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Top 10 Kush Strains and What Makes Them So Special
Kush has become the word for quality cannabis and is loved by connoisseurs and casuals alike. But do you really know what it means or the differences between the various Kushs? Not to worry – we’ve got you covered with everything cannabis Kush, including 10 of the best Kush strains to try.
What Is Kush Cannabis?
The famous Kush marijuana, also known as Hindu Kush, is an Indica-dominant family of strains. It’s been in the Western world for over 50 years and is still beloved by many. Powerful and pungent, this premium strain family has definitely not been a flash in the pan – it’s a classic that keeps on winning.
Where Does Kush Come From?
Classic Kush genetics have been around for thousands of years and were an international phenomenon in the 1970s thanks to smugglers. Famous Kush varieties like Afghan Kush and OG Kush come from landraces in northwestern India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, and the Hindu Kush strain is named after the mountain range.
No one knows who brought Kush’s old-school vibes to the West, but back in the day, folks on the Hippie Trail were all about finding the best Kush. These days, the wild hunt for Kush seeds might have died down, but the quest to breed the perfect strain is still on and popping. Breeders have been messing with, mixing and growing those old-school Kush genes for 50 years and have come up with some sick varieties.
The Smell and Taste of Kush Weed
Kush strains come in a variety of types, each offering unique aromas and flavors based on their specific genetics. Many Kush strains are known for their distinctive gassy, floral, piney, and earthy scents, which translate into a taste profile that combines citrus, earthy tones, and a fruity diesel flavor.
Kush strains come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own smell and taste depending on the genetics. Many Kush strains are gassy, floral, piney and earthy and that translates to citrus, earthy tones and fruity diesel flavor.
Kush Effects
The Kush family is Indica-dominant and is all about relaxing and calming. Unlike Sativa, that includes a deep relaxation which is also cerebrally introspective. Calming and sedating, that’s why Kush cannabis strains are for medical users looking for relief.
What Are the Best Kush Strains?
Now that we’ve covered all that, it’s time to get to our top 10 Kushs, so read on and see our list of Kushs you need to try.
Afghan Kush from World of Seeds
Legend has it Afghan Kush started the whole Kush thing we know today. Its genetics were smuggled out of Afghanistan right before the Soviets arrived in ‘79. From that, a bunch of fancy top-shelf strains and Indica hybrids have been born over the years.
- Photoperiod
- Relax and sleep well
- 500 g/m² indoors
800+ g/plant outdoors
If you’re new to Kush or haven’t grown Kush seeds before, start with Afghan Kush. It’ll give you a head high that’s crystal clear and a body buzz that’s almost numb, all packed in those classic hash flavors. That’s the Kush experience you’ll be telling your grandkids about.
Bubba Kush from Barney's Farm
For the last 25 years, Bubba Kush has been the go-to for everyone. Fans of this strain love how it erases worries and lifts mood. It’s like a stress eraser for your body, leaving you completely relaxed. Say goodbye to sleepless nights, aches and tension – this strain handles all that and more.
- Photoperiod
- 600 - 700 g/m² indoors
1500 g/plant outdoors - Dreamy buzz for hours
And for all Indica lovers out there, get ready to swoon over a mix of earthy, spicy and sweet scents that will take you back to the days of old-school hashish. Chocolate and mocha notes are the cherry on top of this luxury weed experience.
OG Kush from Seedstockers
OG Kush, also known as ‘Ocean Grown’ Kush, has a mysterious past. Rumor has it a ChemDawg cutting got together with a Thai Lemon and Old World Paki Kush hybrid on the West Coast of the good ol’ USA. That’s how this strain was born.
- Photoperiod
- Medium/high
- Classic that never disappointed
The combination of those top-shelf genetics gives you a relaxing high with just a touch of euphoria to kick back after a long day. Indica-dominant, OG Kush has a fresh and sweet flavor profile with candy notes.
Hindu Kush from Sensi Seeds
Forget all those new-fangled Kushs! With genetics going back to the wild landrace, straight from the ancient Hindu Kush Mountains, this is the real deal.
