Purple Tonic is a rare indica strain whose original breeders and genetic background are not well documented. Nevertheless, this bud has won fans for its memorable flavor and its soothing effects. For those lucky enough to sample this mysterious bud Purple Tonic offers a complex fruity aroma as well as THC levels between 12% and 23%.

Purple Tonic’s flowers are somewhat lacking in visual appealing, with a small, pebbly appearance. The undersized buds cling together in tight, popcorn-like clusters and have a solid, compact indica structure. Their relatively small leaves are a drab shade of olive green, although occasionally, phenotypes catch the eye with flecks of purple as well. These nuggets are capped off by curly orange pistils and a carpet of icy white trichomes, the latter of which make them very sticky and hard to break up without the help of a grinder.

Despite their underwhelming appearance, cured buds of Purple Tonic have quite a bit to offer in the olfactory department. They give off a tangy berry aroma, tinged by some notes of citrus as well. Breaking open or grinding up these flowers, meanwhile, yields a sour-sweet funk, similar to fermented organic material. When burnt, Purple Tonic gives off a smooth smoke that’s easy to inhale. On the exhale, this smoke has a fruity and slightly toasted cocoa scent.

A true creeper, Purple Tonic can take up to 15 minutes after ingestion to begin working its magic -- as such, consumers who don’t pick up on the strain’s potent effects right away should wait a while before increasing their dosage. Once it arrives, this bud exerts a mild headrush, resulting in some flushing in the cheeks and a feeling of pressure around the temples. Following these sensations, users may notice a change in sensory perception, with some visual and auditory stimuli taking on a new intensity; less tangible phenomena like a feeling of time dilation are also possible. This psychedelic vibe can translate into inspiration for those working on creative projects; alternatively, it can set the stage for simple enjoyment of some atmospheric music or a visually dynamic movie. Beyond these trippy effects, Purple Tonic doesn’t do much in the way of mental stimulation and is better suited to daydreaming than to extended productivity.

As this high wears on, its physical component becomes more and more noticeable. Waves of relaxation may begin to roll down from the spine and spread out through the core, weighing smokers down and making them feel as if they’re wading through Jell-O when trying to attempt physical exertion. If dosage is increased, this heaviness can progress into total couchlock, stripping away any earlier motivation and making extended movement difficult if not altogether impossible. For smokers who are properly relaxed, Purple Tonic may even lull them into a deep and restful sleep. Because of its mostly laidback properties, Purple Tonic is recommended for evening or nighttime consumption, when it can be fully savored.

Purple Tonic’s slow-moving effects can also have several uses for medical cannabis patients. For one, its mellow euphoria can take the edge off of cases of stress, depression, anxiety, and even PTSD -- albeit only temporarily. The strain can also soothe physical pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis. Anti-inflammatory properties, meanwhile, may relieve minor discomforts like cramps or headaches. As already noted, Purple Tonic can also induce sleep, making it a potential remedy for insomnia. Because it comes with relatively little risk of hyper-focused, obsessive thinking, Purple Tonic is a good option for patients who are prone to panic or paranoia.

Unfortunately for home growers, seeds of Purple Tonic have not been produced for commercial sale. Those looking to grow it at home should seek out plant clippings from a trusted source, which can be cultivated as “clones.” The strain can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor success depends of a humid climate with average daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Although there is little information available on best practices specific to growing this strain, its pure indica roots imply that its plants grow short and bushy and that they flower within a brief 8 to 9 weeks.

Although somewhat difficult to come by, Purple Tonic is a must-try for heavy indica fans. The strain’s rich, fragrant smoke is just icing on the cake.