Whether you call it Deadhead, Deadhead OG Kush, Deadhead OG or plain old Dead Head, this potent strain has no shortage of names (or fans). No secret why: Deadhead OG strain delivers a long-lasting body high, noted mental relaxation, and notes of pine, dank earth, and skunk.
Whatever you choose to call it, this potent indica-dominant hybrid strain is well worth checking out. Keep reading to learn more about this iconic strain’s effects, flavors, aromas, genetics and more.
Are you ready? Let’s get rolling!
Deadhead OG: Strain Origin and Genetics
As most any cannabis fan knows, the name “Deadhead” is a reference to the Grateful Dead, the decades-spanning psychedelic rock band that played a massive (and often underappreciated) role in shaping the international counterculture of the past half century and beyond. If you’ve laid eyes on a groovy-looking guy or gal sporting a tie-dyed shirt and jeans, you’re looking at a Deadhead…and there’s a good chance at some point or another they’ve sampled Deadhead OG.
Deadhead OG is an award-winning strain that’s found lasting fame since bursting onto the cannabis scene in the oughts. The strain was first bred by Skunk VA of renowned seed bank Cali Connection, an umbrella organization for some of California’s best growers. While the group might lack the public profile of a Jungle Boys or Mr. Sherbinski, over the years they’ve produced a remarkable array of strains, many of which have earned international acclaim (and Cannabis Cup victories).
Is the Deadhead OG Strain Sativa or Indica?
Like the majority of cannabis strains, Deadhead OG is technically a hybrid, combining characteristics of both indica and sativa strains. Indicas, of course, impart more body-centered relaxing tendencies, while sativa strains are associated with cerebral and energizing qualities.
Even with both indica and sativa genetics, most cultivators (and those who’ve sampled Deadhead OG) agree that the sativa side wins out. Deadhead OG can claim descent from Chemdawg—a true legend of the cannabis world—along with the lesser-known SFV OG Kush, a classic, heavily sedating indica.
Here’s a bit more about these parent strains:
Chemdawg 91
While Chemdawg’s origins are mysterious—was it bred by shadowy East Coast breeder Chemdawg? is it descended from a Thai landrace strain?—one thing’s not in doubt. With an average THC level of 21% and a powerful aroma of Diesel fuel crossed with lemon and pine, this enduring strain is a pungent and memorable sativa-leaning hybrid.
SFV OG Kush
In marked contrast with the sativa-leaning Chemdawg, this Kush variant is a classic, down-the-line indica. With a bracing aroma sometimes described as “lemon-scented cleaner mixed with pine,” this potent strain imparts strong relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and stress.
How Strong is the Deadhead OG Strain?
While it doesn’t approach the record-breaking heights of the most potent strains on the market, the Deadhead OG strain isn’t exactly a lightweight. With THC levels that typically test around the 22% mark, it’s one strain to approach with caution and respect.
There’s one other thing to note about Deadhead OG: It typically contains somewhere in the neighborhood of 1% CBG. As studies suggest, this minor cannabinoid imparts some very intriguing properties. For one thing, it may act as a non-intoxicating stress and anxiety reducer. And recent research points to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potentially major contributor to the “entourage effect.”
Deadhead OG Strain Effects
What’s the Deadhead OG experience feel like? To some extent all hybrid strains combine the body-centered, relaxing attributes of indicas with the cerebral stimulation associated with sativas. As we referenced a moment ago, in the case of Deadhead OG strain those sativa attributes win out—but only barely.
This means that along with some chatty, sociable, and giggly effects, you can look forward to euphoria, deep relaxation, and mental calm as the early rush of sensations fades. So while this isn’t necessarily a strain that makes you want to jump up and run a 5K, it’s a great choice for chilling out on the couch after a long day. Maybe that’s why so many fans report that Deadhead OG strain effects help them manage stress, low mood, and pain.
