Purple Haze Cannabis (Weed) Strain Review

Purple Haze is a potent cannabis strain that has been around for over half a century. It originated in Colombia and was created as a cross between the two sativa-dominant parent strains of Purple Thai and Haze. The strain became very popular during the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s, becoming synonymous with the psychedelic and hippie eras.

It was famously mentioned in the song “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix, further cementing its place in popular culture. One of the most interesting features of Purple Haze is its stunning appearance. The buds display vibrant shades of purple, contrasted by bright orange pistils and a thick layer of resinous trichomes. Its aroma is sweet and earthy, with hints of berry and spice, and its flavor is similarly sweet with fruity undertones.

Purple Haze Effects and Potency

The potency of Purple Haze can vary depending on its specific phenotype and cultivation methods. On average, Purple Haze typically contains around 20% to 24% THC, with CBD levels usually being relatively low, usually less than 1%. The onset of Purple Haze’s effects is relatively fast, often delivering a cerebral rush shortly after consumption. Users may experience an initial wave of euphoria and heightened creativity, making it a popular choice among artists and musicians.

The high is uplifting and energizing, and it promotes mental clarity and focus. As a Sativa-dominant strain, Purple Haze is more likely to provide stimulating effects than deep relaxation. Users may feel an increase in sociability and talkativeness, making it suitable for social gatherings or creative activities. The duration of Purple Haze’s effects can vary depending on individual tolerance and consumption methods. Generally, the high can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, with the initial peak being followed by a more gradual descent.

Potential Positive Effects of Purple Haze

• Euphoria: Purple Haze promotes a positive outlook on life and fills users with euphoric feelings and happiness.
• Creativity: Users may experience enhanced creativity and an increase in artistic or imaginative thinking.
• Energy Boost: Purple Haze provides an energizing effect, making it suitable for daytime use and boosting motivation.
• Focus and Clarity: The strain can enhance mental focus and clarity, aiding in concentration and productivity.
• Sociability: Purple Haze promotes social interactions and may lead to increased talkativeness and sociability.

Potential Side Effects of Purple Haze

Purple Haze can cause dryness in the mouth and throat, but staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids can help alleviate this discomfort. Some users may experience dry and itchy eyes after consuming Purple Haze. Using eye drops can help relieve this symptom. In some people, high THC levels may trigger anxiety or paranoia. Those prone to such effects may want to consume Purple Haze in moderation.

Heavy use or sensitivity to THC can lead to temporary dizziness or lightheadedness. Purple Haze can elevate heart rates in some users, which may be concerning for those with heart conditions. High THC content may lead to impaired motor skills and coordination, and some users may experience mild memory issues, especially short-term memory impairment.

Medical Applications

Purple Haze has a high THC content that may provide analgesic effects, making it potentially beneficial for managing chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, or migraines. Its euphoric and uplifting effects may help reduce stress and anxiety levels in some people, thereby promoting relaxation and a positive mindset.

Users have reported that Purple Haze can induce a sense of happiness and euphoria, potentially aiding in the management of mood disorders like depression. The strain’s relaxing and sedative properties might assist individuals experiencing insomnia or sleep disturbances in achieving better sleep. Purple Haze’s potential to induce the “munchies” can be beneficial for individuals dealing with appetite loss due to medical conditions or treatments.

Flavor 

Purple Haze exhibits a prominent sweet berry flavor that is reminiscent of ripe mixed berries. It may also have earthy undertones, providing a well-rounded flavor experience. Some users may detect subtle hints of spiciness or pepper in the flavor profile of Purple Haze, and it can be particularly noticeable when the strain is consumed through smoking or vaping.

As for the strain’s aroma, it aligns well with the taste experience. The sweet berry scent is generally dominant in the strain’s aroma, with a pleasant and inviting fragrance that can be instantly recognizable. The earthy undertones and hints of spiciness in the aroma also mirror the flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Aroma 

The dominant scents in Purple Haze’s aroma are primarily sweet and fruity, with a strong presence of ripe berries. This sweet berry fragrance is often likened to a mix of blueberries and raspberries, and the strain may also exude subtle undertones of earthiness and spiciness. The earthy hints can be reminiscent of damp soil or fresh forest vegetation, while the spicy notes may resemble a mild peppery scent.

