What Makes the Purple Color on Cannabis

Purple in Marijuana

The purple color in cannabis has lead to legendary strains such as Grand Daddy Purple, Grape Ape and Purple Fire. The purple color is prominent as a result of cold growing conditions. Most purple strains are indica rather than sativa. Indica strains originate from locations with high altitudes and cold climates.

The purple color comes from pigment molecules called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins also make raspberries red, blueberries blue and grapes purple. These pigments, classified as flavonoids, change color with the PH value. An acidic PH will produce red like raspberries, purple for a neutral PH, and blue for alkaline.

Anthocyanins are produced by the plant only during the last part of the growing cycle. During the last stage of plant growth production of the green chlorophyl slows down. This allows the plant to give all of the energy to the flowers. When the chlorophyl color fades the purple hue of the anthocyanins prevail. Stress from a cold condition will also cause the chlorophyl to slow down.(Source)

Some marijuana patients seek after the purple strains for their medicine. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants and studies suggest they give health benefits. Antioxidants help to reduce oxidation degeneration in the cells. Foods rich in color like berries and blood oranges have been known to aid in cardiovascular health and preventing obesity. Scientific research is ongoing to justify treatment by anthocyanins for cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, inflammation, arthritis and gout pain.(Source)

Source:

http://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/what-makes-cannabis-purple/

http://www.immunehealthscience.com/anthocyanins.html