OG Kush is a hybrid cannabis strain with 20-25% THC, known for its woody aroma and relaxed and happy effects. It’s a popular choice for stress, anxiety, pain.
Quick Facts: OG Kush
| Strain Type: | Hybrid |
| THC Content: | 20-25% |
| CBD Content: | <1% |
| Primary Effects: | Relaxed, Happy, Euphoric, Uplifted, Sleepy |
| Flavors: | Woody, Pine, Earthy, Pungent |
| Growing Difficulty: | Difficult |
| Flowering Time: | 8-10 weeks |
| Best For: | Stress, Anxiety, Pain, Depression, Insomnia |
Last updated: February 27, 2026
I’ll never forget the first OG Kush I ran in my Denver tent — those dense, sticky buds and the unmistakable pine-citrus funk hit me even before week 6 of flower. You can spot an OG in veg by its dark, broad leaves and lanky, stretch-prone frame. OG Kush is a hybrid cannabis strain bred from Chemdawg crossed with Lemon Thai and Pakistani Kush, with THC levels of 19–26%. With 5,676 community reviews averaging 4.3/5, OG Kush’s reputation is earned in both the grow room and the bowl. This one has a loyal following, and once you’ve worked with it, you get why.
Origins and Genetics of OG Kush
OG Kush’s genetics trace back to a cross between Chemdawg and the Lemon Thai x Pakistani Kush hybrid, resulting in an indica-dominant hybrid (about 75% Indica, 25% Sativa). There’s always been some debate in old-school circles about the exact parentage, but this Chemdawg/Lemon Thai/Pakistani Kush combo is the most agreed upon from breeders and growers who’ve run it for years. Some folks throw around “Hindu Kush” instead, but I’ve always found the Chemdawg/Lemon Thai version closer to what’s in most seedbank packs. This lineage is why OG Kush brings that heavy, gassy punch and complex terp profile. It’s not just about the buzz — the blend brings together Chemdawg’s diesel funk, the Pakistani Kush’s earthy backbone, and a twist of citrus from Lemon Thai. That’s why you’ll hear growers, especially on r/microgrowery, talking about “that OG funk” and how it’s become the backbone for so many modern classics — think Girl Scout Cookies, Headband, Tahoe OG, and more. The original OG Kush cut made waves in California in the mid-‘90s. Once its clone-only version started circulating, the West Coast scene was changed forever. “OG” — whether you’re in the “Ocean Grown” or “Original Gangster” camp — has become a whole family of phenos and crosses. I remember swapping clones with a buddy back in 2012 and instantly understanding why breeders keep chasing the OG structure and terpene profile. This is a parent plant that throws real character, not just potency.
OG Kush buds on drying rack on balcony with fabric pots and tomato cages.” class=”wp-image-4612″ style=”width: 100%; border-radius: 8px;” srcset=”/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/og-kush-strain-review-10.jpg 1376w, /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/og-kush-strain-review-10-300×167.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/og-kush-strain-review-10-1024×572.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/og-kush-strain-review-10-768×429.jpg 768w, /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/og-kush-strain-review-10-600×335.jpg 600w” sizes=”(max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px” />Growing OG Kush: Complete Guide
OG Kush’s flowering time is 8–10 weeks indoors, and most growers rate it as moderately difficult due to its stretch and sensitivity to humidity. This isn’t a strain I’d recommend for a very first run, but if you’ve got a couple harvests under your belt, it’s well worth the effort. The plant structure is what really sets OG Kush apart. Expect tall, lanky growth, especially during the first two weeks of flower. I’ve seen a single OG Kush nearly double its height after flip, so topping and training (LST, SCROG, or even a little supercropping) are almost mandatory if you want to keep the canopy under control. These girls love to reach for the light, and the internodal spacing can get wild if you’re not proactive. Flowering usually wraps up around week 9 indoors, but some cuts can push to 10 weeks for max resin and flavor. Across multiple Growdiaries logs, experienced cultivators consistently pull 450–550g/m² indoors under optimized conditions. Outdoors, you’re looking at 500–700g per plant if you give them plenty of sun and dry air — but watch out, because OG Kush is notorious for being susceptible to powdery mildew and bud rot, especially in humid climates.
