Purple Strains for Relaxation: Grape Ape vs Purple Urkle

Purple cannabis has always held special appeal. Those deep violet hues suggest something exotic, something special—and the strains that express them often deliver profoundly relaxing effects. Two of the most celebrated purple varieties are Grape Ape and Purple Urkle, both California classics that have defined what “purple weed” means to generations of consumers.

But how do these legendary strains compare? And which one is right for your relaxation needs?

Purple Urkle: The Original California Purple

Purple Urkle emerged from the Emerald Triangle in the 1980s, reportedly a select phenotype from a batch of Mendocino Purps seeds. The exact lineage remains debated—some claim Granddaddy Purple heritage, though GDP actually came later.

What’s certain is that Purple Urkle established the template for purple cannabis: stunning visual appeal paired with deeply sedating effects.

Appearance: Deep purple to almost black coloration, dense nuggets covered in frosty trichomes

Aroma: Sweet grape and berry with skunky undertones, almost like grape candy

Flavor: Grape soda meets berry pie, smooth and sweet

Effects: Heavy indica body high, deeply relaxing, sedating at higher doses

THC: 18-22%

Best for: Evening use, sleep issues, physical tension, stress relief

The “Urkle” name reportedly comes from the TV character Steve Urkel—nobody quite remembers why, but it stuck.

Grape Ape: The Evolved Classic

Grape Ape builds on the purple legacy by crossing Mendocino Purps, Skunk #1, and an Afghani indica. The result preserves the grape-forward profile while adding depth and complexity.

Developed in the early 2000s by Apothecary Genetics, Grape Ape quickly became a dispensary staple. Its bag appeal and consistent effects made it a commercial success that introduced countless consumers to purple cannabis.

Appearance: Large, dense buds with purple and deep blue hues, orange pistils creating striking contrast

Aroma: Intense grape with subtle earthy notes, slightly more complex than Purple Urkle

Flavor: Sweet grape candy with hints of berry and subtle spice on exhale

Effects: Full-body relaxation that builds gradually, euphoric headspace, less immediately sedating than Urkle

THC: 18-25%

Best for: Relaxation without immediate knockout, social evening use, creative wind-down

Head-to-Head Comparison

Factor	Purple Urkle	Grape Ape
Sedation	Very heavy	Moderate to heavy
Onset	Fast	Gradual
Mental effects	Minimal, sleepy	Mild euphoria
Duration	2-3 hours	3-4 hours
Growing difficulty	Moderate	Moderate
Yield	Low to moderate	Moderate
Flowering time	8-9 weeks	7-8 weeks

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Purple Urkle if: - Sleep is your primary goal - You want maximum sedation - You prefer strains that work quickly - You don’t need to stay functional - Authenticity and heritage matter to you

Choose Grape Ape if: - You want relaxation with some mental clarity - You’re using in social situations - You prefer effects that build gradually - You want a longer-lasting experience - Yield matters (for growers)

Why Purple Strains Relax

The purple color itself doesn’t cause sedation—it comes from anthocyanin pigments that develop in cool temperatures during flowering. But purple strains are often indica-dominant genetics that naturally produce relaxing effects.

The terpene profiles of purple strains typically feature:

·       Myrcene: The most abundant terpene in indica strains, associated with sedation and muscle relaxation

·       Linalool: Also found in lavender, contributes to calming effects

·       Caryophyllene: Adds subtle spice and may reduce anxiety

Both Grape Ape and Purple Urkle are myrcene-heavy, which explains their profoundly relaxing character.

Growing Purple Strains

To maximize purple expression in either variety:

1.      Lower temperatures during flowering: Nighttime temps of 50-60°F in late flower enhance color development

2.      Genetics matter most: Not all phenotypes will purple, regardless of conditions

3.      Don’t sacrifice quality for color: Extreme cold stress can harm resin production

4.      Proper flush: Clean finish lets true colors and flavors shine

Both strains are forgiving for intermediate growers, though Purple Urkle can be pickier about nutrients.

The Verdict

You can’t go wrong with either strain—they’re both California classics that have stood the test of time. Purple Urkle is the choice for serious relaxation and sleep; Grape Ape offers a more versatile experience that works in more situations.

Better yet? Keep both in your rotation. Some nights call for Purple Urkle’s knockout punch. Others are better suited to Grape Ape’s gradual, social relaxation. The purple tradition has room for both legends.