Purple Kush is considered a classic indica strain. Its popularity is likely due to its powerful and relaxing euphoria. This quintessential indica has its roots in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan and has quickly evolved into a worldwide favorite due to its vibrant purple color and earthy aroma.
This strain is a not-so-distant relative to the Kush cannabis family. This gives Purple Kush strong genetic roots that are responsible for making the strain one of the most potent indicas available. If you want to simply zone out or are looking for a perfect elixir for pain or sleep problems, Purple Kush should be at the top of your list.
This article breaks down the allure of Purple Kush. It covers its roots, constitution, benefits, and a few growing tips.
Pashtun Roots
Breeders from Oakland, California, initially came up with Purple Kush by crossing Hindu Kush with Afghani Purple. As the two parent strains are indica, Purple Kush is indica to the core. This is the reason that Purple Kush will create a sense of euphoria that translates to users experiencing a calming effect for the mind and relaxation of the entire body.
Seeing as Purple Kush shares part of its genetics with the Hindu Kush, it has its roots in South Asia. As highlighted, the strain can be traced to the Hindu Kush Mountains that extend 500 miles from Afghanistan to Pakistan. This ancestry qualifies Purple Kush as a fortified descendent of the Kush landrace strain.
Notably, its vibrant purple color can be traced to breeds from Purple Afghani. This color appears to be triggered when the strain feels a temperature drop. Research shows that Anthocyanin is responsible for the plant’s purple pigmentation.
As proof of its Afghani descent, Purple Kush produces average-sized flowers with buds that are tightly packed. These produce a lot of sticky resin, characteristic of hashish that is of Afghan varieties.
Despite Purple Kush having earthy undertones, it is slightly stronger upfront on the tastebuds than in the nostrils. It carries sweet flavors of berries and grapes. It is not too far-fetched to point out that you are likely going to encounter some strains that have a combination of bubble-gum hash notes and rich grapes.
Cannabinoids and Terpenes in Purple Kush
Cannabis varieties like Purple Kush are popularly referred to as strains or cultivators. However, the right term for them would be chemovars. This is because the strain was intentionally created or selected, and maintained by cultivation.
As it is virtually impossible to identify the type of effects a cultivar will have from simply looking at its botanical traits, it becomes necessary to identify chemical markers, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, to differentiate one cultivar from the rest.
Notably, as it pertains to a chemical profile, there is no standard definition for Purple Kush. Specifically, it is particularly hard to definitively state the exact THC, CBD, and CBG content in Purple Kush. However, by compiling the chemical profiles from a variety of third-party certificates of analysis, seed banks, and official cannabis sites, it is possible to narrow down the chemical definition for the strain.
The numbers below are an estimate of what you will likely get from the chemical analysis of a Purple Kush chemovar. As it pertains to cannabinoids, Purple Kush has 20.8% THC, 0.3% CBG and 0.1% CBD. Its Terpene profile consists of:
- 1.66% Linalool
- 1.25% Caryophyllene oxide
- 1.53% Myrcene
- < 0.01% beta-Pinene
- < 0.01% Limonene
- < 0.01% Terpinolene
- 1.01% alpha-Pinene
- 1.07% Humulene
- 0.27% Caryophyllene
Having this cumulative figure means you should be able to control your personal experience as you can then reintroduce the different terpenes that could have been lost between the herb being harvested, processed, and ultimately consumed. As for the aroma, different users describe it as being earthy, woody, spicy, and even herbal.
Purple Kush Strain Effects
Purple Kush can, without a doubt, turn your world upside-down. In hindsight, this is somewhat of a contradiction seeing as this strain is expected to completely de-stress the body. Consumers seem to agree that this strain seems to stimulate and activate the mind beyond what could be considered a conscious level.
For starters, some consumers report having hallucination-like effects after partaking in the cannabis strain. Growers and avid users, however, dispute this eventuality, citing that the strain should not at any point cause any anxiety or paranoia. This is because Purple Kush has an innate ability to truly release the body and let the mind unwind.
Other than the effects of overwhelming relaxation, Purple Kush should leave the consumer quite happy. Some users will also end up giggling uncontrollably. An expected side effect is the heavy onset of hunger. Basically, Purple Kush will bring on the munchies.
A side effect you should expect is feeling somewhat foggy and even a little confused. This makes Purple Kush a superior pure indica strain as it delivers both mental clarity and feelings of ease. Users that indulge just before bed report experiencing the deepest, most restful night’s sleep. This makes the strain a viable option for individuals suffering from insomnia.
If you have a cannabis routine for your evenings, Purple Kush cannabis will make quite the addition. Besides, it could be a great addition to your chill social time as it could help a group of users break down their barriers and potentially melt into the blissful experience to share.
