Table of Contents
Purple Candy is a potent indica-dominant hybrid known for its deep purple hues, sweet grape-like aroma, and powerful relaxing effects. It is a cross between Sweet Tooth and Mendocino Purps, two strains renowned for their rich flavors and calming effects.

Basic Characteristics:
- Genetics: Sweet Tooth x Mendocino Purps
- Strain Type: Indica-dominant Hybrid (Approx. 80% Indica / 20% Sativa)
- THC Content: 18% – 22%
- CBD Content: 0.5% – 1%
- Flavor: Sweet, Grape, Berry, Caramel
- Aroma: Fruity, Earthy, Grape, Candy-like
- Effects: Relaxing, Euphoric, Sedative
- Best for: Evening/Nighttime use
- Flowering Time: 7-9 weeks
- Growing Difficulty: Moderate
Scientific Breakdown of Purple Candy
Cannabinoid Profile:
Purple Candy primarily features THC as its dominant cannabinoid, making it a powerful choice for both recreational and medicinal users.
| Cannabinoid | Average Percentage |
|---|---|
| THC | 18% – 22% |
| CBD | 0.5% – 1% |
| CBN | 0.1% – 0.3% |
| CBG | 0.5% – 1.2% |
While THC levels are high, the presence of CBD and CBG contributes to its potential medical benefits.
Terpene Profile:
Terpenes give cannabis its aroma and may also enhance its effects through the entourage effect. Purple Candy’s dominant terpenes include:
| Terpene | Aroma/Flavor | Effects |
| Myrcene | Earthy, Musky, Cloves | Sedation, Anti-inflammatory |
| Caryophyllene | Spicy, Peppery | Pain Relief, Anti-Anxiety |
| Limonene | Citrus, Fruity | Uplifting, Anti-Stress |
| Linalool | Floral, Lavender | Relaxation, Sedative |
The presence of Myrcene and Linalool makes Purple Candy highly sedative, while Caryophyllene and Limonene provide pain relief and mood enhancement.
Medical Uses of Purple Candy
Purple Candy’s powerful indica properties make it an excellent choice for various medical conditions. Below are some of the specific therapeutic benefits of this strain.

A. Pain Management
Conditions Treated: Chronic pain, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Muscle spasms
- High THC and Caryophyllene content interact with CB2 receptors, reducing inflammation and pain perception.
B. Sleep Disorders (Insomnia & Restlessness)
Conditions Treated: Insomnia, Restless leg syndrome, Sleep apnea
- The synergy of Myrcene and Linalool promotes deep relaxation, preparing the body for sleep.
- Helps regulate melatonin production, encouraging natural sleep cycles.
C. Mental Health and Mood Disorders
Conditions Treated: Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Stress
- Limonene and Caryophyllene contribute to stress relief by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels.
- May help with PTSD and panic attacks due to its calming properties.
D. Appetite Stimulation & Gastrointestinal Relief
Conditions Treated: Nausea, Lack of appetite, IBS, Crohn’s disease
- THC activates CB1 receptors, increasing appetite and reducing nausea.
- Helps with chemotherapy-induced nausea and eating disorders.
E. Neurological Conditions
Conditions Treated: Migraines, Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy
- The CBG content may help with neuroprotection.
- THC’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system helps regulate pain perception and inflammation.
Recreational Effects of Purple Candy
Purple Candy is highly sought after for its deeply relaxing and euphoric effects, making it a terrific strain for winding down at the end of the day.
A. Initial Effects
- Users typically experience an initial wave of euphoria and happiness.
- Laughter and talkativeness may occur, making it good for social relaxation.
B. Body High & Sedation
- As effects progress, a heavy body high sets in.
- Users often experience “couch-lock”, leading to deep relaxation.
- Best suited for nighttime use due to its sedative properties.
C. Sensory Enhancement
- Enhances appreciation for music, food, and tactile sensations.
- Can be great for relaxation-based activities such as watching movies, listening to music, or stargazing.
D. Creativity Boost
- Some users report an initial burst of creative thinking before the sedative effects fully kick in.
- Can be used for painting, writing, or brainstorming ideas, provided it’s taken in small doses.
E. Potential Negative Effects
- Dry Mouth & Dry Eyes – Due to high THC levels.
- Dizziness & Paranoia – Can occur in users sensitive to THC.
- Over-sedation – Taking too much can lead to excessive sleepiness.
