What is Kush and what are the best Kush strains?

29 Apr.,2024

 

What is Kush and what are the best Kush strains?

Kush is a word that’s highly popular across the cannabis industry. In fact, it’s one of the most widely used adjectives to describe top-shelf weed. But do you truly know the kush meaning or what’s the difference between cannabis kush strains? If not, no worries - we’ve put together the ultimate guide to cannabis kush including an in-depth guide to different types of kush strains, too.

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What is kush and what does it mean?

Kush is a type of cannabis that is named after the Hindu Kush mountains that span the boarder of Afghanistan and Pakistan from where it originates. It is a landrace indica that provides a relaxing effect with a distinctly earthy, pine taste. These Kush strains were then taken across to the US in the 70's where they were crossed with other genetics to create the Kush strains that we know today such as OG Kush and Bubba Kush.

Now, these indica and indica hybrid genetics are found across the globe thanks to advancements in breeding. Despite the extensive breeding of Kush genetics they all still carry the same genes and therefore have similar characteristics, effects and flavors.

Dried OG Kush bud

What are kush strains like?

Appearance

Kush strains typically boast deep-green colas with eye-catching hints of purple, and vibrant amber or orange pistils. The kush bud structure is normally dense and quite hefty, and plants tend to pack on weight as they grow.

Scent & flavor

Different types of kush strains deliver varying aromas and flavors depending on the exact genetics. Overall, cannabis kush strains tend to have a gassy, floral, pine and earthy aroma that delivers a citrus, earthy and fruity diesel like taste.

What are the effects of kush weed?

Because kush strains tend to be indica dominant kush effects follow suit. That means you can expect intense relaxing types of effects, that can be cerebrally introspective and uplifting for the mood, too. The soothing and comforting effects make many kush strains ideal for medical consumers.

Cannabis kush strains have become so synonymous with top-notch cannabis that kush is now even used to describe any good weed. Which may have to do with the number of High Times cannabis cups kush strains have been awarded or how high-quality their genetics tend to be.

Guide to Growing Cannabis Kush Strains 

OG Kush strain flowering in outdoor grow

Before you begin cultivating indica kush strains, there’s a few things you should know about how they grow. For one, like any true indica cannabis kush plants grow short and stocky. Meaning, they’re ideal for indoor environments that are limited on ceiling space. One other factor to keep in mind is kush strains can be quite pungent. So, you may want to maximize your odor mitigation practices or avoid growing outdoors if you think your neighbors will be offended by the loud aromas.

Due to their long-standing and stable genetics, kush strains tend to be quite hardy and resistant to common issues. Like cold temperatures, pests and molds. This also makes cannabis kush strains ideal for beginner growers. Overall, popular kush strains are beloved by growers for their shorter than usual life cycles and maximized yields. Even better, kush strains are highly notable for resin-coated, dense buds which make them ideal for making hash, oil or concentrates, too.

What are the best Kush strains?

So now you know what is kush, but what are some of the most popular kush strains available on the market today? Here’s pick of the best Kush strains that you can grow at home.

OG Kush

OG Kush is probably one of the most famous kush strain, or strains in general available on the market today. The indica dominant hybrid delivers a lively, and uplifting euphoria along with its soothing and comforting effects. In fact, High Times itself has ranked OG Kush as the #1 strain of all time. OG Kush easily reaches 19-22% THC making it a highly potent and pleasurable experience, all-around.

STRAIN

CHARACTERISTICS

THC%:20%-24% Flowering Time:8-10 Weeks Outdoor harvest:Early October Yield:400-500gr/m² Indica/Sativa:Indica Dominant Height:Medium: 100cm-180cm Difficulty:Medium CBD Content:<1% Climate:Tropical, Sub Tropical, Warm Medical Conditions:Depression, Pain, Stress Seed Type:Regular, Feminized Genetics:Chemdawg x Hindu Kush Effects:Relaxing Taste:Pine, Woody, Earthy Terpene:Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene

Godfather OG

Unless you have been living under a rock for the last couple of years you will have heard of the Godfather OG strain. First launched in 2013, Godfather OG has won multiple cannabis cups including Best Indica at High Times 2013. Known for its impressive potency and intense highs, Godfather OG clocks in at a whopping 34% THC. It is easy to grow, and produces yields of up to 600g/m2 giving you plenty of knock-out, couch-locking weed to smoke. If you want to grow the best potent Kush strain then you can't beat Godfather OG.

