How Did UW Purple Get Its Name?
By Jeff Eckenrode
Image credit: Kym MacKinnon
Quick Answer: UW Purple got its name from its legendary roots at the University of Washington. First bred in a campus medical research setting, this deeply relaxing purple indica became a local legend across the Pacific Northwest. With its signature grape color and chill vibes, UW Purple has earned its name—and then some.
Smells Like School Spirit: UW Purple
UW Purple might be one of the best-kept secrets in cannabis. It doesn’t chase clout like OG Kush or ride the hype train like newer designer strains.
It’s a hometown hero. A go-to nightcap. A Pacific Northwest classic.
And yes, it’s named after the University of Washington!
But how did a college campus become the namesake of such a famously sedative strain?
Image credit: Zoshua Colah
When Did UW Purple Become Popular?
UW Purple started showing up in Seattle’s underground cannabis scene sometime in the late 1990s or early 2000s.
Back then, medical marijuana was just gaining ground in Washington and particular cultivars were circulating quietly among patients and caregivers.
Word of mouth carried the strain’s reputation: a rich purple hue, a pungent aroma, and a heavy, full-body indica buzz perfect for sleep, pain, or just spacing out after a long day.
Soon, UW Purple became a local favorite—and the kind of strain your friend’s older brother always seemed to have.
Image credit: Junru Pu
Where Did UW Purple Come From?
According to local lore, UW Purple was originally bred in a medical cannabis research lab at the University of Washington—possibly in partnership with early patient care providers.
While the university has never officially confirmed or denied this origin story, the rumor has stuck around for decades.
And honestly? It’s not hard to believe.
The strain’s calming, therapeutic effects suggest it was bred with medical benefits in mind. And its name, UW Purple, feels like a nod of pride to its place of origin, not just a clever play at branding.
Genetically speaking, UW Purple is a nearly pure indica, likely descended from Afghan landrace varieties. That lineage shows up in its dense buds, sweet-earthy aroma, and famously sleepy effects.
Image credit : Buddy Boy Farm
Why Is It Called “UW Purple”?
“UW” stands for the University of Washington, where the strain is believed to have been developed or refined. And “Purple” refers to the strain’s deep violet coloring: a result of both genetics and the cool-climate growing conditions of the Pacific Northwest.
So when you hear “UW Purple,” you’re hearing both a tribute to its birthplace and a hint about its stunning appearance.
This isn’t just some purple weed with a gimmicky name. UW Purple is a strain rooted in local culture, medical history, and a very specific kind of laid-back Seattle vibe.
Image credit: Christopher Ott
Does UW Purple Still Exist Today?
Yes, but you might have to do a little digging to find it!
Because UW Purple was never mass-marketed or widely distributed, it’s stayed somewhat underground—even as other strains have come and gone with the trends.
That said, local growers and legacy producers across Washington still cultivate UW Purple from old-school clone lines.
If you’re looking for something relaxing, heavy, and uniquely Northwest, UW Purple is worth seeking out.
Where Can I Find UW Purple?
At Hashtag Redmond, we offer UW Purple in both flower and vape form.
Check out our online menu below to see what we currently have available.
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