The Original Kushes and the OG

Kush

In the current cannabis landscape, a plethora of strains proudly carry the Kush label. However, beneath this expansive umbrella, two distinct cannabis varieties emerge.

Until recently, the UK and most of Europe have been used to the kush name being associated with the pure indica cannabis strains that originate from the valley’s of the Hindu Kush. The Hindu Kush mountain range spans 500 miles in length, and is 150 miles wide in some parts; the range spans several different countries, Northern India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, and spans right out into the alpine regions of Eurasia. Indica cannabis varieties have been found across this whole region for thousands of years. Gradually over time the art of cannabis cultivation and hashish production has been mastered here, particularly in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. The Hindu Kush inbred lines (sometimes called ‘Master Kush’) that have been stabilised by modern breeders show themselves as short squat plants, with a very fast flowering time of 7 - 9 weeks. Hindu Kush has a heavy narcotic effect, and an earthy or sweet taste, and due to it’s genetic background is very hardy and able to withstand a lot of stress. Due to their pure Indica heritage the CBD count can be very decent for Hindu Kush strains, bearing in mind of course we are dealing here with THC dominant strains. 

British pharmaceutical company GW Pharmaceuticals included Hindu Kush strains in its legally sanctioned medicinal cannabis trial. Take a look at the strains listed below for a glimpse of the traditional Old World Hindu Kush IBL, or the renowned Master Kush:
 

• Sensi Seeds - Hindu Kush
• Kiwi Seeds - Hindu Kush
• Black Label Seeds - Master Kush
• High Quality - Afghan Hindu Kush
• Dutch Passion - Master Kush
• White Label Seeds - Afghan Kush

OG Kush

Recently here in the UK, and also all over Europe we have been lucky enough to start seeing more of an arrival of the OG kush strain from the states. The OG Kush is a strain which we have often heard mentioned countless times in the music of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg et al. since way back in G-Funk era which sprung up in California in the early and mid 1990’s.

While the true lineage of California's OG Kush remains unknown, two prominent versions of the story circulate regarding its origins. One widely held belief suggests that OG Kush might have emerged from a strain called Chem Dawg '91. According to this account, friends convened at a Grateful Dead concert, with one friend inadvertently selling another a bag of exceptional cannabis containing a few seeds. When cultivated, one of these seeds sprouted into the renowned OG Kush.

Alternatively, a second story recounts the acquisition of a Chem Dog cutting, which was subsequently crossed with a breeding male boasting Pakistani Kush x Lemon Thai genetics. These tales intertwine to shape the enigmatic genesis of the famed OG Kush strain.

There are now many different cuts of the OG Kush that have made it to the cannabis community. There is the Tahoe cut, the Larry cut, San Fernando Valley (SFV) cut, the Headband (sour) cut. Seed versions of some of these strains can be found in the links below.
 

• Reserva Privada - OG Kush
• Reserva Privada - The OG #18
• Cali Connection - Tahoe OG
• Cali Connection - Chem 91
• Cali Connection - Alien OG
• Reserva Privada - Sour Diesel
• Cali Connection - Larry OG Kush
• Reserva Privada - Sour Kush (aka Headband)
• Dinafem Seeds - OG Kush
• Royal Queen Seeds - O.G. Kush
• Seedsman - Gelat.OG
• Devil's Harvest Seeds - Rollex OG Kush
• Rare Dankness - 501st OG
• Humboldt Seeds - Black D.O.G.