Purple Strains of Weed: Colorful Cannabis for Calm and Clarity

Not all weed is green. In fact, purple strains of weed have carved out a loyal following thanks to their striking hues, distinct effects, and therapeutic potential. In this episode of The High Guide, host April Pride takes us deep into the world of purple weed, revealing why these richly pigmented strains are so much more than eye candy.

From grow rooms to dispensaries, purple cultivars like Granddaddy Purp and Purple Arrow are known for delivering deep body relaxation, mental tranquility, and even pain relief. But what gives weed its purple color in the first place? Enter anthocyanins—the same flavonoids found in blueberries and grapes that tint cannabis buds in shades of violet, red, and blue.

Whether you’re curious about how color correlates to effect, or just want a strain that delivers on both beauty and buzz, purple strains of weed might be your perfect match.

Cannabis lovers are drawn to purple strains for more than just their looks. The deep color can signal particular effects—often calming, body-heavy, and sleep-inducing. Think of them as visual cues: if green strains lift you up, purple strains of weed often help wind you down.

Anthocyanins, the compounds responsible for purple hues, aren’t just pretty. They also act as natural antioxidants and have been studied for their anti-inflammatory potential. Some growers even speculate that purple coloration in cannabis is a kind of "plant antifreeze," a response to cooler growing climates.

This gives purple strains a unique edge: they may be more resilient plants, and they certainly stand out on the shelf. Combine that with the relaxing, euphoric high they tend to produce, and it’s no wonder so many turn to purple for their evening wind-down ritual.

Purple doesn’t mean mellow across the board, but many cultivars with violet hues lean heavily indica. That means strong body highs, sedative effects, and a sense of mental ease.

Some of the most iconic effects of purple strains include:

• A warm, full-body buzz

• Reduced anxiety and stress

• Sleep support

• Heightened sensory pleasure

For example, Granddaddy Purple is often described as a go-to for sleep and body relief. If this strain had a tagline, it’d be: “Couchlock, mindfree, and all love.” It’s powerful, dependable, and widely available.

Purple Arrow, another standout, has a loyal following among those managing chronic pain. Its effects are slightly more balanced—strong enough for relief, but with less mental fog than some purps can bring.

Purple strains are just one slice of the cannabis color wheel. April and her guests explore pink and red cultivars too, each offering its own mood and medicinal use.

• Pink Panties, despite its NSFW origin story, is now a favored sativa-leaning strain known for its creativity and giggles.

• Pink Kush—beloved in Canada—is warm, euphoric, and pain-relieving, like a hug in flower form.

• Red Congolese brings a zippy, brain-tingling high—so energizing April compares it to mushrooms.

Cannabis coloration can signal specific terpenes and cannabinoids, which affect how you feel. That’s why naming and color matter. It’s not just branding—it’s a roadmap.

The effects of cannabis depend on more than just THC. In purple strains, it’s the combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that creates their distinct profile.

In addition to anthocyanins, purple strains often contain:

• Myrcene – Sedative and muscle-relaxing

• Caryophyllene – Anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving

• Linalool – Floral, calming, and anti-anxiety

Together, these compounds create the classic "purp" experience: calm, clarity, and couch time. The coloration may help protect the plant, but it’s the chemistry that soothes your system.