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.

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.

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 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Other popular Kush crosses

Mango Kush

As far as Kush strains go, Mango Kush strain is an absolute treat for the senses. With its fruity mango flavor paired with that classic earthy Kush undertone, it's a fan favorite for anyone who loves a sweet, tropical smoke. The buds are dense and glisten with thick trichomes, giving it a sticky feel when you break them apart. You’ll notice a subtle banana-like sweetness on the exhale, mixed with a bit of pine. This strain is 65% indica and 35% sativa, making it a great choice for those chilled-out moments. At 18% THC, it delivers a happy, giggly high that’s perfect for socializing or winding down with some snacks after a long day.

Lemon Kush

Lemon Kush is a delightful hybrid that brings a refreshing burst of citrus with every puff. It is a cross Alien OG, Lemon G and Afghan Kush with that classic kush earthiness and a zesty lemon twist that makes it stand out. Its light green buds are frosted with a generous coating of trichomes, giving them a beautiful, almost sparkly appearance. With uplifting and creative effects, Lemon Kush is perfect for those moments when you need to shake off stress and get inspired. It’s not too overwhelming, making it a great choice for daytime use or when you need a little boost without being glued to the couch.

Vanilla Kush

Vanilla Kush is a rich, flavorful indica that offers a smooth and luxurious smoke. This strain is a cross between Afghan and Kashmir, resulting in a profile that's both sweet and soothing. From the first inhale, you’ll notice the delightful aroma of vanilla mixed with lavender, along with a hint of citrus to balance things out. The smoke is silky, making it the perfect choice for unwinding and de-stressing after a long day. Being indica-dominant, it provides a relaxing, full-body high that melts away tension.

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.