Not to be confused with the non-psychoactive herb of the same name native to the Western U.S., Purple Sage is an indica-leaning cannabis strain. Although its exact genetics are unclear, this hybrid is thought to be descended from the fragrant S.A.G.E. It provides users with a deeply aromatic smoke and a well-balanced, holistic high. Purple Sage has THC levels measured at between 16% and 24%.

Purple Sage is marked by medium-sized flowers that maintain a tapered cylindrical shape, appearing almost bullet-like. The buds have an internal structure mostly seen in indicas, with small leaves that curl tightly inward toward a dense core. The leaves are a vivid lime green, although occasionally, phenotypes boast shades of purple in their leaves as well due to high concentrations of the pigment anthocyanin.

When properly cured, Purple Sage’s flowers have a uniquely herbal aroma that brings to mind actual sage with hints of eucalyptus and lavender. A second whiff of these buds may detect fruity citrus and grape scents as well. Meanwhile, grinding up these compact flowers gives off a sweet and sour funk, similar to skunk or gasoline. When combusted in a pipe or a joint, Purple Sage releases a thick, acrid smoke that may irritate the palate and sinuses. On the exhale, this smokes leaves behind a citrus taste.

Purple Sage begins to affect the consumer relatively quickly, exerting a headrush that comes with odd sensations like an increase in salivation and some flushing in the cheeks. Once users become accustomed to such tics, they may notice that Purple Sage has taken action on their thought processes, helping the stream of consciousness to flow more quickly than usual. In the midst of this fast-paced thinking, certain ideas -- or even objects -- may seem to take on a new intensity or significance. This cerebral mood can set the stage for extended work on detailed, analytical tasks; it may also provide some inspiration for creative projects and brainstorming sessions. If shared in party settings, Purple Sage may also provoke conversation and camaraderie, even among relative strangers.

After about an hour, this strain’s body stone begin to set in. Smokers who may have been physically active could find themselves sighing with relaxation or breathing more deeply than usual. If dosage is increased, this palpable relaxation can progress into full-on couchlock, pinning users down where they sit or stand as the outside world recedes out of focus. While the mind is still active and lucid at this stage of the high, users may lose some of their earlier energy and motivation and may instead prefer to spend the duration of the strain’s high watching a movie or just lounging around and daydreaming. Because of its gradual step down from mental stimulation into physical sedation, Purple Sage is recommended for late afternoon or early evening consumption for maximum enjoyment.

A strain with versatile recreational properties, Purple Sage may also have several applications for medical cannabis patients. Its initial sense of intense focus may help those with attention deficit disorders to concentrate on one task at a time. Its positive, euphoric vibes may also temporarily improve the troubling symptoms of mild to moderate stress or depression. On the physical side of things, Purple Sage can relieve chronic aches and pains as well as everyday inflammations like headaches or cramps. Its tendency to provoke the munchies, meanwhile, can serve as an appetite enhancement for those who have lost their hunger due to disease or to treatments like chemotherapy. Because it may lead to obsessive and recursive thinking patterns in some situations, Purple Sage is not recommended for patients who are prone to paranoia or panic.

Seeds of Purple Sage are not available for sale online -- and consumers looking to grow the strain at home should take particular care not to accidentally purchase seeds of the non-cannabis herb also known as purple sage. The strain can be propagated through clippings (or “clones”) taken from mature, healthy plants. These can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor success requires a hot and semi-humid climate. Plants have a short, squat stature and may require occasional pruning of their broad fan leaves. Purple Sage reaches flowering maturity within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors.

Purple Sage’s ideal balance of mental and physical effects makes it appealing to both indica and sativa fans. Thanks to its singular aroma, Purple Sage may also be of interest to terpene snobs.