Everything You Need to Know About the OG Kush Weed Strain

Can’t tell the difference between Blue Dream and Purple Urkle? Wondering what exactly’s in the Girl Scout Cookies you just smoked? We've created detailed profiles for each of the most popular, sought-after weed strains, in order to help cannabis users everywhere understand the different plants they’re smoking, eating, or otherwise consuming. Up next: OG Kush.
 

Lineage

Unknown; possibly contains Pakistani, Hindu Kush, and Lemon Thai genetics
 

Place of origin

We don’t really want to step into this minefield, because OG Kush’s origin story is one of the most disputed in all of cannabis. However, good sources place its origins in Florida in the early 1990s, then moving to California in 1996, where it quickly ended up in the hands of the "Soul Assassins" crew, associates of noted stoner rap group Cypress Hill. The rest, as they say, is history -- the original plant has been used for breeding countless times and there are hundreds of random OG plants floating around, especially in California.

Approximate THC content 

High (20%-25%)
 

What to expect

No matter which OG you end up with, it almost always gives a strong package of extremely social and happy effects, making it perfect for relaxing with friends. Some varieties are more hard-hitting and relaxing than others, so be sure to ask for more information about the specific "cut" you’re smoking. OG varieties have long-lasting effects and are known for having no ceiling or tolerance buildup, meaning you can keep smoking them for a long period of time and still get the same effect.

micro closeup of OG Kush cannabis strain
Ry Prichard

How to spot it

OG features mostly triangular or pinecone-shaped buds with little to no leaf, absolutely coated in frost and broadcasting their pungent aroma for all to behold. If you’re in California, where there are more OGs than there are Kardashians, you’ll probably see it called "insert hot celebrity of the moment here," as dispensaries are known for renaming the oft-similar OG varieties to suit whatever is popular that week.

Smell/Flavor

OG’s signature aroma changes slightly depending upon the specific plant, but generally it sits somewhere between opening a new can of tennis balls and a ginger-kerosene cocktail. It can be earthy and dank, or aggressive, with heavy lemon-fuel notes. But no matter what, OG is strong in both aroma and flavor, making it a perennial favorite for most smokers.

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Ry Prichard is a Denver-based cannabis photographer and researcher who smells strongly of the strain you just read about at least twice a week. Follow him deep into the weed jungles of Colorado @cannabisencyclo.