Purple Kush | Cannabis Strain Review & Effects
Also known as: PK, Purp Kush
Purple Afghani × Hindu Kush
Purple Kush is a indica strain (Purple Afghani × Hindu Kush) with THC levels of 17-22%. It features a Myrcene-dominant terpene profile and is known for relaxed and sleepy. Best used during the night.
THC
17-22%
CBD
0.1-0.3%
Best Time
Primary Effects
Flavor Notes
Grape, Earthy, Berry, Sweet
Aroma
Rich grape with earthy hash notes and subtle berry sweetness
Research Sources
24 peer-reviewed studies
Verified Via
PubMed / DOI
Evidence
Research-Backed
Updated
December 2025
What is Purple Kush?
Purple Kush is a indica strain (Purple Afghani × Hindu Kush) with THC levels of 17-22%. It features a Myrcene-dominant terpene profile and is known for relaxed and sleepy. Best used during the night.
About Purple Kush Strain
Purple Kush is a pure indica originating from Oakland, California. A cross of Purple Afghani and Hindu Kush, it's known for its stunning purple coloration and deeply sedating effects. One of the original purple strains, it remains a benchmark for indica potency and has influenced countless modern genetics.
Related Reading
Terpene Profile
Concentration Levels
Cannabinoid Profile
Therapeutic Profile Matches
Based on Purple Kush's terpene and cannabinoid profile, it may be well-suited for these therapeutic applications:
migraines
- High myrcene content supports migraines & headaches
- thc dominant ratio matches profile
- Best used night, aligning with condition needs
muscle spasms
- High myrcene content supports muscle spasms & spasticity
- Best used night, aligning with condition needs
chronic pain
- High myrcene content supports chronic pain
- Best used night, aligning with condition needs
Match scores are theoretical
These scores are based on terpene/cannabinoid research and do not guarantee specific effects. Individual responses vary significantly. Always consult a healthcare provider.
- 1
Surendran S, et al. Myrcene-What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Frontiers in Nutrition. 2021
Comprehensive review: β-myrcene may potentiate the anti-nociceptive properties of cannabinoids.
- 2
Johnson MB, et al. The Effects of β-myrcene on Simulated Driving and Divided Attention: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Pilot Study Cannabis. 2023
Found myrcene alone did not significantly impair simulated driving performance.
- 3
do Vale TG, et al. Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) n.e. Brown Phytomedicine. 2002
Demonstrated dose-dependent sedative and motor-relaxant effects of myrcene in mice.
- 4
Lorenzetti BB, et al. Myrcene mimics the peripheral analgesic activity of lemongrass tea Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1991
Found peripheral analgesic activity in animal models.
- 5
Liktor-Busa E, et al. Analgesic Potential of Terpenes Derived from Cannabis sativa Pharmacological Reviews. 2021
Comprehensive review of cannabis terpene analgesic effects including myrcene.
- 6
Perry NS, et al. In-vitro inhibition of human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase by salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil and constituent terpenes Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2000
Pinene and other terpenes inhibit AChE with memory implications.
- 7
Ding Y, et al. Eucalyptol, limonene and pinene enteric capsules attenuate airway inflammation and obstruction in lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic bronchitis rat model via TLR4 signaling inhibition Phytomedicine. 2024
Pinene attenuates airway inflammation and obstruction.
- 8
Nam SY, et al. The therapeutic efficacy of α-pinene in an experimental mouse model of allergic rhinitis International Immunopharmacology. 2014
α-Pinene reduced IgE-mediated allergic inflammation.
- 9
Salehi B, et al. Therapeutic Potential of α- and β-Pinene: A Miracle Gift of Nature Biomolecules. 2019
Most comprehensive review of pinene pharmacology.
- 10
Gaoni Y, Mechoulam R. Isolation, structure, and partial synthesis of an active constituent of hashish Journal of the American Chemical Society. 1964. doi:10.1021/ja01062a046
Landmark paper first identifying and synthesizing THC.
- 11
Whiting PF, et al. Cannabinoids for medical use: A systematic review and meta-analysis JAMA. 2015
Comprehensive review finding moderate evidence for chronic pain.
- 12
Aviram J, Samuelly-Leichtag G. Efficacy of Cannabis-Based Medicines for Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Pain Physician. 2017
Systematic review of clinical trials for neuropathic pain.
- 13
Lutge EE, et al. The medical use of cannabis for reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV/AIDS Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013
Systematic review of cannabis for HIV/AIDS symptoms including appetite.
- 14
Smith LA, et al. Cannabinoids for nausea and vomiting in adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015
High-quality evidence for CINV efficacy.
- 15
Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 2020
Review of THC effects on sleep architecture.
- 16
Novotna A, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, enriched-design study of nabiximols (Sativex), as add-on therapy, in subjects with refractory spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis European Journal of Neurology. 2011
Phase III trial showing efficacy for MS spasticity.
- 17
Silvestro S, et al. Molecular Targets of Cannabidiol in Experimental Models of Neurological Disease Molecules. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD's therapeutic applications and molecular targets.
- 18
Thiele EA, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial Lancet. 2018
Phase III trial leading to FDA approval of Epidiolex.
- 19
Devinsky O, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial Lancet Neurology. 2016
Open-label trial showing 36.5% reduction in seizures.
- 20
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series Permanente Journal. 2019
79.2% of patients reported reduced anxiety within first month.
- 21
Bergamaschi MM, et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011
CBD reduced anxiety in simulated public speaking test.
- 22
Burstein S. Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2015
Review of CBD's anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- 23
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series Permanente Journal. 2019
66.7% of patients reported improved sleep in this anxiety and sleep study.
- 24
Urits I, et al. Use of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of chronic pain Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD for chronic pain management.
Research Verification
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Purple Kush a pure indica?
Yes, Purple Kush is considered a pure indica, descended from two indica landrace varieties: Purple Afghani and Hindu Kush. It delivers classic indica effects of deep relaxation and sedation.
Why is Purple Kush purple?
Purple Kush gets its color from anthocyanin pigments inherited from its Purple Afghani parent. These pigments activate during cooler night temperatures in the flowering stage.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Indica
- Genetics
- Purple Afghani × Hindu Kush
- Breeder
- Oakland, California
- Best Time of Use
- Night
- Availability
- common
- Grow Difficulty
- easy
Dominant Terpene
Myrcene
Earthy, musky, clove-like
Want to try Purple Kush? Get your medical marijuana card today.
Get Your CardRelated by Genetics
Educational Information
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis products.
Strain Variability
Profiles vary between batches, growers, and growing conditions. Always check lab test results for the specific product you're purchasing.
Beyond Indica/Sativa
Effects are better predicted by cannabinoid and terpene profiles than strain classification. Focus on the chemistry, not the label.
Understanding Therapeutic Profiles
Learn how terpenes and cannabinoids work together to create each strain's unique effects and therapeutic potential through the entourage effect.
Learn About Therapeutic Profiles