Purple Gorilla strain guide
Purple Gorilla is an indica-leaning hybrid with a grape, berry and earthy smell and a relaxed, often sleepy feel. Its parentage isn't settled, and it usually lists at moderate THC compared with many newer strains.
Where does Purple Gorilla come from?
Purple Gorilla's history is not well documented. One strain database says its lineage is uncertain, and another database suggests it likely descends from Mendocino Purps without confirming it.
One grower database credits it to 808 Genetics as a cross of a Purple Urkle backcross and Gorilla Glue #4, which would fit the name, but we couldn't confirm that from the breeder or a second source. Other breeders have also sold strains with similar names, so not every Purple Gorilla is necessarily the same plant.
What does Purple Gorilla smell and taste like?
Purple Gorilla usually smells of grape and berry over a sharp, earthy and pungent base. Some people pick up cherry, citrus or a skunky, gassy note, and a few describe a sour grape edge.
One strain database lists myrcene as its top terpene, followed by pinene and caryophyllene. Myrcene brings the earthy, herbal side, pinene a hint of pine and caryophyllene a peppery bite. The flavour leans sweet and grapey on the inhale.
Purple Gorilla effects: what people report
Most reports describe Purple Gorilla as relaxing, with a tingly body feel that often turns sleepy later on. Some people mention a creative, happy start before it settles, and others call it a mellow buzz rather than an energizing one.
These are experiences people report, not promises. How it feels depends on the product, how much you have and your own tolerance. Dry mouth, dry eyes and dizziness come up most, and a few people mention feeling anxious or paranoid early on.
How strong is Purple Gorilla?
Purple Gorilla usually lists at moderate THC. Published listings put it at about 16% to 17% THC with very little CBD, which is lower than many of today's high-THC strains, though individual batches can test differently.
Moderate doesn't mean mild for everyone. Start with a small amount and give it time before having more. The THC and CBD numbers on your label tell you more than the strain name does.
Buying Purple Gorilla in Canada
Read the label closely. Names like Purple Gorilla Glue, Purple Gorillas or Purple Gorilla Dawg belong to different strains, even though they sound alike.
If you find it, it's most likely to be dried flower or pre-rolls. Check the THC and CBD numbers and the packaging date, since fresher flower keeps more of that grape smell.
Purple Gorilla vs Purple Urkle
There's no confirmed family link here, though one source names Purple Urkle in Purple Gorilla's background and both are tied to Mendocino Purps. They share a grape and berry smell, but Purple Gorilla adds a sharper, earthier and more pungent edge. Both are described as relaxed and sleepy, and both list at moderate THC, with Purple Urkle a little higher. If you want the classic purple indica, start with Purple Urkle. If you'd like that grape smell with more bite, try Purple Gorilla.
Strains like Purple Gorilla
If you like Purple Gorilla, these are the closest matches:
- Purple Urkle: a classic California purple strain with the same grape and berry smell.
- Gorilla Glue: the heavy, earthy strain its name points to, much higher in THC.
- Mendocino Purps: the old purple strain one strain database links it to, grapey over earthy pine.
- Granddaddy Purple: a well-known purple indica with a sweet grape smell and a sleepy reputation.