💡 Quick tip: Keep your VPD dialed and run oscillating fans 24/7 in late flower. OG Kush hates stagnant, moist air — that’s how you lose colas to rot.
Nutrient-wise, OG Kush is a bit finicky. She doesn’t want heavy feeding early on, and I’ve seen leaf tip burn from folks pushing too much nitrogen or PK boosters. Let her dry out between waterings, and go easy on the nutes until you see what your pheno wants. The payoff? Dense, resin-caked nugs that trim beautifully — just be ready to work those trimmers, because OG likes to stack calyxes tight. If you’re going for the full flavor, extend the flush in the last 10–14 days and watch those trichomes. I like to harvest when I see 10-15% amber; the effect is heavy but not completely sedative. Ready to run OG Kush in your own setup? Get OG Kush seeds here — ships discreet with germination guarantee.
Appearance, Aroma and Flavor Profile
OG Kush buds are dense and chunky, with a bright lime-green color and a thick coat of sticky trichomes. The calyxes stack tightly, and you’ll usually see a few orange hairs (pistils) peeking out from the frost. It’s the kind of flower that gunked up my grinder after just a couple nugs — always a good sign. The dominant terpene is myrcene, giving OG Kush that earthy, herbal base, while limonene and caryophyllene layer in lemon zest and spicy, skunky notes. The first whiff hits you with pine and diesel, but break open a bud and you’ll get a blast of citrus and, honestly, something almost like floor cleaner (in the best way). That’s the Lemon Thai ancestry coming through. Taste-wise, OG Kush coats your palate with earth, pine, and a lingering sour-gas funk. The exhale is surprisingly smooth for how pungent it smells — I always get a lemon-pepper aftertaste, especially in the last few hits of a bowl. Maya Chen actually did a write-up on the myrcene and limonene levels in my last harvest, and her lab results lined up exactly with what I tasted: earthy, citrus, and a heavy, skunky punch.
OG Kush plants.” class=”wp-image-4613″ style=”width: 100%; border-radius: 8px;” srcset=”/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/og-kush-cannabis-plant-11.jpg 1376w, /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/og-kush-cannabis-plant-11-300×167.jpg 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/og-kush-cannabis-plant-11-1024×572.jpg 1024w, /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/og-kush-cannabis-plant-11-768×429.jpg 768w, /wp-content/uploads/2026/02/og-kush-cannabis-plant-11-600×335.jpg 600w” sizes=”(max-width: 1376px) 100vw, 1376px” />Effects and Experience
OG Kush’s primary effects are heavy relaxation and euphoria, kicking in within 5–10 minutes and peaking for up to two hours. Most users (and I’d back this up) describe the initial high as a wave of mental uplift, quickly followed by a strong body-melt. It’s a strain that doesn’t mess around. The first 30 minutes deliver a rush of happy, creative energy — perfect for winding down after work or kicking back with music. That’s when the “euphoric but grounded” vibe sets in. As the high peaks, you’ll notice time stretching out, thoughts drifting, and a warm heaviness in your body. By the hour mark, you’re deep in couch territory. Appetite ramps up, and if you’re not careful, you’ll eat everything in the kitchen. Sedation creeps in late — this is not a morning strain unless you’ve got nothing planned. Among community platform’s 5,676 reviews (4.3 average), the most common effects are “happy” (61%), “relaxed” (60%), and “euphoric” (55%).
“I love OG Kush for late evenings — it melts my body into the chair, but my mind still buzzes with ideas. That pine-citrus funk makes every hit feel special, and the high lasts just long enough to finish a movie and still fall asleep happy.”
