Let's talk about a rock star of the weed world, the legend itself - Purple Kush. This pure indica strain, born and bred in Oakland, California, is the lovechild of two South-Central Asian strains, Hindu Kush (from the Hindu Kush Mountains) and Purple Afghani.
As a Kush landrace strain, Purple Kush has been playing the field and winning hearts since the 2000s, turning heads with its eye-catching purple foliage and notable berry, grape aroma.
In this guide, we'll cover everything from the history behind Purple Kush plants, to the effects and flavor profile. We'll even touch on a few frequently asked questions. So, whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, we've got something for you.
Let's begin!
What is the THC Percentage of Purple Kush Strain?
Purple Kush is famous for its strong effects, mainly because of its high THC content. On average, this strain has an impressive THC percentage of around 17-22%.
However, some phenotypes of Purple Kush can reach THC levels as high as 27%! This makes Purple Kush a great choice for both recreational and medicinal cannabis users who want a powerful, relaxing, and euphoric experience.
What is the CBD Percentage of Purple Kush Strain?
Compared to its high THC content, Purple Kush has a relatively low level of CBD. On average, the CBD content in Purple Kush is less than 1%, often hovering around 0.10%.
Now, we know what you're thinking. While this may seem insignificant, it is a common characteristic of many high-THC strains. Despite the low CBD content, Purple Kush is still highly regarded for its potential therapeutic benefits, thanks to the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
What Terpenes Are Found in Purple Kush Strain?
Purple Kush has a wide range of aromatic terpenes that add to its distinctive smell and potential therapeutic perks. Let's check out the main terpenes found in Purple Kush:
- Beta-Caryophyllene: This peppery, spicy terpene is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Linalool: Present in lavender, linalool lends a floral note and may have calming, relaxing effects.
- Humulene: This terpene, common in cloves and basil, has a hoppy aroma and may have anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Pinene: As the name implies, pinene has a pine-like aroma and may help with memory and alertness.
- Myrcene: This is the most common cannabis terpene with earthy notes, often associated with the 'couch-lock' effect commonly experienced in Indica strains like Purple Kush.
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The History of Purple Kush Cannabis
Purple Kush, a superior pure indica strain, traces its roots back to the California Bay area as a member of the Kush cannabis family.
Its parent strains, Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani, hail from the mountainous regions of South Central Asia, providing a solid lineage for this potent strain. The breeders in Oakland chose to combine these strains not just for their strong indica properties, but also for their striking purple hues and strong, distinctive aromas.
Since its creation in the early 2000s, Purple Kush quickly gained popularity in the U.S., becoming a favorite among both medicinal and recreational users. Its unique combination of high THC levels and relaxing effects, along with its vibrant colors and enticing flavor profile, helped it secure a spot in High Times' 'Top 10 Strains of the Year' in 2016.
Today, Purple Kush is still a highly sought-after strain in cannabis markets around the world. Despite changes in the cannabis culture and the introduction of new strains, this 'purple legend' remains a classic choice for many, showcasing the innovative spirit of cannabis cultivation and selection.
Purple Kush Overview
Purple Kush is a true connoisseur's delight, a classic indica strain that stands apart for its one-of-a-kind sensory characteristics and pronounced effects. It is known for delivering a long-lasting, soothing high that typically leads to a state of blissful tranquility. Stoners often report feelings of happiness and euphoria when smoking Purple Kush, along with a gentle bodily relaxation that doesn't result in an overwhelming couch-lock, contrary to many heavy and pure indica strains.
From an aesthetic perspective, Purple Kush is nothing short of stunning, with its tightly packed buds, coated in resin and displaying a stunning blend of deep greens and vibrant purples. The strain's flavor profile is equally incredible, characterized by a complex layering of sweet, fruity flavors with earthy undertones.
Perfect for nighttime use, Purple Kush is the go-to strain for stoners seeking to unwind after a long day or those needing assistance with sleep. Additionally, its potential therapeutic applications cannot be understated, with users reporting relief from conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. However, new consumers should exercise caution due to its high THC content.
A Closer Look at Purple Kush Effects
Purple Kush is widely known for its powerful and soothing effects that guarantee a chill journey into tranquility. The high usually starts with a cerebral buzz, giving you a mildly euphoric and uplifting mood that gradually transitions into a warming, numbing body high.
