Marijuana Strain Descriptions
Granddaddy Purple (GDP)
Cannabis Strain Summary
Terpene Profile- Primary
Myrcene (primary terpene - delivers sweet grape aromatics and sedative qualities); Beta-caryophyllene (adds peppery spicy undertones and aromatic depth); Alpha-pinene (provides fresh pine-like notes and herbal accents)
Terpene Profile- Secondary
Linalool (adds floral lavender-like dimensions); Humulene (brings earthy woody undertones); Limonene (provides subtle citrus brightness); Trace compounds including valencine, fenchol, terpinolene; Overall profile creates candy-like grape scent reminiscent of purple grape soda or Concord grape juice with earthy and woody base notes
The Experience- Common Effects
Mental: stress reduction; worry dissolution; positive mood shift; content peaceful state; mental ease; present-moment awareness; sometimes creative or contemplative; enhanced music appreciation; Physical: profound muscle relaxation; full-body sedation; couch-lock tendency; pain and tension reduction; appetite stimulation with enhanced taste perception; post-peak drowsiness leading naturally into sleep
The Experience- Duration
Full experience lasts 2-4 hours when smoking or vaping; Effects taper gradually rather than dropping abruptly; Heavy body sensation may persist longer than cerebral aspects; Residual relaxation and drowsiness can extend 4-6 hours; Edible forms significantly extend duration to 6-8+ hours
The Experience- Onset
Effects manifest within 5-15 minutes when smoked or vaporized; Initial gentle cerebral lift with euphoric qualities; Physical effects assert within 10-20 minutes starting from head and cascading downward; Warm heavy sensation in muscles with progressive relaxation; May exhibit creeper quality with effects intensifying over 30-40 minutes; Peak occurs around 30-45 minutes after consumption
The Experience- Potential Side Effects
Dry mouth (nearly universal and pronounced); Dry eyes (common); Dizziness (particularly in inexperienced consumers or high doses); Grogginess or mental fog during and after; Rare cases of anxiety or paranoia at high doses or in susceptible individuals
Strain Type
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
Not Recommended For
Morning or early afternoon use when productivity required; Active physical activities; Situations requiring alertness and quick reactions; Social situations where functional appearance is important; Any context where sedative effects would be problematic
Lineage and Origins
Parent strains most commonly cited as Purple Urkle x Big Bud; Ken Estes attributes original to Mendocino Purps x Skunk x Afghani landrace; Popularized in Bay Area California in 2003; Purple Urkle provides coloration and grape aromatics while Big Bud contributes dense structure and yield; Connected to deep Afghani indica roots regardless of specific lineage
Cannabanoid Profile
THC typically ranges 17-23% (moderately potent to potent depending on batch); Some exceptional examples test 25-27% THC; CBD typically under 1%; CBG may appear in trace amounts; Above-average potency contributes to heavy body sensation and sedative qualities; Always request current lab testing as profiles vary by batch
Comparable Strains
Purple Punch: GDP descendant (GDP x Larry OG) with similar grape-berry profile but slightly more balanced effects and sweeter candy-like flavor; Grape Ape: Shares Mendocino Purps ancestry with similar purple coloration and grape aromatics, often confused with GDP, generally slightly less potent; Purple Urkle: GDP's parent strain providing purple color and grape flavor but more purely sedative; Northern Lights: Classic indica with similar body relaxation but earthy piney profile rather than fruity; Blueberry: Fruit-forward indica with berry aromatics but blueberry rather than grape profile
Thinking about growing your own cannabis?
Cultivation Resilience
Prefers warm to moderate temperatures 70-80°F; Benefits from cooler nights 60-70°F during late flowering for purple coloration; Humidity 50-55% during vegetative growth, reduced to 40-50% during flowering; Moderately easy to grow (accessible to cultivators with basic experience); Dense flowers and heavy resin can attract spider mites requiring vigilance; Tight bud structure susceptible to bud rot in high humidity requiring good air circulation
Cultivation Flowering Time
8-11 weeks (56-77 days) indoors; Most phenotypes finish around 60-63 days; Outdoor harvest in mid-October in suitable climates
Cultivation Yield
Indoor: 14-19 ounces per square meter (400-540 grams/m²) under optimal conditions; Outdoor: 17+ ounces per plant in suitable climates; Some reports of multiple pounds from mature outdoor plants in ideal situations
Cultivation Plant Structure
Compact bushy plants reflecting indica dominance; Indoor heights 2-3 feet without training; Outdoor plants reach 6-8 feet; Extensive branching with dense canopy; Tight internodal spacing creates stocky profile; Responds well to topping, LST, and SCROG training techniques
Cultivation Quality Indicators
Dense compact bud structure with substantial weight; Visible purple and violet coloration (intensity varies); Heavy trichome coverage creating frosty crystalline appearance; Bright orange to rust-colored pistils; Sticky resinous texture; Strong grape and berry aroma immediately apparent; Minimal stem presence in trimmed buds; Proper cure allowing smooth combustion; Avoid airy buds, weak aromatics, signs of mold or pests, or lack of trichome density