By Luke Sumpter Reviewed by: Silvia Maroto


Cannabis has more nicknames than practically any other plant on Earth. Among these titles, “the green” ranks pretty high. While the majority of strains are indeed green in appearance, there are many more marijuana colours out there. Breeders have created thousands of different cultivars over the last few decades, and these efforts have given rise to substantial genetic variability. Now, growers can purchase colourful cannabis boasting hues of purple, yellow, orange, blue, red, pink, and even black.

But what underpins colourful marijuana? You’re about to find out! It boils down to genetics, environmental factors, and specialised plant-derived chemicals. Below, you’ll discover which molecules give rise to each of marijuana’s many colours, and what other roles these fascinating phytochemicals play in cannabis.

Understanding the Many Colours of Cannabis

Green fan leaves are a universal symbol of cannabis. They show up in films, merchandise, social media posts, and on album covers. While this luscious green tone does represent the colour of most strains, there’s a whole rainbow of colours out there for consumers and growers to enjoy.

But this phenomenon isn’t exclusive to cannabis. Many popular fruits and vegetables are also associated with a single colour, despite featuring significant variability. For example, when browsing through the veg section in a supermarket, you’ll come across orange carrots, green salad leaves, and red tomatoes. However, there are hundreds of heirloom varieties of each of these vegetables, and many of them are red, black, purple, and even white!

The same can be said of cannabis. While the colour of a bud doesn’t say much about how it will affect you, the ability to choose from a broad range of colours adds another element of choice and luxury to the experience. While all seedlings and young vegetative plants possess green leaves, plants usually “turn on” unique hues during the flowering stage. Here, buds, sugar leaves, and fan leaves steal the show.

Understanding the Many Colours of Cannabis
  • What Are Anthocyanins?

You’ve probably heard of anthocyanins. Classified as flavonoids, these molecules have received a lot of press in recent years due to ongoing studies probing them for potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties[1]. These colourful chemicals are responsible for tinges[3] of red, purple, and blue throughout the plant kingdom, including blueberries, red cabbage, cranberries, cherries, aubergine, and purple potatoes.

Researchers have identified over 700 anthocyanins so far. Plants create these molecules as secondary metabolites; they’re not directly involved in plant growth or development, but are instead utilised to attract beneficial insects and combat biotic (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and insects) and abiotic (UV rays and high temperatures) stressors.

These radiant phytochemicals are partly responsible for the many colours of weed, but they don’t work in isolation; pH also plays a big role[4]. Anthocyanins display reddish-purple tones at a neutral pH of 7, red-pink shades in an acidic range of 1–6, and green tones at an alkaline pH of 8–14.

What Cannabis Colours Are There?

Now, let’s take a closer look at all of the possible colours different cannabis strains can exhibit, and tap into the unique phytochemicals responsible for such gorgeous aesthetics.

  • Green (Chlorophyll)

Cannabis plants start off life as vibrant green seedlings, and the majority of them retain this colour throughout the entirety of the growing cycle. But what makes a cannabis plant green?

Chances are you remember the term “photosynthesis” from biology class. This process enables plants to convert light energy into carbohydrates that are used to support plant growth and development. At the heart of this process lies chlorophyll, a green pigment that allows plants to absorb energy from light. These molecules are housed in chloroplasts—tiny structures embedded within plant cells. These tiny organelles aren’t dissimilar to mitochondria in human cells, which help us to convert sugars and fats into energy. Ultimately, cannabis leaves appear green because the cells that make them are abundant with these minute energy factories and the green pigments that they store.

What Cannabis Colours Are There?
  • Yellow & Orange (Carotenoids)

If chlorophyll gives cannabis plants their green appearance, then why do some strains develop hues of orange and yellow? Good question! These striking tones are the result of another group of phytochemicals: carotenoids. Also known as tetraterpenoids, these molecules are a family of yellow, orange, and red organic pigments found in many plant species; they lend vibrant colours to carrots, papaya, squash, bell peppers, and more. Carotenoids fulfil a plethora of functions in plants[2], working as antioxidants, colour attractants, the precursors to plant hormones; they even help out when it comes to photosynthesis.