Methods of Ingestion and Their Scientific Impact
A. Inhalation Methods (Smoking & Vaping)
1. Smoking (Joints, Pipes, Bongs)
- Bioavailability: ~30% (Highly efficient)
- Onset: 1-5 minutes (Rapid absorption)
- Peak Effects: 10-30 minutes
- Duration: 2-4 hours
- Metabolism: Bypasses the digestive system and enters the bloodstream through pulmonary circulation.
- Scientific Consideration: Combustion produces benzene and tar, which may cause respiratory irritation.
2. Vaping (Dry Herb Vaporizers, Concentrate Pens)
- Bioavailability: 35-60% (Higher than smoking)
- Onset: 1-3 minutes
- Peak Effects: 10-20 minutes
- Duration: 2-4 hours
- Scientific Consideration: Lower temperature prevents combustion, preserving terpenes and preventing toxic byproducts.
- Best Temperature for Purple Candy: 320-375°F (160-190°C) to retain Myrcene, Linalool, and Caryophyllene.
B. Oral Ingestion Methods (Edibles, Sublingual, Capsules)
1. Edibles (Gummies, Brownies, Beverages)
- Bioavailability: ~4-20% (Lower due to first-pass metabolism)
- Onset: 30-120 minutes (Delayed due to liver metabolism)
- Peak Effects: 2-4 hours
- Duration: 6-8+ hours (Longer-lasting due to 11-hydroxy-THC formation in the liver)
- Scientific Consideration: THC is metabolized in the liver (CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 enzymes), converting it into a stronger and more persistent metabolite is 11-hydroxy-THC.
2. Sublingual (Tinctures, Sprays)
- Bioavailability: 40-50% (Higher than edibles)
- Onset: 15-30 minutes
- Peak Effects: 45-90 minutes
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Scientific Consideration: Absorption occurs through the sublingual mucosa, bypassing first-pass metabolism, leading to faster effects compared to edibles.
3. Capsules & Pills
- Bioavailability: 6-20% (Similar to edibles)
- Onset: 30-90 minutes
- Peak Effects: 2-4 hours
- Duration: 6-10 hours
- Scientific Consideration: Consistency in dosing, but delayed onset due to digestion and liver metabolism.
C. Topical & Transdermal Methods
1. Topicals (Creams, Balms, Lotions)
- Bioavailability: Minimal systemic absorption
- Onset: 10-30 minutes
- Peak Effects: 30-60 minutes
- Duration: 2-4 hours
- Scientific Consideration: Binds to CB2 receptors in the skin, effective for localized pain relief without psychoactive effects.
2. Transdermal Patches
- Bioavailability: Slow-release systemic absorption (~40%)
- Onset: 30-60 minutes
- Peak Effects: 2-4 hours
- Duration: 8-12+ hours
- Scientific Consideration: Provides steady THC levels, avoiding spikes and crashes, effective for chronic pain.
Comparing Duration and Onset of Different Methods
| Method | Onset Time | Peak Effects | Duration | Bioavailability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoking | 1-5 min | 10-30 min | 2-4 hrs | 30% |
| Vaping | 1-3 min | 10-20 min | 2-4 hrs | 35-60% |
| Edibles | 30-120 min | 2-4 hrs | 6-8+ hrs | 4-20% |
| Sublingual | 15-30 min | 45-90 min | 4-6 hrs | 40-50% |
| Capsules | 30-90 min | 2-4 hrs | 6-10 hrs | 6-20% |
| Topicals | 10-30 min | 30-60 min | 2-4 hrs | Minimal |
| Transdermal | 30-60 min | 2-4 hrs | 8-12+ hrs | ~40% |
3. Factors Affecting Absorption and Duration
A. Individual Physiology & Metabolism
- Fast Metabolism: Shorter duration, quicker onset.
- Slow Metabolism: Longer-lasting effects.
B. Tolerance Levels
- Frequent users experience diminished effects due to CB1 receptor downregulation.
C. Diet & Fat Content
- THC is fat-soluble, meaning consumption with fatty foods enhances absorption.
D. Interaction with Other Compounds
- Terpenes (Myrcene & Limonene) can enhance THC absorption and effects.
- CBD presence can counteract excessive THC psychoactivity.
Final Takeaway
- For Fast Effects: Inhalation (Vaping > Smoking).
- For Long-Lasting Effects: Edibles, Capsules, Transdermal.
- For Precise Dosing: Sublingual Tinctures.
- For Localized Relief: Topicals.
Cultivation Information
Optimal Growing Environment for Purple Candy
A. Climate and Temperature Requirements
- Ideal Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C) during the vegetative phase.
