Mendocino Purps: The Grape-Flavored Legend of the Emerald Triangle
Mendocino Purps: The Grape-Flavored Legend of the Emerald Triangle
Strain Overview
Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid (60% Indica / 40% Sativa)
Origin: Mendocino County, California (North American Indica Landrace Selection)
THC Content: 18% – 22%
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
Key Effects: Relaxed Euphoria, Mood Lift, Physical Calm, "Happy Sleep"
Long before "Purple" weed became a marketing gimmick, there was Mendocino Purps. Often simply called "The Purps," this legendary strain put Mendocino County—one-third of California's famous Emerald Triangle—on the global cannabis map.
Emerging in the late 90s and winning the High Times Cannabis Cup in 2007 and 2009, Mendo Purps is the genetic grandmother of many modern purple hybrids (including Purple Urkle and Grape Ape). It is famous not just for its stunning violet coloration, but for proving that purple weed could taste as good as it looks.
If you are looking for the original "Grape" flavor profile paired with a classic, feel-good stone, Mendocino Purps is a history lesson you'll want to repeat.
History and Lineage: The Emerald Triangle Original
Mendocino Purps is a piece of living history. Unlike modern lab-created hybrids, its origins are organic and tied to the land.
The "Clone-Only" Legend
The Origin: It started as a specific clone-only cut circulated among growers in Mendocino County.
The Genetics: While the exact lineage is lost to history, it is widely believed to be a selected phenotype of a North American Indica landrace that adapted to the cool, coastal climate of Northern California.
The Legacy: It was originally just called "Purps." It became so iconic that it spawned an entire genre of cannabis. If you are smoking a strain today that tastes like grape candy, it likely has Mendo Purps DNA in its family tree.
Terpene Profile: Grape Soda and Piney Woods
The flavor of Mendocino Purps is distinct and nostalgic. It doesn't have the heavy "fuel" smell of an OG or the creamy sweetness of a Gelato. It smells like the outdoors.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Herbal Sweetness): The dominant terpene that provides the "grape" character. In high concentrations, Myrcene can take on a sweet, balsamic, berry-like aroma.
Pinene (The Forest Air): Reflecting the redwood forests where it was born, this terpene adds a crisp, fresh pine scent that cuts through the sweetness.
Caryophyllene (The Spice): Adds a subtle background of earth and wood spice, preventing the strain from smelling too much like candy.
Flavor Notes: On the inhale, the taste is unmistakable: sweet, fermented grapes and berries, often compared to grape soda or a fine red wine. The exhale brings out the earthy, piney notes of the Mendocino soil.
Mendocino Purps Strain Effects: The "Happy" Indica
One of the reasons Mendo Purps became a legend is its effect profile. It is an Indica, but it isn't a "downer."
The "Social Sleepy" High
The high is often described as "giggly" and "dreamy."
Mood Elevation: It starts with a noticeable lift in spirits. Stress evaporates, and a case of the giggles is common. It’s an excellent social strain for a relaxed evening with friends.
Physical Relaxation: A warm body buzz follows, loosening tight muscles and heaviness in the limbs.
The Glide to Sleep: Unlike the "knockout" punch of an XXX OG, Mendo Purps gently guides you toward sleep. It’s a "happy drowsy" rather than a "coma drowsy."
Perfect Scenario: A bonfire on the beach, a movie marathon, or unwinding after work when you still want to be awake enough to eat dinner.
Medical Benefits of Mendocino Purps for Anxiety and Pain
Mendo Purps is a top-tier medicinal strain because it manages to be potent without being overwhelming or paranoia-inducing.
Top Medical Uses:
Anxiety and Depression: The euphoric, giggly nature of the high is excellent for breaking negative thought patterns.
Chronic Pain: The body buzz is effective for moderate pain relief, muscle spasms, and tension headaches.
Insomnia: It helps users drift off to sleep naturally, making it a great alternative for those who find heavier Indicas too intense.
Appetite Stimulation: Known for inducing a serious case of the "munchies."
Growing Mendocino Purps: The Purple Queen
Growing Mendo Purps is a rite of passage. It is not the easiest plant, but the reward is visually stunning.
Growth Structure
The plant grows short and bushy with thick, broad leaves. As it approaches harvest, the leaves and buds often turn deep shades of purple, violet, and maroon, especially if exposed to cooler night temperatures.
Cultivation Tips
Flowering Time: 8 to 9 weeks.
Climate: It loves a "Mediterranean" climate but was bred for the cooler coastal air of Northern California. It handles temperature drops better than most strains.
Training: It requires "LST" (Low Stress Training) to open up the bush structure and prevent mold in the center.
Feeding: It is a moderate feeder but can be sensitive to nutrient burn. Flush well in the final two weeks to bring out the true grape flavor.
Grower’s Tip: To guarantee the famous purple color, drop the temperature in your grow room by 10-15 degrees during the "night" cycle in the last 3 weeks of flowering.
Final Verdict: Is Mendocino Purps Right for You?
Mendocino Purps is a classic that stands the test of time. It offers a flavor profile that is hard to find in modern poly-hybrids and a high that is purely enjoyable.
You should choose Mendocino Purps if:
You want the original "Grape" flavor profile.
You are looking for an anxiety-free Indica experience.
You appreciate the history of the Emerald Triangle.
You want a strain that looks as beautiful in the jar as it tastes in the joint.