
Granddaddy Purp Strain: The King of Purple Weed
Few strains share the glory of Granddaddy Purple. Keep reading for a comprehensive overview of one of California's most beloved Purple weed strains!
Contents:
- What strain is granddaddy purple?
- History and genetics of granddaddy purple
- Aroma and flavours of the granddaddy purple strain
- Granddaddy purple strain effects and thc level
- Growing the granddaddy purp strain
- Dosing and consumption methods
- How to store granddaddy purple properly
- Hello granddaddy: gdp descendants fit for royalty
Few indica strains carry the weight of Granddaddy Purple. Discovered in the early 2000s in the rolling hills of Humboldt County, GDP exploded onto the Bay Area cannabis scene and, from there, was catapulted onto the global stage.
An indica-dominant strain with deep purple buds and a heavy-handed stone, a single toke is all it takes for GDP to win over the hearts (and lungs) of anyone lucky enough to try her. Keep reading to learn more about Granddaddy Purp, and why it remains the quintessential purple weed strain to this day.
What Strain Is Granddaddy Purple?


Granddaddy Purple (also known as GDP, Granddaddy Purp, and Granddaddy Purps) is a 70% indica, 30% sativa hybrid. High in anthocyanins, it produces stunning purple flowers coated in sticky, crystalline resin. Every toke delivers a complex mix of fruity and floral terpenes along with 17–23% THC, resulting in a deep stone that soothes both the muscles and the mind, ideal for moments of relaxation or low-key social sessions.
Granddaddy Purple
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Purple Urkle x Big Bud |
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450 - 500 gr/m2 |
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70 - 120 cm |
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8 - 10 weeks |
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THC: 20% |
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Sativa 25% Indica 75% |
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550 - 600 gr/plant |
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120 - 150 cm |
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Early October |
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Euphoric, Physically Relaxing, Sleepy |
Why Is It So Popular?
Over 20 years after it was discovered, Granddaddy Purps continues to be one of the weed world’s most popular hybrids, and for plenty of good reasons.
First and foremost, GDP’s deep purple buds with a thick coating of resin make for some serious eye candy. While purple weed might not be much of a novelty nowadays, in the early 2000s, scoring a bag of frosty, deep-purple Granddaddy Purps nugs was practically worthy of throwing a party.
Besides its great bag appeal, GDP had the aromas, flavours, and potency to match, too. Cracking into a bag of Granddaddy Purple immediately fills the room with a sweet, musky floral aroma that, again, was very novel at the time of its release. Plus, GDP’s stellar buzz only helped further cement it in the hearts of smokers all over the world.
As if that weren’t enough, Granddaddy Purple went on to win multiple awards and accolades that only furthered its popularity. Most notably, GDP won the title of Best Indica at the 2015 High Times Cannabis Cup in Denver, Colorado.
History and Genetics of Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple made its Bay Area debut in 2003 at the hands of Ken Estes, an advocate for cannabis who discovered the plant after a near-fatal motorcycle accident left him paralysed in the late 1990s.
A lot of sources claim that GDP comes from a cross of Purple Urkle and Big Bud, and many variations of the strain stem from this lineage. However, Ken himself attributes the strain to a blend of Mendo Purps, Skunk, and Afghan.
There are many speculations about who actually created the strain, none of which have been confirmed. It is generally accepted, however, that Estes didn’t actually breed the strain but instead helped commercialise it. After its 2015 High Times Cup win, GDP’s popularity grew exponentially.
Aroma and Flavours of the Granddaddy Purple Strain


Granddaddy Purple has a delicious aroma that’s sweet, fruity, floral, and earthy all at once. Crack into a bag of GDP, close your eyes, and breathe in; you’ll enjoy an upfront berry sweetness and fruity overtones layered over a subtle, but noticeable, earthy base.
Then, light her up and inhale her thick smoke/vapour to enjoy notes of jasmine and violets mixed with berries, cherries, and musky earth, an absolute delight.
Key Terpenes
Granddaddy Purple’s thick resin comes packed with terpenes, particularly:
- Myrcene, known for its musky, herbal smell and soothing physical effects
- Pinene, known for its fresh pine aroma and clear-headed buzz
- Caryophyllene, known for its peppery kick and relaxing effects
Flavour Across Consumption Methods
Granddaddy Purple’s flavours may vary depending on how you consume it. Light her up in a vaporizer at low temperatures to preserve her bright fruity-berry and grape notes. Smoke her in a bong, blunt, or joint, on the other hand, for a deeper, earthier aroma. Finally, try turning your GDP buds into concentrates (like rosin) to bring out their subtle floral notes.
Granddaddy Purple Strain Effects and THC Level