- Flowering Phase: Reduce temperature to 65-75°F (18-24°C) to enhance purple pigmentation caused by anthocyanin accumulation.
- Nighttime Temperature Drop: A 10-15°F difference between day and night promotes deeper purple hues.
B. Humidity Control
- Vegetative Stage: 55-65% relative humidity (RH) for optimal growth.
- Flowering Stage: Gradually decrease to 40-50% RH to prevent mold and enhance resin production.
- Late Flowering Stage: 30-40% RH encourages denser buds and terpene retention.
C. Light Cycle & Intensity
- Indoor Setup:
- Veg Stage: 18-6 (18 hours light, 6 hours dark).
- Flowering Stage: 12-12 (12 hours light, 12 hours dark).
- Best Grow Lights:
- LED (Full Spectrum): Increases terpene preservation and trichome density.
- HPS (High-Pressure Sodium): Boosts bud development and yield in the flowering phase.
2. Nutrient Requirements for Maximum Yield
A. Macronutrients (N-P-K Ratio)
| Growth Stage | Nitrogen (N) | Phosphorus (P) | Potassium (K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seedling | 2-1-2 | Low levels to avoid stress | |
| Vegetative | 4-2-3 | Promotes strong root and leaf growth | |
| Flowering | 1-3-4 | High P and K encourage bud formation | |
| Late Flowering | 0-3-5 | Reduces nitrogen to prevent harsh smoke |
- Nitrogen (N): Needed for leaf growth but should be reduced in flowering to prevent excessive foliage.
- Phosphorus (P): Essential for bud formation and root strength.
- Potassium (K): Increases resin production and terpene profiles.
B. Micronutrients & Additives
- Calcium & Magnesium (Ca & Mg): Prevents nutrient deficiencies common in LED-lit grows.
- Silica (Si): Strengthens cell walls for resistance against pests and stress.
- Molasses (Organic Source of Sugars): Enhances microbial life in soil and boosts terpene synthesis.
Advanced Cultivation Techniques for Purple Candy
A. Training Methods for Maximum Yield
- Low-Stress Training (LST): Bending branches outward increases light penetration and promotes even bud development.
- Screen of Green (ScrOG): Uses a net to create a flat canopy, increasing bud sites and yield.
- Defoliation: Removing excess fan leaves enhances air circulation and light exposure.
B. Hydroponics vs. Soil Cultivation
| Factor | Hydroponics | Soil |
|---|---|---|
| Growth Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Flavor Profile | Neutral (requires terpene enhancement) | Rich (natural terpenes) |
| Yield Potential | Higher | Moderate |
| Maintenance | High | Lower |
- Hydroponics: Allows for rapid nutrient uptake, resulting in larger buds, but requires precise pH and EC control.
- Soil: Enhances terpene complexity, producing a stronger aroma and taste.

Enhancing Anthocyanin Production for Purple Color
The deep purple hues in Purple Candy are caused by anthocyanin pigments, which are influenced by temperature and pH levels.
How to Enhance Purple Pigmentation
- Cooler Night Temperatures (60-65°F) – Increases anthocyanin expression.
- pH of Growing Medium:
- Slightly acidic (6.0-6.5 in soil, 5.8-6.2 in hydroponics) maintains optimal nutrient absorption.
- LED Lights with UV Exposure: UV light boosts anthocyanin and resin production, enhancing purple coloration and potency.
Harvesting & Curing for Maximum Potency
A. Trichome Color Monitoring for Harvest Timing
- Clear Trichomes: Too early, low potency.
- Milky White Trichomes: Peak THC levels, best time to harvest.
- Amber Trichomes: Increased CBN content, resulting in a sedative effect.
B. Drying & Curing Process
- Drying Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C), 45-55% RH.
- Curing Duration: 3-6 weeks in glass jars, burping daily to enhance flavor and smoothness.
Final Thoughts on Purple Candy
Why Choose Purple Candy?
- For Medical Users: Ideal for pain relief, insomnia, and stress.
- For Recreational Users: Offers deep relaxation and a euphoric body high.
- For Growers: Moderate difficulty with high yields and beautiful purple hues.
Purple Candy is a flavorful and potent strain perfect for those looking for a relaxing and sedative experience. Whether used for medicinal or recreational purposes, it remains a favorite among indica lovers for its sweet flavors and powerful effects.
For a complete directory of cultivars, visit our Cannabis Strain Reviews.