- Photoperiod
- Great therapeutic potential
- 90 g/plant outdoors
Hindu Kush is a pure Indica strain with some serious effects. Take a hit and kick back like it’s the good old days – a mellow high, not too intense, but just right to chill. No wonder High Times Magazine called it one of the all-time greatest cannabis strains.
Pure Kush from Original Sensible Seeds
Living up to its name, Pure Kush from Original Sensible Seeds is a 100% Indica from the Hindu Kush region. Indica effects – evening or before bed. Potent, long-lasting body high that will leave you relaxed, sleepy and stuck to the couch, almost like a tranquilizer. High THC, use with care.
- Photoperiod
- 550 g/m² indoors
700 g/plant outdoors - Depression defender
This strain has a rich flavor profile – nutty, earthy, musky, spicy, minty and citrusy. Medically, it’s used for insomnia, glaucoma, pain, stress and anxiety.
Master Kush from Dutch Passion
If you like classic Kushs, Dutch Passion’s Master Kush is the real deal with its genetics. A Skunk#1 and Hindu Kush old-school hybrid for the sneaky growers who want a subtle scent – and the physical effects are mellow and relaxing, but not couch-locking.
- Photoperiod
- Deeeeeply meditative strain
- 300 - 400 g/m² indoors
Its Highlife Cup win in the Overall category in 2017 proves Master Kush is some of the best Kush genetics out there. Judges have recognized this strain for growing and using.
Critical Kush from Barney’s Farm
This cool hybrid from Barney’s Farm was created by mixing OG Kush with Critical Mass, resulting in a delightful Indica-heavy strain that tastes and smells like a mix of pepper and herbs. As for its effects, this strain provides a soothing and relaxing experience, and it's also great for easing anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain, and stress. The high THC content will leave you feeling happy and possibly glued to the couch.
- Photoperiod
- Enormous relaxation
- 650 g/m² indoors
Critical Kush seeds produce plants with 25% THC. That’s right, the most potent Kush out there – for now, no one else comes close to its THC levels.
King’s Kush from GHS
Grape x OG Kush. That’s King’s Kush in a nutshell. You won’t be disappointed with the THC – up to 20% and sweet and sour flavor. Long-lasting mellow, euphoric high. That’s why this hybrid is so popular.
- Photoperiod
- All-absorbing wave of Stone
- 800 g/m² indoors
1100 g/plant outdoors
When smoking King’s Kush, let the experience settle in – take a couple of puffs and put the joint away. King’s Kush is potent but slow-acting. You won’t feel high at first, but a minute later you’ll be in orbit.
Cataract Kush from DNA Genetics
Looking for the dankest Kush of all? It’s hard to beat Cataract Kush. LA Confidential x OG Kush. Seriously pungent with a skunky, fuel-like smell – no growing or using discreetly. Users say Cataract Kush is slow-creeping – you’ll be stuck to the couch before you know it.
- Photoperiod
- Deep deep stone
- 350 - 500 g/m²
If you’re a heavy toker, this is the hybrid for you – it will break any tolerance you have. Cataract Kush might be the best Kush for insomnia – a night-time strain that will make you sleep like a baby.
Pink Kush from Barney’s Farm
Almost as popular as OG Kush, Pink Kush is because of its body-focused effects. Indica-dominant hybrid with a strong impact – even the smallest dose eliminates appetite loss, insomnia and pain. Aroma is lovely – candy and vanilla notes.
- Photoperiod
- Sensual satisfaction
- 600 - 700 g/m² indoors
600 - 700 g/plant outdoors
If you’re a heavy toker, this is the hybrid for you – it will break any tolerance you have. Cataract Kush might be the best for insomnia – a night-time strain that will make you sleep like a baby.
Choosing the Right Kush for You With Herbies
Among all the Kush strains out there, finding the one for you is research where you should look at effects and potency and other perks. If you want an energy boost, Kush strains aren’t for you, but if you’re happy to be snuggled up on the couch at night, there’s one for you among the best Kushs at Herbies.
Herbies Head Shop expressly refuses to support the use, production, or supply of illegal substances. For more details read our Legal Disclaimer.
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