Purple Haze is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain usually described as a cross of Haze and Purple Thai, known for a sweet berry-earth flavor and an upbeat, creative high. Its history is poorly documented, and its famous link to Jimi Hendrix’s 1967 song is popular lore, not fact. Typical THC runs from about 14% to 20%.
Purple Haze Strain at a Glance
| Type | Sativa-dominant hybrid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Purple Hays |
| Lineage | Haze × Purple Thai |
| Breeder / origin | Unknown; often tied to Santa Cruz-area growers in the late 1960s or 1970s |
| THC | 14–20% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, Beta-caryophyllene, Pinene |
| Aroma and flavor | berry, earthy, sweet, spicy, sweet berry, earth, spice |
| Reported effects | uplifted, creative, energetic, euphoric |
| Best for | daytime use, creative work, social settings |
| Flowering time | 9–11 weeks |
Where Purple Haze Comes From
Purple Haze is generally described as a cross of Haze, a long-lived sativa line, and Purple Thai, a purple-tinted Thai sativa. Many accounts connect the cross to Santa Cruz, California growers around the Haze Brothers and the breeder known as Sam the Skunkman, in the late 1960s or 1970s. That history is mostly oral, and the exact origin is described by several sources as poorly documented.
The Hendrix connection is a different matter. Hendrix released his song Purple Haze in 1967, and the strain’s fame owes a lot to the title. Most careful writers say the song was not written about the plant, and no evidence ties the two together.
Because Purple Haze is such an old name, many cuts and seed lines carry it. Some use a specific Haze, others a mystery purple parent, and results vary widely from supplier to supplier.
Purple Haze Effects: What It Feels Like
Purple Haze is known for an energetic, creative high that works mostly in the head. The first effect is a clear lift in mood, often with a burst of ideas and talkativeness. The body stays light and loose.
It suits daytime activities such as music, walking, art, cleaning or conversation. Haze-line sativas can be racy, so a large dose may bring anxiety or racing thoughts, especially for new users. It is not a strain for bedtime.
Purple Haze Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
The aroma is sweet and earthy, with berry notes and a hint of spice. The flavor on the inhale is sweet berry and earth, and the exhale is spicy and slightly woody.
The terpene mix reported for Purple Haze varies by cut, with myrcene, caryophyllene and pinene common. Haze-type plants can also lean toward terpinolene, which adds a fresh, piney, herbal brightness. Check the lab label.
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
- Pinene: fresh pine, also found in pine needles and rosemary
Terpene levels vary from grower to grower and batch to batch, so check the lab label on the package. Learn more in our guide to cannabis terpenes.
Side Effects and How to Use Purple Haze
Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most common. Racing thoughts, paranoia or a pounding heart can show up at high doses, particularly for people sensitive to sativas. Start low, hydrate and avoid it when stressed or tired.
How strong Purple Haze feels depends on the batch, your tolerance and how you consume it. Start low, go slow, and read our guide to dosing cannabis.
Do People Use Purple Haze for Medical Reasons?
Users commonly mention Purple Haze for low mood, fatigue and stress, since it tends to be uplifting. It is less often chosen for pain or sleep. These are anecdotal reports, and anyone with a health concern should consult a doctor.
These are user reports, not clinical findings. For what research actually supports, see our cannabis health and research section, and talk to your doctor before using cannabis for a health condition.
Growing Purple Haze
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Flowering: 9–11 weeks
- Yield: Medium
- Height: Tall
- Environment: Indoor or warm, dry outdoor climates
Haze-line plants stretch a lot, so growers usually top and train Purple Haze to control height. Flowering is long, often nine to eleven weeks, and outdoor harvest comes late. In the Pacific Northwest the late finish is a real problem because autumn rain arrives before the plants are done. A greenhouse, early-finishing cut or indoor room is safer.
Home-grow rules depend on the state: adults can grow at home in states such as California (six plants per residence), Michigan (12 per residence) and Oregon (four per household), while Washington and Illinois allow home growing only for registered medical patients. Check your state in our cannabis laws by state guide before you plant anything.
Strains Like Purple Haze
- Lemon Haze: a bright, citrusy Haze-line sativa
- Skunk Haze: a Haze relative with a pungent edge
- Jack Herer: a clear, uplifting Haze-influenced classic
- Blue Dream: a smoother Haze hybrid with berry sweetness
- Durban Poison: an energetic pure sativa
- Purple Kush: a heavier purple strain for night use
Browse more sativa strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Sativa Strains to Explore
Q3 · Queso Perro · Red Congolese · Purple Champagne · Platinum Sour Diesel · Pineapple Trainwreck · All sativa strains
Where to Buy Purple Haze
Dispensary menus change every week, and Purple Haze may be sold under its own name, as a cross or as a pre-roll or vape. The fastest way to find it is to check store menus online before you go. In Long Beach, browse Long Beach dispensaries and check the menus at stores like L B Green Room and Catalyst – DTLB. In Tacoma, browse Tacoma dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Commencement Bay Cannabis Red and Zips Cannabis on 6th Ave. You can also browse licensed dispensaries in every state we cover. Adults 21 and older can buy with a valid photo ID; see cannabis laws by state for purchase limits.
Purple Haze FAQ
Is Purple Haze indica or sativa?
Purple Haze is a sativa-dominant hybrid. It tends to feel energizing and creative.
What is Purple Haze a cross of?
Haze and Purple Thai, according to most accounts. Some sources name a specific Haze or an unknown purple parent.
Is Purple Haze named after the Jimi Hendrix song?
Not as far as anyone can document. The song came out in 1967, and the strain’s origin is murky. The link is mostly folklore.
How strong is Purple Haze?
Typical THC is about 14% to 20%, which is moderate.
Is Purple Haze good for daytime?
Yes, its uplifting effect fits daytime better than evening.
Is Purple Haze really purple?
Some cuts show purple tones, but the name does not guarantee it. Color depends on genetics and cool night temperatures.
For adults 21+ in legal states. Strain information reflects breeder descriptions, lab data and user reports; effects vary by person and batch. Not medical advice.