STRAIN

CHARACTERISTICS

THC%:Over 25% Flowering Time:8-10 Weeks Outdoor harvest:End Of September, Early October Yield:500-600gr/m² Indica/Sativa:Indica Dominant Height:Medium: 100cm-180cm Difficulty:Easy CBD Content:<1% Climate:Temperate, Mediterranean Medical Conditions:Anxiety, Insomnia, Stress Seed Type:Feminized Genetics:XXX OG x Alpha OG Effects:Calming, Relaxing, Uplifting Taste:Fruity, Sweet, Woody Terpene:Myrcene, Limonene, Beta-Caryophyllene

Kush Mints

A hybrid cross of Animal Mints and Bubba Kush - Kush Mints is an indica dominant strain that produces yields of up to 600g per square meter with THC levels around the 25% mark. If you want a highly potent and great tasting Kush cannabis strain then look no further than Kush Mints. To smoke Kush Mints is a delight offering up a fast hitting and euphoric high that will leave you feeling relaxed and ready for a deep sleep.

STRAIN

CHARACTERISTICS

THC%:Over 25% Flowering Time:8-10 Weeks Outdoor harvest:End Of September Yield:500-600gr/m² Indica/Sativa:Indica Dominant Height:Tall: 180cm-220cm Difficulty:Easy CBD Content:<1% Climate:Temperate, Warm, Mediterranean Medical Conditions:Depression, Nausea, Pain, Stress Seed Type:Feminized Genetics:Animal Mints x Bubba Kush Effects:Arousing, Relaxing, Uplifting Taste:Mint, Pine, Coffee Terpene:Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool

Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush has been around for almost 20 years and for good reason. The cross of OG Kush x Afgani is an 80% indica dominant hybrid that’s optimal for nighttime use and sedation. The cannabis kush strain is well-known for tranquilizing effects with THC content ranging from 16-19%. Medical consumers are quite fond of Bubba Kush for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety, while keeping the mind focused and alert.

STRAIN

CHARACTERISTICS

THC%:16%-19% Flowering Time:8-10 Weeks Outdoor harvest:Mid October Yield:400-500gr/m² Indica/Sativa:Indica Dominant Height:Medium: 100cm-180cm Difficulty:Easy CBD Content:1-2% Climate:Warm Medical Conditions:Depression, Insomnia, Pain, Stress Seed Type:Feminized Genetics:OG Kush x Afghani Effects:Calming, Relaxing, Uplifting Taste:Sweet Hashish, Coffee, Chocolate Terpene:Myrcene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Alpha-Pinene

Hindu Kush

Hindu Kush is one of the OG’s of strains today and is named for the original mountain range that all kushes came from. It’s one of the very few pure indicas available on the market today, and is highly sought after by medical consumers for its soothing and calming effects. While Hindu Kush effects may be slow to set in, once they do expect to be couchlocked and fully relaxed.  Growing wise, and consuming wise, Hindu Kush is also recognizable for its maximized resin production making it ideal for hash or concentrates.

STRAIN

CHARACTERISTICS

THC%:16%-19% Flowering Time:8-10 Weeks Outdoor harvest:End Of September Yield:400-500gr/m² Indica/Sativa:Pure Indica Height:Medium: 100cm-180cm Difficulty:Easy CBD Content:<1% Climate:Sub Tropical, Temperate, Warm, Cool, High Altitude Medical Conditions:Insomnia, Pain, Stress Seed Type:Feminized Genetics:Landrace Effects:Calming, Relaxing Taste:Herbal, Lemon, Pine Terpene:Limonene, Caryophyllene, Myrcene

Master Kush

Master Kush gained much of its notoriety as being a favorite strain of Snoop Dogg. While it has elusive origins, it’s been around the block for quite some time and is one of the most notable indica dominant hybrids today. When looking at Master Kush vs OG Kush the two strains share many traits, including an uplifting and euphoric type of high. As the buzz goes on the kush effects become ultimately relaxing and quite sedating. Master Kush usually produces 19-22% THC and is a multiple-time High Times cannabis cup winner, too.

