Even if you’re new to cannabis, you’ve probably heard of the OG Kush strain. A true legend in the cannabis world, OG Kush is widely referenced in pop culture and its effects include powerful bodily relaxation and a potent cerebral lift.
If you’ve ever wondered how and why OG Kush got such an impressive reputation, you’re in the right place. Learn the basics of this unique cultivar, discover its potential effects and benefits, and pick up a few growing tips if you’d like to try your hand at growing this legendary strain.
Putting the OG in OG Kush
Despite its popularity, there’s a lot of mystery surrounding OG Kush. First, most sources disagree on the origin of its name—according to some, the term “OG” stands for “Original Gangster,” or simply “original” in layman’s terms. However, there’s a smaller contingent in the grower community that maintains that “OG” actually means “Ocean Grown,” with some insisting that the name is derived from the use of seaweed and kelp as fertilizers; others believe that the cannabis was simply grown close to the west coast.
As with so many topics surrounding cannabis, we may never know the full answer. But no matter what you call it, one thing’s certain: OG Kush is one of the best-loved and most famous strains of all time. A beautiful cultivar, its buds are bright green with a shock of orange hairs (pistils) and a healthy coating of shimmering trichomes.
Is OG Kush an Indica or Sativa?
When we’re evaluating a given strain of cannabis, one of the first and most important questions is: Is it an indica or a sativa? Indica strains are associated with a relaxing body high, while sativas may impart an energizing cerebral uplift.
Though they’re the major botanical classifications in cannabis, the terms are no longer considered entirely accurate when it comes to linking botany and effects. These days the terms indica and sativa are used as shorthand for two broad categories of effects, with sativa being used to describe uplifting and energizing effects while indica is used to describe more relaxing effects.
Almost all modern strains are hybrids, meaning they contain a blend of indica and sativa genetics—each strain tends to lean further one way than the other. Still, for simplicity, we use the terms to help our customers make informed decisions when purchasing cannabis.
When it comes to OG Kush, its exact genetics can depend on the specific grower, but it typically falls around 45% indica and 55% sativa, making it a fairly balanced hybrid that produces both indica and sativa effects.
What Does OG Kush Smell and Taste Like?
You’ll know OG Kush as soon as you smell it. With a distinctive and powerful aroma that some liken to earth, spice, and diesel fuel, OG Kush is like most other OG strains in that it’s a full-flavored and heavily scented smoke. Many growers point to the strain’s classic Kush genetics as the source of its unique aroma. If your nose is particularly attuned, you may pick up secondary notes, such as wood and a light, sour funk.
Those beguiling scents and flavors come from its terpenes, the fragrant “essential oils” that give fruits, vegetables, and cannabis their unique aromas. The top terpene in OG Kush is α-Humulene, which is found in hops and has that same earthy taste. It also contains Limonene, a citrusy terpene, and β-Linalool, which smells and tastes like lavender.
OG Kush Strain Effects
Terpenes not only contribute to cannabis’s scent, but they may also have medicinal benefits. OG Kush’s primary terpene, α-Humulene, has been shown to have powerful antimicrobial effects. One study found it effective against the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, while another found that as an anti-inflammatory, it was as effective as the steroid Dexamethasone.
Thanks to its diverse genetic background, OG Kush has the potential to impart a wide range of other beneficial effects. Along with its intense euphoric rush, you can expect a cerebral high that can induce a happy, giggly, and sociable experience. Some artists have reported that it imparts a special, creative spark to help them get in the zone.
Once the initial euphoria has faded, OG Kush may lull you into a deep state of relaxation.
Growing OG Kush Cannabis Plants
Even if you have experience cultivating cannabis, be forewarned: Growing OG Kush isn’t for beginners. This strain can be temperamental and may get upset if you don’t get your environmental conditions dialed in.
First, if you’re growing it indoors or in a greenhouse, keep the surrounding temperature between 65 and 80°F. You’ll also want to keep the relative humidity around 40%—you need to keep your plants moist and happy, but you don’t want to promote mold. Harvest time will come after roughly 8 to 9 weeks. If you successfully nurture your OG Kush plant through harvest day, you’ll be rewarded with average yields of 17 ounces per square meter.
When growing outdoors, experts suggest you wait as long as possible before the first frost to plant your seeds. Outdoor yields can often reach 16 ounces per plant.
Shop Premium OG Kush at Mission
With a high potency, memorable aroma, and some nice effects, it’s no surprise OG Kush is a superstar of the cannabis world.
Load up your pipe with high-grade cannabis from Mission. Find OG Kush and other strains from a rotating online menu full of your favorites. Depending on your location, you can get it delivered right to your door.
Have more questions about OG Kush or other cannabis-related topics? Stop by any of our locations and ask our friendly budtenders for more information—we’re here to help!
