The Colors of Cannabis

Marijuana comes in numerous forms, with different strains, sizes, shapes and, of course, colors. So what affects the color of each strain? The answer is, genetics. The next question that often follows, what do the colors of cannabis indicate, and do they have any impact on your weed’s taste or strength? Let’s find out more.

Color and Phytochemicals

The color of a cannabis plant does not indicate its strength. Instead, different colors of cannabis appear because of a phytochemical called anthocyanin. This is a flavonoid which is water soluble and which appears in various different shades depending on the plant’s pH level. The color spectrum can be anywhere from purple to blue with an occasion red hue thrown in. We find anthocyanins in vegetables and fruit like eggplants, blueberries, pomegranates and plums. It is also possible to encourage more purple in a strain by causing a chlorophyll deficiency using temperatures and various other techniques.

Phytochemical Types

The colors you find in every nug will depend on the genetics of each strain. The growth process for each strain triggers genes which connect with particular color ranges, and this means that every marijuana color has a specific phytochemical:

• Blue/Purple strains – Anthocyanin
• White/Cream strains – Anthoxanthin
• Yellow/Orange strains – Carotenoids
• Green strains – Chlorophyll
• Red strains – Lycopene

When the plant is ready for harvesting, the natural process invokes the color change, with the cannabis flowers maturing into their color. At this stage, the individual phytochemicals bloom and this shows us every strain’s full-color spectrum.

Pink and Red Strains

Although red hairs can be commonly found on cannabis plants, red buds are actually fairly rare. If you limit the amount of phosphorus a plant is exposed to you can cause the buds and leaves to redden. Some examples of red and pink strains include Predator Pink and Pink Flower Shaman. These have opposite effects, with the former offering a relaxing experience and the latter offering an energizing kick.

Orange and Yellow Strains

Cannabis plants in orange, gold and yellow have natural carotenoids. These can be encouraged by growing in an alkaline growing medium. Some varieties of this color include Lemon Kush, Yellow Wicked OG and Kandy Skunk.

Black Strains

When there are large amounts of anthocyanins in the plant, the buds are very dark in color. Usually, this indicates they are more potent. Very dark purple, green and red hues originate from Vietnamese landraces like Vietnamese Black. Black Tuna and Black Willy are two popular black strains. The former is very high in THC while the latter is very high in CBD. When the plants are exposed to more light, more anthocyanins are produced, darkening the buds.

Purple, Green and Red Mixes

Although dark strains are traditionally more potent, if the strain has bold colors that doesn’t mean that it will be any stronger. It does, however, mean that there are lots of pigments such as carotenoids and anthocyanins which boast analgesic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Does Color Affect Strength?

Although the phytochemicals in every nug are vital to color, they do not indicate the level of THC in the plant. Phytochemicals may affect the smell, taste and color in fruit and vegetables, but when it comes to cannabis, they only affect the color of the plant.

To learn more, about cannabis colors and the science behind our buds…visit herb.co

Until next time, stay irie friends!