STRAIN

CHARACTERISTICS

THC%:20%-24% Flowering Time:8-10 Weeks Outdoor harvest:End Of September Yield:500-600gr/m² Indica/Sativa:Indica Dominant Height:Medium: 100cm-180cm Difficulty:Easy CBD Content:1-2% Climate:Temperate, Warm, Cool, High Altitude Medical Conditions:Pain, Stress Seed Type:Regular, Feminized Genetics:Hindu Kush x Skunk Effects:Calming, Relaxing Taste:Pungent, Earthy, Spicy Terpene:Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Limonene

Pineapple Kush

Pineapple Kush is one of the newcomerss to the kush strain block but is just as high-quality as the rest. The highly potent indica dominant hybrid comes from a cross of OG Pineapple x Master Kush for a delightful end-result. With 19-22% THC and low levels of CBD, Pineapple Kush is just as popular with medical consumers as its other kush strain counterparts. Its kush effects will relax the body, while producing an uplifting, creative and euphoric buzz that brings on the giggles and the munchies.

STRAIN

CHARACTERISTICS

THC%:20%-24% Flowering Time:8-10 Weeks Outdoor harvest:Early October Yield:400-500gr/m² Indica/Sativa:Indica Dominant Height:Medium: 100cm-180cm Difficulty:Medium CBD Content:<1% Climate:Tropical, Sub Tropical, Warm Medical Conditions:Depression, Pain, Stress Seed Type:Regular, Feminized Genetics:Chemdawg x Hindu Kush Effects:Relaxing Taste:Pine, Woody, Earthy Terpene:Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene

Is Kush indica or sativa?

Most Kush strains are indica dominant, this is because the original Kush strains come from the Hindu Kush mountains, which span the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Cannabis strains from this region are 100% Indica landraces. However, nowadays there have been lots of hybrid crosses containing Kush genetics such as Kush Mints which is only 70% indica dominant. There will be some hybrids that contain Kush genetics that lean more towards the sativa side too, although generally if someone says its a Kush strain it usually means it retains more if the Kush genetics which would mean its more indica dominant.

Add a Little Kush to Your Crops 

If you’re interested in elevating the crops in your commercial or personal grow - look no further than the quality of cannabis kush strains. Different types of kush like the popular kush strains we covered today are infamous for producing high-quality crops, maximized yields, and effects that are highly soothing for nighttime use. So, try your hand at adding some kush to your cannabis routines. Shop MSNL’s full collection of cannabis kush genetics for high quality end-results.

Origin and Legacy of Hindu Kush: A True Marijuana Titan

Hindu Kush is the mother of many modern strains, and though it's been around for hundreds of years, growers and tokers still can't get enough of it. Rediscovered by Westerners in the 60s and 70s on the slopes of the Hindu Kush mountains, this marijuana variety boasts a distinct aroma and profoundly relaxing effects coupled with ease of growth.

Hailing from and named after the picturesque, snow-capped Hindu Kush mountain range that stretches from central and eastern Afghanistan into northwestern Pakistan and southeastern Tajikistan, this formidable indica is a cannabis force to be reckoned with. It’s prized for its stable genetics, relaxing effects, and unmistakable, classic aroma, all of which have secured it a spot among the top weed strains of all time. Thanks to years of inbreeding, the Hindu Kush strain is robust and can be grown in a variety of environments with equal success, producing good yields and plenty of sparkling trichomes. Read on to discover its rich history and legacy.

Interesting Facts About Hindu Kush

Hindu Kush is a favorite among hash lovers due to the glistening, thick layer of resin on the buds. This trait was developed as a response to the strain’s harsh native environment, protecting it from low temperatures and other difficult weather conditions.