As the high kicks in, you might feel your worries gently melting away, replaced by a carefree calmness. Some stoners even mention an enhanced sensory perception, making music and visuals especially enjoyable.
Despite its strong indica lineage, Purple Kush won't typically glue you to the couch; instead, it promotes a relaxed state that allows for light activities and may even leave you feeling slightly introspective.
A Closer Look at Purple Kush Flavor
The flavor profile of Purple Kush is a delicious mix of sweet and earthy notes. On the first inhale, you're treated to a unique combination of grape and berry flavors, paying homage to its Afghani roots.
As you dive deeper into the experience, there's a subtle yet distinct earthiness that adds to the overall taste. The incredible blend of flavors makes every puff a crave-worthy experience, leaving a sweet aftertaste that lingers on your palate even after the smoke clears.
A Closer Look at Purple Kush Aroma
Purple Kush has an aroma that's just as enticing as its looks and taste. This strain gives off a strong, sweet scent like fresh grapes and ripe berries, making your senses go wild from the very first sniff.
When you break apart or grind the nugs, you'll get a whiff of its earthy side, filling the air with a rich, musky fragrance that's like incense with a touch of spice. It's the perfect combination of scents that truly captures the essence of this legendary strain.
Purple Kush Growing Tips
When it comes to growing Purple Kush, a few tips can make the cultivation process easier and more successful.
This strain prefers a sunny, Mediterranean-like climate and can be grown either indoors or outdoors. However, it's essential to maintain a controlled environment, especially when grown indoors, to help this plant flourish and achieve its full potential.
Here are a few tried and true Purple Kush growing tips, straight from the experts:
- Soil vs. Hydroponics: Purple Kush can be grown in both soil and hydroponic setups. Soil cultivation can enhance the strain's flavor profile, while hydroponics may lead to faster growth and higher yields.
- Pruning: Regular pruning helps promote airflow and light penetration, ensuring healthier growth.
- Climate: Keep an eye on humidity levels. Purple Kush prefers low-humidity environments, particularly during the flowering stage, to prevent mold and mildew.
- Feeding: This strain requires a robust nutrient regimen to support its dense, resinous bud development.
- Flowering Time: Allow for a flowering time of about 8 weeks. Be patient, as rushing this stage can impact the quality of your buds.
Remember, growing cannabis is an art, and every cannabis strain also has its unique requirements. Gathering as much information as you can about Purple Kush will ensure a smoother growing experience and a rewarding harvest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Purple Kush a sativa or indica?
Purple Kush is a pure indica strain. This classification means that Purple Kush primarily delivers a body high, making users feel relaxed and sometimes even a bit sleepy.
Purple Kush is often recommended for nighttime use due to these sedating effects. However, despite being a pure indica strain, it doesn't usually cause an intense couch-lock experience, as associated with many other similar strains.
2. Is Purple Kush stronger?
Purple Kush is indeed considered stronger than many other strains due to its high THC content, which averages around 22%. Some growers have even reported THC levels as high as 27%! This high concentration of THC contributes to a more potent psychoactive effect, making the overall experience more intense.
However, it's important to note that the experience one can have with Purple Kush can vary between individuals, as individual tolerance levels and consumption methods also play significant roles. In other words, what works for one stoner may not work for another.
Beginners or users with low tolerance should be cautious and start with small amounts of Purple Kush cannabis varieties.
3. Does Purple Kush make you sleepy?
Yes, Purple Kush is known for its sedating effects, which can help induce sleep in some users. Its relaxing properties can help alleviate stress and anxiety, making it easier to unwind and fall asleep.
However, effects can vary between individuals due to different tolerance levels and individual body chemistry. It's always best to start with a small dose of Purple Kush and observe the effects before increasing your dose gradually.
4. Are purple strains good?
Yes, strains with a slight purple hue, including Purple Kush, are quite popular and highly regarded in the cannabis community. The color purple in cannabis plants is indicative of the presence of anthocyanins, a group of around 400 water-soluble pigment compounds that belong to the larger class of molecules called flavonoids. These anthocyanins are associated with a variety of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties.
Additionally, purple strains like Purple Kush often have a unique and robust flavor profile (usually with notes of grape and other sweet flavors), making them a favorite among users. However, it's essential to remember that the effects (and flavor) of Purple Kush can vary from person to person, so individuals should always start slow and adjust their usage based on their own experiences and tolerance levels.