The Real Reason Some Strains Turn Different Colors

What causes some strains of cannabis to turn different colors? It might be something you ask yourself when lighting up your next joint and it’s a question worth knowing the answer to! Even if only to impress your friends with your new-found cannabis knowledge. Both the environment and genetics can play a role in the color of a plant. But why do we see one strain that looks purple while another looks more like a vibrant orange? Read on to find out.

It’s In The DNA

Many strains of cannabis can change color as they bloom, this can influence the purchasing decisions for those who are looking to buy cannabis. There’s more to the color than just what you see on the surface. The bud’s DNA is where the colors materialize from in the form of flavonoids or pigment molecules. They can appear red, blue, or purple depending on their PH. 

The building blocks for color, flavonoids, can also be found in things like eggplants, blueberries, and other plants that are rich in color. This helps to explain why we see different colors appearing in different strains, whether you opt for Medizin’s Blueberry Syrup or the award-winning Irene, exclusively available at Planet 13.

The Different Colors Of Cannabis

So what typical colors would you expect to see when it comes to cannabis? Strains that have purple, red or blue in them have high anthocyanin levels which means if they’re subjected to the right conditions, they might show off their colors a lot more. The Medizin brand has several examples of strains that have high levels of anthocyanin. You can tell a cannabis plant has high levels of anthocyanin by its characteristic dark leaves and flowers that have that purple hue to them. Purple can tend to be one of the most common hues that are seen when it comes to cannabis colors. This is usually generated by having the right temperatures in place.

Plants that have low anthocyanin levels are going to produce colors in the final weeks of flowering. This is due to carotenoids, they create the gold and yellow hues that you tend to see in many cannabis strains. Carotenoids are synthesized by all green plants but masked by chlorophyll. With the right conditions, the chlorophyll then degrades and reveals colors like that earthy golden hue.

How Colors Change From One To Another

As mentioned above, chlorophyll is part of the process that creates color and it is responsible for the green color that you would typically see with most plants. Chlorophyll helps the photosynthesis process and as the cannabis matures, less of the chlorophyll is produced. So that’s where the purples, reds, and blues will start to appear on the cannabis. This is due to the production of anthocyanin.

What Do The Colors Mean?

Do the colors have meaning or do they simply make the cannabis look appealing to the eye? The colors purple, pink, and red are often indicative of a more potent cannabis strain while cooler climates will result in green buds. Both these colors are attractive for regular buyers of cannabis. It’s worth noting that cannabis has a life cycle of a year and that for the majority of its life cycle it remains green. Purple cannabis strains are thought to be more potent, but that’s not necessarily the case. Depending on the environment the strain could have fewer levels of THC, so it’s worth bearing that in mind when it comes to making your selection. 

Are There Environmental Factors That Affect The Color Of Strains?

Although there’s a lot that can affect color within the DNA of a bud, certain environmental factors can affect the color as well. Even if they have the right genetics to produce certain colors, the plant still needs to be subjected to the appropriate environment. Cannabis produces flavonoids and anthocyanin in order to protect itself and temperature can be one of the elements that can impact strains the most. Your purple, blue and red hues are going to appear in cooler temperatures and higher temperatures can destroy anthocyanin production. Remember that anthocyanin contributes to the appearance of these hues? 

The PH level can also determine the color of pigment it produces. For example, acidic environments can lead to more pink and red colors, whereas blues become more present in higher PH levels. Yellow can often be apparent in alkaline conditions. It’s interesting to see that different environmental factors can influence different variations of color.

Get Your Colorful Cannabis From Planet 13

Planet 13 is the world’s largest cannabis entertainment complex and is a must-see location to explore whether you’re a tourist or a local. We’ve been voted the #1 Las Vegas dispensary because we make it easy for customers to browse, purchase, and then collect their cannabis orders at their convenience. Visit our website and peruse the largest selection of cannabis products available, as well as daily specials that appear on the left side of the menu. When you’re ready, you can choose to order for curbside pick-up, delivery, or visit us in-store!

Rest assured everything is handled professionally and safely no matter how you choose to get your order! A staff member will get in touch to verify your details before loading it onto a vehicle for delivery and Planet 13 will keep you updated via text message about your delivery or curbside pick-up. Find all the information on how to order from us.

Remember no matter the color of cannabis strains, each one is beautiful!  So when it comes to purchasing your next product, why not dig a little deeper into the particular hue? With the knowledge you now have you can make a more informed decision on which strains of cannabis will be best suited for you – from dark purples to reds or to yellows, you’re guaranteed to get the very best when it comes to Planet 13 brands. Available 24/7 all year round!