Purple Thai: The Psychedelic Sativa of the 70s
Purple Thai: The Psychedelic Sativa of the 70s
Strain Overview
Type: Sativa-Dominant Landrace Cross (Can act like a pure Sativa)
Origin: A blend of Oaxacan Gold (Mexico) and Chocolate Thai (Thailand)
THC Content: 19% – 24%
Dominant Terpenes: Terpinolene, Ocimene, Caryophyllene
Key Effects: Cerebral Rush, Visual Distortion, High Energy, Creativity
While many "Purple" strains are heavy Indicas famous for putting you to sleep (like the Purple Urkle reviewed above), Purple Thai is the complete opposite. It is a rare, exotic Sativa that offers a racing, nearly psychedelic cerebral high.
Famous for being one of the key parents of the legendary Blueberry strain created by breeder DJ Short, Purple Thai is a piece of cannabis breeding history. It combines the electric energy of Southeast Asian genetics with the golden resin of Mexican highland strains. If you are looking for best sativa strains for creativity or a purple strain that won't lock you to the couch, Purple Thai is a unicorn worth hunting for.
History and Lineage: The Origins of DJ Short's Favorite
Purple Thai is not a naturally occurring landrace itself, but rather a vintage cross of two legendary landraces. It was popularized in the late 1970s and early 80s, most notably by the master breeder DJ Short.
The Genetic Cross
Highland Oaxacan Gold: A Mexican Sativa known for its massive size and "trippy" visual effects.
Chocolate Thai: The famous Thai stick strain known for its deep coffee/chocolate aroma and racy energy.
By crossing these two titans, breeders created a plant that retained the energetic Sativa high but introduced a beautiful splash of purple color—a trait rarely seen in pure Sativas at the time. This strain became the genetic backbone for the entire "Blue" family of cannabis (including Blue Velvet and Flo).
Terpene Profile: Floral, Nutty, and Chocolatey
Purple Thai deviates from the standard "grape" smell of most purple strains. Instead, it offers a sophisticated, savory, and floral bouquet that old-school smokers instantly recognize.
Dominant Terpenes
Terpinolene (The Fruity Floral): A complex terpene that offers notes of lilacs, nutmeg, and apples. It is often found in "haze" strains and contributes to the energetic buzz.
Ocimene (The Sweet Herbal): Adds a sweet, woody, and herbaceous layer, often associated with mint and parsley.
Caryophyllene (The Spicy Kick): Provides the peppery bite that complements the earthy Thai genetics.
Flavor Notes: The smoke is incredibly smooth and unique. Users report a distinct flavor of nutty coffee and dark chocolate (from the Thai parent) mixed with a floral, berry-like sweetness on the exhale. It is less "candy" and more "botanical garden."
Purple Thai Strain Effects: A Coffee Replacement?
This is a quintessential "wake-and-bake" strain. The effects of Purple Thai are almost exclusively cerebral. It bypasses the body and heads straight for the mind.
The "Psychedelic" Experience
Purple Thai is often described as having a "speedy" high. It can be intense for beginners. The Oaxacan genetics bring a mild hallucinogenic quality, where colors may appear brighter and sounds more distinct.
Common Effects Include:
Rush of Energy: Comparable to a double shot of espresso. It motivates movement and activity.
Enhanced Creativity: Writers, musicians, and artists often favor this strain for breaking through creative blocks.
Social Lubricant: It makes you talkative, giggly, and engaged in conversation.
Visual Stimulation: In higher doses, users report a "sparkly" visual distortion.
Warning: Due to its high energy and potential to increase heart rate, Purple Thai can induce anxiety or paranoia in users who are already prone to stress. It is not recommended for winding down at night.
Medical Benefits of Purple Thai for Depression and Fatigue
Because it acts as a stimulant, Purple Thai is a powerful tool for medical patients suffering from lethargy and mood disorders.
Top Medical Uses:
Chronic Fatigue: Excellent for patients who struggle to get out of bed or feel sluggish throughout the day.
Depression: The uplifting, euphoric nature of the high can help temporarily dissolve feelings of hopelessness or apathy.
Headaches and Migraines: The cerebral pressure changes associated with this strain can sometimes help alleviate vascular headaches.
PTSD (Daytime): For some, the focus and energy help distract from intrusive thoughts, though dosage should be monitored carefully to avoid anxiety.
Growing Purple Thai: A Sativa That Looks Like an Indica
Growing Purple Thai is a fascinating experience because it breaks the rules. While it smokes like a pure Sativa, it often grows with the beautiful coloration of an Indica.
Growth Structure
The plant produces long, running branches (typical of Thai genetics) but produces heavy resin production (from the Oaxacan side). The most striking feature is the color. Under the right conditions, the leaves and buds turn incredibly dark shades of purple, sometimes bordering on black.
Cultivation Challenges
Flowering Time: Like most Sativa-dominants, it requires patience. Expect an 11 to 13 week flowering period.
Height: It can get tall and lanky. Indoor growers must use training techniques like SCROG (Screen of Green) to manage the stretch.
Nutrients: It prefers lighter nutrient feedings compared to heavy commercial hybrids.
Climate: It thrives in warm, Mediterranean climates but needs low humidity late in flower to protect its resinous buds from mold.
Grower’s Tip: To bring out the famous dark purple hues, drop the temperature significantly during the dark cycle in the final weeks of flowering.
Final Verdict: Is Purple Thai Right for You?
Purple Thai is a rare gem that offers the best of both worlds: the stunning bag appeal of a purple strain and the electric, clear-headed high of a tropical Sativa.
You should choose Purple Thai if:
You are looking for a morning strain to replace your coffee.
You love strains with history (the parent of Blueberry).
You enjoy savory, nutty, and floral flavor profiles over sweet candy.
You are an artist or creator looking for inspiration.