Purple Kush
indicaAlso known as: PK, Purple Afghan Kush, Purple K, Oaksterdam Purple Kush
Purple Kush is a pure indica originating in Oakland, California, from Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani parents. It delivers powerful full-body sedation, striking purple coloration, and a sweet earthy grape flavor that has made it one of the most iconic indicas in cannabis culture.
Overview
Purple Kush is a pure indica strain that originated in Oakland, California, born from the crossbreeding of Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani genetics. As one of the most celebrated pure indica strains in North America, Purple Kush represents the pinnacle of Afghani landrace breeding excellence. Its lineage traces directly back to the Hindu Kush mountain range, which spans the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, giving it an uncompromisingly heavy, sedative character that has made it a staple in cannabis dispensaries worldwide. The strain is visually spectacular, producing dense, compact buds covered in a thick layer of white trichomes that contrast brilliantly against its deep purple and violet hues. These vivid colors are the result of anthocyanin pigments activated by cold nighttime temperatures during the late flowering stage. The flavor profile is earthy, sweet, and grape-forward, with distinctive notes of sandalwood and subtle berry that complement its rich Kush lineage. The aroma is pungent and deeply dank, blending sweet grapes with incense-like hash notes and woody undertones. Purple Kush delivers an immediate, powerful onset of euphoria that rapidly transitions into total body sedation. This blissful, deeply narcotic experience makes it exceptionally well-suited for evening and nighttime use. Medically, Purple Kush is widely prescribed for insomnia, chronic pain, muscle spasms, anxiety, PTSD, and appetite stimulation. Its consistent THC levels between 17–22% deliver reliable potency without the unpredictability found in many hybrid strains. For cultivators, Purple Kush offers moderate growing difficulty with reliable performance indoors. Its compact structure, resistance to mold, and relatively short flowering time of approximately 56–63 days make it a rewarding choice. The strain's terpene profile is dominated by myrcene, caryophyllene, and linalool, reinforcing its pain-relieving and sleep-inducing properties. Purple Kush has contributed its genetics to countless famous offspring including Granddaddy Purple and Purple Urkle.
Effects
Positive Effects
Medical Benefits
Side Effects
Terpenes
Genetics
mother
Hindu Kush
father
Purple Afghani
Growing Info
Difficulty
moderateFlowering Time
58 days
Yield (Indoor)
350-400g/m²
Yield (Outdoor)
400-500g/plant
Height (Indoor)
70-100cm
Height (Outdoor)
100-140cm
Flavors
Aromas
Colors