Purple Haze: The Psychedelic Rock Star
Purple Haze: The Psychedelic Rock Star
Strain Overview
Type: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (85% Sativa / 15% Indica)
Breeder: The Haze Brothers / Sam the Skunkman (Original Origins)
Lineage: Purple Thai x Haze (Colombian x Mexican x Thai x Indian)
Market Status: The "Pop Culture Icon"; arguably the most famous strain name in history, immortalized by Jimi Hendrix (though the song predates the strain) and cherished for its cerebral, high-energy buzz.
THC Content: 16% – 20% (Moderate & Energetic)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
Key Effects: Soaring Euphoria, Visual Stimulation, Creative Energy, "Head in the Clouds"
If you were to ask a stranger on the street to name a weed strain, they would likely say Purple Haze.
While the 1967 Jimi Hendrix song was technically about a specific LSD pill (produced by Owsley Stanley), the cannabis strain that adopted the name in the 1970s lived up to the psychedelic reputation.
Purple Haze is a time capsule. It represents the golden era of Sativas—before everything was crossed with Kush to make it finish faster. It is a lanky, elegant plant that offers a high that is almost entirely cerebral. It doesn't glue you to the couch; it launches you into the stratosphere. While modern strains may test higher in THC, few can match the electric, vibrant "vibe" of a well-grown Purple Haze.
History and Lineage: The Royal Sativa
The exact origins of Purple Haze are often debated, buried in the haze (pun intended) of the 1970s California breeding scene.
The Origins: It is widely accepted to be a phenotype of the original Haze lines developed by the Haze Brothers in Santa Cruz, California.
The Cross: It is believed to be a cross of the original Haze (a mix of Mexican, Colombian, Thai, and Indian landraces) and a majestic Purple Thai (Highland Oaxacan Gold x Chocolate Thai).
The Trait: The Purple Thai parent gifted the strain with high anthocyanin production, allowing it to turn vibrant shades of lavender and violet when exposed to cooler temperatures—a rarity for Sativas at the time.
Terpene Profile: Earth, Spice, and Berry
Unlike modern "Purple" strains (like Granddaddy Purple), which smell like artificial grape soda, Purple Haze has a much more earthy, herbal, and spicy profile.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Earth): The dominant terpene, but here it presents as a musky, herbal earthiness rather than a sedative heavy fruit.
Caryophyllene (The Spice): Provides a distinct kick of black pepper and wood spice, typical of the Haze lineage.
Pinene (The Forest): Adds a sharp, fresh pine aroma that contributes to the strain's alertness and mental clarity.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It smells like a damp forest floor mixed with sweet dried berries. There are notes of sandalwood, spice, and dark soil.
The Smoke: Sweet and spicy. It tastes of earthy berries, lavender, and herbal tea. It is a smooth, vintage smoke that feels "organic" on the palate.
Strain Effects: The Cerebral Spark
Purple Haze is the definition of "Head Weed." It is a wake-and-bake favorite that transforms the mundane into the magical.
The Experience
The Rush: The high hits almost immediately. It bypasses the body and goes straight to the head. You feel a pressure behind the eyes and a sudden burst of energy.
The Visuals: This is one of the few strains described as "psychedelic." Colors often appear brighter, and peripheral vision can feel sharper. It creates a dream-like state.
The Creativity: It disconnects the brain from linear thinking. It is exceptional for brainstorming, making art, or listening to complex music.
The Sociability: It makes you chatty and giggly. However, because it can be "racy," it may induce mild social anxiety in those prone to paranoia.
Best For: Concerts, festivals, painting/writing, hiking, and nostalgic smoke sessions.
Growing Purple Haze: The Long Game
Growing authentic Purple Haze is a labor of love. It is not a quick commercial cropper; it is a Sativa that demands patience.
Growth Structure
The Height: It grows tall. Very tall. Indoors, it will stretch toward the light and can easily overwhelm a small tent. Topping and SCROG (Screen of Green) are mandatory to keep it under control.
The Color: To achieve the legendary violet hues, you must expose the plant to cooler temperatures (around 10-15°C / 50-60°F) during the night cycle in the final weeks of flowering. Without the cold shock, it may remain green.
The Flowering Time: Patience is key. It typically takes 9 to 10 weeks to finish, sometimes 11 for the best phenotypes.
The Resistance: Thanks to its landrace genetics, it is highly resistant to mold and pests, making it a great choice for outdoor growers in climates that don't freeze too early in autumn.
Grower’s Tip: Do not overfeed this plant. Sativas from this era are sensitive to nutrient burn. Use a lighter feeding schedule than you would for a modern OG Kush. Also, ensure you have plenty of vertical space before you plant the seed.
Final Verdict: The Nostalgic Trip
Purple Haze is more than just a strain; it is a cultural artifact. It offers a glimpse into a time when weed was about expanding the mind rather than numbing the body. While it may not have the rock-hard density or the 30% THC of modern hybrids, it possesses a "soul" and an energetic high that is increasingly rare today. If you want to experience the electric, creative buzz that fueled the 1970s, Purple Haze is still the best way to get there.
You should choose Purple Haze if:
You want a high-energy, psychedelic Sativa high.
You appreciate classic earthy/spicy terpene profiles.
You are growing outdoors or have plenty of vertical space.
You want to experience cannabis history.
Score: 9.3/10 (The Counter-Culture Classic)