Meanwhile, growers cherish this variety for its robust genetics and uncomplicated, easygoing growing cycle. Furthermore, the THC content in Hindu Kush weed is generally high, amounting to up to 20%, resulting in pronounced relaxing effects that work their way all around your body. Besides potency, tokers also love the distinctive aroma this strain emanates, with musky, earthy notes dancing on the tongue and spicy, sandalwood undertones complementing the scent perfectly. No wonder this strain made it onto High Times’ list of the 25 best varieties of all time.

Hindu Kush mountain range in Afghanistan

Hindu Kush Genetics: Indica or Sativa?

There are as many fans of indicas as there are of sativas, and there’s also a big fan base of balanced hybrids offering the best of both worlds. Where does Hindu Kush fall when it comes to these categories? It’s a landrace indica plant—something it exhibits proudly in its morphology.

In terms of appearance, plants are shorter and bushier than most sativas. A true indica in the physical stone it produces, Hindu Kush offers head-to-toe relaxation, and is best suited to chill activities like meditation, watching films, or just sitting on the sofa with your feet up.

The History of Hindu Kush Cannabis

After growing wildly in its native region for potentially hundreds of years, Hindu Kush was eventually brought to the United States in seed form by travellers in the 1960s and 1970s. The variety became an instant success, and breeders quickly got to work inbreeding the genetics to ensure uniform specimens. Furthermore, Hindu Kush has been bred with many other strains over the years, forming the genetic backbone of all manner of modern cannabis varieties.

As the climate of the Hindu Kush mountains is harsh, plants adapted to thrive in less than perfect environments, and are indifferent to temperature changes. Moreover, they don’t need much time to mature their flowers. Hindu Kush plants are short, dense, and hardy, with broad green leaves and a bushy structure.

Local farmers have been growing cannabis for generations, after which they process it into the world’s most famous hashish. Although Afghanistan is believed to have one of the oldest cannabis cultures in the world, the production and sale of hashish changed greatly in the 1970s, when, due to international pressure, many cannabis farms were destroyed and farmers arrested.

Hindu Kush Strain Hindu Kush Strain

How Exactly Did Hindu Kush Make It to the West?

Western travellers are largely responsible for disseminating Hindu Kush genetics around the world. They did so upon finding seeds on the infamous “Hippie Trail”. This overland route started in Europe and led through South Asia and countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, culminating in Thailand.

As the name suggests, it was particularly popular with members of the hippie subculture, and the goal was to travel for as long as possible, doing it on a shoestring. The trail enjoyed popularity from the mid-1950s to the late 1970s, and besides people hitchhiking, there were cheap private buses and plenty of cafes and cheap accommodation on the way. As marijuana was also very popular back then, many travellers were searching for new weed varieties.

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Dutch seedbanks claims to have been in possession of Hindu Kush genetics since the 1980s, but sources don’t mention any particular breeder as the first person to introduce the strain to the Western world.

What’s Landrace Cannabis?

Landrace cannabis strains are wild-growing plants that have adapted to a particular region of the world. These plants evolve in such a way that they are able to not only survive, but thrive in the area, which means they carry strong, robust genetics.

Hindu Kush is such a plant, and its genetics have made their way into many modern varieties that we know and love. Other landraces from the area include Afghani, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Lashkar.

Effects and THC Content of Hindu Kush

A pure indica, the Hindu Kush strain doesn’t disappoint in the slightest when it comes to the smoking experience. The THC content developed by its flowers sits at around 17–20%, packing a decent punch.

A few tokes will treat you to a soothing, powerful body stone that will thoroughly relax your mind and body. All worries and tension will be washed away, and you will be ready to kick your feet up and enjoy the afternoon or evening ahead, free of tension and light as a feather.

Hindu Kush is a great choice for the evening, and it’s best enjoyed after you’ve cleared your to-do list. Plan a quiet night in, perhaps with a movie and plenty of snacks at hand. It makes for a superb lazy weekend strain too, when all you want is to take it easy and enjoy peaceful relaxation.

