Dark weed strains are becoming more popular. If you’ve ever wondered why cannabis plants have different looks and effects, genetics are the reason why. Sativa and indica plants evolved in separate regions of the world, developing unique, distinct characteristics to survive — and thrive — in those climates.
What’s the best way to distinguish between indica and sativa cannabis strains? Look at the buds. Sativas originate in warm, tropical climates, which encourage brightly colored flowers. With cold temperatures encouraging deeper colors, such as those found in dark weed strains, many indica strains are often darker than their sativa counterparts.
Can You Taste the Colors?
Here’s a fun fact: The colors on your cannabis result from the anthocyanins, a subclass of flavonoids that the plant produces and appear red, orange, purple or blue, depending on their pH. Temperature and light cycle also play vital roles in cannabis coloring.
The color of your cannabis flowers is often a function of the genetics of the plant and the terpene profile. A plant’s response to specific stress can cause the plant to produce a large amount of anthocyanin, which absorbs blue and green light wavelengths, creating vibrant purple hues on the plant.
With genetics and environmental impacts altering the color of cannabis, different shades can come with disparate effects, taste and even smell.
What Are the Benefits of Dark Strains of Weed?
One misconception about the potency of flower is that its color has nothing to do with potency. While anthocyanins don’t change THC levels, plants producing an increased amount of these powerful antioxidants can deliver additional health and stress relief benefits. Dark weed strains typically have a much deeper and rich flavor due to the increased amount of anthocyanins.
Green is the primary color of most flowering plants, including cannabis, due to chlorophyll, which gives plants a green pigmentation. Dark green weed strains generally have more of this pigment than others.
Ranging in color from deep purple with almost no green to next to no purple at all, dark purple weed strains are an excellent source of anthocyanins, which are proven to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits.
Anthocyanins help create a rich and delicious flavor signature of dark weed strains such as Purple Kush or Sour Diesel. While these flavonoids don’t change how much THC a flower has, they give these strains their rich taste and distinct colors.
Dark Weed Strains At Terrapin Care Station
With all this talk about dark weed strains, we couldn’t go without mentioning some of our fantastic cannabis products.
Just when you thought you had a favorite cookie, Tropicana Cookies #1, a sativa-dominant strain, comes along and steals your heart with its beautiful purple hues, citrusy aromas and long-lasting effects.
Often overlooked because of her name, Ugly Stepsister — for many — is the belle of the ball, with her deep purple hues, bright green leaves and vibrant orange hairs. A Terrapin original, this indica-dominant cross of Glass Slipper and Chunky Diesel delivers a tasty terpene profile, an irresistible aroma and a range of fruity and diesely flavors ideal for a mellow day or evening.
Purple Punch, an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain crossing OG Kush and Granddaddy Purple, is one of those strains that will make you feel instantly relaxed. With a sweet scent and taste of berries, grapes and treats, it’s the perfect way to wind down after a long day.
If you’re looking for top-quality products from a reliable source, you’ll find what you need by shopping with the professionals. Visit our store finder.