— Darrel Henderson, Cannabis Cultivation Specialist & Strain Reviewer
| Effect Category | Intensity (1-10) | Onset | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euphoria | 8 | 5-10 min | 1.5-2 hrs |
| Relaxation | 9 | 5-10 min | 2-3 hrs |
| Creativity | 4 | 10-15 min | 30-60 min |
| Pain Relief | 7 | 10-20 min | 2-3 hrs |
| Appetite | 7 | 20-30 min | 2-3 hrs |
| Sedation | 8 | 40-60 min | 2-4 hrs |
Medical Benefits and Therapeutic Uses
The most commonly reported medical use for OG Kush is stress and anxiety relief, according to user data and community reports. With THC levels running 19–26% and CBD well below 1%, OG Kush is all about harnessing that heavy indica-leaning entourage effect. Patients often mention relief from chronic pain, muscle tension, and even stubborn insomnia — that body-heavy sedation is no joke. For people dealing with anxiety or mood disorders, that “happy, relaxed” onset is a real draw. Many community reviewers specifically call out the mental calm and mood lift, and I’ve known folks who use OG Kush in the evenings to help unwind after a tough day. The appetite stimulation is real — good news for chemo patients or anyone struggling with nausea.
💡 Quick tip: Go low and slow on dosing, especially if you’re new to high-THC strains — OG Kush can trigger anxiety in sensitive folks if you overdo it.
The pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties are mostly credited to its high myrcene and caryophyllene content, which science suggests may enhance cannabinoid effects. Some medical users report that the sedative punch works wonders for sleep, though others find the mental stimulation can keep their mind busy if they take too much too late. For higher CBD or a more gentle effect, check out Cali Kush CBD Seeds. For more on the medical science behind cannabis and pain relief, you can check the U.S. National Library of Medicine at this PubMed article.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical purposes.
What the Community Says About OG Kush
On Reddit’s r/microgrowery, growers swapping OG Kush cuts talk about its “stretchy, temperamental veg phase” and how dialing in airflow is the key to fat, mold-free colas. One user compared the aroma to “opening a can of pine cleaner in a gas station restroom,” which honestly made me laugh — that’s the OG funk for you. Among community platform’s 5,676 reviews, people describe the high as “body wants to become an extension of my couch, but at the same time my mind is racing with ideas.” It’s not uncommon to read about first-timers getting hit so hard they’re brought back to memories of their first-ever high — that kind of nostalgia is rare. A few Growdiaries logs mention batches that didn’t hit as hard, usually when the plants picked up too much humidity or got overfed. That’s why I always tell folks: OG Kush is “hit or miss” if you don’t keep your environment tight. Personally, I’ve had both — my best OG runs blew me away, but I’ve also grown phenos that were just okay.
Best Ways to Consume OG Kush
OG Kush is versatile — you can smoke it, vape it, press it into rosin, or run it into edibles. For pure flavor and those pine-lemon terps, I’m a fan of vaping flower at 175–185°C (347–365°F). That range preserves myrcene and limonene, so you get the full aromatic punch without burning off the best bits. Smoking in a clean glass pipe or a slow-burning paper brings out the earthy side, while concentrates (shatter or live resin) deliver a more intense, sedative effect.OG Kush’s resin content makes it a reasonable choice for pressing, but watch your temps to retain that signature flavor. If you’re after a daytime buzz, stick to microdosing or vaping — otherwise, you’ll be in full “OG couch mode” before you know it.
OG Kush vs Similar Strains
OG Kush vs 818 Headband Aka Sour OG
Both OG Kush and Headband share a common parent in Chemdawg and bring that signature diesel-citrus funk, but Headband adds Sour Diesel to the mix. Headband tends to have a slightly longer flowering time (9–10 weeks) and a more cerebral, “halo” pressure effect around the temples. If you want heavier body relaxation, OG Kush is the choice; if you’re after a more heady, creative buzz, Headband’s the move.
OG Kush vs Bubba Kush
OG Kush and Bubba Kush are both indica-dominant, but Bubba leans heavier on sedation with a shorter, bushier structure and denser, coffee-scented buds. Bubba Kush’s THC runs a bit lower (usually 19–26%), and it finishes faster (8–9 weeks). For growers looking for easier canopy management and a true knockout effect, Bubba’s more forgiving. OG Kush rewards the extra effort with more complex flavor and a balanced mind-body buzz.
