OG Kush is the biggest name in the cannabis business.
But, how much do we really know about the world’s most famous cannabis strain?
As it turns out, not a whole lot. Here’s the real story of OG Kush:
OG Kush history
The history of OG Kush is quite mysterious and shrouded in hearsay. In fact, the plant has been bred, passed around, and manipulated so many times some may argue that there is no “real” OG Kush strain at all.
The plant originated from “bag seed”, which loosely translates to a hodgepodge collection of miscellaneous cannabis seeds.
So, how do we know the lineage of this strain? We don’t! While the plant is expected to be a cross between Chemdawg and Hindu Kush, these are nothing more than educated guesses.
In fact, many of the strains labeled as “OG Kush” in dispensaries may not even be descendants of the “original” OG Kush.
For example, research conducted by Jeffrey Raber, chemistry Ph.D. and founder of the Werk Shop, a cannabis testing facility, has found that strains being labeled and sold as OG Kush vary from dispensary to dispensary. Further, the plants give no indication that they are genetically related.
To make matters more complicated, there’s also quite a lot of debate over what the term “OG” actually means.
As the story goes, this plant was born and raised ocean-side by California growers. It is rumored that a Chemdawg cutting was given to a Los Angeles grower and that cutting was then crossed with a Thai/Kush mix.
However, apart from continued genetic research, there is no way to tell whether or not these rumors are true.
Sill, despite its convoluted and mysterious origin, the OG Kush strain is one of the most popular strains of all time.
OG Kush effects
While some respectable growers offer stabilized OG Kush seeds, this strain may actually be several different plants.
How?
Like humans, in cannabis both mother and father plants pass along different genetic traits to their offspring.
Each OG Kush plant grown from seed is an individual, expressing its own unique genetic traits.
However, not all cannabis strains come from seed.
When breeders stumble upon a particularly good plant, it’s not uncommon for them to make clones from clippings of the plant.
These clones will be genetically identical to their parent strain, though small genetic changes will likely occur over time.
Still, the OG Kush strain is known to produce many different phenotypes.
Each phenotype may produce slightly different effects, making it difficult to predict what type of experience you’ll have with this strain.
For a clearer picture of how the plant may affect you, it’s best to look at what types of chemicals it produces.
OG Kush is famous for its high THC and low CBD content.
This means that consumers can expect a strong psychoactive experience from this plant.
In fact, the THC content in OG Kush strains often reaches higher than 23%.
THC levels over 20% indicate that the plant is quite potent. As a result, this strain likely produces a strong and euphoric boost in mood. Many consumers may also find that their sense of time becomes skewed, smells may seem a little stronger, and colors a little brighter.
In high doses, this plant may cause side effects like racing heartbeat, anxiety, and perhaps sedation.
Medicinal qualities of OG Kush
There’s more to OG Kush than just THC.
The plant is commonly known to produce a mellow and upbeat experience, making it a favorite among medical and adult cannabis consumers alike.
Aroma molecules called terpenes may be to thank for some of the nuances of the OG Kush experience, including its therapeutic benefits.
While all OG Kush samples will produce slightly different results, the cultivar generally produces significant amounts of at least three distinct terpenes. Here are the details:
1. Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes in the cannabis plant.
Also found in basil and lemongrass, this musk-scented aroma molecule is theorized to be at least in part responsible for the sedative and hypnotic effects of some cannabis strains.
In preclinical research, myrcene has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, and pain-fighting effects.
In fact, some have proposed that myrcene is the compound that causes the famous “couch-locking” effect of some cannabis strains.
OG Kush samples often contain fairly high concentrations of myrcene, suggesting that this plant may be helpful for those in need physical relaxation, pain relief, or those seeking a tranquil cannabis experience.
However, the big caveat to this is that human research on the effects of high-myrcene cannabis strains are few and far between.
While these characteristics may be true in mice, the way the terpene affects humans may be quite different.
2. Limonene
The name “limonene” offers the perfect hint as to the aroma of this plant. Unsurprisingly, limonene features a strong lemon-citrus aroma.
Considered slightly energizing, this terpene may provide a sense of uplift.
The citrusy terpene has also demonstrated anti-anxiety and stress-relieving effects in rodents, indicating that it may be useful for improving mood and cultivating a positive sense of wellbeing.
With significant levels of this terpene, OG Kush features a slight citrus aroma and may provide consumers with a relaxing experience that leans toward clear-headed.
Those with anxiety that respond well to THC may enjoy this plant. However, it’s important to keep in mind that high doses of THC may also trigger anxiety in some individuals.
3. Beta-caryophyllene
Already, it’s clear that OG Kush features a musky lemon aroma. Now, it’s time to add some spice.
This plant tends to produce significant levels of the terpene beta-caryophyllene, a common constituent of black pepper.
Like limonene, this spicy terpene may provide relaxing and anti-depressant effects. In fact, early research has found that this terpene alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression in mice.
Should this also apply to humans, the OG Kush strains contain several terpenes that fight stress and promote feelings of relaxation, calmness, and ease.
As luck would have it, this terpene may also be useful as an anti-inflammatory and pain-fighting agent. This would theoretically enhance the pain-fighting properties of this scrumptious cannabis plant.
Strains related to OG Kush
OG Kush phenotypes make up the backbone of many contemporary West Coast hybrids. As one of the most popular strains on the market, it’s no surprise that OG Kush offspring have spread like wildfire.
Some popular OG Kush relatives include:
- OG Headband
- Ogre OG
- San Fernando Valley OG Kush
- Tahoe OG
- White Fire OG Kush
