Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Mendocino Purple Kush (often shortened to MPK) is a mostly indica cultivar developed by Medical Seeds Co., a Spanish breeder known for stabilizing flavorful, resin-forward genetics. The strain’s name nods to the Mendocino County heritage of one of its parents, a region in Northern California long associated with elite, mountain-grown cannabis. In enthusiast lists of top purple varieties, MPK is frequently highlighted thanks to its parentage that blends Mendocino Purple (aka Mendocino Purps) with a classic Purple lineage, commonly cited as Purple Kush. This union was designed to lock in vivid coloration, rich berry-forward aromatics, and deeply relaxing effects while improving indoor reliability and yield.
The cross draws from a lineage that exploded in popularity during the purple cannabis wave of the mid-2000s, when anthocyanin-heavy phenotypes became a symbol of premium quality. Mendocino Purple, revered for its grape sweetness and autumnal hues, contributed the color and boutique bouquet. Purple Kush, a storied indica renowned for its sedative body effect and resin density, supplied potency and stout structure. Medical Seeds Co. intentionally selected for stable expression across environments, making MPK accessible to both hobbyists and commercial growers.
Early catalog placements positioned MPK as an indica-leaning hybrid that can finish in 60–70 days, with a strong likelihood of violet and plum-toned flowers under cool nights. Growers reported that its purple phenotypes needed less dramatic temperature drops than some purple lines, suggesting a strong genetic predisposition for pigmentation. By blending West Coast heritage with European stabilization practices, Medical Seeds Co. helped create a cultivar that performs consistently across diverse climates. As a result, MPK earned a place on many shortlists of dependable purple strains that aren’t just about color, but also about aroma, potency, and yield.
Over time, MPK has become a reference point for “complete” purple cultivars—plants whose visual appeal aligns with robust trichome coverage and layered flavor. Its breeding history reflects a broader trend: selecting classic, proven parents to produce modern phenotypes that respond well to controlled environments. Consumers recognize MPK not only by its color but by its signature grape-berry incense and a body-led relaxation curve. That balance of sensory allure and agronomic practicality explains why it remains a staple recommendation for purple strain enthusiasts.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Variability
The consensus lineage for Mendocino Purple Kush is Mendocino Purple (Mendocino Purps) crossed with a Purple Kush line, resulting in a mostly indica genotype. Although individual phenotypes vary, MPK is commonly described as roughly 70–80% indica in overall expression. This composition gives it the dense buds, broad leaves, and shorter internodes associated with indica-dominant plants. At the same time, a minority of phenos can show slightly more lateral branching and a marginally longer flowering window.
Phenotypic variation tends to cluster around color intensity, aroma ratio, and bud density. Many growers report two primary phenotypes: a darker, heavily pigmented pheno with pronounced grape notes and a slightly lighter, more mixed-berry pheno with a touch more earthy pine. Both phenos typically retain high trichome density, but the darker pheno may finish a few days later as pigments fully develop. Structural traits remain compact across phenotypes, which suits tent and small-room setups.
Color expression in MPK is strongly genetic but still responsive to temperature, pH, and nutrition. Cooler nights late in flowering—especially a drop of 5–10°C (9–18°F)—can intensify anthocyanins, shifting hues from olive to violet, plum, and nearly black. Lower nitrogen in late bloom and a well-timed finish also help pigments express cleanly without leaf fade overshadowing bud color. Even without drastic environmental manipulation, MPK often shows lavender streaks along sugar leaves and calyx tips.
From a breeding perspective, the Mendocino Purps side anchors the fruit-forward terpene profile, while the Purple Kush side contributes narcotic body effects and an unmistakable resin sheen. This blend helps stabilize the tactile qualities of the buds: tight calyx stacks, tactile stickiness, and thick trichome heads. Growers who select mothers often prioritize aroma intensity and bud firmness, as both traits remain reliably heritable. Over multiple runs, MPK tends to breed true for color-and-flavor synergy, which is not always guaranteed in visually striking cultivars.
