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.
Granddaddy Purple
Also: Grand Daddy Purple, GDP, Grand Daddy Purps
A berry sweet indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain known for its purple buds and high THC percentage.
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. Known for its deep purple buds coated in bright orange hairs and layers of crystalline trichomes, Granddaddy Purple’s dominant terpenes are myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene.1
What Does Granddaddy Purple Smell Like?
The aroma of Grandaddy Purple opens with a burst of tangy berries combined with overwhelming notes of rich, sweet grape. As it lingers, the scent deepens and shifts, unfolding into waves of spicy hash and resinous earth. Often described as pungent, and even pleasantly harsh, GDP is no wallflower. Its earthy undertones and powerful intensity leave a strong, lasting impression.
What Does Granddaddy Purple Taste Like?
The flavor of Granddaddy Purple is easily one of its most celebrated qualities. It features an intensely sweet burst of ripe grape, followed by a woodsy, pine aftertaste that’s reminiscent of a crackling campfire. It’s no surprise that many cannabis connoisseurs choose to consume Granddaddy Purple at the end of the day; the flavor is as indulgent as a decadent dessert, minus the calories (unless, of course, you’re enjoying GDP in edible form).
How Strong Is Granddaddy Purple?
Granddaddy Purple is considered an especially strong strain, with a THC level reaching anywhere from 20-27%.2 If you’re new to marijuana, you’ll want to approach this bud with care and go slow with a low dose when getting started.
Where Did Granddaddy Purple Come From?
The history of Granddaddy Purple is an interesting one. Some cannabis enthusiasts insist that Ken Estes created Granddaddy Purple in 2003 by crossing Big Bud and Purple Urkle.2 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.3 If the latter is true, that means Granddaddy Purple has some truly historic roots.
What Other Types of Granddaddy Purple Strains Are There?
There’s plenty! Granddaddy Purple is just the beginning of an illustrious lineage that’s left a lasting mark on the cannabis world. Many GDP offspring build on the strain’s beloved notes, elevating them to exciting new heights. Below are just a few notable strains that carry on the GDP legacy.
Banana Purp
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
Not many people have said, “You know what would make this even better? Banana.” And yet, here we have the delicious and tantalizing Banana Purp as rare proof that sometimes banana is the missing ingredient. A child of Banana Kush and Granddaddy Purple, the indica-dominant Banana Purp combines the GDP flavors we know and love—sweet, juicy grape and piney campfire—with the tangy creaminess of a perfectly ripe banana and other tropical fruits. The dank, fresh-earth aroma provides the perfect complement.4
Purple Punch
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
The folks behind Purple Punch had the foresight to wonder if Granddaddy Purple could be just a little sweeter, and thus Purple Punch was born. As a product of Larry OG and good ol’ GDP, the indica-dominant Purple Punch ramps up those signature juicy grape aromas by layering them with notes of fresh-picked blueberries and sweet, zesty herbs like cinnamon, cardamom, and basil. The flavor brings it all home with a luscious, vanilla-kissed grape taste.5
Big Daddy Purple
Hybrid
Don’t mess with the Granddaddy unless you’re ready to meet Big Daddy. The evenly balanced hybrid Big Daddy Purple is of unknown parentage, but we do know it’s firmly part of the GDP family. The resemblance shows up immediately in its aroma: classic sweet grape layered with a peppery diesel bite that tickles the nose. On the palate, that richness deepens into dank, earthy diesel followed by subtle hints of salted nuts.6
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.
How much THC is in Granddaddy Purple?
Granddaddy Purple is considered a strong strain with THC levels ranging anywhere from 20% to 27%.
Why is Granddaddy Purple considered a purple strain?
This one is easy: the plant’s buds are a deep purple hue!
Purchasing Granddaddy Purple
Because of its popularity, it’s pretty hard to walk into a dispensary and not find the Granddaddy Purple strain in one form or another. If you’re interested in purchasing GDP, we recommend checking out your favorite dispensary’s online menu. It’ll tell you exactly what they have in stock. Of course, you can also ask one of our expert budtenders too. They’ll show you where the strain is in stock or offer some just-as-delicious alternatives.
Sources:
1. "Granddaddy Purple," Cannaconnection, https://www.cannaconnection.com/strains/grand-daddy-purp
2. "Granddaddy Purple Marijuana Strain," Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/granddaddy-purple
3. “Granddaddy Purple,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/strains/granddaddy-purple
4. “Banana Purp Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/banana-purp
5. “Purple Punch Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica-dominant-hybrid/purple-punch
6. “Big Daddy Purple Marijuana Strain,” Allbud, https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/hybrid/big-daddy-purple
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.