OG Kush Marijuana Strain Information & Review

Sophia Delphi December 05, 2022 - 6 min read
Fact Checked
Close up of OG Kush strain in white background

If you’re not familiar with OG Kush, there’s a good chance you’re new to the weed world because OG Kush may be the most legendary strain of all time. This bud really is OG; it’s been a favorite of smokers since the 1990s and has been used to create other landmark strains like Girl Scout Cookies.

OG Kush (sometimes called Premium OG Kush, or simply Kush or OGK) is a hybrid that can lean either indica or sativa, depending on the cultivator, but its indica effects are usually more prominent. It delivers an uplifting and euphoric head high along with a body melt that can be moderate to strong and eventually sedating.

This is obviously a Kush, heavy on the earthy and citrus scents and flavors that make it dank and extremely enjoyable for veteran smokers. And the experience is just as good: social, relaxing, and classic.

Effects and Side Effects

If you wanted a non-smoker to experience what it’s like to get high for the first time, OG Kush would deliver the message loud and clear.

The bud is eager to deliver, taking effect after the first couple of tokes. The initial euphoric and uplifting head rush can be startling in its intensity; blissful, happy feelings arrive seemingly out of nowhere and brush away any stress or concerns standing in their way. It’s an extremely sociable buzz, inspiring chattiness, giggling fits, and an inevitable attack of the munchies.

That’s when the other side of OG Kush kicks in with calm relaxation that extends throughout the entire body. The happiness remains but is likely to become more chill and a bit calmer. The body stone can lock less-experienced users to the couch pretty quickly, and even heavy smokers can find themselves slowing down noticeably.

Over time, sedation may arrive, followed by a long and satisfying nap.

Some users, particularly newer ones, may feel somewhat spaced out when smoking OG Kush. Many others simply feel their senses enhanced. Inexperienced folks may also experience anxiety or paranoia, particularly if they are already dealing with existing anxiety issues. Dry mouth and eyes — and coughing — are common side effects for other users.

Positive Effects:

  • Energy: 2/5
  • Creative: 2/5
  • Pain: 4/5
  • Stress: 5/5
  • Sleep: 3/5
  • Mood: 5/5

Negative Effects:

  • Paranoid: 3/5
  • Dry Mouth: 4/5
  • Dry Eyes: 4/5
  • Lethargy: 4/5
  • Cough: 5/5

Bottom Line: The classic OG Kush strain delivers a classic weed high: euphoria that’s uplifting, sociable, and downright fun, along with a strongly-relaxing body buzz that puts most users on the couch.

Medical Conditions

Those with both physical and mental health concerns have relied on OG Kush for decades. In fact, the strain has been very popular with California MMJ patients since the 1990s.

The soaring and happy head high is valued by users who are trying to fight all types of stress, anxiety, and depression. Those with chronic pain, migraines, or nagging injuries say the full-body relaxation and stress relief provided by OK Kush makes it much easier for them to ignore their medical issues for at least a few hours.

And, of course, the other effects of the strain are appreciated by those dealing with other chronic issues. For insomnia sufferers, it’s the ability to induce rest and better sleep; for patients with eating disorders or going through chemo treatment that causes loss of appetite, it’s the munchies. OG Kush is also said to help the latter group with nausea they often experience.

Flavor and Aroma

The scent and taste of this dank weed are as classic as its effects.

The pungency is what you’d expect from a great Kush strain, full of earth, pine, and citrus. That new user we mentioned wouldn’t be surprised by the blast of skunk they’d smell from OG Kush. It’s the classic weed smell.

The bud’s flavor follows the same formula. Sour citrus adds freshness to the earthy and woodsy flavor of the strain, and there’s a little spice and sweetness in there as well.

Flavor and Aroma Ratings:

  • Earthy: 5/5
  • Citrus: 4/5
  • Fruity: 2/5
  • Spice: 3/5
  • Wood: 4/5

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

18% isn’t extremely potent in today’s world, but it’s still an indication of high THC content.

And the OG Kush flower sold in dispensaries often contains much more, anywhere from 20-26%, since growers are always trying to maximize potency. In a nutshell, this strain can quite pack a punch. CBD and CBC content is low, but CBG levels may be a bit higher.

The terpenes myrcene and caryophyllene are two of the primary contributors to the dank aroma and flavor of OG Kush, but the large number of other terps found in the strain provides even more of the weed’s trademark Kush characteristics. Among them: bisabolol, pinene, limonene, and humulene.

Lineage

The mystery around the creation of OG Kush has never been definitively solved, but it’s commonly believed that Chemdawg and Hindu Kush landrace cannabis are two of the strain’s most important ancestors. Others said to possibly be in OG Kush’s lineage are Lemon Thai and Old World Paki Kush.

It’s also not clear exactly where this strain came from. The prevailing backstory says that Florida grower Matt Berger first grew it from a random bag of seeds (under the name Kryptonite) and gave it to California cultivator Josh D, who then gave it to the world. Others believe it was first bred in California, not Florida.

In any event, OG Kush has populated the world with great child strains, including Bruce Banner, many Cookies varieties, and dozens of other OGs and Kushes.

Where to Buy OG Kush Seeds

Just about anywhere. Almost every reputable seed bank and vendor carries OG Kush seeds, including Royal Queen Seeds, Seedsman, Humboldt Seeds, and Homegrown Cannabis. These seeds are available in standard, feminized, and autoflowering versions, although not all suppliers offer all three options.

Many vendors also offer OG Kush clones online, including the Clone Conservatory and HendRX Farms.

Similar Strains

It’s difficult to do better than a classic. However, if you’re looking for weed that delivers an experience somewhat similar to OG Kush, some strains to try include Hellfire OG, GSC, Ghost Train Haze, and other OG and Kush strains like SFV OG and Bubba Kush.

OG Kush Strain Review: FAQ

Q: What genetics are dominant in OG Kush?
A: The strain is generally a balanced hybrid, right around 50% sativa and 50% indica. But since OG Kush has been around for decades, countless cultivators have come up with their own “versions,” and some do lean more indica.

Q: What’s the best OG Kush strain?
A: You can’t go wrong with the original, but it’s widely believed that Fire OG is either the best (or second-best) choice. Marathon OG, Diablo OG, and Truth OG are others that unbiased judges have said belong on any top-five list.