The boldly-named Purple Dragon is an indica-leaning hybrid. It is a cross between the Mendocino Purps-descended Purple Urkle and Blue Dragon, itself a cross between powerhouse strains Sour Diesel and Blueberry. Of the many strains in the ever-growing “Purple family.” Purple Dragon is one of the most striking, with incredible colors and flavors and potent (yet easygoing) effects. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has found flowers of Purple Dragon to have between 14% and 20% THC.

Purple Dragon has medium-sized, shape-shaped nuggets that are immediately eye-catching. The flowers hold together in a dense, solid formation, characteristic of other indica varieties. The tightly-spiraling leaves are usually mossy green, threaded through with vibrant orange pistils. Depending on the phenotype, these buds may also be highlighted by varying patches of deep blue and purple. These latter colors come about when high concentrations of pigments called anthocyanins in the plant’s genes are stimulated by colder than average temperatures during the growing process. The already-colorful flowers are made even more colorful by a dusting of cloudy white trichomes. This resin also gives the buds a sticky texture and makes them particularly difficult to break up by hand. Purple Dragon also has a dynamic taste to match its visual bag appeal. A tart, fruity aroma wafts up from the buds, likely passed on from grandparent strain Blueberry. Also present is a slight chemical astringency, reminiscent of the gasoline odor of Sour Diesel. When combusted, this strain gives off a very smooth that has notes of musk and hash alongside its fruity palate. Notably, any grape flavors present in Purple Dragon’s smoke are incidental; the pigments that determine its purple color do not have a corresponding effect on its taste.

Purple Dragon’s high is almost imperceptible at first, but slowly creeps up on the user, emerging as a pressure in the face, particularly behind the eyes. Smokers may also detect some increased salivation at the back of the tongue. Relaxing indica properties reveal themselves first -- a heavy head and droopy eyelids may prompt users to sit down and settle into the most comfortable and familiar surroundings. As the high progresses, a mild but persistent head high may also spring up to accompany this thorough body stone: the user’s thoughts may happily drift from one to the next. A feeling of emotional uplift may be present as well. Because it relaxes the mind as well as the body, lowering the usual inhibitions of convention and logic, Purple Dragon can be good for creative or analytical thinking. It is also well-suited to passive activities like psychedelic enjoyment of music or movies. Long-lasting even for even experienced cannabis users, Purple Dragon can be consumed at any time of day … although its slight sativa edge may keep smokers wired around bedtime.

Purple Dragon also has many applications for medical cannabis patients. Its heavy indica sedation can soothe moderate to chronic aches and pains. Anti-inflammatory properties also make it an effective treatment for everything from nausea to migraines. Psychologically speaking, Purple Dragon’s euphoric effects can blunt the troubling symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. Its sense of lucid focus may also help those with attention deficit disorders to sustain their focus. In large enough doses, this strain can also combat stubborn cases of insomnia.

No breeding companies have claimed responsibility for Purple Dragon’s creation and no seeds of the strain have yet been released for commercial sale. Instead, prospective growers will need to obtain clippings from healthy plants in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” Like many other hybrids, this strain can be successfully cultivated indoors or out, although outdoor growing requires semi-humid climates with daytime temperatures in the 70 degree Fahrenheit range. Growers are urged to bring out Purple Dragon’s full purple potential by exposing plants to cold nighttime temperatures late in the vegetative stage. This strain flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and offers a medium to high yield.

Mellow and balanced, Purple Dragon is versatile enough for use in a variety of sets and settings -- it can facilitate conversation among good friends or can provide the relaxation needed to unwind after a long day of work.