Deadhead OG Scent, Taste, and Appearance
Often described as “hearty,” the Deadhead OG strain is nothing if not full-flavored. With notes of dank earth, skunk, and pine, it’s quite a mouthful (and a noseful).
Then there’s the bag appeal. Expect fluffy buds in varying shades of mossy green, woven through with pistils—the flower’s female reproductive organs—in shades of bright yellow running to amber. Add in a layer of trichomes—the tiny glands that produce the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes—and you’ll agree this is quite one bud to behold!
As with all cannabis strains, Deadhead OG’s aromatic and flavor profile is due to its terpene profile, the collection of fragrant “essential oils” that give this (and all other) strains their unique flavors and scents. Here’s a guided tour of the Deadhead OG strain’s dominant terpenes:
Caryophyllene
Bold, spicy, and peppery, caryophyllene is associated with a complex and memorable blend of flavors. But as studies suggest, it also imparts calming and relaxing effects. Research supports its potential anxiolytic and anti-depressive effects, and there’s indication it works in tandem with THC and CBD to impart subtle pain-killing effects too.
Myrcene
Sometimes referred to as “the mother of all terpenes,” myrcene is as vital to the terpenesphere as THC is to the rest of the cannabinoids. Believed to be a major contributor to the ensemble effect—the phenomenon by which cannabis compounds work better in partnership—myrcene has also been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. And it’s regarded as a key player in what many of us know as the classically earthy, musky, and dank “weed smell.”
Limonene
Do you detect the scent of fresh lemons in your smoke? It’s a safe bet that you’re sniffing limonene. Limonene contributes a citrusy aroma, but there’s more: clinical studies suggest that its aroma has a natural mood-boosting effect. Further research supports the notion that limonene imparts a broad anti-depressant effect and may also serve as a neuroprotective agent.
Linalool
Another terpene with a naturally calming aroma, linalool is most associated with the herb lavender. While herbalists have relied on its stress-relieving qualities for centuries, modern-day studies suggest that linalool may help reverse the cognitive impairment and memory loss caused by neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s.
Growing Deadhead OG: What to Know
According to those who’ve tried, Deadhead OG demands at least some prior growing experience. But as a relatively compact plant, it’s a boon to those with limited grow space and when carefully tended, can kick out a respectable yield. Here are some specifics.
Preferred Climate
Preferring a Mediterranean climate, Deadhead OG can do well both indoors and out. But for those cultivating inside, make sure to provide adequate ventilation and airflow. Otherwise, those dense, compact leaves and branches can develop mold or other problems. Seasoned growers stress that employing strategic pruning and training techniques such as topping or low-stress training can help manage height while encouraging an even canopy and optimal light penetration.
Flowering Time
Though different growers report differing flowering times, you can plan on a roughly 9-week flowering time for Deadhead OG. If you’ve gone the outdoors route, this means you’ll likely be harvesting in late September or early October.
Yield
When it’s carefully tended, Deadhead OG can produce a moderate-to-strong yield. While sources vary, many report harvesting 500 – 600 grams per square meter indoors and up to 700 grams per plant outdoors.
Shop Iconic Strains at Your Local Mission
A much-loved sativa-leaning hybrid, Deadhead OG brings on mental calm, a durable body high, and a sprinkling of giggles and mental relaxation—all riding on wafts of dank earth, skunk, and pine. In this sense it’s a great “switch-hitter” of a strain, equally adept at supporting your social goals as well as providing symptomatic relief or a warm end-of-day hug.
Ready to learn more about other unique cannabis strains like Deadhead OG? At our strain review library, you’ll find in-depth guides to such strains such as Candy Cake strain, the Planet of the Grapes, and other must-try strains.
And if you’re eager to try Deadhead OG strain for yourself, choose the closest Massachusetts or Illinois Mission dispensary location. Our team of dedicated budtenders is on hand to help you find it…or anything else you need to take your day higher`.
