Cannabis leaves under a purple lamp

Strain Spotlight: Granddaddy Purple

When you hear the name Granddaddy Purple, you know you’re dealing with an OG strain. The name alone tells you that this bud has been around the block, has an interesting history, and likely comes from some potent parent strains. In this strain spotlight, we’re going to do a deep dive into Granddaddy Purple.


What is Granddaddy Purple? 

Granddaddy Purple, aka Grand Daddy Purple, GDP, or Grand Daddy Purps, is an indica-dominant hybrid that took the west coast by storm when it was first created in 2003. It looks and tastes exactly like you’d expect: dark purple premium flower with a sweet grape flavor and aroma. It’s typically loaded with crystalline trichomes that are accented by bright orange hairs that pop against its deep shades.

Where Did Granddaddy Purple Come From?

The history of Granddaddy Purple is an interesting one. Some cannabis enthusiasts insist that Ken Estes, in 2003, created Granddaddy Purple by crossing Big Bud and Purple Urkle. Others claim that while Ken Estes had a hand in the creation of the strain, it’s actually a cross between Mendo Purps, Skunk, and the landrace strain Afghanistan. If the latter is true, that means Granddaddy Purple has some truly historic roots.

But wait, there’s more. Some cannabis connoisseurs say Granddaddy Purp is actually not an original strain. Rather, it’s simply Grape Ape, one of a few popular grape strains. It’s possible this rumor started because Grape Ape and GDP are derivatives of Mendo Purps (or Mendocino Purple). This means that because Grape Ape and Granddaddy Purp came from the same parent strain and thus have a number of similarities.

What Does Granddaddy Purple Smell Like?

With a parent strain like Blueberry, you know you’re going to get that sweet blueberry aroma in Blue Dream. Those fruity, sugary notes will fill a room, but don’t be surprised if you notice an earthy undertone in that aroma—it’s likely caused by the myrcene content in this strain.

What Does Granddaddy Purple Taste Like?

The flavor of Granddaddy Purple is one of its most talked about qualities. It has an overwhelmingly sweet grape flavor with a woodsy, pine aftertaste that’s considered just as potent as that grape flavor. Because many cannabis connoisseurs choose to consume Granddaddy Purple at the end of the day, the flavor is as enjoyable as a decadent dessert—without the calories (assuming you’re not eating GDP edibles).

Answering Granddaddy Purple FAQs

Got questions about one of the most popular indica hybrids on the market? We’ve got answers:

Is Granddaddy Purple an indica or sativa?
Granddaddy Purple is an indica-dominant hybrid strain.

Is Granddaddy Purple strong?
By all accounts, Granddaddy Purp is considered a strong strain with anywhere from 20-27% THC. This means that if you’re new to marijuana, you’re going to want to approach this bud with care and go slow with a low dose when getting started.

How much THC is in Granddaddy Purple?
Granddaddy Purple is considered a strong strain with THC levels ranging anywhere from 20% to 27%.

Purchasing Granddaddy Purple

Blue Dream has been the go-to sativa-dominant hybrid for decades, and while new hybrids come to market, Blue Dream will likely always have a place on the shelves of your favorite dispensary. If you’re interested in picking up Blue Dream, pay us a visit. Our budtenders will show you the Blue Dream products we have in stock or point you to products that offer just as flavorful of an experience.


Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.