Strain Review: OG Kush

OG Kush is one of the most well-known and popular (highly potent) hybrid strains on the market. But, surprisingly, its lineage has been a closely guarded secret (or, rather, given its origins, no one can say conclusively). Nonetheless, many people (“in the know”) believe OG Kush is a cross between the hybrid Chemdawg and legendary pure-Indica landrace strain, Hindu Kush. Because “allegedly” (it could be stoner legend), OG Kush originally came from bag seed at a Grateful Dead show (back in the early 1990s), its lineage remains unconfirmed.

No doubt: OG Kush is ubiquitous, making up as Leafly describes, “the genetic backbone of West Coast cannabis varieties.” OG Kush’s scent is often described as “lemony,” “piney,” with “earthy” and “woody” undertones, suggesting healthy terpene content including limonene, pinene, and sleep-inducing myrcene. Unsurprisingly, given its ubiquity, OG Kush has spawned dozens of phenotypes, that reportedly count Alpha OG, Boss OG, Butter OG, Tahoe OG, Khalifa OT, and Triple X OG Kush (to name a few) among its ranks.

Boasting average THC content that usually exceeds 20% (and regularly approaches the high 20s), OG Kush packs a powerful punch! Given it powerful therapeutic powers, it’s a go-to strain for many patients (and consumers) coping with chronic pain and insomnia.

OG Kush Effects & High

For most users, OG Kush produces consistent effects: a well-balanced head and body high, complemented by with intense euphoria and cerebral sensations. OG Kush passionistas claim a few puffs will leave you in a mellow, trance-like state. And, often couch-locked (which could be a good or bad thing, depending on what your preferences are).

Given its sky-high THC potency, the uninitiated should tread lightly. Smoke too much, and you may feel dizzy or paranoid. Likewise, many users claim they get a case of dry eyes or evil cottonmouth following a few tokes. So keep a bottle of water nearby and maybe some Visine. Moreover, like many strains, it doesn’t affect all users the same. For many users, it helps alleviate headaches; some people, however, report they experience a headache after indulging. Of course, everybody’s physiology is different — so how it affects Suzy, may be different than Sam. Nonetheless, most people say OG Kush leaves them feeling happy, euphoric, and relaxed.

OG Kush also has a reputation for being incredibly versatile. This strain can also be used to treat a wide number of health conditions. OG Kush's robust cerebral effects make it a popular choice for alleviating stress, anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. It’s also popular with many vets (and others) suffering from PTSD-related symptoms. Likewise, OG Kush’s pleasant body effects make it a consistent standby for those coping with chronic pain and movement disorders.

What Are Consumers Saying About OG Kush?

Of the nearly 3000 reviews on Leafly, most reviewers rate OG Kush as “exceptional.”

On its versatility, reviewer Retnolsmiff ponies up the following:

“The best strain of cannabis if I had the ultimate say so, the true definition of dank. Purchase in large quantities if possible, as it can heal in multiple facets. Can you work out after smoking it? Hell yeah. Can you sit on the couch all day and play the Playstation? You damn right. I love it, truly, and if it was all I could ever smoke, I'd die a happy and high fella. Peace to all.”

Reporting on OG Kush’s near-perfect head and body balance (and therapeutic versatility), LegitLogic says:

“Apparently got ahold of some very very very nicely grown OG Kush and I truly have to say this stuff is insanely amazing! Amazing balance between Head and Body, it totally hits you both ways...amazing for Migraine Headaches, Stress, Pain and Spasms. A definite must try especially if it looks as crazy as my batch did.”

Another reviewer, 420IndigoChild, credits OG Kush for helping him bond with his girlfriend:

“For me and my girlfriend, smoking is a bonding experience. After each hit, I love talking with her, Whether it be about our day, us and our future, or life experiences or little things. This weed is GREAT for that, take your time with it, take a hit from the bong and let it take its course and fully hit you before taking another. Experience each kind of high. Each hit you take is a different high, so love it, stay in it, then tell it goodbye…This weed is great to be open and intimate with...Save this for late at night, when the moon is in the sky just right, and you are ready to snuggle with the love, or the cats.”

420IndigoChild claims the “only downfall” is that OG Kush has the proclivity for making you sleepy (which, of course, is what also makes it a popular strain for insomnia).

Many OG Kush enthusiasts claim it helps them “kill two birds with one stone,” alleviating pain and insomnia.

