Purple Diesel strain guide
Purple Diesel is a hybrid of Pre-98 Bubba Kush and Sour Diesel, credited to the breeder Cali Connection. People know it for an unusual mix of grape and fuel in the jar and a happy, upbeat feel.
Where does Purple Diesel come from?
Sources agree it comes from Cali Connection, who crossed a Pre-98 Bubba Kush female with a Sour Diesel male. Pre-98 Bubba is a well-known cut of Bubba Kush, while Sour Diesel is the famous gassy East Coast strain.
The name explains itself: purple-leaning colour and grape notes from the Bubba side, diesel from the Sour side. It has since been used to breed strains like Electric Kool Aid and Hoodwreck.
What does Purple Diesel smell and taste like?
The smell is mostly fuel, with sweet grape and berry sitting on top and a little earthy Kush underneath. The taste is often called sour, with berry on the inhale and diesel on the finish.
Published terpene data lists myrcene first, followed by limonene and caryophyllene. Myrcene gives the earthy, musky base, limonene a brighter edge and caryophyllene a peppery note.
Purple Diesel effects: what people report
People most often describe Purple Diesel as happy, giggly and uplifted, with a creative, focused headspace. Some say it creeps in slowly and settles into body relaxation, which fits a cross with one foot in Kush and one in Diesel. A few reviewers found it short-lived.
These are experiences people report, not promises. How it feels depends on the product, how much you have and your tolerance. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most common complaints, and some people mention dizziness.
How strong is Purple Diesel?
Numbers vary a lot. Listings put Purple Diesel anywhere from about 15% to 28% THC, with very little CBD. That wide spread is a good reason to check the batch rather than the name.
If you're new to it, start with a small amount and give it time, especially since some people say the effects build slowly. The THC and CBD on the label are the numbers that matter.
Buying Purple Diesel in Canada
Purple Diesel isn't a common name, and different growers can carry different plants under it. Check the label for THC and CBD, and look for the packaging date, since fresher flower holds more of the grape and fuel smell.
If you see it, it's most likely to be dried flower or pre-rolls. Our guide to reading cannabis labels covers what to look for.
Purple Diesel vs Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is one of Purple Diesel's parents, and the fuel smell comes straight from it. The difference is the Bubba Kush side: Purple Diesel adds sweet grape and berry and a softer, more relaxed finish, while Sour Diesel is sharper, more sour and more often called energetic all the way through. If you want pure gas and a lively feel, Sour Diesel is the classic. If you like fuel with some fruit and a gentler landing, try Purple Diesel.
Strains like Purple Diesel
If you like Purple Diesel, these are the closest matches:
- Sour Diesel: one of its parents, with the same fuel smell and a more energetic reputation.
- Bubba Kush: the family behind its other parent, earthier and more relaxing.
- Sour Grapes: another mix of grape and sour fuel.
- Purple Kush: for the grape side without the diesel.
