By Steven Voser

Granddaddy Purple (GDP, Granddaddy Purps, Granddaddy Purple Kush, or simply Purple) is a legendary purple cannabis strain no doubt loved by anyone who's had the chance to smoke it. Bred in 2003 in the Bay Area of the US, GDP has achieved legendary status thanks to its beautiful colour, delicious aroma, and unbeatable stone. If you love a strain that'll hit you like a tranquilliser dart, look no further than Granddaddy Purple.


History and Genetics of Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple was commercialised by Ken Estes, who describes himself as a "father, philanthropist, and entrepreneur". While there are many different accounts of the origins and exact genetics of GDP, Ken has gone "on the record" in several interviews, saying that his Purple is the offspring of Afghani, Buddha, and Thai strains that were brought back to the US by Vietnam War veterans.

Kept alive by veterans, growers, and breeders in Humboldt County, Ken believes that these original Asian genetics eventually got crossed with the Acapulco/Colombian Gold and Panama Red sativa varieties that were popular in the US at the time, creating the legendary Skunk. Ken claims that his unique cut of Purple is actually a Skunk offspring that was given to him by a community of Native Americans he befriended while living in Humboldt County, who had preserved the strain for 22 years before sharing it with him.

Grandaddy Purple Cannabis Strain
Grandaddy Purple Cannabis Strain

Now, 20 years since its commercialisation, Granddaddy Purple is still highly revered as a true Californian Classic. It has won numerous awards at cannabis cups all over the US, including the title of Best Indica at the 2015 High Times Cannabis Cup in Denver, Colorado. To this day, GDP is one of the most popular varieties at dispensaries and cannabis collectives, where it is sought out by recreational users and holistic users alike.

Granddaddy Purple
23_genetic background_1 Purple Urkle x Big Bud
33_Yield indoors_1 450 - 500 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 70 - 120 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 10 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 20%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 25% Indica 75%
34_yield outdoor_1 550 - 600 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 120 - 150 cm
27_harvest period_1 Early October
22_Effect_1 Euphoric, Physically Relaxing, Sleepy

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Aromas and Flavours of Granddaddy Purple

Many users describe Granddaddy Purps' aroma as having rich berry and grape overtones. Ken Estes, however, is renowned for saying that GDP actually "smells purple—I used to think purple was a colour, but now I think it's a smell!". What he may have been referring to is what some users describe as a unique floral aroma, akin to the smell of jasmine and roses, with hints of dark chocolate and musk.

Some of the most reported terpenes in Granddaddy Purple include:

  • Myrcene (musk and herbs)
  • Pinene (fresh pine needles)
  • Caryophyllene (pepper, dark spices)
Taste Grandaddy Purple Strain
Taste Grandaddy Purple Strain

Effects of Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple is renowned for its potent effects. While it only contains roughly 17% THC, GDP produces a heavy-handed stone that affects both the body and mind within minutes of inhaling. Users generally report that GDP produces an uplifting and happy cerebral high coupled with a deeply relaxing body stone—ideal for lazing about at home, watching movies, listening to music, or stargazing.

While everyone's experience with weed is different, people who smoke GDP generally report feeling:

  • Relaxed
  • Happy
  • Hungry
  • Sleepy
Effects Grandaddy Purple Strain
Effects Grandaddy Purple Strain

Besides being popular among recreational users, Granddaddy Purple is also very popular among holistic cannabis users seeking to address physical and mental tension, as well as appetite loss.

Like all high-THC cannabis strains, Granddaddy Purple is capable of producing some unwanted side effects. These include:

  • Dry eyes and dry mouth
  • Dizziness

Note that GDP has very strong physical effects. Many users report feeling couch-locked or lethargic after using this strain, so keep that in mind before trying Granddaddy Purple for yourself. Many users recommend using GDP at night, or when you have a free schedule so you can freely enjoy its intense physical stone.

Cultivation — How Easy Is Granddaddy Purple to Grow?

There is mixed information available regarding the grow traits of Granddaddy Purple. Ken Estes has said that the strain likes cold, dry temperatures, likely due to its indica dominance. Ken has also said that GDP doesn't produce the biggest yields, as his plants tend to stay short and compact, with dense bushy growth and few branches. Like all dense indica strains, Granddaddy Purple doesn't like high humidity, as this can attract pests and pathogens to make their home among its thick leaves and flowers.

Some tips to help you grow Granddaddy Purple at home include:

  • Keep temperatures cool, especially during the late flowering stage
  • Keep plenty of cool air moving around your tent/garden

Hello Granddaddy — Check Out These GDP Descendants Fit for Royalty

At RQS, we're big fans of purple weed. That's why we've chased down Granddaddy Purple and used this iconic strain to breed our own unique Purple varieties. Check them out below to spice up your indoor or outdoor garden with eye-catching purple genetics!

  • Purple Punch Automatic: Our flagship Purple strain is renowned for its bold aroma, dense flower structure, and incredible resin production. If you're after a simple, fast purple auto to add some colour and aroma to your garden, look no further!
  • Legendary OG Punch: Combining genetics from Legendary OG and Purple Punch, this heavy-handed indica delivers a soothing blow to the body and eases tension in minutes.

Legendary OG Punch
23_genetic background_1 Legend Og x Purple Punch
33_Yield indoors_1 350 - 400 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 90 - 160 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 19%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 40% Indica 60%
34_yield outdoor_1 500 - 550 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 180 - 220 cm
27_harvest period_1 Early October
22_Effect_1 Calming, Clear

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