There’s no mystery behind the Purple Urkle weed strain’s name. A single glance at those vibrant, purple-toned buds tells you everything you need to know. Its effects are no less impressive: fast-acting and full-body, it’s renowned for its deeply relaxing qualities.
In this Purple Urkle strain review, we’re diving into one of the most recognizable cannabis strains around, from its California roots and potent indica genetics to its grape-forward aroma, terpene profile, and why it remains a go-to for many seeking calm and comfort. Let’s take a closer look at this classic strain’s enduring appeal.
A ’90s Icon With ’80s Roots: Purple Urkle Strain Origins
If you grew up on ‘90s TV, you already know who Urkel is and his character on “Family Matters,” played by Jaleel White. Steve Urkel toed the line between being beloved and downright irritating, but believe it or not, Purple Urkle may have predated the show. Its exact origins are a bit blurry, but it’s thought that the strain originated in Northern California’s Emerald Triangle in the 1980s as an offshoot of the Mendocino Purps strain. However, it is sometimes linked to Granddaddy Purple.
Regardless of where it came from, Purple Urkle is a legacy strain that’s endured where many others have been forgotten. Here’s a look at its potential parent strains, each of them famous names in the cannabis realm.
Mendocino Purps
With bright orange, green, and purple nugs, this is arguably one of history’s most eye-catching strains. With flavors likened to caramel, coffee, and fresh pine trees, it tastes as good as it looks. Effects-wise, you may expect a hybrid experience that tends more towards the calming indica side.
Granddaddy Purple
Whether you know it as Grand Daddy Purp, Granddaddy Purps, GDP, or Grandaddy Purple Kush, this heady indica is known for its dreamy cerebral effects that may free up the mind while slowing your body down.
Is Purple Urkle Indica or Sativa?
If you love soothing, relaxing sensations, Purple Urkle might be the strain for you. Though it’s considered a hybrid, it has a major indica-lean. Due to those characteristics, the Purple Urkle strain may impart a deeply calming and sedative state.
How Potent is the Purple Urkle Weed Strain?
As the primary cannabinoid in cannabis, THC has the single most significant impact on a given strain’s effects. Though THC content varies from grow to grow, many Purple Urkle cultivars contain an average THC level in the 18% – 26% range.
Though it does contain some CBD, the amount—typically below 1%—is considered negligible. That said, it also contains small amounts of CBG, a minor cannabinoid linked with potentially reducing pain and inflammation, as well as other potential benefits.
From Grape to Skunk: Purple Urkle’s Sensory Signature
With richly purple and densely packed flowers, plus a telltale dusting of frosty terpenes, the Purple Urkle strain practically screams, “Choose me!” when on dispensary shelves.
Pop open a jar, and you’ll pick up on its trademark combination of skunk, grape, and sweet berry notes. As with all strains, that’s an indication of its terpene profile, the fragrant “essential oils” that give cannabis, hemp, and countless other plants their characteristic aromas. The top three terpenes you’re likely to find in Purple Urkle include:
- Myrcene: This terpene is often associated with earthy, musky aromas and is one of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis. In strains like Purple Urkle, myrcene may contribute to the deeply calming effects that many associate with classic indicas.
- Pinene: Recognizable for its sharp, fresh scent—similar to pine needles or rosemary—pinene is another common terpene found in cannabis. While its aroma is easy to identify, some consumers seek out strains high in pinene for its potential to support clarity and balance.
- Caryophyllene: Known for its peppery, slightly spicy aroma, caryophyllene is unique as a terpene that also interacts with cannabinoid receptors. Many fans of Purple Urkle appreciate how this terpene adds to the strain’s comforting, full-bodied experience.
Together, these terpenes create a rich, layered aroma that’s as memorable as the strain’s vivid appearance, making Purple Urkle a feast for the senses long before the first inhale.
Purple Urkle Strain Effects: Total-Body Calm Meets Euphoria
Purple Urkle is a go-to strain for those seeking a deeply relaxing, end-of-day wind-down experience. Often described as delivering a heavy body high paired with a mellow, peaceful mindset, its effects are unmistakably in the classic indica camp. Many consumers report feeling a wave of calm wash over them shortly after exhaling, settling into a state of stillness that can feel almost meditative.
For some, Purple Urkle’s effects lean into full-body comfort and mental quiet, making it a favorite for evenings when rest and recovery are the goal. The euphoric element can enhance mood, while the physical heaviness may encourage stillness or even sleepiness in higher doses. This strain may be best enjoyed when you’ve got nowhere to be and time to fully relax.
Growing the Purple Urkle Strain: Tips & Tricks
We’ll warn you up front: Purple Urkle isn’t an easy strain to grow. But if good things are worth waiting for, Purple Urkle might be a prime example of patience over speed. A notably slow grower, the strain can take months to reach fruition. Even then, it’s unlikely to give a high yield. Happiest in warm, sunny climates, it can be grown indoors or out.
As it grows short and squat in the classic indica style, be sure to monitor humidity to manage size and improve light penetration. Similarly, avoid over-feeding and under-feeding to maintain a healthy growth rate. When carefully managed, you can expect Purple Urkle to yield up to 400 grams per square meter inside, or 14 oz – 21oz per plant when grown outdoors.
Explore Purple Urkle and So Much More at Takoma Wellness
As a classic down-the-line indica-dominant hybrid, Purple Urkle is beloved for its profoundly soothing edge that quickly turns sedative. With its aromatic burst of skunk, sweet berry, and ripe grape, it should be no surprise that Purple Urkle has been kept in circulation since the ‘80s.
Are you interested in trying Purple Urkle for yourself? Shop our menu for this grape-forward cultivar and other craft-grown strains. If you’re looking for something truly out of the ordinary, we’re the District’s only official Cookies Corner. That means blockbuster strains, official Cookies merch, and other goodies you won’t find anywhere else. Stop by today and experience the best in cannabis.