Purple Kush is a strain of pure indica that is distinct from other strains thanks to its eye-catching colours and pleasant taste. It was developed by breeders in a neighbourhood of Oakland, California that has been nicknamed Oaksterdam as it is one of the oldest legal medical marijuana areas in the U.S.
Purple Kush is a cross of two South-Central Asian indica strains, Hindu Kush, from the region on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, and a purple–tinged variety of Afghani. It produces a slow and relaxing full body stone. In 2016, it was named a Top 10 Kush Strain by High Times magazine, and it has THC composition ranging from 17% all the way up to 27%.
The strain has medium sized flowers that resemble popcorn when cured, with a very dense and heavy bud structure. Depending on the phenotype, the leaves can be equal part green and purple. The purple, which is selectively bred from the Purple Afghani parent strain, is a result of the plant’s anthocyanins being activated in cold growing conditions.
Just like its parent strain Afghani, Purple Kush produces a great deal of sticky resin, making it excellent for the production of hash and other concentrates. The flowers are covered in trichomes, which gives the leaves a white sheen. Standing out against the flowers are orange pistils.
Purple Kush is also known for its excellent taste and smell. It smells similar to Afghani strains, with an earthy musk but there are also sweeter hints of fruit. When burning, the strain’s smoke is simultaneously fruity and hash-like, which can result in coughing. On the exhale, the smoke is far sweeter, similar to dessert wine.
Rather than starting with a disorienting head high, Purple Kush begins with physical relaxation. While there are some mental effects, they have more of a psychedelic nature than a cerebral one. Smokers are likely to appreciate calming music and tactile surroundings. The strain is likely to result in a state of dopey contentedness. It brings on a perma-smile and a heavy body stone that definitely make it more suitable for evening enjoyment. Some use it medicinally, thanks to its strong sedative effects. It can also aid with pain relief and it can help with insomnia in large enough doses. The strain’s high normally lasts from two to three hours.
Purple Kush grows low and busy. It can be grown indoors and outdoors, but growing in a controlled environment indoors is easier. The plants rarely grow to more than 3 feet tall. They tend to flower within 8 weeks and produce a yield of about 37 grams per square foot of plant.
The buds need careful curing after harvesting in order to preserve their colours and tastes. This can be done by hanging them upside down for around a week in a room that has 50% humidity and a constant temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The buds should then be sealed in wide-mouthed jars.
Purple Kush is both visually striking and strongly flavoured but does not sacrifice genetic stability, unlike many hybrids that are crossbred for taste. The strain has roots that remain as close as possible to the species’ origins in Asia. It is a hugely popular strain and one that smokers can enjoy on a regular basis.