OG Kush vs Girl Scout Cookies
Girl Scout Cookies is a direct descendant of OG Kush (crossed with Durban Poison), so you’ll notice that earthy, sweet backbone in both. GSC pushes the creative, euphoric side further and tends to finish with denser, more colorful buds. OG Kush hits harder on the body and has a more pungent, gassy aroma, while GSC is sweeter and often easier to grow for beginners.
| Strain | Type | THC | Key Effects | Growing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OG Kush | Hybrid (Indica-leaning) | 19–26% | Relaxed, Euphoric, Sedated | Moderate difficulty, 8–10 weeks, 450–550g/m² |
| 818 Headband Aka Sour OG | Hybrid | 20–27% | Cerebral, Uplifted, Relaxed | Moderate, 9–10 weeks, similar yield |
| Bubba Kush | Indica | 15–22% | Sleepy, Pain Relief, Sedation | Easy, 8–9 weeks, bushier structure |
| Girl Scout Cookies | Hybrid | 18–24% | Creative, Euphoric, Relaxed | Easy-moderate, 8–9 weeks, colorful dense buds |
If you want a heavier, longer-lasting body high, OG Kush is your strain. For more uplifting or creative sessions, Headband or Girl Scout Cookies might suit you better.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
The most common side effects of OG Kush are dry mouth and dry, red eyes, with some users experiencing anxiety or paranoia at higher doses. This strain packs a punch, so new users or those sensitive to THC should start very low. If you’re prone to anxiety with strong indicas, OG Kush could be overwhelming.
Avoid driving or operating anything that requires focus after using OG Kush. Always use responsibly, especially with edibles, where effects can sneak up hours later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the parent strains of OG Kush?
OG Kush is a cross between Chemdawg and Lemon Thai x Pakistani Kush. This genetic blend delivers the gassy, pine-citrus aroma and balanced indica-leaning effects OG Kush is known for. Some sources mention Hindu Kush instead, but Chemdawg/Lemon Thai/Pakistani is most widely accepted.
How long does OG Kush take to flower indoors?
OG Kush typically flowers in 8–10 weeks when grown indoors. Most growers report the best results around week 9, but some phenos benefit from a full 10 weeks to maximize resin and aroma. Keep humidity low to avoid bud rot late in flower.
Why is OG Kush considered difficult to grow?
OG Kush can be challenging due to its tendency to stretch, sensitivity to overwatering, and susceptibility to mold. It needs careful canopy management and strong airflow, especially in late flower. It rewards attention to detail with potent, flavorful buds.
What does OG Kush taste like?
OG Kush features an earthy, pine-forward flavor with notes of lemon, skunk, and a hint of spice. The taste is intense and lingers on the palate, thanks to its high myrcene and limonene levels. Many users call it the classic “pine-citrus funk.”
Is OG Kush good for making concentrates?
Yes, OG Kush is a popular choice for concentrates due to its high resin production and strong terpene profile. Live resin and rosin made from OG Kush capture its pungent aroma and potent effects well. Properly dried and cured buds yield premium-grade extracts.
If you’re chasing classic cannabis flavor, punchy effects, and a true test of your grow skills, OG Kush delivers. Don’t be afraid of the challenge — dial in your airflow, keep those nutes moderate, and enjoy the ride. Every time I run OG, I learn something new, and the end result is always worth it.
Related Strains You Might Enjoy
If you love OG Kush, here are a few strains you’ll want to check out:
- Ice Cream Cake dials up the creamy, dessert terps and offers a more sedative experience with heavier body relaxation compared to OG’s pine-citrus punch.
- Sour Diesel shares Chemdawg lineage but delivers a more energetic, cerebral high and a sharper, fuel-forward aroma.
- Gelato combines sweet, dessert-like flavors with a balanced hybrid effect, offering a smoother, less sedating ride than OG Kush.