Medical Benefits of Purple Kush
Research shows Purple Kush has a vast number of medical benefits. For starters, if you are prone to episodes of extreme nausea, you should consider smoking some Purple Kush. Additionally, if you suffer from a lack of appetite, Purple Kush is the strain you want to try. Users with insomnia and chronic pain also report significant improvement in their symptoms after partaking in this strain.
There is evidence that individuals with depression, stress, anxiety, and other mental conditions could benefit from taking the strain in any of its different forms, including edibles, live resin, gummies, candies, concentrates, or the popular bubble hash. A way that this section of users can still enjoy the strain without the uncomfortable or unpleasant feeling is by only partaking in a low to average dose of the strain. Additionally, it would be best if these users were familiar with the source of the Kush as they can then prevent taking compromised strains.
While you might not experience the traditional adverse effects of taking sativa-influenced cannabis strains, you will most likely experience some sort of cottonmouth. Overall, any possible side effect you are likely going to experience can easily be managed with a little extra preparation before embarking on partaking in the Kush. For starters, consider drinking plenty of hydrating fluid before you light up some Purple Kush. This should adequately take care of the thirst you might experience and help you prevent any cottonmouth effect.
Note that while there are strains likely to stimulate hyperactive thoughts and sharp focus, Purple Kush is likely going to bring about a complete state of contentment. Granted, the user is expected to experience some mental effects, but research shows that these are often the psychedelic type and not the distorting type that is cerebral mental effects. Overall, be prepared for the indica knockout that you are likely to experience 2 to 3 hours after.
Purple Kush Growing Tips
Suppose you are interested in cultivating some Purple Kush for yourself. It is important to note that cultivating this particular breed of cannabis is moderately difficult.
As Purple Kush is an almost 100% pure indica strain, it is likely to grow low to the ground in somewhat of a bushy figure. This makes it particularly challenging when you consider growing it in an outdoor environment. Therefore, considering its low stature, if you are to grow it outdoors, you will need to find a location that has an adequate amount of full sun. This will ensure that even the low-lying leaves receive some sun exposure. Additionally, consider searching for an outdoor grow spot that is dry with low humidity or exposure to the rain. You should harvest your first buds around September which should tally to about 8 weeks of growth.
Note that Purple Kush is naturally quite resistant to powdery mildew, mold, and pests. Still, indoors is the most suitable location for growing this strain. Doing it inside means that you can better control the humidity and temperature. Additionally, consider getting a hydroponics setup, as this would ensure you have tighter control over growing conditions.
When you grow the strain indoors, you should expect flowering in 8 weeks, which is a lot faster than most of the other strains growers seem to be leaning towards. Note, you need to strictly keep the temperatures between 65-75 degrees. Make sure you set the trellis for the plant’s maximum height, which is likely going to be 3 feet.
From a home grower’s perspective, Kush plants are generally not considered very rewarding. Still, if you desire to fit a few plants in a small area, the strain’s short stature makes it the perfect breed. To ensure you do not have stunted growth, you will have to stay on top of topping its leaves. This is a sure way of ensuring you get a better yield.
On the other hand, from a commercial grower’s perspective, it might be particularly hard to get genuine Purple Kush as it is clone-only. This will require you to seek out growers that have legit mother plants. Granted, if you are not so keen on weight, you should be able to find some fulfillment growing this strain. A neat advantage of this strain is how the old-school Hindu and Afghan bitterness makes for a great deterrent of pests.
Related Strains
Purple Kush might be a first-generation Californian, but it still has markers that can be found in other strains too. The first is Granddaddy Purple (GDP) which has the distinct grape aroma and flavor found in Purple Kush. Grape Ape is an additional strain closely related to Purple Kush. This Indica dominant strain has its roots in Afghanistan as well. Similar to the preceding two, it comes with bold purple leaves and an unmistakable grape aroma. Finally, we have Obama Kush that also has its roots in Afghanistan. It has a slight purple hue and an underlying thick dusting of resin quite similar to that of the Purple Kush.
Conclusion
Purple Kush’s distinct coloring is hardly the most interesting thing about the strain. Considered as a pure Indica strain, Purple Kush is famed as being probably the best bedtime cannabis option. Besides, it has been proven to be quite helpful for pain, especially harsh migraines and stress. Users describe feeling an almost immediate uplifting euphoria that leaves them completely pain-free and slightly introspective. This is accompanied by a warming numbing body high that users report starting from the head and spreading throughout the body. The effect is complete relaxation and a feeling of sedation. Upon the comedown, the user is likely to be eased into a deep and pain-free sleep that should last a couple of hours. Overall, the Purple Kush strain is a must-try for any self-professed cannabis lover.
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