Purple Paralysis is a colorful hybrid with mostly sativa genetics. Although this strain’s name pays testament to this its ability to immobilize you on the couch, it actually offers upbeat and alert mental effects as well.
A cross between Lavender and landrace-derived Power Plant, Purple Paralysis has a THC content measured at between 17% and 22%.
Purple Paralysis establishes its appeal almost immediately thanks to solid and well-formed flowers. The medium-sized buds adhere in wispy, elongated shapes and a loose, sativa-inflected bud structure, similar to Thai Stick, in which the long leaves spiral away from one another for an overall fluffy appearance. The leaves themselves are a mix of dark green and deep purple. Standing out by way of contrast are several curly, neon orange hairs (which are pistils, botanical reproductive structures meant to catch pollen) and translucent, sticky trichomes.
Once they’ve gotten past its good looks, consumers may be pleased to find out that Purple Paralysis has an incredible aroma as well. Notes of sweet berry and grape waft up from the cured buds, along with the toasted aroma of caramel. Grinding up or breaking apart the flowers, meanwhile, yields an herbal odor reminiscent of Haze, with notes of lavender and sage. When burnt in a pipe or a joint, Purple Paralysis gives off an uncommonly smooth and light smoke. This smoke has a mellow, almost cocoa-like flavor on the exhale.
Surprisingly, given its mostly sativa character, Purple Paralysis can take some time before creeping up on the user, finally creeping up after 10 or 15 minutes post-ingestion. When it arrives, the strain can cause a feeling of constriction or throbbing around the temples; some consumers also describe flushing in the cheeks or a stimulation of the salivary glands. As these sensations die down, smokers may become aware of a change in their ways of thinking. Thoughts, concepts, or even inanimate objects that might not otherwise catch theri interest can suddenly become fascinating. Additionally, thoughts may jump from one to the next in a kind of freewheeling word association. Those who are so inclined can put this mental energy towards concentration on detailed tasks or problem-solving scenarios. Purple Paralysis has a creative side too, though, as its head high may manifest in strange sensory distortions like a flattening of depth perception.
As time passes -- or as dosage is boosted -- users may begin to feel this strain’s palpable physical effects. A trickle of relaxation that begins in the neck can roll down the spine and spread outward through the core and limbs. Within time, this feeling may indeed progress into full-on paralysis, nullifying any earlier attempts at productivity. At this point, smokers may not want to do much more than lounge around with some moody music or a good binge-watching session. Because of its eventual sluggishness, Purple Paralysis is recommended for evening consumption.
This heavy, almost narcotic strain can also have several uses for medical cannabis patients. While its initial cerebral buzz may help those with attention deficit disorders to stay focused on a single task, its progressive relaxation can temporarily take the edge off of mild to moderate cases of stress, depression, and anxiety. Purple Paralysis may also soothe physical pain, whether it’s temporary or chronic and disease-related. In a properly relaxed set and setting, the strain may even lull consumers to sleep, making it a potential treatment for insomnia. Because Purple Paralysis’ more brainy effects may lead to paranoia in the wrong circumstances, patients who are prone to panic should consume this strain with caution and in moderation.
Unfortunately, prospective home growers are unable to buy seeds of Purple Paralysis online. Instead, those looking to cultivate their own should obtain clippings from mature, healthy specimens which can in turn be grown as “clones.” Clones can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor success depends of a semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climate. That said, this strain’s African landrace roots may make it hardy and resistant to adverse conditions like fluctuating temperatures or excess moisture. Gardeners who seek to bring out all of Purple Paralysis’ purple potential should expose their plants to nighttime temperatures that are 10 to 15 degrees below average just before flowering begins, which for indoor growers happens around the 9 to 10 week mark.
A psychedelic treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to smoke, Purple Paralysis can be an especially good strain to share with friends -- just make sure you have enough to go around.