Distinctive Appearance and Bud Structure
Mendocino Purple Kush forms compact, golf-ball to egg-shaped colas with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, typical of indica-leaning hybrids. The buds are dense and weighty once cured, often displaying a mosaic of deep green, lavender, and eggplant tones. Orange to copper pistils thread through the canopy, offering contrast against dark sugar leaves. Under magnification, trichomes present as dense, glassy stalks with cloudy heads that readily turn milky late in bloom.
Anthocyanin expression commonly manifests first on the uppermost flowers exposed to light and cooler air. As harvest approaches, pigment saturates inward along calyx tips, creating a layered, marbled appearance. Sugar leaves adjacent to bracts may darken significantly, sometimes appearing nearly black under LEDs with strong blue spectra. The visual impact is heightened when plants are grown with good airflow and balanced nutrition, preventing nutrient burn from marring the color.
MPK’s resin coverage is notably thick, and terpenes are evident even before curing—brushing the flowers releases immediate grape-berry aromas. The trichome heads are abundant and sticky, leaving a tacky film on fingertips during trimming. Growers targeting extraction note that the strain washes well, with many reporting above-average returns in ice water hash relative to other purple cultivars. The combination of dense structure and high resin density makes proper post-harvest handling critical to avoid smearing or bruising trichomes.
In terms of plant stature, indoor heights generally settle between 80–140 cm (31–55 in) without aggressive training. Side branching is robust but manageable, making it a good candidate for SCROG or multi-top manifolds. Because colas pack tightly, attentive canopy management helps reduce microclimates that could invite botrytis in humid conditions. When dialed in, MPK’s bag appeal is exceptional, with color, frost, and form working in harmony.
Aroma and Olfactory Complexity
The Mendocino Purple Kush bouquet is a signature blend of ripe grape, blackberry compote, and sweet red wine, layered over earthy spice and a hint of pine. This fruit-and-incense combination is a clear inheritance from Mendocino Purps, amplified by the Kush side’s classic hashy undertones. On the stem rub, the top notes skew toward grape skin and crushed berries, while the finish introduces black pepper and damp forest floor. In cured jars, many users note a confectionery quality reminiscent of grape candy balanced by a dry, oaky spice.
Breaking a fresh bud intensifies the middle notes: blackcurrant, blueberry, and a terpene-driven citrus edge that reads as lemon zest in some phenos. The base expands into sandalwood and cedar shavings, with subtle diesel-like sharpness on deeper inhales. These woodsy and resinous accents likely trace to caryophyllene and humulene interacting with minor terpenoids. The result is an aroma that feels both dessert-like and sophisticated, rather than merely sweet.
A well-managed cure significantly shapes MPK’s aromatic complexity. At 60–62% relative humidity in glass, the grape-berry core becomes glossier and less vegetal over 2–4 weeks. By week six, the bouquet often gains a velvety, wine-barrel nuance that persists on the palate. Kept too dry, the top notes flatten quickly, so maintaining proper humidity and cool storage extends aromatic longevity.
Flavor Profile and Consumption Characteristics
On the palate, Mendocino Purple Kush is distinctly grape-forward with blackberry jam and a ribbon of candied plum. The inhale tends to be sweet and thick, while the exhale unveils earthy spice, cedar, and a touch of pepper. Some consumers detect a faint floral lavender or violet pastille quality, especially in heavily pigmented phenotypes. The lingering aftertaste is resinous and slightly tannic, evoking grape skins rather than simple syrup.
Combustion in a clean glass pipe emphasizes fruit sweetness first, whereas a convection vaporizer at 175–185°C (347–365°F) better reveals citrus zest and herbal layers. Increasing temperature to 195–205°C (383–401°F) amplifies the Kush-derived peppery bite and deepens the woody undertones. Concentrates made from MPK often intensify jammy flavors, with live resin and rosin showcasing blackcurrant and marionberry notes. Because of the terpene richness, flavor clarity is highest after a patient, low-temperature cure.
The smoke itself is typically smooth when grown and flushed properly, with a medium-to-heavy mouthfeel. Cured correctly, harshness is minimal and the sweetness remains stable through the bowl. Users sensitive to caryophyllene’s peppery quality may notice a mild throat tickle at higher temperatures. Pairings that complement MPK include dark chocolate with 70–80% cacao, black tea, and aged cheese, which accentuate its fruit-and-wood profile.
Cannabinoid Composition and Potency Metrics
Mendocino Purple Kush is commonly reported with THC levels in the high teens to low 20s, aligning with modern indica-leaning benchmarks. Typical third-party lab results from well-grown samples fall in the 17–21% THC range, with top-shelf phenotypes occasionally reaching 22–23% under optimized conditions. CBD content is generally low, often below 0.3–0.5%, meaning the psychoactive effect is driven primarily by THC. Minor cannabinoids such as CBG may register in the 0.2–0.8% range, with trace CBC also present.
In smoked or vaporized form, users often feel onset within 2–5 minutes, peaking around 20–30 minutes. The plateau can persist for 60–120 minutes for inhaled routes, depending on tolerance and dose. Edible or tincture preparations using MPK’s flower extract extend the experience substantially, with onset around 45–120 minutes and a 4–8 hour duration. Because CBD is minimal, the experience is not significantly buffered and can feel stronger to sensitive users.
Comparatively, MPK’s potency places it near the center of the modern indica potency curve, where many popular indicas test between 18–25% THC. However, effect intensity is also a function of terpene synergy and user tolerance, not just THC percentage. Many consumers report MPK feels heavier than its raw THC number suggests, likely due to the myrcene-caryophyllene-limonene triad. This makes serving size, especially for new users, a key safety consideration.
From a processing perspective, MPK’s resin content supports efficient extraction with hydrocarbon, rosin, and ice-water methods. While actual returns vary, experienced hashmakers often target wet hash yields in the 4–6% range by fresh-frozen weight for resinous indicas, with MPK sometimes meeting or exceeding this. For solventless rosin, a 15–25% return on dry sift or bubble hash is a reasonable benchmark for high-quality material. Proper harvest timing—when trichomes are predominantly cloudy with a touch of amber—helps maximize both potency and flavor.
Terpene Profile and Chemical Aroma Drivers
MPK’s aroma is shaped by a terpene profile typically led by myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene, with supporting roles from humulene, linalool, and alpha-/beta-pinene. In well-grown indoor flower, total terpene content commonly falls between 1.5–3.0% by dry weight, placing it on the more aromatic end of the spectrum. Myrcene often lands around 0.5–1.0%, contributing to the lush berry and musky plum tones. Beta-caryophyllene typically spans 0.3–0.7%, adding warm spice and a peppery edge.
Limonene in the 0.2–0.5% range helps lift the fruit notes and introduces a faint citrus peel accent on the exhale. Humulene, often 0.1–0.3%, lends dry wood and a subtle herbaceous bitterness that balances sweetness. Linalool, sometimes 0.05–0.2%, can read as floral-lavender in heavily pigmented phenotypes, reinforcing MPK’s “purple” flavor signature. Trace pinenes add a hint of forest and fresh-cut pine needle to the bouquet.
The ratio of these terpenes determines whether the phenotype leans toward grape candy or mixed-berry wine with spice. Higher myrcene and linalool skew toward jammy and floral, while elevated caryophyllene and humulene push cedar, clove, and pepper. Limonene is the swing factor that drives brightness, especially noticeable in vapor at moderate temperatures. As the cure progresses, terpene oxidation and polymerization smooth overt citrus into rounder, wine-like notes.
Because beta-caryophyllene uniquely binds to CB2 receptors, some users perceive a warm, soothing body effect that complements THC’s psychoactivity. Myrcene’s sedative synergy is well-documented anecdotally, which aligns with MPK’s relaxing nature. The interplay of these compounds likely explains why MPK can feel heavier than its THC percentage alone. Managing dry/cure conditions preserves these volatile aromatics, translating chemistry into consistent sensory experience.
Experiential Effects, Onset, and Duration
The first wave of MPK’s effect typically brings a gentle headband of euphoria, a melting of facial tension, and a sense of physical ease. Within minutes, the experience settles into a body-led calm that relaxes shoulders, hips, and lower back. Users often describe mood elevation without speedy mental chatter, a hallmark of indica-dominant hybrids. Music and tactile sensations can feel fuller as the body softens.
As the session continues, sedation gradually deepens, making MPK well-suited for evening wind-downs and pre-sleep rituals. Many report a marked reduction in stress perception, with racing thoughts slowing into a quieter mental state. The strain can encourage couch time and introspection without immediate couch-lock unless larger doses are consumed. Appetite stimulation often appears midway through the plateau, a trait common to Kush-influenced cultivars.
Duration varies by route and tolerance, but inhaled effects commonly last 90–150 minutes from first puff. Novice users may find the latter half more drowsy than expected, especially if the terpene profile leans myrcene-heavy. Experienced consumers appreciate MPK for predictable, repeatable relaxation that does not overwhelm at moderate doses. Hydration and a light snack can help manage the munchies and maintain comfort.
At higher doses, MPK can become quite sedating, nudging some users toward an early bedtime. Those seeking productivity should keep serving sizes conservative and consider daytime use only if tolerance is substantial. For social settings, pairing MPK with calming activities like film, gaming, or long conversations is often optimal. Always start low and titrate slowly to align the experience with the occasion.
Potential Therapeutic Applications and Considerations
Given its relaxation-forward profile, Mendocino Purple Kush is commonly chosen for managing stress, generalized anxiety in low doses, and sleep disturbances. Users with difficulty initiating sleep often report improved sleep latency when MPK is consumed 60–90 minutes before bed. The warm body relaxation may also assist with muscle tension and spasms after physical exertion. Individuals with high baseline anxiety should start with very small doses to avoid over-intensification.
For pain, MPK’s indica lineage can offer relief for mild to moderate nociceptive discomfort such as lower back strain, joint soreness, or tension headaches. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity may contribute to perceived anti-inflammatory effects, although human data remain preliminary. Many medical users note that MPK can take the edge off chronic pain enough to facilitate rest and recovery. Combining MPK with non-pharmacological strategies like heat therapy or stretching can enhance outcomes.
Appetite stimulation is another commonly reported benefit, useful for patients experiencing reduced appetite from stress or certain treatments. The strain’s sweet flavor profile can make consumption more pleasant for those sensitive to taste and aroma. Because CBD is minimal, individuals prone to THC-induced anxiety should be cautious, especially in unfamiliar environments. Microdosing via vaporization can provide gentle benefits with better control.
Patients with respiratory concerns should consider vaporization over combustion and consult healthcare providers before use. As with all cannabis, contraindications include pregnancy, a history of psychosis, and interactions with medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes. Start-low, go-slow remains the best practice, with careful journaling of dose, timing, and effects to identify optimal therapeutic windows. Medical oversight is recommended for chronic conditions and complex medication regimens.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Mendocino Purple Kush was selected by Medical Seeds Co. to perform reliably indoors and outdoors, with a flowering time typically in the 60–70 day range. Indoors, plan for a vegetative period of 3–5 weeks depending on training and desired canopy footprint. Outdoors in the Northern Hemisphere, expect harvest from late September to early October, with color deepening as nights cool. In the Southern Hemisphere, late March to mid-April is typical.
Environmentally, aim for day temperatures of 24–27°C (75–81°F) in veg and 22–26°C (72–79°F) in flower, with night drops of 3–6°C (5–10°F). Relative humidity should start at 60–70% in early veg, tapering to 50–55% in late veg, 45–50% in early flower, and 40–45% in late flower to mitigate botrytis risk. VPD targets of 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in late flower help balance transpiration and pathogen control. Canopy airflow of 0.5–1.0 m/s maintains leaf surface drying without windburn.
Light intensity for veg should deliver 300–500 µmol/m²/s PPFD (DLI 20–35 mol/m²/day), moving to 700–1000 µmol/m²/s in early flower and up to 900–1200 µmol/m²/s mid-bloom. If supplementing CO2 to 1,000–1,200 ppm, MPK can utilize higher PPFD and may increase yield by 10–20% under dialed conditions. Photoperiods of 18/6 in veg and 12/12 in flower are standard, with minimal light leaks to avoid reveg or hermaphroditic stress. Blue-heavy spectra in early flower can tighten internodes; a fuller spectrum later enhances resin and color.