When compared to other strains, Purple Haze’s aroma is notably unique due to its strong sweet berry profile. While some strains may have berry undertones, few can match the pronounced and captivating berry fragrance that Purple Haze offers.

Appearance 

The buds of Purple Haze have vibrant colors, featuring shades of deep purple and rich green. The purple coloration is particularly pronounced and can encompass a significant portion of the bud’s surface, giving it an alluring and eye-catching appearance. This purple hue is a result of anthocyanin pigments, which are stimulated by colder temperatures during the plant’s growth. Purple Haze buds have a dense and compact structure.

They tend to be tightly packed, creating solid and sturdy buds that are indicative of their quality. When touched, Purple Haze buds feel sticky and resinous, as they are covered in a thick layer of trichomes. These trichomes are responsible for the strain’s potency and contribute to its stickiness. In terms of size, Purple Haze buds can vary, but they are generally of medium to large size.

Additionally, when comparing the appearance of Purple Haze to other strains, its distinctive purple and green colors make it easily distinguishable. While there are other strains with purple coloration, the intensity of the purple in Purple Haze is often more pronounced and visually stunning.

Buy Purple Haze Seeds Online

You can typically find Purple Haze seeds at various online seed banks and cannabis breeders. A popular seed bank that often offers a wide range of cannabis seeds, including Purple Haze is Seedsman. The pricing of Purple Haze seeds may vary depending on the seed bank, the quantity of seeds purchased, and the specific breeder’s reputation.

On average, a pack of 5 to 10 regular Purple Haze seeds may cost anywhere from $40 to $100 USD. Feminized or auto-flowering seeds are generally more expensive. It’s essential to do some research on the seed banks and read reviews from other customers before making a purchase to ensure you are buying from a reliable and reputable source.

Growing Information 

Purple Haze has a long flowering time, typically ranging from 9 to 11 weeks. It requires patience during the flowering phase, but the wait is often well worth it for the stunning purple buds and potent effects. This strain tends to grow tall, especially during its vegetative phase. Indoors, it can reach heights of around 3 to 4 feet, while outdoor plants may grow up to 6 feet or more.

Be prepared to provide adequate vertical space or consider training techniques to control height if growing indoors. Generally, Purple Haze thrives in a temperate climate as it prefers moderate humidity levels, around 40–50%, during the vegetative stage but slightly lower humidity, around 30–40%, during flowering to prevent mold and mildew. Temperature-wise, keep it between 68 and 80°F (20 and 27°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night.

There is greater control over environmental factors when this strain is grown indoors, which minimizes the risks associated with outdoor growing, such as pests and unfavorable weather conditions. Purple Haze has a tendency to stretch and grow tall during the vegetative phase and early flowering. This rapid vertical growth can become a challenge for indoor growers with limited vertical space.

If not managed properly, the plants may become too tall and may require pruning or training techniques like topping, super cropping, or using a trellis net to control height and promote lateral growth. The strain can be sensitive to nutrient imbalances and can develop nutrient deficiencies or toxicities if not fed appropriately. Careful attention should be given to the nutrient regimen, ensuring a balanced feeding schedule with proper amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as essential micronutrients.

Overfeeding or underfeeding can impact the plant’s overall health and productivity. Maintaining the right climate and humidity levels is crucial for successful Purple Haze cultivation. The strain thrives in a Mediterranean-like climate with moderate humidity during the vegetative stage and slightly lower humidity during flowering. High humidity levels can lead to mold and mildew development, particularly in dense buds, so proper ventilation and humidity control are essential to preventing these issues.