Remember Cypress Hill? Watch B-Real on the Joe Rogan Show reminisce about OG Kush:

[mc4wp_form id="20346"]

Kush: The Rich History (And Origin) of Kush Strains

Cali Kush, Pure Kush, Master Kush, Bubba Kush, Purple Kush, and of course, the legendary strain that inspired the Kush revolution, OG Kush. To say Kush strains are loved and revered would be an understatement! Kush strains consistently rank as some of the most popular strains, with numerous varieties taking top honors at cannabis cups across the globe (including the revered HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup). Let's dig into the history of kush.

While Haze varieties have long had a commanding influence among Sativa-dominant strains, Kush varieties have occupied a similar position among Indica-dominants. So what’s the history behind this beloved lineage? Kush strains trace their heritage to the Hindu Kush region, an area with disputed boundaries shouldering India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Hindu Kush is located north of Jammu and Kashmir, currently controlled by India — which Pakistan argues belongs to them. The area has a rich history, not just because of its long history of cannabis and hashish production, but for its volatility and political instability.

Nestled comfortably along stunningly gorgeous Himalayas mountain range, the environment (with its lush hillsides, fertile soil and deep valleys) is ideal for cultivating cannabis. The region has long grown some of the world’s most epic herb. To the delight of cannasseurs all over the world, the marriage of human and natural selection have consistently yielded some of the tastiest, most resinous bud known to mankind.

Hindu Kush: An Epic Landrace Strain

Not only is Hindu Kush a region made famous by its popular crop, Hindu Kush is an eponymously named landrace strain. In fact, it’s because of landrace strain that the words “Kush” and “Indica” are used interchangeably. What’s a landrace strain you ask? According to the well-known seed bank, Seed Supreme:

“A landrace strain is pure, never crossed and always grown in its natural environment: this isolation and the resulting inbreeding means these varieties are highly stable and extremely vigorous. It was only a generation or two ago that, were you talking about marijuana at all, it was one of these pure strains; you might know them from family stories of the travelling days, sampling all there was to be had on the hippy trail.”

All popular Kush strains — like Bubba Kush, Purple Kush, and Cali Kush — trace their lineage directly to Hindu Kush. Likewise, Master Kush and OG Kush, two of the most beloved Kush strains, were originally bred by legendary seed bank, Sensi Seeds. In fact, many of the best strains — including cannabis royalty AK-47 and White Widow — are grandchildren to Hindu Kush. Of course, Hindu Kush’s offspring have been genetically and commercially crossbred (so they aren’t technically landrace strains). Nonetheless, boasting a royal lineage, it should be no surprise why Kush varieties are so popular.

The Hippie Trail

How did Kush strains make their way to Europe and the New World? You may have heard about the Hippie Trail. The Hippie Trail was made famous by subculture seekers in the mid-1960s through the late 1970s. Many a beatnik and hippie made the overland journey, traversing Europe to South Asia (specifically Pakistan, India, and Nepal). A popular alt-tourist destination, North Americans and Europeans (particularly members of the Brotherhood of Eternal Love) made the pilgrimage bringing back with them Hindu Kush seeds.

Ultimately (and quite tragically), in 1973, Afghanistan’s self-installed president assumed power from the previously hash-friendly King, and conceded to pressure by the Nixon Administration. That same year, the new president outlawed hash and cannabis. Ultimately, the president was overthrown by communists in 1978. Not long after, the Soviets invaded, and the region has been in turmoil ever since (with a succession of long and bloody conflicts).

Ask an aging hippie about pre-war Afghani hash, and you’ll be in for a trip down memory lane. The profound impact of Hindu Kush on Western cannabis cultivation can’t be understated. The Kush strains from this region revolutionized production. Indica strains are more versatile (from a growing perspective) than Sativa strains. By introducing these marvels of nature to the genetic pool, growers were able to dramatically shorten flowering times, while being able to be cultivated in cold and remote areas, like Alaska.

Unfortunately, because many Kush strains have specially bred to be as potent as possible, the term “Kush” isn’t always associated with its rich heritage. More often, they’re known for having sky high THC (which is not always true). Consequently, in Europe and the U.S, many legislators have pushed for harsher penalties for possession (or sale) of Kush strains. (Ironically, with the blessing of the British government, “baby-pharma” company, GW Pharmaceuticals, have been legally cultivating Kush strains for medicinal purposes for years.) Nonetheless, Kush strains will continue to occupy a special place in cannabis culture. So next time you enjoy a nice Kush (and its accompanying “couch lock”), don’t forget to hug a hippie!

 

[mc4wp_form id="20346"]