Peyote Critical: The Purple Heavyweight
Peyote Critical: The Purple Heavyweight
Strain Overview
Type: Pure Indica (100% Indica / 0% Sativa - Effectively)
Breeder: Barney’s Farm
Lineage: Peyote Purple x Critical Kush
Market Status: The "Aesthetic Producer"; Peyote Critical began as a Limited Edition release, but demand was so high that it became a permanent fixture in the catalog. It was bred to solve a specific breeder's dilemma: Peyote Purple is one of the most beautiful strains on earth (turning jet black) but yields poorly. Critical Kush yields massively but looks generic. By crossing them, Barney's Farm created a "Super Strain" that offers the stunning bag appeal of the Peyote with the commercial weight of the Critical.
THC Content: 20% – 24% (Strong & Physical)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene, Ocimene
Key Effects: Meditative Calm, Deep Body Stone, Muscle Relaxation, Sleep Aid
This is what happens when you prioritize both "Quality" and "Quantity" equally.
Peyote Critical is a visual masterpiece. It is one of the few strains that can turn almost completely black/red in late flowering without needing freezing temperatures. But unlike many "purple" strains that are all looks and no substance, this one is built on the chassis of the Critical Kush, meaning it pumps out dense, heavy bricks of bud. It is the perfect marriage of American beauty and European efficiency.
History and Lineage: The Bubba Upgrade
To understand this strain, you have to look at the parents, which are legends in their own right.
The Mother (Peyote Purple): A spectacular phenotype selection of Bubba Kush. It is famous for its coffee/vanilla aroma and its ability to turn vivid shades of ruby red and violet. However, it is a slow grower and a low yielder.
The Father (Critical Kush): A cross of Critical Mass x OG Kush. This is the "Engine." It provides the vigor, the massive structure, and the resistance to mold.
The Synthesis: The cross worked perfectly. Peyote Critical retains the distinct sweet earth and coffee flavor of the Peyote but grows with the aggression of the Critical. It is widely considered one of the easiest "Exotic" strains to grow.
Terpene Profile: Aged Wood and Vanilla
This strain offers a sophisticated, "Old World" flavor profile. It steps away from the candy/fruit trends and leans into savory, rich notes.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Earth): The dominant terpene. It provides a heavy, musky base that mimics damp soil and forest floors.
Pinene (The Wood): Very prominent. It adds a scent of aged cedar wood and pine, giving the strain a "cured" smell even when fresh.
Ocimene (The Sweetness): Adds a subtle sweet herbal top note, often described as vanilla or tropical wood.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is rich and comforting. It smells of aged wood, vanilla bean, roasted coffee, and wet earth.
The Smoke: Smooth and savory. It tastes of sweet hash, toasted nuts, and berry compote. It is a distinct "Purple" taste—floral and earthy.
Strain Effects: The Zen Master
Peyote Critical is a pure Indica. It does not try to energize you. It tries to center you.
The Experience
The Quiet: The high comes on with a sense of mental silence. Racing thoughts stop. Stress evaporates. It is a very "Zen" feeling.
The Weight: A heavy, comforting gravity pulls at your muscles. Tension in the neck and shoulders releases.
The Stone: It is deeply relaxing but not necessarily "stupefying." You feel present and content, just unwilling to move fast.
The Sleep: As the high wears off, it transitions seamlessly into a deep, restful sleep.
Best For: Meditation, reading a book, pain management (excellent for arthritis), insomnia, and winding down after a chaotic day.
Growing Peyote Critical: The Resilient Beauty
This is arguably the most robust plant in the Barney’s Farm "Purple" collection.
Growth Structure
The Resistance: This is its superpower. Despite the dense buds, it has high resistance to mold and powdery mildew, a trait inherited from the Critical line. It is excellent for humid climates.
The Yield: Very High. It produces heavy, rounded colas. Support is often needed because the branches can snap under the weight.
The Appearance: It is a showstopper. The leaves are broad and dark, and by week 6, the buds begin to turn pink, violet, and deep purple.
The Time: It finishes flowering in 8 to 9 weeks (55–60 days).
The Cold: It handles cold nights very well, which actually enhances the purple coloration.
Grower’s Tip: Peyote Critical grows short and stocky. It doesn't stretch much in flower. This makes it perfect for stealth grows or cabinets with low ceilings. However, because it is so leafy, you must defoliate the center of the plant to prevent moisture buildup.
Final Verdict: The Purple Heavyweight
Peyote Critical is a strain that checks every box for the Indica lover. It is incredibly easy to grow, it resists pests and mold, it yields heavily, and it produces some of the most beautiful, colorful buds on the market. It offers a sophisticated flavor profile—vanilla, coffee, and wood—that is a refreshing break from the "Lemon/Gas" dominance. If you want a jar full of black-purple nuggets that look like alien rocks and hit like a tranquilizer, this is your strain.
You should choose Peyote Critical if:
You want Bag Appeal (Dark Purple/Black buds).
You love Savory/Coffee flavors.
You need Mold Resistance.
You want a Heavy Indica for sleep/pain.
Score: 9.6/10 (The Aesthetic Producer)