Like many cannabis strains, Purple Haze can attract pests such as spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Regularly inspecting the plants for signs of infestation and implementing preventive measures, such as using beneficial insects or natural pesticides, is essential to keeping the crop healthy and pest-free. The pungent aroma of maturing Purple Haze plants can be quite strong, and odor control may become an issue, especially for indoor growers concerned about maintaining discretion. Adequate ventilation, air filtration, and carbon filters can help manage the scent and keep it from becoming overpowering.

Tips for Successful Growth

• Genetics and Source: Ensure you use high-quality Purple Haze seeds from reliable sources. Good genetics are the foundation of a successful crop, so invest in seeds or clones that are true to the strain’s characteristics.
• Growing Environment: Purple Haze thrives in a sunny and warm environment, and if growing outdoors, choose a location with plenty of direct sunlight and good air circulation. If growing indoors, provide sufficient light using high-quality grow lights and maintain proper ventilation.
• Soil and Nutrients: Use well-draining and nutrient-rich soil for Purple Haze plants. Consider adding organic compost or worm castings to enhance soil fertility. During the vegetative stage, provide a balanced fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content. Switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer during flowering to support bud development.
• Watering: Consistent and proper watering is crucial. Avoid overwatering, as Purple Haze is sensitive to root rot and mold. Water the plants when the top inch of the soil is dry, and consider using a drip system or soaker hose to water evenly and avoid wetting the leaves.
• Training Techniques: Employ training techniques like topping, low-stress training (LST), or defoliation to shape the plant and encourage lateral growth. These techniques help manage the plant’s height, increase bud sites, and improve light penetration.
• Pruning: Regularly inspect the plants for yellow or dying leaves and prune them to maintain overall plant health and prevent the spread of diseases.
• Support: Purple Haze can produce heavy, dense buds, which may require additional support during the flowering phase. Use stakes or trellis netting to support the branches and prevent them from bending or breaking under the weight of the buds.
• Harvest Time: Monitor the trichomes to determine the ideal harvest time. Purple Haze is best harvested when the trichomes are mostly milky with a few amber ones. Harvest too early, and the buds may not reach their full potency and flavor.

Cannabinoid and Terpene profiles

Purple Haze typically contains moderate to high levels of THC, ranging from 20% to 24% or even higher in some cases. THC is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the strain’s euphoric and uplifting effects. The CBD levels are generally quite low—usually less than 1%. As a result, the strain is more appreciated for its recreational effects than for its therapeutic potential. Purple Haze may contain various minor cannabinoids, such as CBG (Cannabigerol) and THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin), in trace amounts.

These minor cannabinoids, though present in lower quantities, may also contribute to the overall entourage effect and may have unique therapeutic properties. The terpenes in this strain include Alpha-Pinene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, and Humulene. Alpha-pinene gives Purple Haze its distinct pine and woody scent. It also has uplifting and focusing properties, potentially counteracting some of the sedative effects of Myrcene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Does Purple Haze taste like berries?
Answer: Yes, Purple Haze has a sweet and berry-like flavor profile.

Question: Is Purple Haze easy to grow?
Answer: It can be challenging to grow due to its longer flowering time and specific requirements.

Question: Is Purple Haze good for mental clarity?
Answer: Yes, Purple Haze provides an uplifting and mentally stimulating experience.

Conclusion 

Purple Haze is a potent strain with THC levels that can reach 24%. It is a well-balanced high that combines cerebral stimulation with a relaxed body feel. The effects often kick in quickly and lead to a euphoric and creative state, often accompanied by enhanced sensory perception. Users may experience a surge in energy and an overall sense of happiness.

Purple Haze may assist in alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression due to its mood-enhancing properties. Additionally, its potential to reduce pain and promote relaxation may provide relief for those dealing with chronic pain or muscle tension. The strain has a unique flavor profile, which typically includes sweet, berry, and earthy notes, complementing the floral and spicy aroma.

Visually, Purple Haze buds are dense, covered in a frosty layer of trichomes, and display vibrant shades of green and purple. When growing Purple Haze, cultivators should be prepared for a longer flowering time, potential height challenges, and the need for vigilant pest and disease management.