Why Cannabis Comes in Different Colors

Colorful cannabis, what a treat!

The beauty of cannabis’ colors can be compared to the rainbow’s distinctive hues. The riveting colors of cannabis amaze people when they see them. The color, texture, taste, and smell all play a part in the euphoric effects. 

The different tones like rich green and dark purple are beautiful to view, and the captivating colors definitely raise curiosity about their origin. How they are produced and the atmosphere in which they bloom are factors that can possibly contribute to each flower’s unique color formation.

How Does Cannabis Come in Different Colors?

What is the secret to all the lovely colors and their meaning? Are you curious to find out? Read on.

Sunlight

The lack of sunlight plays a major role in the color changes in cannabis flower. Its deficiency makes flower buds and the plants display faded colors.

Anthocyanin

Anthocyanin is a pigment or a set of flavonoids that is responsible for vibrantly colored cannabis such as purple, blue, or red color. The exact color produced by Anthocyanin depends on the pH level of the plant. An abundance of Anthocyanin brings out the color in higher saturation while the lack of the pigment dims it.

Temperature

The temperature of the environment is also responsible for the cannabis plants’ colors. When the temperature of the surroundings decreases, the chlorophyll rate changes, and so does the color green within the plants. Chlorophyll is the green-colored pigment in plants responsible for the process of photosynthesis – the way plants manifest their energy.

Environment

Environmental factors play their part in the distinctive colors of cannabis plants. Factors such as how the plants are grown, how they are cultivated, and taken care of influence the change of cannabis plants’ color.

Plant Strains

Certain cannabis strains lack chlorophyll naturally. Without modifying the temperature and other environmental aspects, the plants tend to be colored on their own.

Nutrient Differences

A change in nutrient concentration in cannabis plants has a direct impact on their colors. The absence of phosphorus causes cannabis plants to be green with dark violet veins and a lack of nitrogen turns cannabis plants yellow. The pH level of plants can also alter the production and performance of nutrients. 

LED Effects

LED light enhances the effects of Anthocyanin. It enables plants to create more Anthocyanin which increases plant tolerance against UV rays.

However, it is important to remember that the color of a cannabis plant does not advocate for its potency. The colors are simply aesthetic constructs, and that colored cannabis such as blue, red, pink, and purple is more potent may not be valid.

Cannabis Color Origins

Some of the common colors found in cannabis plants are as follows.

Red and Pink

The red hair on cannabis plants indicates insufficient pollination, which provides the plant with a high amount of psychoactivity. Phosphorous deficiency may also be a cause for the plants to turn red and pink. The red-bud is rarely found, and contrary to popular belief, it does not guarantee a more potent form of cannabis.

Black or Dark Tones

Excessive amounts of Anthocyanin produce dark-colored cannabis. Although, sufficiently dark hues of red, blue, green naturally occur in Vietnamese landrace strains.

Yellow and Orange

A natural pigment called Carotenoids exhibits prominent shades such as yellow, orange, or gold in cannabis. The molecules are generated as chlorophyll disintegrates.

Ruby Red or Green Hues

The bright shades indicate the abundance of pigments such as Anthocyanin and Carotenoids at the same time. They both contain useful properties such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, analgesic, and more.

Purple Buds

The euphoric effect from purple buds that most cannabis users feel is due to Anthocyanin. Apart from that, environmental conditions may cause a cannabis plant to become purple in color, such as day and night time factors. This is the reason why purple colored cannabis is commonly found. It can also be accomplished by modifying the temperature of the grow room.

Effects of pH on Colored Cannabis

pH refers to the alkalinity or the acidity of the plant’s soil. When the pH is not optimum, cannabis plants struggle at absorbing nutrients resulting in nutrient deficiencies thus changing color.

The optimal pH range for cannabis plants is in the range of 6-7.

We hope that our guide to cannabis and its colors was able to satisfy your curiosity. Color is a great element in cannabis and improves aesthetics immensely. The benefits are an added bonus!

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