The charm of purple cannabis: Why do growers love it?

The purple hues that adorn some marijuana varieties are not merely a passing aesthetic whim, but a real revolution in the cannabis world. The purple, blue, and reddish colours displayed by some genetics have conquered the hearts of rookie and experienced growers alike, turning these plants into true botanical jewels. These shades not only provide extraordinary visual value but are also linked to specific biochemical properties that turn purple cannabis into something much more special than a simple ornament.

Beyond chlorophyll: the science behind pigmentation

When you admire a cannabis plant, you can usually see different shades of green which are the result of the presence of chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis. However, what many growers don’t know is that there are other pigments that remain “hidden” under the dominant chlorophyll until conditions are favourable for them to manifest themselves.

These are anthocyanins, a group of approximately 400 water-soluble pigments belonging to the category of flavonoids, which are the third most important components of cannabis after cannabinoids and terpenes. These are the compounds that are truly responsible for the spectacular shades that are loved by fans of purple cannabis.

The most fascinating thing about anthocyanins is their ability to manifest themselves in different colours depending on the pH of the plant’s cellular environment. In acidic environments, these pigments tend to show red or pink hues; in neutral pH conditions, they express themselves in their characteristic purple; whereas they can adopt bluish tones in alkaline environments. This chromatic versatility explains the variety of shades that can be observed in different phenotypes of the same purple variety.

Purple Kush x Black Domina

Purple Kush

Purple Kush is a popular strain of cannabis known for its deep purple color and potent sedative effects. Purple Kush is a strain that’s born to thrive. You’ll be able to enjoy dramatic flowering in 60 days, dazzling your garden with a festival of colours and aromas, while purple tones will begin to appear in swollen buds that are loaded with resin from the fourth week.

Hidden benefits of anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are not only responsible for the visual appeal of purple strains ― they also showcase important health properties. Numerous studies have confirmed their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action that can delay cellular aging; and some researchers even suggest that anthocyanins could improve cognitive ability and memory.

The benefits of these compounds extend to the cardiovascular system, where they can help improve lipid metabolism, relax blood vessels, reduce arterial inflammation, and regulate blood pressure. They’re also credited with helping to lower cholesterol and prevent clots.

With regards to the immune system, anthocyanins have antibacterial and antiviral properties. They’re also considered to be potentially anticancer due to their ability to capture free radicals, and to their inhibitory effect on enzymes that activate pro-mutagenic compounds (i.e., enzymes that convert the substance into a product which can interact with DNA and cause mutations).

Factors that determine the colour of purple cannabis

The most important factor in obtaining purple cannabis is undoubtedly genetics, as some varieties have a greater predisposition to producing anthocyanins than others. For decades, cannabis breeders have carefully selected the specimens with the greatest tendency to develop these attractive tones, which has resulted in stable lines of purple marijuana seeds that consistently express this characteristic.

While plants previously needed to be stressed for these colours to appear, nowadays selective breeding has led to the development of varieties that show purple tones naturally, without the need to be subjected to adverse conditions.

But although genetics is crucial, environmental conditions also play a vital role in the manifestation of the purple tones. For the anthocyanins to be fully expressed, it is necessary for the plant to enter the final phase of the flowering when the chlorophyll begins to degrade, which allows the secondary pigments to become visible.

This colouring can also occur when night temperatures drop approximately 5°C below daytime temperatures, especially during the last few weeks of flowering. This reduces the presence of chlorophyll and allows anthocyanins to dominate.

This phenomenon explains why many outdoor growers watch their plants develop purple hues with the arrival of autumn and the consequent drop in temperatures. In indoor grows, this feature can be induced by manipulating the thermostat during the night cycle.

The appeal of purple cannabis in today’s market

The community of cannabis growers and users has always valued diversity and uniqueness; and purple varieties perfectly illustrate that quest for different, rare, and exclusive strains. For many cannabis collectors and enthusiasts, obtaining buds with intense violet tones has become a real challenge and a source for pride.

The visual impact of purple varieties is undeniable. In an increasingly competitive market, where the bag appeal of the final product is almost as important as its effects, the purple, blue, and pink shades provide an added value that really makes a mark and can increase the commercial value of the crop. As these exotic colours seem to be associated with premium products, this has led many cannabis seed banks to develop lines specifically aimed at maximising this feature.

But beyond their visual appeal, many purple varieties are characterised by distinctive terpene profiles that emit fruity, sweet, or earthy notes. These aromatic combinations, together with the balanced effects they typically offer, make these strains highly appreciated by both recreational and therapeutic users.

Zoap Rosé, Kannabia’s new purple jewel

Among our latest creations, the new Zoap Rosé stands out as a true genetic masterpiece. This strain represents the perfect evolution of the already acclaimed original Zoap, bringing together the best of the most cutting-edge American genetics and providing fresher and more fruity nuances that will blow you away from the very first hit.

But what really sets Zoap Rosé apart is its extraordinary appearance. Its rounded buds exhibit bright green calyxes that contrast with its dark sugar leaves and shiny pistils that take on pink and purple hues as the flowering progresses.

This chromatic combination, together with its abundant resin production, makes Zoap Rosé one of the most visually striking varieties from our catalogue. And its organoleptic profile is not far behind, with creamy and fruity notes that evoke the freshness and sweetness of red fruits, complemented by subtle earthy nuances that provide complexity and character.

Top 5 Best Purple Cannabis Strains

Alongside the new Zoap Rosé, Kannabia offers another selection of standout strains renowned for their violet hues and exceptional qualities—each with unique traits ideal for different growers and consumers:

1- Purple Kush: A true purple cannabis classic from Kannabia, famous for its dense, resinous buds in deep burgundy. With 17–22% THC, it delivers potent, relaxing effects perfect for evening use. Its flavour blends sweet berry notes with earthy undertones, and its easy-growing nature makes it a favourite among beginners and experts alike.

2- Gelato-K: A sativa-dominant hybrid that develops crimson highlights in its buds, especially late in flowering. Boasting over 20% THC, Gelato-K offers a sweet, fruity-citrus flavour and energising effects that spark creativity. A high-yielding strain, it can produce up to 500 g/m² indoors.

3- Swiss Dream Rosé Auto CBD: A prime example of autoflowering purple cannabis, ideal for medicinal users with its high CBD (17%) and minimal THC (<0.6%). Its buds display stunning purple and pink tones, and its straightforward growth cycle makes it perfect for quick, non-intoxicating results.

4- Purple Dream Auto: Another standout autoflowering purple strain, known for its vivid burgundy, blue, and green hues during flowering. With a rapid 60–65-day cycle, it’s easy to grow and delivers moderate yields. Effects are balanced—relaxing with a hint of euphoria.

5- Pink Gelato: One of our newest releases, prized for its potential to develop purple shades under the right conditions. Its creamy, sweet flavour profile mixes ripe fruit and vanilla notes, making every puff a delight.

Outstanding genetics for demanding growers

As you can see, purple cannabis is not only a feast for your eyes but also represents an opportunity to explore unique genetics and distinctive taste profiles. Kannabia remains committed to the research and development of purple marijuana strains that combine beauty, potency, and therapeutic and recreational qualities. Our new Zoap Rosé perfectly embodies this philosophy, offering growers the possibility of spectacular harvests both visually and in terms of taste and effects.

The future of purple cannabis is as bright as the shades it displays, and we are proud to lead this colour revolution with varieties that meet the expectations of even the most demanding palates. And that’s because the Kannabia team understands that cannabis is both a science and an art, and our purple creations are living proof of this.