OG Kush Strains

Over the years, cannabis cultivators have developed numerous exceptional weed strains, each with its unique characteristics and appeal. However, among these, few have garnered as much popularity and significance as OG Kush. 

Originally crafted by Matt Berger and Josh D, OG Kush remains a powerhouse in the cannabis world, maintaining its popularity nearly three decades after its inception. 

Learn more about OG Kush with this guide, why it’s so special, and how it can positively impact your cannabis experience.

What Is The OG Kush Strain?

OG, short for original, is the original cannabis celebrity. First popularized in the 1990s, OG Kush has left a lasting impact on the cannabis industry. It’s the weed strain of all weed strains (opens in new tab) and has been used to cultivate many of the most popular cannabis strains we enjoy today. 

It’s got a very distinctive look. The buds grow dense and are covered in orange trichomes. Fat resin trichomes, an indicator of the OG strain’s potency, encircle the buds.  

Besides birthing a remarkable lineage of cannabis strains, OG Kush proved to be revolutionary for cultivators. Its sought-after properties formed the foundation of its name.

The demand for cuts of this strain was immense, yet the supply was limited. Those fortunate enough to get their hands on some were overjoyed to obtain the original, leading to its swift designation as “OG Kush” signifying its status as the authentic original strain.

Even though decades have passed since the introduction of OG Kush, it’s still one of the most sought-after weed strains on the market. It’s almost a rite of passage in the cannabis community to have your first toke of OG Kush.

Origin And History 

OG Kush was first cultivated in Florida in the 1990s. While there might be other people involved, it’s common knowledge that the strain was originally cultivated by cannabis extraordinaire Matt “Bubba” Berger. He would later make another famous strain, Bubba Kush. 

Somewhere in 1996, Matt Berger left Florida with his Kush in tow. He arrived in California, where he met up with another legendary cultivator, Josh D. The two worked together to perfect the OG Kush formula, which quickly became the main strain on the West Coast. 

As for lineage, no one is a hundred percent sure what was used to make OG Kush. Cultivators can be secretive, and Matt and Josh didn’t freely share how they made OG. 

That being said, most cultivators believe they bred OG Kush from at least two other legendary strains, Hindu Kush and Chemdawg. Lemon Thai might also have been involved. 

Whichever strains were used contributed to the almost perfect balance of indica and sativa in the strain. It produces a fast high, one that brings out all the best properties of indica and sativa cannabis – a perfect mix of chill and sociability. 

Characteristics 

Let’s look at a few of the characteristics that make OG kush so distinctive. 

• Appearance: OG Kush is a pale green color, with milky resin trichomes. This sometimes gives the plant a silver sheen. The buds are dense and packed with orange fur. It’s a high-producing plant, so it has a lot of resin trichomes. 
• Aroma: OG Kush has a distinctive smell. Because of its varied lineage, it holds notes of pepper, funk, and citrus. Most smokers experience a woodsy and earthy aroma with a touch of citrus. 
• Flavor: Similar to its aroma, OG Kush also has a unique taste. Its terpene profile carries hints of pepper, cloves, citrus, lemongrass, lavender, and roses. Its flavor and aroma are so distinctive that OG Kush is used as a profile marker all on its own. 

OG Kush Terpenes

Terpenes are the flavonoids that give something its flavor and scent. We’ve got a complete guide on cannabis terpenes (opens in new tab) if you want to learn more. 

OG Kush has a dense terpenes profile, which lends to its distinctive smell and taste. However, the major terpenes in OG Kush are myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene. 

Myrcene is most often found in beers, giving off a fruity and herby aroma. Limonene is a citrus derivative. It produces a fresh orange and lemon smell. Beta-caryophyllene is known for its peppery smell. 

Cannabinoids

Like most weed, OG Kush has both THC and CBD present. 

In OG Kush, THC is much more dominant than CBD. On average, OG Kush holds around 20% to 26% THC, with only about 1% of CBD. While the CBD profile is limited, it does still help with your high. The addition of CBD activates the entourage effect, (opens in new tab) leaving you with a deeper body high. 

As for the strain, OG Kush is a hybrid strain of cannabis. It’s got a mix of both indica and sativa. Indica is known for its relaxing and sedative properties, while sativa is known for its energy and creativity. 

In OG Kush, the mix is almost equal. In most cases, OG Kush is a little sativa dominant. It contains 45% indica and 55% sativa. However, some might be indica dominant but with a similar ratio. This careful combination is why this strain of weed is loved so much. 

Uses Of OG Kush

The most common way to consume cannabis is through smoking joints. To smoke an OG Kush joint, all you need is some dry bud from your local dispensary, a grinder, rolling papers, and a filter. Grind your bud in the grinder until it’s your favorite consistency. Lay and roll the bud in the joint paper with the filter. Seal the joint and light up!

Vaping is another common way to enjoy weed. To vape, you’ll need a vape pen, a type of e-cigarette and some OG Kush concentrate. Add the product to your vape and take a toke. It’s that simple. 

