Strains

Granddaddy Purple Strain Information & Review

Sophia Delphi June 20, 2022 - 5 min read
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The Granddaddy Purple Strain

Granddaddy Purple, also commonly known as GDP, Grand Daddy Purp, Granddaddy Purps, and Granddaddy Purple Kush, delivers the powerful brain and body effects you’d expect from the very best weed — along with an appearance, aroma, and flavor that heightens the experience from start to finish.

Granddaddy Purple has been a go-to indica-dominant hybrid in the weed world since the early 2000s. One reason: This strain is gorgeous and dense purple buds and bountiful white trichomes. A more important reason: is the potent mix of euphoria and deep relaxation it provides.

In short, the combination of head high and couch-lock that most users experience after a sesh with GDP comes close to defining what it’s like to be totally wasted. This is a strain beloved by medical patients, too.

GDP: Effects and Side Effects

Granddaddy Purple leans heavily indica, as an 80/20 hybrid. However, the sativa genes in GDP certainly do some heavy lifting, and the strain’s 17% average THC content certainly doesn’t hurt.

The high from GDP sets in gradually, and it starts with a cerebral brain high that would seem to be more sativa than indica. That feeling morphs into more of a euphoric buzz as the body begins to feel the effects as well.

The relaxation creeps in somewhat slowly. Without even realizing it, your reactions slow down, your body feels heavy, and you may be locked to the couch for the duration. Hopefully, you’ve planned ahead, because Granddaddy Purple is known for causing massive bouts of the munchies.

Many users find themselves succumbing to deep relaxation and falling into a restful sleep. Others simply revel in the deep relaxation and dreamy high.

Despite the sativa-like head high that GDP may provide, this is not a strain that induces paranoia, severe anxiety, or other serious effects. The most common side effects of Granddaddy Purple are the ones associated with weed smoking in general: dry eyes and cottonmouth.

Positive Effects:

  • Energy: 2/5
  • Creative: 2/5
  • Pain: 5/5
  • Stress: 5/5
  • Sleep: 4/5
  • Mood: 4/5

Negative Effects:

  • Paranoid: 1/5
  • Dry Mouth: 4/5
  • Dry Eyes: 4/5
  • Lethargy: 4/5
  • Cough: 3/5

Bottom Line: Granddaddy Purple is likely to make you happy/euphoric, relaxed, hungry, and sleepy.

GDP and Medical Conditions

One of the motivations for breeding Granddaddy Purple was to help medical patients manage their symptoms — so it’s not surprising that so many of today’s patients rely on GDP.

This strain is most often used by those dealing with chronic and severe pain. It’s also chosen by patients suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as migraines and insomnia, muscle spasms, and appetite loss.

GDP: Flavor and Aroma

Yum. Purple weed strains are often a delight for the senses, and Granddaddy Purple definitely has qualities.

Start with the sweet aroma that has notes of grape (of course) and other fruits, along with a noticeable earthy scent. Some liken the aroma to pungent candy.

And the taste that follows doesn’t disappoint. The sweet grape flavor is obvious, but there are hints of other berries as well. The aftertaste can be a little harsh, but it doesn’t overwhelm the pleasant grape flavor that remains after a toke.

Flavor and Aroma Ratings:

  • Earthy: 4/5
  • Citrus: 2/5
  • Fruity: 5/5
  • Spice: 1/5
  • Wood: 3/5

GDP: Cannabinoids and Terpenes

As with all cannabis strains, Granddaddy Purple’s cannabinoid and terpene content will vary by grower and batch.

However, you’ll find that GDP averages around 17% THC content and less than 1% CBD content. The strain’s dominant terpenes are myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, along with significant amounts of alpha-pinene, linalool, and humulene.

GDP: Lineage

Granddaddy Purple was originally bred in 2003 by noted San Francisco grower Ken Estes, known locally as the “Medicine Man.” As we’ve mentioned, it was first created with medical patients in mind, and it quickly became a big hit at California dispensaries.

GDP traces its lineage to a number of other venerable strains including Mendocino Purps and Skunk #1 and Afghan weed, although Estes created it by crossing Big Bud and Purple Urkle.

GDP: Similar Strains

Granddaddy Purple has a similar lineage to Grape Ape, and the two strains share many qualities including their euphoric, sedating, and relaxing effects. GDP is a little better for stress and anxiety, while Grape Ape is slightly better for pain. (GDP is much more likely to induce the munchies, too.)

Other similar strains include Platinum OG, Royal Kush, and Sherbacio.

Granddaddy Purple Strain Review: FAQ

Q: How high does GDP make you?
A: Very high. The effects aren’t instantaneous, so it’s more of a sneaky high that hits hard all of a sudden; you’ll first feel happy and perhaps euphoric, before the body stone begins to set in and you’ll be left to enjoy the potent buzz from the comfort of your couch. Be sure to have the remote, water and snacks close by because you probably won’t want to move for quite a while.

Q: Are all purple weed strains essentially the same as Granddaddy Purple?
A: Not in the way that many people think. It’s commonly believed that purple weed is killer weed, but the color has nothing to do with THC content; it’s simply a function of genetics. Most purple strains are indicas, though, so they’re most likely to provide strong relaxation and medical relief. Purple strains are likely to be very flavorful and rich, but they don’t always taste fruity; for example, Purple Diesel and Tropicana Cookies combine a grape-like aroma and flavor with diesel and skunk, respectively.