The variety of so many unique marijuana strains will probably never cease to amaze us. One of them is Purple Haze, named after the eponymous Jimi Hendrix 1967 classic. Loved by many for decades, Purple Haze is a potent hybrid associated with some very unique, almost psychedelic effects.
If you’re not very familiar with it, prepare to read all about one of the best and most eye-catching strains on the market. And, just like its godfather, it could be called a classic.
In this article, we’ll cover all about Purple Haze, from its flavor and medical properties to tips on how you can successfully grow it yourself.
Purple Haze Strain Review
Purple Haze is thought to be a cross between two Sativa-dominant strains – Purple Thai and Haze, resulting in a highly unique-looking psychedelic plant. The ratio of Sativa to Indica is 60:40, meaning that this strain was made to induce feelings of elation.
But, mind you – it’s a very potent strain. With THC levels approximately between 15-20% and CBD at around 1%, Purple Haze will take you on a ride. Its mentally stimulating effects deliver calmness and inspiration, which makes it a great wake-and-bake strain to kickstart your morning.
What Does It Look Like?
The Purple Haze weed strain definitely lives up to its name when it comes to appearance. The nugs are light green with rich purple undertones, covered with thin bluish and purple hairs, with a layer of milky white resinous trichomes. Its flowers are medium to large-sized with a spade-shaped structure, and a pointed tip sitting on a broad base.
What Does It Taste Like?
The overall taste of the Purple Haze cannabis strain is sweet and fruity, like cherries and blueberries, almost candy-like. There is even a hint of spice and orange. On the inhale, the spice and sweetness come forth, leaving a sugary and spicy taste on your tongue, and on the exhale, the fruity notes linger.
The flavors are complex and well-blended, but the aroma is something else. Purple Haze is the king of intricate aromas – it’s one of the most deliciously-smelling strains out there. The sweetness and fruitiness are still felt, but before you sniff them, there is an overture of a sharper, earthy, and slightly musty smell.
What Are Its Effects?
Purple Haze hits you shortly after you first inhale, possibly causing you to flush in the cheeks or feel slight tension on the temples. Once this initial blow goes away, you can immediately start feeling its high-energy cerebral stimulation. You may start feeling your creativity being heightened and feel less inhibited in your thinking by making new connections.
This cerebral high may also make you more focused and productive if there is a heavy workload you need to go through, whether it’s something creative or analytical. Users report feeling their mind becoming clearer. Once some time passes, you start feeling the physical effects of Purple Haze as well. Instead of relaxing you, it’ll give you a body buzz, making you feel more connected to both your body and your mind.
Taken in higher doses, it may cause altered perception and heightened senses, which is close to having a psychedelic experience. However, you need to be very mindful of the dosage.
What’s It Used For?
Purple Haze isn’t used to treat insomnia. Its mood-boosting properties make it more suitable for the daytime. Due to its uplifting and euphoric effects, it’s often recommended for people suffering from depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. The cerebral properties also make it suitable for when you have a big task ahead of you and are in need of an extra concentration boost.
Physically, Purple Haze is known to help treat fatigue and migraines, as well as chronic pain. It has been reported, though not clinically proven, that it may have moderate anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. However, if you have any specific needs, it’s best to get some medical advice before you start using it.
What Are the Side Effects?
As with most high-potency strains, Purple Haze may commonly cause dry eyes and cottonmouth (dry mouth). This is nothing to worry about and a simple bottle of water next to you will help. A good idea is to add a few drops of lemon juice as it will help to stimulate the salivary glands and alleviate the unpleasantness.
Some consumers have reported dizziness, increased anxiety, and even paranoia. This could happen due to higher doses or sensitivity to the strain. Also, people who are prone to panic should stay away from this strain because it can cause bouts of recursive thinking. Inexperienced users should also either avoid it or take it in small amounts until they’ve built up some tolerance.
Overall, the negative side effects for experienced users are due to large doses. Since Purple Haze is quite powerful, you should be mindful of the dose – start slow and go slow for a smooth ride.
Can You Grow Purple Haze Yourself?
The good news is that the Purple Haze weed strain is one of the easiest to grow for beginners, and if you’re experienced, even better. The process is pretty much the same as with any other marijuana strain – you get your Purple Haze seeds from a seed bank you trust, take the first step by germinating the seeds, and then plant the seedling. The rest of the process is very straightforward.
Purple Haze can be grown indoors or outdoors, though it does best when grown outside in a warm climate with temperatures between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes it can also tolerate northerly climates with colder nights, but it all depends on the surroundings. You can also grow it indoors, and with the right equipment you will get a pretty decent yield.
This weed strain does best when grown in rich soil that provides a lot of nourishment, but hydroponics is a great option too. Whichever growing place or medium you decide on, you’ll get the best out of this strain’s genetic potential with a lot of (sun)light and a phosphorus-rich fertilizer. You should fertilize it moderately during the flowering stage, and then up the phosphorus.
Being a Sativa dominant, Purple Haze grows very tall, so in order to maintain it in the best shape, we recommend regular pruning and topping. Its flowering time is about nine to ten weeks (by late October) and it gives a bountiful harvest. Additionally, it’s quite resistant to pests, insects, and diseases, so you won’t need to worry about them ruining your crops.
Pro Tip: Some growers recommend exposing the plant to sudden cold temperatures right before flowering. The temperature change stimulates the production of purple and bluish terpenes to give you those gorgeous purple color flowers.
Conclusion
Purple Haze is a potent Sativa-dominant hybrid of Purple Thai and Haze. With a fruity flavor and a high THC content, it gives you an energy boost and an uplifting experience, very suitable for social gatherings, or for doing some mental work. It helps with creativity, and higher doses may cause heightened stimulation of the senses.
This combination of Sativa and Indica effects might make you feel uplifted, but due to its potency and slightly psychedelic effects, it’s not recommended for inexperienced users to avoid any unpleasant side effects.
It can be easily grown indoors or outdoors with crops that flower in less than 10 weeks when taken proper care of. Purple Haze grows fast and tall and it yields a very bountiful harvest.
