Purple Arrow Cannabis (Weed) Strain Review

Happy Smoking
Happy Puffs
Published in
9 min readOct 27, 2023

Purple Arrow is an Indica-dominant cannabis strain with soothing effects and a captivating appearance. While the exact origins of this strain remain a mystery, it’s believed to be a descendant of Purple Afghani and Hindu Kush, two Indica strains famous for their potency and relaxing qualities.

Within the cannabis community, Purple Arrow has gained a reputation as a go-to strain for relaxation and therapeutic benefits. Its striking visual appeal is one of its standout features. The buds of Purple Arrow are characterized by rich shades of purple, complemented by vibrant orange pistils and a generous coating of trichomes. This makes it a favorite among growers and enthusiasts who appreciate the aesthetics of cannabis.

Cultivating Purple Arrow can be a rewarding experience. It tends to thrive in a controlled indoor environment where factors like temperature and humidity can be carefully managed. Flowering time typically ranges from 7 to 9 weeks, and growers can expect moderate yields of these visually stunning buds.

Due to its Indica dominance, Purple Arrow exhibits a compact and bushy growth pattern, making it suitable for growers with limited space. In the following sections, we’ll delve into the potency, effects, medical uses, flavor, aroma, and cultivation specifics of Purple Arrow, providing you with a comprehensive overview of this strain.

Purple Arrow Effects and Potency

Purple Arrow is a strain with well-rounded potency and balanced effects. Its average THC content typically ranges between 18% and 22%, making it a moderately potent choice for cannabis enthusiasts. When it comes to the onset and duration of its effects, Purple Arrow tends to act quite swiftly.

Users often report feeling its impact within minutes after consumption, with the peak effects setting in around 30 minutes to an hour after use. The duration of these effects can vary from person to person but typically lasts for about 2 to 4 hours. The strain’s effects are notably well-balanced between body and mind. On the cerebral side, Purple Arrow is known to induce a sense of euphoria and happiness.

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Users often describe feeling uplifted, creative, and mentally stimulated. This makes it a good choice for social situations or creative endeavors. On the physical side, Purple Arrow brings a deep sense of relaxation and tranquility. It’s renowned for its potential to alleviate stress and tension, and many users find it effective for promoting relaxation and sleep. This combination of mental and physical effects makes Purple Arrow versatile and suitable for a range of activities and moods.

Potential Positive Effects of the Purple Arrow

  • Relaxation: Purple Arrow has relaxing properties. It often induces a deep sense of physical and mental relaxation, which can be helpful for reducing stress and anxiety.
  • Euphoria: Users frequently feel euphoric and uplifted after consuming Purple Arrow. This mood-enhancing effect can boost one’s overall sense of well-being.
  • Creativity: Many users find that Purple Arrow can enhance their creativity and mental clarity. This can make it a great choice for artistic or brainstorming activities.
  • Pain Relief: Purple Arrow’s relaxing qualities can provide relief from various types of pain, including chronic pain and muscle tension.
  • Improved Sleep: Due to its calming effects, Purple Arrow is often used by individuals struggling with insomnia or sleep disturbances to achieve a more restful night’s sleep.

Potential Side Effects of the Purple Arrow

Dry mouth, also known as cottonmouth, is a common side effect of Purple Arrow and many other strains. Staying hydrated can help alleviate this discomfort. Some users may experience dry or red eyes. Using over-the-counter eye drops can provide relief. Inexperienced users or those with low tolerance may experience dizziness or lightheadedness, especially if they consume a high dose.

In rare cases, Purple Arrow can lead to heightened anxiety or paranoia, particularly in individuals predisposed to such feelings. Like many cannabis strains, Purple Arrow can cause an elevated heart rate, which can be concerning for individuals with heart conditions. The deep relaxation induced by Purple Arrow may lead to a sensation of “couch lock,” where users feel immobilized or overly sedated.

Medical Applications

Purple Arrow’s relaxing properties make it a candidate for alleviating chronic pain conditions. Some individuals with conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or back pain report relief after using this strain. It may help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. While more research is needed, some users find it beneficial for managing these mental health concerns.

The sedative nature of Purple Arrow can assist individuals with insomnia or sleep disturbances in achieving a more restful night’s sleep. Some users experience mood-enhancing effects from Purple Arrow, making it a potential option for individuals dealing with depression. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for severe depression. This strain’s muscle-relaxing effects may provide relief to individuals with muscle spasms or tension, including those with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Flavor

As the name “Purple” suggests, this strain often features a prominent grape flavor. It’s akin to the sweet and fruity notes of ripe grapes, providing a delightful and somewhat juicy taste. Alongside the grape notes, Purple Arrow often exhibits a berry-like taste, which adds to its overall sweetness. This berry flavor can vary but often includes hints of blueberry or blackberry.

Underneath the fruitiness, Purple Arrow typically has an earthy undertone, reminiscent of damp soil or the scent of a forest floor after rain. This earthiness can enhance the overall flavor experience. Some users detect subtle spices or herbal notes when consuming Purple Arrow. It’s not overpowering but adds complexity to the flavor profile.

The taste of Purple Arrow closely aligns with its aroma, creating a harmonious sensory experience. The grape and berry notes that dominate the flavor are typically reflected in the strain’s scent. When you take a whiff of Purple Arrow buds, you’re likely to encounter a fruity and slightly sweet aroma, along with earthy and herbal undertones.

Aroma

The most prominent scent in Purple Arrow is reminiscent of ripe grapes. This grape aroma is often sweet, fruity, and slightly tangy, contributing to the strain’s appeal. Alongside the grape notes, Purple Arrow frequently exhibits a berry-like scent, similar to blueberries or blackberries. This berry aroma complements the grape scent, adding depth and complexity. Underneath the fruity and sweet notes, there’s an earthy undertone in Purple Arrow’s aroma.