Over 750 carotenoids have been identified, and the following are known to occur in cannabis leaves:

β-Carotene Lutein
Violaxanthin Neoxanthin
β-Cryptoxanthin

Carotenoids contribute either a yellow or orange hue to cannabis leaves and flowers, depending on the concentrations present in particular cultivars. Strains best known for their orange appearance include Agent Orange and Tangerine Dream.

What Cannabis Colours Are There?
  • Red & Pink (Carotenoids and Anthocyanins)

Both anthocyanins and carotenoids serve up tones of red and pink. The carotenoid lutein absorbs blue light and appears orange–red at high concentrations. Anthocyanins also develop a red–pink shade when exposed to an acidic pH. Because cannabis plants thrive in a slightly acidic pH of 5.8–6.2, strains with higher quantities of these pigments are likely to develop red and pink hues in optimal conditions. Cultivars known for their red and pink colours include Black Russian, Red Poison Auto, and Panama-Sedena Red.

What Cannabis Colours Are There?
  • Purple and Blue (Anthocyanins)

Purple cannabis has become extremely popular in recent years, and many consumers and growers prefer these colourful buds to standard green options. Once again, anthocyanins underpin these brilliant shades, especially when exposed to a more neutral pH range. Purple Queen and Purple Queen Automatic stand as two of the most vibrant purple cultivars available.

What Cannabis Colours Are There?
  • Black & Brown (Anthocyanins)

Cannabis plants that appear black and brown are actually displaying very deep shades of purple (similar to those seen in some types of aubergine). These strains possess high levels of anthocyanins, possibly due to a recessive gene that increases the conversion of glucose into these colourful pigments. With the right genetics, and when exposed to a more neutral pH, cannabis strains are capable of unleashing these astonishing, rich hues.

What Cannabis Colours Are There?

What Causes Cannabis to Change Colour?

You already know some of the main reasons why cannabis flips colours, but let's recap:

  • Genetics: Some plants are hard-wired to pump out higher levels of colourful pigments. This is largely the result of extensive selective breeding.
  • Specific phytochemicals: As detailed above, specific phytochemicals are responsible for certain cannabis colours. In other words, you can't expect to grow purple plants if your strain doesn't exhibit naturally high anthocyanin levels.
  • pH: Different pH ranges can cause anthocyanins to express different hues.
  • Stress: Certain stressors, including UV radiation, drive anthocyanin production[5].
  • Temperature: The cooler nighttime temperatures at the end of a growing season (or simulated indoors) force plants to focus less on chlorophyll production as they mature, triggering a rise in anthocyanin output.

Is Bud Colour an Indication of Potency?

Colourful buds certainly look pretty—and many cannabis users prefer them—but they don’t indicate the potency or effects of specific cultivars. Strains that produce low levels of THC can produce high levels of purple pigments, and those loaded with the psychoactive cannabinoid may appear purely green. While there’s nothing wrong with considering the colour of a variety when shopping around, don’t rely on aesthetics as a measure for effects and potency.

How to Change the Colour of Cannabis

Congratulations, you’ve just stepped up your cultivation knowledge—you’re now aware of why some cannabis strains exhibit different colours. You know that anthocyanins are vibrant pigments that change colour under different pH conditions, and that some cultivars pack carotenoids responsible for expressing hues of orange and yellow. Most importantly, through picking the right genetics and controlling pH and temperature, you’re ready to start decorating your grow tent and garden with striking shades of purple, red, pink, orange, yellow, and black!

External Resources:
  1. Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Carotenoids as natural functional pigments https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Anthocyanins. Plant pigments and beyond https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Antioxidant Properties and Stability to Heat and pH https://www.researchgate.net
  5. Plant stress response and adaptation via anthocyanins https://www.sciencedirect.com
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: