Is Purple Weed Stronger? The Truth Behind Bag Appeal
Aug 17, 2025
Is Purple Weed Stronger? The Truth Behind Bag Appeal
Purple buds always catch attention — deep violet hues under the light, frosty trichomes shining, that photo-perfect “bag appeal.” But does purple actually mean stronger weed? Or is it just color hype?
Let’s unpack what causes purple in cannabis, what it says (and doesn’t say) about potency, and which THCA flower strains at thisthat CBD deliver both color and performance.
Why Some Cannabis Turns Purple
That rich purple tint comes from anthocyanins — natural pigments also found in blueberries, blackberries, and red cabbage. These pigments show up more strongly when temperature, genetics, and plant health all line up.
Typically, purple color means:
- ✅ Cooler night temps during late flower, which encourage pigment expression
- ✅ Genetics that are prone to deep coloration (think classic dessert and “candy” strains)
- ✅ A proper cure that locks in color without bleaching trichomes or overdrying the flower
What it doesn’t mean is higher THCA content by default. Anthocyanins don’t directly impact cannabinoid levels — but they can enhance your sensory experience by complementing terpene-rich strains with berry, grape, or dessert notes.
Purple ≠ Potency (Most of the Time)
Potency still comes down to the same basics: THCA percentage, terpene profile, and how you dose. A dark purple nug at 22% THCA can hit softer than a bright green one at 30%. And a properly balanced 26–28% strain with rich terpenes can feel stronger than a flat-tasting 34% “tester.”
Where purple strains shine is in their overall experience — flavor, aroma, and how the high unfolds:
- Rainbow Gelato (25.619% THCA) — candy-sweet, visually loud buds with that “dessert in a jar” vibe.
- Deep Fried Jealousy (30.365% THCA) — dessert-style gas with dark, frosty tones and a heavy, slow-build high.
Both carry that “purple luxury” look, but what makes them hit is the terpene layer — myrcene, limonene, linalool, caryophyllene — not just the pigment.
What Really Makes Weed Feel Strong?
If you want to understand why one strain feels way heavier than another, ignore color for a second and look at:
- Total THCA % — this sets the ceiling for how intense the high can be.
- Terpenes — these shape the “type” of high (uplifting, sleepy, creative, cozy).
- How you smoke — joint vs bong vs vape all hit a little differently.
- Your own tolerance — first-timers and daily smokers will not have the same experience.
A purple, dessert-leaning indica may feel stronger at the end of the day because its terpene profile leans into relaxation and body-heavy effects — not because it’s purple, but because of how the plant chemistry works together.
Color vs. Cure: What Really Impacts the High
Even the best purple genetics can underperform if the flower isn’t dried and cured correctly. “Pretty” nugs with dull aroma or harsh smoke are usually a cure problem, not a color problem.
Signs of a proper cure:
- Dense, slightly sticky texture — not brittle dust and not spongy or wet
- Strong, clean aroma that matches its strain name and description
- Even burn with light-gray ash and minimal crackling
That’s why every THCA flower strain at thisthat CBD is carefully dried, cured, and lab-verified — not sprayed, not artificial, and not bleached out in processing.
When Purple Does Matter
While color doesn’t automatically dictate THC levels, it can signal a few perks when combined with good genetics and honest cultivation:
- Anthocyanin-rich buds — the same antioxidant family found in dark berries and grapes.
- Distinct terpene combinations — often leaning into berry, grape, candy, or creamy dessert flavors.
- Serious bag appeal — some people just enjoy rolling or packing something that looks as good as it smells.
If you’re into smooth, dessert-style strains, purple and purple-leaning cultivars like White Widow (27.1% THCA) or Lemon Cherry Pie (30.512% THCA) might sit in your lane — flavorful, balanced, and visually stunning when you crack the jar.
How to Shop Beyond Bag Appeal
Color catches the eye, but data tells the truth. When you’re shopping online or in-store, focus on:
- THCA % that matches your tolerance — around 20–26% for most people who want a solid, functional high; 28%+ for those who know they like heavier hitters.
- Terpene profile — look for limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, linalool, and others called out on the lab report.
- COA transparency — every jar or bag should have a matching lab report with batch info and testing dates.
With thisthat CBD, all of that is front and center. You can view updated results on our Certificate of Analysis (COA) page and on each THCA flower product page.
Purple Strains to Try If You Love Bag Appeal and Effect
If you want strains that look great in the bag but still deliver where it counts, start with:
- Rainbow Gelato (25.619% THCA) — colorful, candy-forward hybrid with an easygoing, euphoric high.
- Deep Fried Jealousy (30.365% THCA) — rich dessert gas, dialed in for nighttime or heavy relaxation.
- Rainbow Runtz (39.5% THCA) — loud nose, dense coverage, and serious bag appeal for experienced smokers.
- Z Pie (31.729% THCA) — pie-crust sweetness with Z-terp funk for dessert lovers.
Each one has a full COA and terpene breakdown available, so you can shop by more than just looks.
Final Takeaway
Purple weed is eye-catching and aromatic, but color alone doesn’t equal power. The strongest, most flavorful sessions come from terpene-rich, properly cured indoor flower with verified lab results and genetics that match your personal preferences.
That’s where thisthat CBD shines — real genetics, real flavor, and real potency in every gram, whether the bud is deep purple, lime green, or somewhere in between.
Ready to Shop Beyond Just Color?
If you love bag appeal but want effects you can count on, start with strains that balance THCA %, terpenes, and quality grow practices.
- Browse all THCA flower strains — sort by aroma, potency, and vibe.
- See every current drop — including limited purple-heavy and dessert strains.
- Check COAs before you buy — verify potency, terpenes, and safety.
Shop premium THCA flower — from deep purple Gelatos to bright green Sativas — and experience the difference beyond bag appeal.
FAQ: Purple Weed & Bag Appeal
Is purple weed stronger than green weed?
No. Purple color comes from anthocyanin pigments, not higher THCA levels. A purple strain can be strong if its THCA percentage and terpene profile are dialed in, but color alone doesn’t guarantee potency.
What makes cannabis turn purple?
Cannabis turns purple when certain genetics express anthocyanins under the right conditions — usually cooler temperatures late in flower and a proper dry and cure that preserves the pigment.
Does purple flower mean better quality?
Not automatically. Quality depends on how the plant was grown, harvested, dried, cured, and tested. A green, well-grown flower with a strong terpene profile can outperform a poorly cured purple strain every time.
Is purple weed better for beginners?
It can be, but only if the THCA percentage and terpene profile match your comfort level. Newer consumers should focus on mid-range potency and clear lab results rather than color alone.
How can I tell if purple weed is legit and not sprayed?
Always check the COA and look closely at the bud. Legit purple flower will have natural color gradients, visible trichomes, and a strong aroma. Sprayed or dyed buds often look flat, have off smells, or leave residue on your fingers.