This earthiness is somewhat reminiscent of damp soil or a wooded forest, giving the scent a natural and grounded quality. Some users detect subtle spicy or herbal undertones in the aroma of Purple Arrow. These undertones are not overpowering but add a layer of complexity to the overall scent profile. Occasionally, Purple Arrow may offer faint floral hints, contributing to its bouquet of scents.

These floral undertones can be subtle but enhance the strain’s overall appeal. In comparison to other cannabis strains, Purple Arrow’s aroma is unique due to its grape and berry dominance. While grape aromas are not uncommon in the cannabis world, the combination of grape and berry scents, along with the earthy and herbal undertones, sets Purple Arrow apart.

Appearance

The buds of Purple Arrow exhibit a mesmerizing array of deep purples and rich greens. The purple hues can vary in intensity, ranging from a dark, almost blackish purple to lighter shades of lavender. These vibrant colors develop due to anthocyanin pigments in the plant’s genetics, triggered by cooler temperatures during the flowering stage. The texture of Purple Arrow buds is often dense and tightly packed.

These tightly formed flowers are coated in a layer of glistening trichomes, giving them a frosty and resinous appearance. The trichomes not only contribute to the strain’s potency but also create a shimmering effect when caught in the light. Purple Arrow buds tend to be moderately dense, providing a satisfying heft when held.

While they’re not as compact as some Indica-dominant strains, they are far from airy. This density contributes to a sense of quality and potency. In terms of appearance, Purple Arrow shares similarities with other purple strains like Purple Punch and Granddaddy Purple. These strains also display various shades of purple and often have dense, resinous buds. However, the specific coloration and bud structure can vary between these strains.

Growing Information

Purple Arrow can thrive indoors under controlled conditions. Use a grow tent, grow room, or closet with proper ventilation and lighting. In suitable climates, you can grow Purple Arrow outdoors. Ensure that the temperature and humidity levels are within the strain’s tolerance. Maintain temperatures between 68 and 77°F (20 and 25°C) during the day and slightly cooler at night.

Maintain humidity levels around 40–50% during the vegetative stage, and reduce them to 30–40% during flowering. Purple Arrow prefers a mild and temperate climate. It can tolerate slightly cooler nighttime temperatures during the flowering phase but avoids exposure to frost. Purple Arrow typically flowers within 7 to 9 weeks when grown indoors. Outdoor growers can expect harvests in late September and early October.

Purple Arrow plants tend to be compact and bushy, making them suitable for indoor cultivation with limited vertical space. Indoors, use high-quality grow lights such as LED, HPS, or CMH lights for both the vegetative and flowering stages. Maintain a consistent light cycle, typically 18 hours of light during the vegetative stage and 12 hours of light during flowering. Use a balanced nutrient regimen designed for cannabis cultivation.

Follow recommended feeding schedules and adjust based on your plant’s response. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to nutrient deficiencies or toxicity. Consider low-stress training (LST) or topping to manage plant height and promote an even canopy. Pruning excess foliage can improve airflow and light penetration.

Tips for Successful Growth

  • Maintain stable temperatures between 70 and 80°F (21–27°C) to maximize Purple Arrow’s growth potential.
  • Regularly prune and defoliate to encourage airflow and light penetration, promoting healthy bud development.
  • Keep humidity levels around 40–50% during the vegetative stage, lowering them slightly as flowering begins to prevent mold issues.
  • Use a well-balanced nutrient regimen with a focus on potassium and phosphorus during flowering for robust bud production.
  • Ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and potential mold problems.
  • Consider employing low-stress training techniques to maximize light exposure to lower bud sites.
  • Keep a close eye on pH levels in the growing medium to optimize nutrient absorption and prevent nutrient deficiencies.

Cannabinoid and Terpene Profile

Purple Arrow typically contains moderate to high levels of THC, which is responsible for its psychoactive effects. THC may offer pain relief, relaxation, and euphoria. It may contain trace amounts. CBD has potential anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. Purple Arrow often features myrcene in significant amounts.

Myrcene is associated with relaxing and sedating effects. It may also have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Caryophyllene contributes to the strain’s spicy and peppery aroma. It has anti-inflammatory and potentially analgesic effects. It also interacts with the endocannabinoid system. The other terpenes in this strain include Limonene, Pinene and Linalool. Linalool adds a floral and lavender-like aroma to Purple Arrow. It is known for its calming and sedative effects and may help with anxiety and sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is Purple Arrow suitable for daytime use?
Answer: Purple Arrow is generally more suitable for evening or nighttime use due to its relaxing effects.

Question: What are the potential medical uses of Purple Arrow?
Answer: Purple Arrow may offer relief from pain, stress, and insomnia, thanks to its cannabinoid and terpene profiles.

Question: Can I grow Purple Arrow outdoors?
Answer: Yes, Purple Arrow can be grown outdoors, but it thrives in a warm Mediterranean climate.

Conclusion

Purple Arrow is an Indica-dominant strain with relaxing effects and the potential to alleviate conditions like chronic pain and insomnia. Its moderate to high THC levels contribute to its psychoactive properties, making it better suited for evening or nighttime use. The strain has a sweet and fruity flavor with earthy undertones, and its buds feature vibrant purple hues.

Overall, Purple Arrow is a suitable choice for those seeking relaxation and relief from various ailments. Its potential medical benefits, calming effects, and pleasant flavor profile make it an appealing option for people looking to unwind and manage discomfort. However, it’s best enjoyed by those who can appreciate its potent Indica characteristics and are looking for a strain to help with relaxation and sleep.

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