Purple People Eater

Purple People Eater is named for a novelty song from 1958, but the strain’s name also refers to its stunning purple flowers. This indica-leaning hybrid has a complex background consisting of indicas Grandaddy Purple, Purple Urkle, and Pure Afghan. It offers deeply sedative effects to complement its colorful, aromatic flowers. Purple People Eater’s THC content has been measured at between 16% and 23%.

Purple People Eater’s flowers stand out right away with their exceptional color and size. The large buds maintain a tight, compact structure and taper down from a broad base into a pointed tip. The small, coiled leaves are a mix of olive green and deep purple — these latter colors are due to the presence of pigments called anthocyanins that are activated by cold weather in the growing process. Finally, frosty white trichomes cover the inner and outer surfaces of these flowers, making them very sticky.

This bud has an aroma that is fruity at first, with berry and grape overtones. Closer inspection reveals simultaneously sweet and skunky aroma, similar to fermented vegetable matter. Meanwhile, grinding up the tight buds yields notes of hash and spice that are so often associated with the Afghani indica landrace in Purple People Eater’s background. When burnt in a pipe or a joint, Purple People Eater gives off a very smooth smoke that carries a sweet grape flavor on the exhale, somewhat like artificially-flavored cough syrup.

Unsurprisingly, given its mostly indica roots, Purple People Eater takes a while to ramp up its considerable high. Within several minutes, consumers may be surprised by an increased blood pressure in the face, especially around the temples and eyes; these sensations can also be accompanied by a flushing in the cheeks or an increase in salivation. The strain also works on cognitive perception, adding a new depth and intensity to certain sights or sounds. Many smokers may also experience visual distortions like a warped depth perception or the presence of “floaters” in their periphery. Spacey music and visually-engaging movies can push this psychedelic vibe even further. If you do immerse yourself in some moody media, though, be aware that this bud has a tendency to make you zone out. Far from the exacting cerebral energy of more sativa-influence strains, Purple People Eater is more likely to distract you from moment to moment than to allow you to zone in on complicated tasks. As such, the strain is best suited to passive activities like binge-watching or doing the dishes that have been sitting in your sink for days. Its easygoing energy can also facilitate free-flowing conversation and camaraderie in social settings. As time passes (or as you toke more), Purple People Eater’s body melt can become more and more pronounced, culminating in full-on couchlock that may have you drifting off to sleep before you know it. Because of its sluggish and sleepy effects, Purple People Eater is best consumed during the early evening or nighttime, when its sedation can be fully appreciated.

Purple People Eater’s soothing and therapeutic relaxation can also have many benefits for medical cannabis patients. The strain can temporarily distract from the troubling symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. It can also dull physical pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like lupus or arthritis. Anti-inflammatory properties may lessen the irritation caused by everyday annoyances like headaches. Because it isn’t likely to trigger the kind of obsessive introspection caused by more sativa-leaning strains, Purple People Eater is a good option for patients who are prone to panic or paranoia.

No seeds of this legendary strain are available for sale online. Prospective growers should instead seek out trusted sources from which to obtain clippings of healthy Purple People Eater specimens in order to grow “clones.” The strain can be cultivated indoors or out, although success outdoors demands a hot and semi-humid climate. These plants tend to grow short and bushy and may be easily accommodated indoors. Growers looking to bring out Purple People Eater’s trademark purple flowers should expose their crops to cold (but not freezing!) temperatures late in the vegetative stage. Purple People Eater flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and typically offers a lower than average yield of flowers.

Save this vivid, luxurious strain for a treat after a long day of work. Alternatively, toke on it just before a nap on a lazy day off.