Key Takeaways
  • Purple Kush is a hybrid Indica-dominant Hybrid strain originating from Oakland, dating back to 2000.
  • Lab tests place its THC content at approximately 18-23%.
  • Its lineage runs through Hindu Kush × Purple Afghani, making it a key reference point for breeders.
  • 2 documented strains descend from Purple Kush, including modern market favourites.
  • Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene — driving its signature aroma and effects.

About Purple Kush

Purple Kush was created by crossing two indica landrace lines — Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani — to produce what many consider the quintessential modern indica. The strain grows short and bushy with broad dark leaves and produces extremely resinous buds that turn deep purple as they mature. Its aroma is a complex blend of earth, grape, sandalwood, and fuel with a pungent kush backend. The effects are pure indica: heavy body relaxation, couchlock, and sleep — perfect for pain, insomnia, and stress relief.

Flavor Profile

Old School
DiesellyEarthyGrapePine / WoodyFloral
Modern
GassyEarthy / DankCandy / ZPiney / FreshFloral / Perfumey

The Story & Lineage Origin

Purple Kush was developed in Oakland, California in the early 2000s by crossing a classic Hindu Kush with a purple-tinted Afghani phenotype from Northern California. It became a staple of West Coast dispensaries and remains one of the most popular pure-type indicas on the market.

Notable breeders & preservers: Oakland/Cali breeders

This strain is a staple of Amsterdam coffee shop menus. Check current availability and prices on DAM Live →

Find it on DAM Live: Browse Purple Kush across Amsterdam Coffee Shop Menus, Amsterdam Cannabis Guides, or see its live Amsterdam price index →

Live Amsterdam Pricing

See real-time prices, availability, and shop locations for Purple Kush at Amsterdam coffeeshops — updated daily.

View Live Menus →

Where to Find Purple Kush in Amsterdam

Purple Kush is a popular strain on Amsterdam's coffeeshop menus. Prices and availability change daily based on supply, quality, and seasonal harvests.

  • Centrum / De Wallen — Most tourist-facing shops stock popular strains like Purple Kush
  • Bedford Factory (Outer Space) — Premium selection with quality-tested Purple Kush
  • Barney's Gourmet Flowers — High-end Purple Kush with detailed lab reports
  • Grey Area — Curated Purple Kush selection, limited stock
  • LOF Amsterdam — Wide Purple Kush variety with delivery options

For live pricing, menu availability, and shop locations — visit DAM Live →

Genetic Background

Hindu Kush (landrace indica) × Purple Afghani (Afghani landrace phenotype)

Phenotypes & Cultivars

Purple Kush is available in the following phenotypes and cultivars:

Purple Kush PK

Terpene Profile

Purple Kush is dominated by Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene. These compounds shape the strain's aroma, flavor, and reported effects.

Browse the full terpene reference →

Parent Genetics

Purple Kush descends from:

Genetic Families

Purple Kush is part of the following genetic families:

Known Offspring

Strains that descend from Purple Kush:

Purple Kush crosses various indica hybrids

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the THC percentage of Purple Kush?

Purple Kush typically tests at 18-23% THC content in lab results, though actual potency varies by phenotype, growing conditions, and harvest. As an indica-leaning strain, the THC produces a heavier body-driven effect.

Is Purple Kush a sativa or indica?

Purple Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain (Indica-dominant Hybrid). Bred from Hindu Kush × Purple Afghani, its effects lean toward a relaxing, body-driven indica experience. Users report: Deeply relaxing, sedative, sleepy, euphoric, body-stone.

Purple Kush strain review — what to expect

Purple Kush is known for Deeply relaxing, sedative, sleepy, euphoric, body-stone. A pure indica powerhouse crossing Hindu Kush with Purple Afghani. Known for extreme resin production and deep purple coloration. The aroma profile features earthy, grape, sandalwood, fuel, pine, floral. Dominant terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene.

What are the phenotypes of Purple Kush?

Purple Kush expresses several phenotypes and cuts, including Purple Kush, PK. The dominant phenotypes often show subtle differences in structure, flowering time, color expression, and terpene balance while sharing the same core genetics.

What is Purple Kush crossed from?

Purple Kush was bred from Hindu Kush × Purple Afghani. Detailed ancestry: Hindu Kush (landrace indica) × Purple Afghani (Afghani landrace phenotype). This cross produces the strain's characteristic effects, terpene profile, and growth pattern.

Is Purple Kush available in Amsterdam coffee shops?

Yes — Purple Kush is found on Amsterdam coffeeshop menus. Live Amsterdam pricing and shop availability is updated daily on DAM Live.

What terpenes are in Purple Kush?

Purple Kush is dominated by Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene. These aromatic compounds shape the strain's signature flavor, aroma, and contribute to its reported effects through the entourage effect.

How much does Purple Kush yield and how long does it flower?

Purple Kush has a flowering time of 8-9 weeks and produces moderate to high yields. Plants reach short to medium height, making it well-suited for smaller grow spaces.

What is Purple Kush and where does it come from?

Purple Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain that originates from Oakland, California, USA. It belongs to the 2000s era of cannabis genetics. A pure indica powerhouse crossing Hindu Kush with Purple Afghani. Known for extreme resin production and deep purple coloration.

What is the genetic background of Purple Kush?

Purple Kush has the following ancestry: Hindu Kush (landrace indica) × Purple Afghani (Afghani landrace phenotype).

Is Purple Kush indica or sativa?

Purple Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain. Learn how in indica vs sativa classification differs in our strain guide.

What does Purple Kush smell and taste like?

Purple Kush has a Earthy, grape, sandalwood, fuel, pine, floral aroma, with flavors described as Earthy, grape, floral, fuel, wood. Its dominant terpenes are Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene.

Deepen your understanding of Purple Kush's genetics and history with our editorial research:

Medical Applications

Purple Kush is commonly associated with: