Mendo Purple Origin Story
Notsodog and Crybaby discuss the origin of Mendo Purps.
Mendo Purps: Unraveling the Legend of a Classic Strain
Cannabis lovers are always on the hunt for strains that come with a story. There’s something magical about lighting up a joint filled with weed that carries a unique history—a lineage rooted in the early days of cannabis culture in the United States. One such strain that has earned its place as a living piece of Mendocino history is Mendo Purps. This legendary purple strain, with its vibrant colors, unique aromas, and storied past, has captivated cannabis enthusiasts and growers for generations.
The Roots of Mendo Purps
To understand Mendo Purps, you have to understand Mendocino County itself. Nestled in Northern California, this region is often regarded as the heartland of cannabis cultivation in the United States. Mendocino County, along with neighboring Humboldt and Trinity counties, make up what is commonly referred to as the Emerald Triangle, an area famous for its cannabis production. In the 1970s, as the counterculture movement was flourishing, Mendocino saw an influx of back-to-the-land hippies, many of whom were interested in cultivating marijuana. This generation of cultivators laid the foundation for what would become a thriving cannabis culture.
Among the numerous strains born in this region, Mendo Purps emerged as one of the standouts. Known for its vibrant purple hues and complex aroma, the strain has earned its place as an iconic example of what Northern California’s terroir can offer. While exact details of its origin are as murky as the fog that rolls in off the Pacific, it’s widely accepted that the seeds that produced Mendo Purps came from a local grower who, in a stroke of luck, managed to cultivate a phenotype that had an extraordinary balance of color, smell, and taste.
A Chance Encounter and a Legacy Born
The origins of Mendo Purps trace back to a serendipitous event involving an old Mendocino glassblower who specialized in creating intricate, hand-blown glass pipes and other smoking accessories. In the late 1990s, while working to ventilate his shop, he met a young cultivator who was intrigued by his story and learned that the man had been growing marijuana since the 1970s. The glassblower was old and unwell, battling cancer, and had been storing seeds he hadn’t touched in years. Out of gratitude for the cultivator’s kindness, he gifted him a few of those seeds—seeds he claimed produced the only purple cannabis he’d ever grown.
That small gift, a token of gratitude, would unknowingly become one of Mendocino’s most famous cannabis strains. When those seeds were finally planted, they revealed a remarkably unique plant with vibrant purple leaves, complex aromas, and a distinct, almost incense-like scent. Its first harvest delivered flowers with deep purple hues and an aroma so unique that it immediately set it apart from the rest. This strain, which would come to be known as Mendo Purps, was unlike anything else on the market at the time, embodying both a piece of Mendocino’s past and a bold new direction in cannabis cultivation.
Mendocino’s Climate and Its Influence on Mendo Purps
The unique traits of Mendo Purps are no coincidence. Mendocino County’s coastal climate, with its cool nights and warm, sunlit days, is ideal for cultivating cannabis strains that produce rich colors and complex terpene profiles. The temperature fluctuations contribute to the strain’s famous purple coloring, a trait that has since become one of the most sought-after characteristics in cannabis cultivation.
In addition to the climate, Mendocino’s isolation and rugged terrain have played a role in the strain’s development. Mendocino growers often live on remote properties, many of them tucked away on hillsides and surrounded by dense forest. This seclusion allowed them to cultivate cannabis discreetly, even before the legal era, and to experiment with strains that would go on to become legendary in the cannabis world. Growers in the area were free to select and refine phenotypes like Mendo Purps, resulting in a plant that was both hardy and unique.
The Genetic Mystery of Mendo Purps
One of the most intriguing aspects of Mendo Purps is its genetic diversity. Many phenotypes of the strain have emerged over the years, displaying a wide variety of characteristics. Some plants are tall, others short; some produce dark purple buds, while others may lean toward lavender or burgundy. The diversity within Mendo Purps genetics allows for a range of terpene profiles and effects, with aromas varying from skunky and earthy to floral and incense-like.
What’s fascinating is that Mendo Purps seems to be somewhat of a time capsule, preserving genetic traits from a time before cannabis was as highly bred and homogenized as it is today. Unlike many modern strains, which are often bred for high THC content and consistent yields, Mendo Purps maintains a more natural balance. The strain’s THC levels are moderate by today’s standards, generally around 14–16%, but its unique terpene profile makes it memorable for users and breeders alike.
The genetic diversity within Mendo Purps also makes it an attractive choice for breeding. When crossed with other strains, it has a remarkable ability to pass on its unique colors and aromas, as well as its old-school “light” high. Mendo Purps, therefore, isn’t just a strain—it’s a gateway to the past and an invitation to create something new.
A Purple Craze in the Early 2000s
In the early 2000s, purple strains began to take the cannabis world by storm. Varieties like Granddaddy Purple, Purple Urkle, and Grape Ape were gaining popularity, and consumers were captivated by their distinctive colors and flavors. While Mendo Purps never achieved the same level of fame as some of these other strains, it was well-regarded among cannabis aficionados, particularly in Northern California. Part of this was due to its unique appearance and aroma, which stood out even among other purple strains.
Unlike many purple strains that sacrifice potency for color, Mendo Purps delivered a nuanced experience, combining a moderate high with a rich, almost nostalgic flavor profile. As the purple craze continued to sweep through California, Mendo Purps found its place among the state’s cannabis royalty, treasured for its distinct character and connection to Mendocino’s cannabis history.
The Lasting Influence of Mendo Purps
Today, Mendo Purps is recognized not just as a strain but as a cultural touchstone within the Mendocino cannabis community. Its popularity may have waned in the face of new high-THC strains, but its influence can still be felt. Breeders continue to work with Mendo Purps, crossing it with other varieties to create hybrids that carry on its legacy. One of its most remarkable qualities is its ability to lend its distinct purple coloring and terpene profile to its offspring, ensuring that a piece of Mendocino’s cannabis history lives on in new generations of plants.
The cannabis culture in Mendocino is one of resilience and innovation, rooted in the land and guided by the people who have called it home for generations. Mendo Purps exemplifies this culture—a strain that came from humble beginnings, born of kindness and preserved through the dedication of cultivators who saw its potential. Its moderate THC levels and vibrant colors serve as a reminder that cannabis isn’t just about potency; it’s about character, flavor, and the stories that connect us to the past.
Preserving Cannabis History, One Strain at a Time
As cannabis continues to evolve, it’s essential to remember the strains that laid the foundation for today’s industry. Mendo Purps may not be the most potent strain on the market, but it represents something irreplaceable. In an industry that often prizes the new over the old, Mendo Purps stands as a testament to Mendocino’s enduring cannabis culture and the values that have kept it thriving for decades.
In the world of cannabis, every strain has a story. For Mendo Purps, that story is one of serendipity, resilience, and a lasting connection to the land that produced it. It’s a reminder that, in cannabis as in life, sometimes the most extraordinary things come from the most unexpected places.
Caleb (Nspecta from CSI): “Purple Hemp! Mendocino Purple aka Mendo Purple aka Mendo Purps aka Mendo P aka Purps aka MP…this girls got a few nicknames. Sprouted over 25 years ago by my good buddy @notsodog I’ve personally held this cut for 20 years…been growing her since 2004. She’s not the most potent…but she’s as unique as they come…I’ve never come across a single plant like her (that didn’t already have MP in their genetics). Her Terps, and more importantly the Terps hidden in her genetics are powerful and more varied than almost anything out there. While Notso sprouted the seed…I feel Jason King made her famous in the CannaBible 2…I think I’ve helped give this plant legacy with my extensive work and love for her. With that said…Mendo Purps is like Terpinolene…you love her or hate her…and it’s a polarizing split with folks on both sides of the Purple.”