Hindu Kush Taste and Effects Hindu Kush Effects

Flavors and Aromas of Hindu Kush

You know it’s Hindu Kush weed as soon as you take the first whiff. The terpenes in these flowers are plentiful, creating an unmistakable fragrance.

Citrus-scented limonene is the most prominent terpene in the aromatic bouquet of Hindu Kush. Caryophyllene and pinene are also quite abundant, providing aromas of pepper and pine respectively.

Besides being citrusy, spicy, and piney, the aroma of Hindu Kush has hints of sandalwood and other nuances—definitely what dank weed should smell like. In terms of flavor, you can expect sweet notes mixed with herbs and citrus, making for a well-rounded, pleasant experience.

The Entourage Effect in Hindu Kush

The cannabis plant is full of phytochemicals that are proposed to interact with one another in beneficial ways when consumed. This synergistic relationship is known as the entourage effect. These chemicals include the likes of THC and CBD, but also aromatic terpenes. Let’s look at the entourage effect potential of Hindu Kush:

  • Terpenes like limonene and pinene are said to enhance the potency[1] of THC in CB1 receptor activation.
  • Pinene is claimed to aid memory[2], potentially minimising the effects of THC on that process.
  • Limonene has been reported to boost serotonin and dopamine levels[3].
  • Caryophyllene is unique in the sense that it interacts with CB2 receptors[4] that are associated with pain and inflammation.
Hindu Kush Taste

How to Grow Hindu Kush Cannabis

If you’re new to the growing game or looking to cultivate your first photoperiod variety, you shouldn’t be afraid of Hindu Kush plants. In fact, it’s a beginner-friendly strain, and it will surely thrive in the hands of an experienced cannabis grower in any setup, including hydroponics. You can rear this variety indoors or out with equal success, even in less than desirable conditions. Hindu Kush is hardy and robust, reaching approximately 58.5 inches and producing up to 14.1 oz. Perfect for a SOG, this resinous variety usually forms a large central cola.

Hindu Kush enjoys 16–18 hours of sunlight during vegetative stage, with relative humidity at 60–70%. Although generally ready for flowering after 3 weeks of veg, let it grow longer for best results. Flowering is quite fast, taking 7–8 weeks indoors. During this stage, humidity should be reduced to 40–50% for early flowering, and to 30–40% for the last couple weeks before harvest. Outdoors, plants will be ready for the shears by the end of September.

Legacy of Hindu Kush and Its Impact on the Cannabis Scene

Hindu Kush is not only a prized strain on its own, but it’s also been used extensively in cannabis breeding. There are plenty of modern varieties carrying its genetics, making Hindu Kush a genetic backbone of cannabis.

Let’s take a look at some of its most prominent offspring.

OG Kush

OG Kush contains influences from several great weed strains, including Hindu Kush, Chemdawg, and Lemon Thai. Associated with sunny California, OG Kush has a citrusy, fruity aroma with a good dose of pine and fuel. It’s a 75% indica and 25% sativa and it produces uplifting effects powered by 19% THC.

Reaching 58.5 inches indoors and up to 85.8 inches outdoors, this strain pleases the eye with luscious colors, and it doesn’t disappoint when it’s time to harvest either. In optimal conditions, it can produce up to 16.8 oz/m² indoors and 19.4 oz under the sun. OG Kush needs 7–9 weeks to mature its flowers in a grow room, while in a garden it’s ready for the shears in October.

OG Kush
OG Kush Chemdawg x Lemon Thai x Pakistani Kush 15 to 17 oz/m² 3 to 5 feet 7 - 9 weeks THC: 19% Sativa 25% Indica 75% 18 to 19 oz/plant 6 to 7 feet October Calming, Uplifting

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Candy Kush Fast Flowering

This delicious-sounding strain stems from Sweet Special and OG Kush—and it’s a fast flowering version, which means growers can harvest its fragrant flowers within 7 weeks of flowering! Besides speed, Candy Kush boasts a fairly balanced genetic profile of 40% sativa and 60% indica, producing uplifting and relaxing effects. Scrumptious terpenes with aromas of sweet candy and fruit accompany the high, complementing the experience.

