There is an endless variety of cannabis strains - each with various aromas, flavors, and naturally therapeutic potential. This is an examination of the genetics and terpenes of the Purple Urkle balanced hybrid cannabis strain.
PURPLE URKLE
The Purple Urkle 50/50 indica/sativa balanced cannabis strain is believed to be a variety of the Granddaddy Purple or Mendocino Purps strain (Source). There are three major types of cannabis - indica, sativa, and the auto flowering ruderalis. Generally cannabis indica plants are shorter and bushier, native to higher elevations and shorter growing seasons - cannabis sativa plants are native to warmer and longer growing season regions. Pure indica effects would be mentally and physically relaxing, pure sativa effects would be energetic, so a 50/50 indica/sativa balanced hybrid (crossbred) strain effects would be somewhere in the middle.
THC and CBD Content
These buds have a medium 23% THC with less than 0.15% CBD. THC and CBD are the major medicinal components of cannabis - among other effects, the THC gives that psychoactive 'high' feeling, CBD has a calming and clear headed effect that counteracts the THC 'high'. Many cannabis strains have been selectively bred for higher or lower levels of THC or CBD, and for specific indica/sativa ratios - depending on the desired medicinal or recreational effects.
PURPLE URKLE terpene profile
Terpenes are the essential oils of cannabis - the content of each variety of terpene adds to the unique scent, flavor, and potential therapeutic effects of each strain of cannabis. This Purple Urkle strain has a 5.55% Total Terpene Content (Source), consisting of the terpenes in the chart below.
| % of Total | Terpene | Scent | Also found in |
| 2.53% | alpha-Pinene | Pine | Pine trees, rosemary, dill, basil, parsley |
| 1.59% | Myrcene | Earthy, Musky, Sighty Fruity | hops, lemongrass, basil, rosemary, mangoes |
| 0.76% | Caryophyllene | Spicy, Peppery | black pepper, oregano, cloves, basil, rosemary |
| 0.67% | Humulene | subtle Earthy, Musky, Spicy | hops, sage, ginger, ginseng |
| < 0.01% | Linalool | Floral, slightly Spicy | lavender |
| < 0.01% | Limonene | citrus Tangerine, Grapefruit, Lemon | rinds of citrus fruits |
| < 0.01% | Terpinolene | Piney, Woody, light Citrus Herbal Spice | sage, rosemary, apples, tea trees, cumin, nutmeg |
There is also < 0.01% of the Caryophyllene oxide and beta-Pinene terpenes - these support the Caryophyllene and alpha Pinene terpenes.
The above terpene flavors combine with other components of this Purple Urkle strain to give the buds a sweet and fruity grape skunky scent with a candy-like sweet grape vanilla citrus pine spice zest flavor.
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Potential Therapeutic Effects
Along with the scents and flavors, the terpenes also enhance the potential therapeutic effect of the cannabis. Connoisseur cannabis consumers will often select new strains to try based partially on content of the the terpenes - strains rich in limonene terpene, for example, will often bring on a euphoric, energetic, and uplifting mood. These Purple Urkle 50/50 buds with 23% THC and < 0.15% CBD brought on a balanced and euphoric energy buzz with a smooth cushion and relaxed mind.
| Terpene | Potential Therapeutic Effects |
| alpha-Pinene | Alertness, Focus, Improved short term memory, Creative inspiration, Counteracts Paranoia, Bronchodialator, Antiviral agent, Anti-inflammatory |
| Myrcene | Sedative, Relaxation, Stress Relief, Insomnia relief |
| Caryophyllene | Powerful Anti-inflammatory, Treats anxiety and depression,Digestive Protection, Pain Relief, Antibacterial, Gut Fixing to treat anxiety |
| Humulene | Anti-imflamatory in conjunction with caryophyllene, Appetite suppressant, Anti-cancer potential |
| Linalool | Critical in production of Vitamin E, Relaxation, Stress Relief, Anti-anxiety, Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Insomnia Aid, Potent Muscle Relaxer, Possible Antidepressant and Antipsychotic, Anticonvulsant |
| Limonene | Mood Elevation, Euphoria, Anti-anxiety, Anti-depressant, Stress Relief, Energetic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anxiolytic, Possible Anti-cancer, Asthma Relief |
| Terpinolene | Mild Sedative, Anxiety reduction, Balancing, Antiseptic |
There are endless crossbred strain combinations for a wide variety of potential scents, flavors, and effects. I notice the anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxation, energy levels, stress relief, and the euphoric buzz of cannabis the most. To keep a smooth energy level balance, I'll usually smoke balanced and sativa leaning strains in the day time, saving the indica leaning strains for the evening.
Disclaimer: Cannabis is not legal in all locations, be sure to know your local laws. Seek a professional if you require medical attention.
What's your favorite cannabis effect?