As a cannabis enthusiast, you may have come across a purple strain of the plant and wondered why it has such a distinctive colour. The answer lies in the plant’s genetics and the presence of a group of pigments called anthocyanin. In this blog post, we’ll explore why cannabis can be purple like Ribena and what it means for the plant’s potency and effects.
Anthocyanin’s are responsible for the red, blue, and purple hues in many fruits, vegetables, and flowers. These pigments are synthesised in the plant’s cells and accumulate in the vacuoles, or storage units, of the plant’s tissues. In cannabis, anthocyanin’s are produced in response to environmental stressors such as temperature changes, nutrient deficiencies, and light exposure.
The production of anthocyanin in cannabis can lead to purple, blue, or red coloration in the leaves, stems, and buds. This coloration can be particularly striking in certain strains, such as Granddaddy Purple and Purple Kush. The intensity of the coloration can also vary depending on the growing conditions and the specific genetics of the plant.
While the colour of a cannabis strain may be aesthetically pleasing, it’s important to note that the coloration does not necessarily indicate the potency or effects of the plant. The potency of a strain is determined by the levels of cannabinoids and terpenes in the plant, not by its colour. However, some cannabis enthusiasts believe that purple strains may have unique effects or flavours that distinguish them from other strains.
In conclusion, the purple colouration of some cannabis strains is a result of the presence of anthocyanin, which are synthesised in response to environmental stressors. While the colour of a strain may be visually appealing, it does not necessarily indicate the plant’s potency or effects. However, some cannabis enthusiasts believe that purple strains may have unique characteristics that distinguish them from other strains.