Medium and nutrition should match your system: in soil, pH 6.2–6.8; in coco, pH 5.8–6.2; hydro, pH 5.6–6.0. EC targets: seedlings 0.8–1.2 mS/cm, veg 1.4–2.0 mS/cm, early flower 1.8–2.2 mS/cm, mid flower 2.0–2.4 mS/cm, and late flower 1.6–2.0 mS/cm. A balanced NPK of 3-1-2 in veg and 1-2-3 in bloom works well, with 100–150 ppm Ca and 50–75 ppm Mg to prevent tip burn and interveinal chlorosis. Sulfur and micronutrients support terpene biosynthesis; a light sulfur bump in mid-flower can improve aromatic intensity.
Training strategies that suit MPK include topping at the 5th node, low-stress training, and SCROG for even light distribution. Expect indoor heights of 80–140 cm (31–55 in) without training; topping and bending keep canopies flat and colas evenly sized. A light defoliation at day 21 of flower improves airflow into dense bud sites, with a second light pass around day 42 if leaves shadow critical colas. Avoid aggressive leaf removal late in bloom, as MPK relies on healthy fans to finish with full oil content.
Watering cadence should allow media to dry down slightly between events to avoid overwatering in dense root zones. In coco, frequent low-volume irrigations maintain ideal root zone oxygenation, while living soil benefits from deeper, less frequent waterings. Monitor runoff EC and pH weekly, adjusting feed to prevent salt accumulation. Root-zone temperatures around 20–22°C (68–72°F) encourage vigorous uptake and reduce pathogen pressure.
Color induction is a hallmark goal with MPK and is best achieved by gene expression rather than stress. In the final two to three weeks, reduce nighttime temperatures to 16–18°C (61–64°F) if possible, ensuring the daily mean remains healthy to avoid slowing metabolism. Slightly reducing nitrogen late in bloom and maintaining potassium support deepens pigmentation without compromising yield. Keep RH in the low 40s to limit mold risk as buds densify and color concentrates.
Pest and disease management is essential given MPK’s tight flower structure. Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) plan with weekly inspections, sticky cards, and prophylactic bio-controls like predatory mites if needed. Maintain clean intakes, sanitize tools, and avoid overcrowding to reduce microclimate variability. For botrytis prevention, emphasize airflow, dehumidification, and timely harvest—especially after late-flower irrigation.
Yield expectations for MPK are strong for a purple cultivar: indoors, 450–550 g/m² is common under 600–1000 W HPS or equivalent LED intensity. Skilled growers with CO2 and high PPFD often exceed 600 g/m², depending on cultivar selection and environment. Outdoors in full sun with ample root volume, 700–1,500 g per plant is achievable, particularly in dry climates with cool nights. Plant heights outdoors range from 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft), with stakes or trellis advised to support heavy, resinous colas.
Harvest timing is best gauged by trichome maturity rather than calendar days. For a heavier, more sedative effect, target 10–20% amber heads with the rest cloudy; for a brighter, slightly more heady profile, harvest when most are cloudy with minimal amber. Flush for 7–10 days if using mineral nutrients to improve burn and flavor. The combination of ripeness and a gentle flush enhances MPK’s jammy, incense-laced character.
Drying and curing preserve MPK’s terpene richness and color. Aim for 10–14 days of drying at 15–18°C (59–64°F) and 58–62% RH with low, indirect airflow; the “60/60” rule (60°F, 60% RH) is a reliable benchmark. After a slow dry, cure in glass at 60–62% RH, burping daily for the first week and then weekly for 4–6 weeks. Target water activity between 0.55–0.65 aw and final moisture of 10–12% for optimal stability and aroma release.
Post-harvest, MPK material is well-suited to extraction thanks to its trichome density and robust monoterpene profile. Fresh-frozen runs preserve blackberry and grape top notes in live resin or rosin, while dried material excels in hash where color and flavor stay vibrant. Expect solventless yields to scale with resin maturity and wash technique; pre-freezing flowers within hours of harvest can protect delicate terpenes. Store finished products cool and dark to minimize terpene volatilization and color fade.
