Las Vegas Purple Kush: The Neon Matriarch
Las Vegas Purple Kush: The Neon Matriarch
Strain Overview
Alternate Name: LVPK
Type: Pure Indica (Clone-Only Phenotype)
Breeder: Kyle Kushman / The Cali Connection (Popularized by)
Lineage: Purple Kush Phenotype (Hindu Kush x Purple Afghani)
Famous Offspring: The mother of Alien Kush
THC Content: 18% – 24%
Dominant Terpenes: Linalool, Myrcene, Humulene
Key Effects: Narcotic Sedation, Muscle Relaxation, Dreamy Euphoria, "Heavy" Stone
Before purple weed was a common marketing gimmick, there was Las Vegas Purple Kush (LVPK).
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, this strain was a myth. It was a "clone-only" cut that circulated through the underground grower networks of Las Vegas and Southern California. While other purple strains like Granddaddy Purple (GDP) became famous for their candy sweetness, LVPK became famous for its raw power.
This is the strain that defines the heavy, floral, and earthy profile of a true Afghan Indica. It is best known today as the genetic mother of the entire Alien family tree. Without the sturdy structure and distinct color of LVPK, there would be no Alien Kush, and therefore no MAC 1. It is the "Neon Matriarch" of modern exotic cannabis.
History and Lineage: The Clone-Only Legend
LVPK is a piece of living history. Unlike modern strains grown from seeds, the original LVPK was a specific cutting passed from grower to grower.
The Origin: Believed to be a specific phenotype of the original Oakland Purple Kush (Hindu Kush x Purple Afghani), this cut made its way to Las Vegas, where it was perfected.
The Reputation: In an era of green weed, LVPK was shocking. It grew dark purple—almost black—without needing cold temperatures to trigger the color change.
The Legacy: Its most significant contribution to history happened when Swerve (from The Cali Connection) crossed this cut with the Alien Technology landrace. This union created Alien Kush, launching the genetic line that dominates the top-shelf market today.
Terpene Profile: Lavender and Old Wine
LVPK possesses a sophisticated "purple" aroma that is very different from the artificial grape candy smell of modern hybrids.
Dominant Terpenes
Linalool (The Floral): This is the defining terpene of LVPK. It provides a heavy scent of fresh lavender and spring flowers. Linalool is also a potent anxiety reliever, contributing to the strain's relaxing nature.
Myrcene (The Heavy): The sedative anchor. It smells of damp earth and musk.
Humulene (The Hops): Adds a woody, spicy undertone that grounds the floral notes.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It smells like damp earth, lavender oil, and aged red wine. It has a "dark" floral scent that is intoxicating.
The Smoke: Thick and heavy. The taste is a mix of spicy grapes, floral perfume, and coffee. It is a savory smoke rather than a sweet one.
Strain Effects: The Sin City Sedative
LVPK was the perfect strain for Las Vegas: it is the ultimate way to come down after a night of overstimulation.
The Experience
The Weighted Blanket: The effects are almost entirely physical. Within minutes, a sensation of heaviness settles into the shoulders and legs.
The Mental Slowdown: It doesn't make you stupid, but it definitely slows down your processing speed. Racing thoughts stop. Anxiety vanishes.
The Euphoria: There is a deep, dreamy sense of well-being. It is a "comfort" strain.
The Sleep: If you smoke enough, you will sleep. It is one of the most effective natural treatments for insomnia available.
Best For: Treating insomnia, recovering from a hangover, deep meditation, and pain management.
Medical Benefits
Because it is a near-pure Indica, LVPK is a heavy hitter in the medical community.
Muscle Spasms: It is a powerful muscle relaxant. The high Linalool content works synergistically with THC to untie knots and stop tremors.
Severe Anxiety: The floral aromatherapy of the terpenes combined with the sedative high forces the nervous system to downshift.
Migraines: Many patients report that the "head-heavy" effect of LVPK helps dull the sharp pain of migraines.
Appetite Stimulation: It triggers a deep, primal hunger (the "munchies").
Growing LVPK: The Purple Empress
LVPK is a slow-growing Indica that requires patience, but rewards the grower with some of the most beautiful buds on earth.
Growth Structure
The Color: You don't need to freeze this plant. It naturally produces high levels of anthocyanins, turning the leaves and buds deep purple and violet in the final weeks of flower.
The Speed: It is a slow vegetative grower. It stays short and bushes out. You need to give it extra time in the veg cycle to get it to a decent size before flipping to flower.
The Structure: The buds are extremely dense and round, often described as "golf balls."
Flowering Time: 8 to 9 weeks.
Grower’s Tip: Because the buds are so dense and the plant is so short, airflow is critical. LVPK is susceptible to mold if the humidity gets too high in the center of the canopy. Defoliate the large fan leaves to let air pass through.
Final Verdict: The Mother of Aliens
Las Vegas Purple Kush is more than just a purple strain; it is a genetic cornerstone. It represents the "Indica" side of the equation that balanced out the "Sativa" influence of the Alien Technology father. If you are a fan of Alien Kush, Alien Rock Candy, or any strain with "Alien" in the name, you owe a debt of gratitude to LVPK. It is a sleepy, floral, heavy-hitting masterpiece that reminds us that sometimes, the old cuts are still the best.
You should choose Las Vegas Purple Kush if:
You are chasing the lineage of the Alien family.
You suffer from insomnia or muscle pain.
You love floral, lavender, and earthy terpene profiles.
You want a strain that looks as good as it smokes.
Score: 9.1/10 (The Neon Matriarch)