Granddaddy Purple is a potent cannabis strain, regularly producing between 17–23% THC and low levels of CBD. Her combination of cannabinoids and terpenes produces unique effects that are perfect for evening use, either at home or at low-key social events.
Inhale her full-bodied smoke/vapour, kick up your feet, and relax. Don’t expect any immediate rush; Granddaddy Purple is a real creeper that takes time to settle in. The first thing you’ll notice is a tingling sensation in your extremities. As your body becomes warmer and more relaxed, GDP’s carefree mental effects kick in.
Expect to feel uplifted and giggly, perfect for sitting down to watch a good comedy, gaming, or fuelling silly conversations with friends. Just make sure to keep some snacks handy; GDP is known to bring on the munchies!
Potential Side Effects
Like all potent cannabis strains, Granddaddy Purple can produce side effects. These may include:
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Dizziness
- Couch-lock
These effects are generally mild, but they can be unpleasant. To avoid them, always take it easy when experimenting with potent cannabis strains like GDP, especially given the strain’s “creeping” effects. Start with a low dose and give yourself time to gauge the strain’s effects before taking more.
Growing the Granddaddy Purp Strain
Granddaddy Purple is easy to grow with Royal Queen Seeds’ feminized Granddaddy Purple seeds. Bred from the Purple Urkle x Big Bud lineage, GDP by RQS is hardy, versatile, and very productive indoors, outside, or in a greenhouse.
Inside, Granddaddy Purps plants reach 70–120 cm, with a strong central stem, thick foliage, and short internodal spacing. Outdoors, Granddaddy Purple grows a little taller, reaching a max height of 150 cm. Flourishing in dry, warm climates, outdoor GDP plants can typically get the chop by early October. Thanks to her resilience to pests, pathogens, and stress, Royal Queen Seeds’ Granddaddy Purple is moderately easy to grow.
Indoor Cultivation Tips
To get the best out of GDP indoors, remember the following:
- Use premium grow lights (preferably LEDs).
- Keep temperatures between 21–26 °C with RH at 40–50% during flowering
- Consider using a combination of training techniques like LST, topping, lollipopping, and mainlining to maximise yields
Outdoor Cultivation Tips
To grow healthy, high-yielding GDP plants outdoors, remember:
- Grow your plants in well-draining, organic soil
- Use preventative pest management early on
- Grow your plants in a sunny but sheltered spot where they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight
- Avoid light stress during flowering
Yield and Flowering Time
- Indoors, GDP flowers in 8–11 weeks and yields 450–500 g/m²
- Outdoors, GDP reaches harvest by early October and yields up to 600 g/plant
Dosing and Consumption Methods


As we mentioned earlier, GDP is a potent strain, so proper dosing is extra important for an enjoyable experience. Follow these dosing tips to ensure you don’t have to deal with the side effects we mentioned earlier:
- When smoking, take 1–2 puffs and wait at least 15–20 minutes to gauge the strain’s effects.
- When taking GDP-infused edibles, start with a dose of 2.5–5 mg and wait at least 60 minutes for the effects to settle in.
- When smoking/vaping concentrates, take 1 puff and wait 15–20 minutes before adjusting your dose.
How to Store Granddaddy Purple Properly
Just harvested a batch of delicious GDP buds? Store them in airtight containers like stash jars, and store the jars in a cool, dark, and dry place, ideally at temperatures below 21 °C. Use humidity packs inside the jars to maintain optimal moisture levels, and keep your jars out of direct light (which degrades THC and terpenes).
Hello Granddaddy: GDP Descendants Fit for Royalty
Granddaddy Purple became so popular that breeders couldn’t help but use its genetics to create other hybrids. Some of GDP’s most popular descendants include:
- Purple Punch: A cross of GDP x Larry OG, this strain develops dense purple flowers, sweet berry flavours, and a relaxing body buzz. Grow her at home with Purple Punch feminized and Purple Punch Auto seeds!
- Cherry Pie: This cross of GDP x Durban Poison features purple-tinged green buds and a tart cherry aroma. Grow her at home with RQS’ Cherry Pie Auto seeds.
- Platinum GDP: A cross of GDP x Platinum Cookies, this strain boasts GDP’s trademark purple hues, frosty trichome coverage, and sweet grape overtones.
So if you're looking to become acquainted with the whole GDP family, give these strains a try!
GDP: Frequently Asked Questions
- What Strain Is Granddaddy Purple?
- GDP is a 70% indica, 30% sativa hybrid strain known for producing big, purple buds.
- Is Granddaddy Purple Strain Indica or Sativa?
- GDP is a 70% indica-dominant hybrid strain with happy and relaxing effects.
- What Are the Granddaddy Purple Strain’s Effects?
- Granddaddy Purple is a potent strain that delivers deep physical relaxation, a happy cerebral lift, and the munchies! The strain’s effects are known to creep and get more soothing over time, ideal for unwinding!
- What Is Granddaddy Purple’s THC level?
- GDP typically develops 17–23% THC.
- How Do You Grow the Granddaddy Purp Strain?
- Granddaddy Purple can be grown indoors, outdoors, or in greenhouses. It performs well in both soil and hydro and delivers excellent yields. Indoors, it flowers over 8–11 weeks and yields 450–500 g/m². Outdoors, expect plants that yield 600 g each by early October.