Purple Haze is about as pop culture as it gets. A strain that has not only firmly secured its place in the lexicon of cannabis lovers, but has also been immortalized in song more times than you can count. Made famous by the legendary Jimi Hendrix in his 1967 hit, and cementing its place in Hip Hop lore through mentions on countless tracks, Purple Haze is more of a cultural phenomenon than just an everyday cultivar.

But what exactly makes this singular strain so special? Why has it grown into the legend that it is today? In this strain review, we'll dive into the history, effects, and characteristics of Purple Haze to understand just why it continues to be one of the most sought-after true 'old school' strains right up until today, with its popularity supersizing with each passing year.

Purple Haze strain info, history, and genetics

Now, unlike most new school strains, which have lineages that can be traced back multiple generations, the true origin of Purple Haze is, well, somewhat hazy. A quick Google search shows that there are multiple origin stories circulating online regarding the origins of Purple Haze.

Some say that the strain was first developed in Thailand in the very early 1970s, with others reporting that it is actually of Colombian descent, and first hit the scene there in the mid-60s. Either way, it's pretty clear that Purple Haze has been a momentous success in terms of stabilization and initial mass production. Big thanks to the legendary breeders, The Haze Brothers, and Dave Watson, also known as Sam The Skunkman, for introducing the first batch of Purple Haze in Amsterdam back in the late 1970s.

The genetics of Purple Haze

The true genetics are also clouded in fog. Some claim that Purple Haze is simply a phenotype of the OG Sativa Haze, while others claim it's a combination of Sativa Haze, which is known for its uplifting and energetic effects, and Purple Thai.

The result is a strain with a perfect balance of both physical and cerebral high that has become synonymous with the Purple Haze name. And while we may not know the exact genetic origin, what we do know is that this strain stands tall as one of the best and most iconic Sativa strains of all time.

STRAIN CHARACTERISTICS
THC%:16%-19%
Flowering Time:8-10 Weeks
Outdoor harvest:End Of October
Yield:400-500gr/m²
Indica/Sativa:Sativa Dominant
Height:Medium: 100cm-180cm
Difficulty:Easy
CBD Content:<1%
Climate:Temperate, Mould Resistant, Mediterranean
Medical Conditions:Depression, Pain, Stress
Seed Type:Feminized
Genetics:Haze x Purple Thai
Effects:Creative, Energising, Uplifting
Taste:Earthy, Sweet, Woody
Terpene:Beta-Caryophyllene, Humulene, Limonene, Myrcene

Is Purple Haze Indica or Sativa?

While the original genetics have been somewhat lost in time due to the lack of genetic testing and records in the early days of cannabis cultivation, it's safe to say that Purple Haze is undoubtedly a Sativa-dominant hybrid.

How strong is Purple Haze weed?

When it first hit the scene, it was regarded as one of the most potent strains of all time. But as the cannabis industry has evolved, so have our standards for what is considered 'strong' weed.

While Purple Haze may not stack up to the plus 33% THC bangers that are currently being produced, it still packs a pleasantly potent punch. With an average THC content of 16 to 19% (which can be boosted up to around 22 to 23% when grown in perfect conditions) this strain is potent enough to give even the most experienced smokers a run for their money.

What does Purple Haze taste and smell like?

This strain breaks the current mold, with a smoke that is equal parts earthy, sweet, and citrusy. This is delivered with a smooth, almost soft smoke that is renowned for its silky smooth and easy inhale. It's not uncommon for users to report tasting a hint of berries on the exhalation, which really adds an element of enjoyment to the whole smoking experience.

To match the smell, Purple Haze also has a distinct aroma. Some phenos come with a hint of grape, while others lean more to the savory side of the scale, with just a touch of spice. Either way, the scent is unmistakable, one that lingers in the best way and is hard to forget.

The dominant terps are Myrcene, Limonene, and Caryophyllene, all of which have certain medical benefits.

What are the effects of Purple Haze?

For all the tantalizing aromas and gorgeous bag appeal of Purple Haze, the real reason it became the pop phenom that it is today lies in its effects. From the very first exhale, you'll notice a rush of euphoria and energy that most find is coupled with a huge creativity boost. This one-two-punch combination often leads to hours of deep conversation or intense creative output.

Not the best if you are looking for a strain that will instantly relax you, this is a strain designed for those who love stimulating psychoactive effects. That's not to say that calming Indica genetics are totally absent, just that for most people, Purple Haze tends to lean more towards a relatively trippy positive headspace than a couch-locked body high.

Perfect for live performances, parties, and socializing with friends, Purple Haze is hands down one of the best strains to enjoy with company and in a stimulating environment.

Does Purple Haze cannabis have any medical applications?

Yep, it's great for those looking to boost their mood, manage stress, and increase energy levels. It's not uncommon for users to report an uplifted mental state, increased focus, and heightened senses, but keep in mind that this is dose dependent. If you are looking for a strain to lower anxiety, be careful with your dosage, as too much THC mixed with the invigorating effects can lead to increased anxiety levels.

Is Purple Haze good for beginners?

With the THC most often topping out at around 19%, this strain is definitely less potent than some of its newer hybrid counterparts. Having said that, the range of effects is heavy on the psychedelic aside of the spectrum. No, it's not like taking some mushies or a tab of LSD, but the effects do serve as a reminder to take small tokes first and see how you fare before diving into another one, especially if you are new to the sticky icky.

Purple Haze Autoflower

Growing Sativas can take long time, but if you want to grow some beautiful purple buds in less than 12 weeks we have the autoflowering version of your favorite strain. Our Purple Haze Autoflower is a remarkable ruderalis version of the legendary Sativa strain, blending 40% Indica and 60% Sativa. With a medium THC content of up to 19% and massive yields up to 500g/m², it flowers in just 8 weeks. Its vibrant purple buds and sweet fruity aroma make it a standout choice for enthusiasts seeking both visual appeal and a superior growing experience.

How to grow your own Purple Haze plant

Purple Haze seeds are pretty easy to grow, the only thing to bear in mind as with any Haze is that some experience training the plant will be required for indoor growing. But how do you ensure the nugs end up that beautifully deep purple color?

First and foremost, you are going to need good genetics. The seeds on offer at MSNL are pure Purple Haze genetics, with no ruderalis or other Haze hybrids added to the mix. Additionally, some environmental factors can help bring out the purple hues in your plants, such as dropping the temperature to around 16-17C (60F) during the lights-off period, using a flowering stage boosting fertilizer, and keeping your plant in the dark for 36 hours just before harvest.

In terms of boosting the potency, Purple Haze can hold its own without much plant training. But keep in mind that this strain is about as lanky as they come, so getting in early with some HST training can really help make the most of your space and produce more bud per square meter. We recommend topping your Purple Haze plants at least twice and tying down the branches to help even out and open up the canopy during vegetative growth. ScrOGging is also an excellent way to increase yields and turn that colander of long, thin branches into a beautiful bush.

Purple Haze does super well in both indoor and outdoor settings and is an exceptionally hardy strain that can handle less-than-perfect conditions. All things considered, Purple Haze is a very forgiving plant that will surprise you with its yield and bud quality, and who doesn't want jars full of deep purple buds?