You can also enjoy OG Kush as a delicious edible. You can make edibles of almost anything, but a common favorite is brownies. 

To make edibles, you need to decarb the cannabis and bake it into fat like oil or butter. We’ve got a great guide on how to make cannabis cooking oil. You can swap out ingredients as you see fit, as long as the method stays the same. 

Once you’ve infused your cooking oil, you can add it to your brownies, cookies, hot drinks, and other food. 

Medical Benefits Of OG Kush Strain 

Cannabis has a host of incredible medical benefits and OG Kush is no different. 

Pain Relief 

Studies have shown that cannabis is effective at pain management (opens in new tab), especially chronic pain management. It’s especially popular for cancer-related chronic pain. However, it’s not strictly good for only cancer patients. 

Anyone who struggles with pain can use cannabis like OG Kush for some relief. Not only is it effective, but cannabis is also safe to use with most medications. 

Always consult with your doctor about using medicinal cannabis for pain management. Make sure it’s safe to use in your condition and alongside your prescription medication. 

Improve Sleep

While OG Kush is sativa dominant (a strain associated with high energy), cannabis is quite effective at treating sleep-related disorders like insomnia. OG Kush, in particular, is a brilliant mix for people with sleeping disorders. 

OG Kush produces relaxing effects. The indica is a sedative and it relaxes your body if you’re tense or anxious. This is combined with the feel-good feelings of sativa. Relaxed and happy is a master combination for better sleep. 

Anti Inflammatory 

Chronic stress and injuries often cause inflammation. While mild inflammation is necessary for your body to heal wounds, chronic inflammation is bad for your body. It can damage cells and even cause tissue death. 

Fortunately, cannabis is a viable treatment option. Studies have shown that cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties and much fewer side effects than other common NSAID medications. 

As always, consult with your doctor about using cannabis for inflammation. 

Popular Kush Varieties 

The Kush family tree has birthed more than just OG Kush. Whether OG Kush was used in the cultivation or the Kush was produced independently, these Kush strains are particularly popular. 

• Bubba Kush: If you recall, we mentioned Bubba Kusk earlier. It’s an OG Kush descendant and is indica dominant. It’s so indica dominant that it’s known for making even the most active person a couch potato. Bubba Kush is the strain you turn to if you want to relax and get your appetite going. 
• Power Kush: Power Kush is a great beginner-friendly option for growers. It’s got a strawberry and skunk aroma that’s very distinctive. Like Bubba Kush, it’s great for stimulating your appetite and getting rest. 
• Purple Kush: Purple Kush is a classic strain in the cannabis community, with a rich history similar to OG Kush. It’s most known for its sedating effects and its distinctive purple coloring – hence the name Purple Kush. 
• Afghan Kush: Afghan Kush comes from the Hindu Kush Mountains and is responsible for most of the Kush strains we enjoy today. It’s been used to cultivate dozens of popular modern strains. Besides being the mother of almost all Kush, it’s also extremely powerful. One toke of Afghan Kush is enough to put a beginner to bed. 
• Hindu Kush: Another variant from the Hindu Kush Mountains, Hindu Kush is slightly less intense than Afghan Kush. It’s still got sedating effects, but it’s felt much more in the body than the mind. It’s particularly good for physical pain management. 

While these are some of the most popular Kush variants, there are dozens of other options for you to explore. 

Growing Tips For OG Kush

While we’re not a hundred percent sure of OG Kush’s parentage, growers have mastered creating the perfect climate for optimal OG Kush growth. If you’re interested in growing your own batch, use these tips to get the most from your plants. 

• Create A Warm, Dry Climate: OG Kush thrives in warm, dry climates, and your grow room should mimic that environment. Keep the temperature at a comfortable 65°F to 80°F. 
• Optimize Ventilation: One of the key characteristics of OG Kush is its dense flower growth. While this means more product for you, it also puts the plant at risk of growing mold. OG Kush requires good ventilation, so make sure you space the plants slightly further away from each other. You also need to trim your plants more frequently to ensure the buds get air through the dense growth.
• Don’t Over water: Again, mold growth is a big risk with OG Kush. If you over water your crop, you increase the chances of a mold breakout. As a general rule, always check the topsoil. If the topsoil is dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, hold off until it’s dry.

Conclusion

The cannabis industry has been cultivating new strains of cannabis for decades, leading to some of the most popular weed variations we have today. 

One of the most well-known is OG Kush, a sativa and indica hybrid with a unique flavor, aroma, and high. It’s beloved by the cannabis community and is, by many, considered a rite of passage into the world of weed. 

While we’re not sure of its exact parentage, we know that Matt “Bubba” Berger was the originator. The strain was then later perfected by both Matt and Josh D. 

If you want to give OG Kush a try or indulge in any of the other Kush variants we mentioned above, visit your nearest Embarc (opens in new tab) dispensary. Enjoy high-quality cannabis at unbelievable prices!