Why Cannabis Plants Change Color?
Versatility is one of the unique properties of the cannabis plant that sets it apart. There is so much variety in terms of shapes, colors, strains, sizes in the cannabis species, each with its very own benefits and applications.
Long before scientists began breaking down the chemical composition of cannabis, colors and olfactory senses have been useful for categorizing and choosing good quality buds. Combined with taste and potency, these four factors play a significant role in determining the right weed to purchase.
Source: pixabay.com
As you walk into a dispensary, the bright and glorious hues of cannabis lit up in tangerine, purple, yellow, pink, and sometimes even multiple colors could entice you. So what gives cannabis these captivating colors? Do they influence the potency and application of the strains? Let us explore in detail why cannabis changes colors?
It Is All Because Of Anthocyanins
Like most other plants, cannabis brims with the presence of chlorophyll, which is essential for absorbing sunlight that powers the plant. This same compound also induces bright, lush green pigmentation to leaves. So, when you grow a healthy plant from cannabis online canada, you can see the gorgeous green canopy of leaves.
Sometimes, these leaves’ color turns from green to black, purple, or even pink during the plant’s life cycle. Research suggests that a chemical compound known as anthocyanins is responsible for this change. Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigmentation compounds that have mild astringent properties. It is an odorless chemical that can induce variable colors from the spectrum, starting from bold red to deep blue, depending on pH and strain genetics.
Source: pixabay.com
The compound belongs to the family of flavonoids and is present in plants’ tissues, such as in the fruits, stems, leaves, and even trichomes. They also occur in vegetables such as eggplants and berries, where they contribute to the vibrant colors.
Anthocyanins In Cannabis
Anthocyanins are also responsible for the fall effect or the color change in plants from green to red, yellow, or golden during fall. How does this change suddenly occur during a particular season? As the temperature drops during the early fall weather, the plant exhibits lower capabilities to produce chlorophyll. This temperature change activates anthocyanins residing within the plant tissue that causes the color change.
Similarly, We know that cannabis is a highly photosensitive plant that requires variable light exposure during different growth stages. As the plant matures towards the flowering stage, it requires less help from the sun. It reduces the need for chlorophyll production that promotes the activation of anthocyanins. As the temperature falls, the plant starts to exhibit its right hues.
But, not all plant species carry anthocyanins. Even in the case of cannabis, different strains exhibit variable levels of capabilities to produce the compound. It is also the reason why only some strains show a color change during the harvest stage.
The Role Of Temperature in Cannabis Colors
While anthocyanins in plant cells are an essential factor for the color change, several environmental and nutrient factors influence the compound’s activation. It suggests that even strains that carry the chemical may not show a color change if the growing conditions are not ideal.
Source: pixabay.com
One of the most critical factors for the activation of anthocyanins is temperature. Like maple or oak, where the color transition occurs during temperature drop, cannabis also produces more anthocyanins during colder months. The temperature thus causes color variations within indoor and outdoor plants of the same strain. In the case of outdoor grow areas, the final bud color depends heavily on the climate during the end of the growth cycle. Indoor growers can lower the temperature during the flowering stage to achieve fabulous, colorful buds.
pH during the flowering stage can also influence anthocyanin levels. While the ideal pH for cannabis is between 5.5 and 6.5, you can move either way to bring out specific colors in the buds.
The Effects Of VIBGYOR Colors in Cannabis
Each color also contributes to variation in taste and smell.
Violet: Purple strains contain high concentrations of anthocyanins and exhibit a strong fruity taste.
Indigo: Black strains are known for inducing intense cerebral high with strong psychedelic effects.
Blue: The glorious hues of blue, predominantly occurring in Indica strains, is known for inducing heavy relaxation and stress relief.
Green: Strains that retain the natural green pigmentation are usually fruity and tangy and are great daytime varieties to curb fatigue.
Yellow: The warm hue of golden yellow introduces sweet citrusy flavors to the strain while enhancing creativity and sensory sensitivity.
Source: unsplash.com
Orange: These strains also carry a citrusy palette and are useful to improve your mood.
Red: Red strains available in lovely shades of fuchsia pink are appropriate for pain relief and insomnia.
The Benefits Of Anthocyanins
Not just colors, but Anthocyanins also contribute to the properties of the plant. They are known for their potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. They also carry neuroprotective properties, thus playing a crucial role in the therapeutic applications of cannabis. But anthocyanins do not correlate with THC or cannabinoid levels of a strain. Therefore, bold, vibrant colors indicate the plant’s freshness and taste but not a strain’s potency.
Conclusion
Cannabis colors are influenced by anthocyanins that play a significant role in turning leaves orange or yellow in the fall. While these colorful buds are quite the visual treat, they do not influence the potency of the cannabis in any way. You can use this guide to grow rainbow weed in your very own cannabis garden that will add an enchanting look.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
