problems to the common cold and infections.
Reports of anthocyanins’ health benefits even include improvements in vision and the circulation of blood. However, despite these medicinal benefits, researchers are unsure as to whether the apparent health benefits are due to the compound itself or whether it is due to the synergistic interactions between anthocyanins and the other compounds found in the plants.
| Any strain can be made purple. | Myth | You need to choose the right strain since genetics determines anthocyanins. |
| The strain will go purple when deprived of nutrients (stressing the plant). | Myth | The cannabis plant does not turn purple due to being stressed. If you try to force the change of color by depriving the plant of nutrients, it will become sick and die. |
| The strain will turn purple in the cold. | Myth | As stated before, the cold breaks down chlorophyll which then allows the colorants from the anthocyanins to show. Be sure to avoid damaging your plant with too much cold. |
| Cannabis can turn purple by freezing it. | Myth | Flash freezing and ice water flushes are more likely to expose your plant to great risks of getting sick and dying This is the “too much cold” which you have been warned against. |
| The pH levels will influence the color of my plant. | Fact | Acidic conditions are considered to have a low pH while alkaline conditions are considered to have a high pH level. Lower pH levels are likely to bring out varieties of red, while higher pH levels will bring out varieties of blue/purple. |
Current research suggests that although anthocyanins may enhance medical benefits, there is not enough understanding of the compounds to definitively state that purple buds are better buds. What we do know is that purple buds are more exotic and attractive to cannabis consumers and that many consumers claim to experience more potent effects from purple buds. Professionals suggest that you do not make the hue of the plant your criteria for seeking out which strain to consume as some suppliers will sometimes use dyes to change the hue.
You are wrong, Low N triggers a response for anthocyanins not only in Cannabis plants, because it also reduces the production of chlorophyll and plant protoplasm.
Good day Rayne, thank you for taking the time to read this article. Low nitrogen can contribute to the anythocyanin accumulation but perhaps you would like to identify which aspect you feel is “wrong”. This article is based on research but we are always looking to expand our knowledge. Looking forward to engaging with you.
Rayne don’t explain, just, you are wrong.
Wow, unless you know each other?!
Such an odd and rude way to conduct yourself in public. Om, well tell us.
So, you’re the person that knows! Ok cool. I Totally believe you. Well, ok show em. now is your chance to prove how correct you’ve been.
Tell them….
This man lmao.
Typical “youre wrong andy” yelling about a bunch of shit with no sources.
Your response was perfect hahahaha
Thanks. Very Helpful.
Thank you for your article. Ive just harvested some babanabubblegum which had some very striking dark purple leaves. A first for me, unlikely a last!
Greetings,
Do you have maybe a few mins in your schedule to ask a couple Q’s for me.
I bought a 100% completely indoor grow Granddaddy perple. Anyway, between my girls we couldn’t find one seed. But wait: omg, the very, very top was left, i snapped it half to smoke.and there she was, for me it was positively a golden pearl.
Anyway, i need some help from a pro.
Anyway, thank you for your time.
Thank you for the advice, didn’t know but know i understand because winter is starting.
Why is it so oily?
Is it the right time to harvest?
I have like 80 plants and one out of them all has turned purple stalks buds the entire plant anyone explain why
Are you supposed to cut off the large purple leaves that aren’t right near where the bud is forming?
I have been growing plants natural self growth.
My first time growing, I let plant flourish on thier own. No tending, but cut most male plants out.
I was graced with a plant that had a height of 15’2″ tall and resembled a thick Australian Pine tree. She WAS GORGEOUS…2 YEARS LATER..ONE MALE …WHICH I MISSED, had more or less destroyed thick beautiful females. I now have a plant that has no thick dense buds but leaves are so dark purple, that could be seen as black. Im so impressed by this natural growth.
If I save the seeds and nurture, will the seeds from this (girl or boy) carry the same genetics?
Thanks, that settled a slight dispute.
Is purple bad for your plants
Rayne that is like saying all plants will turn purple. I have grown many varieties of tomatoes in my 50 to . Not happn Capn.
My first time growing 1 plant. It is outside and pretty short in stature. It has been budding nicely, but my buds and leaves are turning purple. Is it time to harvest this plant?
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