Candy Kush is a breeze to grow, so both novices and experienced growers can expect good results. Plants remain compact indoors, maxing out at a stealthy 39 inches, while outdoors they can reach 66.3 inches. Come harvest time, this variety continues to please, producing up to 18.5 oz/m² in controlled environments and up to 17.6 oz outdoors in September.

Purple Queen

This royal member of the Purple family was created by marrying Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani. A pure indica, Purple Queen has an intense aroma blending pine and fuel for a dank experience. Its powerful physical effects (courtesy of 22% THC!) go hand in hand with the heavy aroma, leaving you stuck to your sofa and in need of some snacks.

In the grow room, this variety stays under 39 inches in height, which means it can fit in pretty much any space with ease. It doesn’t require much expertise to cultivate, and if you give it some TLC, you’ll be rewarded with good yields after 8 weeks of flowering (or in mid-September outdoors). Harvests can amount to 17.6 oz/m² indoors or up to a whopping 24.7 oz outdoors.

Purple Queen
Purple Queen Hindu Kush x Purple Afghani 16 to 19 oz/m² 3 to 4 feet 8 - 9 weeks THC: 22% Sativa 25% Indica 75% 23 to 25 oz/plant 6 to 7 feet October Calming, Euphoric

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Royal Kush Automatic

Those who prefer autos also have a variety of high-quality Hindu Kush descendants to choose from, and Royal Kush Automatic is one such strain. Stemming from OG Kush and a ruderalis specimen, this neat autoflower offers a nice mix of effects, catering to both mind and body. It contains 13% THC and boasts a rich aroma of citrus, fruit, and pine with earthy and peppery undertones.

Royal Kush Automatic is a joy to cultivate, as it’s not only fast, but also compact. Plants remain at very manageable heights of 2 – 3 feet indoors and produce up to 12.3 oz/m², while in the garden they can get as tall as 58.5 inches and offer 6 oz. Harvest time is 8–9 weeks after seeds sprout.

Royal Kush Auto
Royal Kush Auto OG Kush x Ruderalis 10 to 12 oz/m² 2 to 3 feet 7 - 8 weeks THC: 13% Sativa 20% Indica 50% Ruderalis 30% 4 to 6 oz/plant 4 to 5 feet 11 - 12 weeks after sprouting Clear, Physically Relaxing

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HulkBerry

Last but not least is the smashing HulkBerry, which is a mix of OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel genetics. These flowers are seriously yummy, with notes of citrus, pepper, herbs, and fuel dancing on your tongue as a THC content of 27% sends you to space. The high is mainly cerebral, lifting users up and clearing their mind.

When it comes to growing this superb specimen, you’re in for a fun ride, as HulkBerry can display several phenos. One leans more to the OG Kush side, one is more of a 50/50 mix between the parent strains, and a third one leans heavily toward Strawberry Diesel. Overall, this variety needs 9–10 weeks of bloom to be ready for harvest indoors, or till early October outdoors. In both environments it delivers rewarding harvests, with 15.9 oz/m² indoors and 24.7 oz outdoors.

HulkBerry
HulkBerry OG Kush x Strawberry Diesel 14 to 16 oz/m² 3 to 5 feet 9 - 11 weeks THC: 27% Sativa 65% Indica 35% 23 to 25 oz/plant 5 to 7 feet Late September Clear, Uplifting

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Hindu Kush: A Legend of Cannabis Past and Present

We can safely say that Hindu Kush is a vital plant in cannabis culture, sustaining its influence through many modern strains. Its rich and long history only adds to the appeal and legendary status. Everyone has heard of this plant, and rightly so. When you have the opportunity to try these influential genetics, you should definitely jump at it. Classics never go out of style, and Hindu Kush proudly sits among very few cannabis giants.

External Resources:

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. https://www.mdpi.com
  4. https://www.sciencedirect.com

Disclaimer:

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This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.