jason-crawford

Medically Reviewed by
Jason Crawford

Article Last Updated on December 30, 2022

Purple Kush, also known as “Purple Hindu Kush”, was named as one of the Top 10 Most Powerful Strains in the World by High Times magazine due to its significant THC levels. In this article, we’ll review this dank bud that distinguishes itself from other indica hybrids with its fragrant aroma and eye-catching colors. 

This purple weed strain with vibrant dark green buds and purple-hued leaves is sure to catch your eye if you see it at your local dispensary. Its taste is similar to grapes and it has an earthy and woody smell which will amaze cannabis connoisseurs.

Stick around to find out more about this cannabis strain, its THC/CBD content, how you can grow it, and what are the medical benefits of using it.

Purple Kush Strain Review and Origin

This weed strain has a ratio of 100% Indica and 0% Sativa, meaning it’s a pure indica strain. Purple Kush is a blend between Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani, which are two South-Central Asian Indica landraces.

This nighttime strain became popular in Oakland, California, and from there it spread to dispensaries around the world. The average THC levels range around 16%, although some marijuana growers get them to as high as 28%.

Taste, Smell, and Appearance

The first thing that piques your interest is the deep purple hues of the marijuana strain which are derived from anthocyanin pigments that can influence the overall appearance of the plant including the leaves, stems, and buds. Its leaves can differ depending on the phenotype and range from a deep purple to burgundy and coral in tone, which only complement the colorful buds.

The iconic smell, fruity and sweet, combines the taste of earthy red wine, sweet grapes, and the most delicious candies. The buds have neon green nugs that are frosted with trichomes and sticky resin that only enhances your cannabis experience.

The terpenes profile of this weed strain varies from grower to grower and it may contain some of the following terpenes.

  • Caryophyllene;
  • Linalool;
  • Myrcene;
  • Beta-Pinene;
  • Limonene;
  • Terpinolene;
  • Alpha-Pinene;
  • Humulene.

Purple Kush Effects

This cannabis strain produces a head high and couch-lock feelings which is why a lot of users prefer this as a nighttime strain since it provides a deep and restful sleep which is often sought after by users. It provides a sedating effect with a high that can last about two hours.

When consuming Purple Kush recreational users report feeling:

  • Relaxed;
  • Uplifted;
  • Sleepy;
  • Happy;
  • Euphoric;

Medical Benefits of Purple Kush

Since Purple Kush is a pure Indica strain, it provides sedating and calming feelings. So medical marijuana users might benefit from it to treat, or alleviate the side effects of certain medical conditions like:

  • Nausea;
  • Insomnia;
  • Loss of appetite;
  • Arthritis;
  • Depression;
  • Anxiety;
  • Chronic pain;
  • Nerve damage;
  • Muscle spasms.

Apart from smoking it, medical marijuana users can enjoy other methods of consumption including candies, gummies, resin, edibles, extract pills, and concentrates. This way it might be easier to administer proper doses as treatment for these conditions.

How to Grow Purple Kush?

It’s fairly easy to cultivate this Indica dominant strain both indoors and outdoors and growers will be happy to know that it will produce dense buds. Purple Kush grows wide, low, and bushy, and so it will need a dry and open space where it can get direct sunshine, or proper artificial lighting if growing it indoors. Hydroponics is the best option for this strain, although some growers use soil as well.

This strain doesn’t need a lot of water in order to avoid mildew and mold, and it’s resistant to pests since it has a bitter taste that usually repels them. Growing it indoors will make it easier to provide optimal humidity and temperature and a yield of about 14 ounces for every square meter. On the other hand, growing it outdoors will provide a yield of 9 or 10 ounces for every plant.

It takes about 8 weeks for this plant to be ready for an indoor harvest, and the tints of purple within the buds will be a signal that it’s harvesting time. Late September is the usual harvest time in the Northern hemisphere when growing this weed outdoors, and late March if you’re growing Purple Kush in the Southern Hemisphere.

What Are the Side Effects of the Purple Kush Marijuana Strain?

The side effects of consuming this cannabis strain are slightly different from consuming hybrids that are both Indica and Sativa. As this strain isn’t a Sativa marijuana strain, meaning it’s not a stimulant, it’s unlikely to produce effects like anxiety. 

Some consumers report physical side effects that include:

  • Dry mouth; 
  • Dry eyes;
  • Paranoia;
  • Dizziness; 
  • Headache. 

The first side effect that users mention is experiencing dry mouth. Since this is a common side effect of consuming weed, it’s a good option to keep yourself hydrated at all times so you can enjoy the effects and let your body unwind.

Moreover, you should also make sure you’re not consuming weed on an empty stomach and always keep some food near you if you get a case of the munchies.

Purple Kush Cannabis Strain in a Nutshell

Purple Kush’s euphoric and uplifting but also deeply relaxing effects are why this strain is prefered among marijuana users. This pure Indica hybrid, a cross between Hindu Kush from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and a variety of Purple Afghani, is defined by its vibrant purple-hued buds and fragrant terpenes which captivate users.

As a strain used for its medical benefits it provides users with relief from chronic pain, nausea,

insomnia, loss of appetite, arthritis, depression, and other conditions, and that is the main reason why it’s so popular among users. Dry mouth and eyes, as well as headaches and dizziness are possible side effects from consuming this strain, although you could avoid them from occurring with proper dosage and hydration.

This strain isn’t that hard to cultivate, as even beginner users can learn how to grow it. It thrives in hydroponics, along with an adequate amount of light and humidity both indoors and outdoors.

A passionate advocate for the benefits of cannabis. Fraser Horton, who has a background in botany and a strong love of nature, has spent years researching how cannabis affects the body and mind. He established Leaf Nation in 2020, where he has devoted himself to educating people about the legalisation of marijuana and its safe and responsible use. Fraser is committed to highlighting cannabis’ potential for improving wellness and working to dispel the stigma associated with its use.

Disclaimer

The information presented on this page is provided as a public service to aid in education and is derived from sources believed to be reliable. Readers are responsible for making their own assessment of the topics discussed here. In no event shall Leaf Nation be held reliable for any injury, loss or damage that could happen if using or abusing drugs.