Purple Dragon strain guide
Purple Dragon is an indica-leaning hybrid of Purple Urkle and Blue Dragon. People know it for a floral, grape-like smell and a relaxed, hungry feel. It's a quieter member of the purple family, with more modest THC than many newer strains.
Where does Purple Dragon come from?
Listings agree that Purple Dragon is a cross of Purple Urkle and Blue Dragon. Purple Urkle is a well-known grape-scented indica from California, while Blue Dragon is a less documented hybrid. The breeder isn't recorded anywhere we could find.
Sources disagree on how indica it is. One lists it as an indica, another calls it an even hybrid while noting it leans indica in practice. Purple Dragon has also been used to breed at least one newer strain, Game Changer.
What does Purple Dragon smell and taste like?
Purple Dragon smells floral and fruity: grape and violet up front, with sage, a little pine and a musky, skunky edge underneath. The taste is usually described as sweet with a spicy finish.
Limonene leads its published terpene results, followed by caryophyllene and pinene. Limonene brings a bright note, caryophyllene a peppery spice and pinene the hint of pine.
Purple Dragon effects: what people report
People most often describe Purple Dragon as relaxing and tingly, with a happy mood that starts in the head and moves into the body. Hunger comes up a lot, and some reviewers say it gets drowsy as it settles.
These are experiences people report, not promises. How it feels depends on the batch, how much you have and your tolerance. Dry mouth is the most common complaint, followed by dry eyes and dizziness, and a few people mention feeling paranoid.
How strong is Purple Dragon?
Purple Dragon is moderate for today's market. Published listings put it anywhere from about 13% to 21% THC. CBD is usually low, though one listing gives it 1% to 2%.
Even moderate THC is plenty for a beginner. Start with a small amount and give it time. The numbers on your label tell you more than the strain name, and our guide to reading cannabis labels walks through them.
Buying Purple Dragon in Canada
Purple Dragon isn't a common name, so read the label to make sure you're getting the Purple Urkle and Blue Dragon cross rather than a similarly named purple strain.
Check the THC and CBD numbers and the packaging date, since fresher flower keeps more of the floral grape smell.
Purple Dragon vs Purple Urkle
Purple Urkle is one of Purple Dragon's parents and the better-known of the two. Both smell of grape and berry with a skunky side, but Purple Dragon is more floral, with violet and sage, while Purple Urkle is sweeter and more straightforwardly fruity. Purple Urkle has a heavier, sleepier reputation, and Purple Dragon reads a little more tingly and upbeat at first. They sit in a similar THC range. If you want the classic purple experience, go with Purple Urkle. If floral notes appeal, try Purple Dragon.
Strains like Purple Dragon
If you like Purple Dragon, these are close in smell and feel:
- Purple Urkle: its parent, with a sweet grape and berry smell and a heavy, relaxed reputation.
- Granddaddy Purple: a Purple Urkle cross with the same grape-forward smell.
- Grape Ape: another grape-scented indica from the purple family tree.
- Mendocino Purps: the purple line Purple Urkle is often traced back to, fruity with a little pine.
