What is Kush? Definition & Overview
When you start reading up on cannabis, you’ll quickly realize that various terms and names, such as Kush, are frequently repeated, often leaving the reader with questions like, “what is Kush?”
In essence, cannabis Kush is one of the many building-block strains that cultivators worldwide used to create an entire family of weed cultivars and hybrid marijuana chemovars.
Originating from the Hindu Kush mountain range, this type of cannabis is held in high regard by recreational and medicinal users alike. Taking into consideration its potency and tranquil, relaxing effects, it’s no wonder why.
To answer the question: “What is Kush?” We need to delve deeper into its origins, why it became so influential in the world of cannabis, and its effects and flavors. So, let’s take a look at the magic that is Kush.
What is Kush cannabis?
Cannabis Kush is a specific variety of marijuana originating from the Hindu Kush, a mountain range spanning across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. This geographic region is one of the few areas in the world where weed grows natively.
During the ’60s and ’70s, countless stoners visited this region for two reasons. 1. To traverse the hippie trail and see the beautiful sites. And 2. to smoke some of the most potent weed available at the time.
Through these travelers, Kush landrace seeds found their way out of the Hindu Kush to destinations across the globe only to form the original seeds of the marijuana Kush cultivars we know today.
What type of weed is Kush?
With the term so frequently used, it’s no surprise that many people are wondering, “what is Kush?” True Kush strains are either indica-dominant or pure indica strains.
You may also wonder, “what does Kush look like?”
Although the attributes may vary between Kush cultivars, true Kush weed strain seeds, when grown, typically develop into squat, thick shrubs that grow large leaves with hints of purple and deep green colas. Their resinous buds are chunky, dense, and knotted with a slight purple shade, and the pistils can be either rust-colored, bronze, or orange.
What is Kush made of?
Kush pot evolved to have a hardy, durable nature with its landrace origins. It helped this cultivar thrive in cold climates and under harsh conditions, which resulted in its unique makeup.
Depending on the specific cultivar, Kush weed strains are typically made up of THC levels ranging between 14 and 30%, CBD levels from 0.2–1%. Their terpene profiles usually consist of limonene, pinene, humulene, caryophyllene, linalool, and myrcene.
Why is Kush cannabis so popular?
Kush weed strains gained popularity amongst breeders for their capacity to backcross and, in turn, stabilize hybrid genetics.
As a landrace strain, marijuana Kush developed a natural resistance to particular elements specific to their land of origin. These hardy plants can survive with moderate water consumption in colder, harsher climates, allowing them to endure a somewhat parched terrain.
Apart from its natural resilience, many cultivators also choose Kush weed strains for their manageable height and heavy yields.
Amongst stoners, Kush bud became popular for its potent yet relaxing effects often associated with the giggles and feelings of happiness.
What does Kush weed smell like?
With so many types of cannabis available, you may be wondering, “what does Kush smell like?”
Kush (cannabis), befitting its mountainous origins, usually has a very earthy, pine-scented aroma with a range of undertones, including:
- Spicy
- Sweet fruit
- Hash spice
- Floral
- Pungent
- Incense
- Herbs
- Gas
- Citrus
- Pepper
It’s important to remember that these attributes may vary. The fragrance of the Kush pot you’re smoking is determined by that specific strain’s terpene composition and how they react.
For instance, humulene-dominant cultivars usually have a hoppy scent. Limonene-dominant ones would be citrusy, pinene-dominant Kush typically brings out a woodsy smell, etc.
What flavors and effects can you expect from this kind of weed?
“What is kush?” You can never fully explain this question without at least briefly looking at its flavor profile and effects.
Smoking or vaping Kush bud is typically a smooth and herbaceous experience. Depending on the specific strain you’re using, you’ll satiate your taste buds with the unmistakable flavors of grape, earth, citrus, diesel, and flowers.
Smoking Kush bud, due to its smooth, earthy flavors and aromas, offers a highly sensory experience; Kush weed effects are usually heavy and sedative.
Kush pot is held in high regard by stoners worldwide for its capacity to deliver a relaxing, tranquilizing experience. The high makes the user very happy and euphoric but not overly cerebral or energetic.
With Kush effects typically ending in a state of couch-lock, they’re the perfect choice for stoners who wish to take a load off and chill.
What’s the difference between Kush and weed?
So, what’s the difference between Kush and weed?
Weed is generally used to refer to all types of marijuana, particularly in the cannabis community. Still, it also refers to unwanted destructive plants that grow in your garden.
On the other hand, Kush is a type of marijuana that originates from the Middle East, and the term specifically refers to strains that form part of the cannabis Kush family. The chemovar found its way to the Americas through seekers of a subculture that followed the hippie trail during the ’60s– ’70s.
The Kush landrace strain subsequently became a legend in the cannabis world and was used to father many types of Kush weed over the decades.
What are the top Kush strains?
By now, you’ve discovered what Kush is and probably developed a craving for this delicious cultivar (not that we blame you.) You’re also most likely itching to find out which types of Kush weed seeds would be the best investment for your next growth.
So, without further delay, here’s our list of the top five Kush weed strains.
1. OG Kush
Ranked by High Times as the #1 strain of all times, OG Kush has become a revered cultivar amongst stoners worldwide. This 75% indica-dominant Kush bud, when smoked, delivers a potent yet comfortable euphoric, sedative high while uplifting the mood, leaving you feeling cheerful and refreshed.
It has an unusual aroma as a cannabis Kush cultivar. A blend of spice, fuel, and skunk combined with a complex terpene profile. The strain also doesn’t disappoint when it comes to potency. It boasts a THC level ranging between 18.5 and 27%, with a CBD content of 0.5–0.7%.
OG Kush is also a popular cultivar amongst cannabis breeders. Growers worldwide used this Kush weed to father a host of famous strains like Girl Scout Cookies and Bubba Kush, as well as various phenotypes such as San Fernando Valley OG and Tahoe Kush.
2. Hindu Kush
Aptly named after the region it originates from, the Hindu Kush strain, if used in moderation, will carry you off to a state of nirvana.
The aroma of this pure indica is a distinct sharp and spicy fragrance blended with undertones of classic Afghan earthiness, aniseed, and sandalwood. Although it may not be as delectable as other Kush weeds, it’s also not unpleasant.
This Kush bud is heavily coated with trichomes that contain THC levels of up to 20% with a 0.3% CBD content. When smoking this weed, the high tends to creep up on you, but users typically become sluggish and couch-locked when it does kick in.
Hindu Kush, known for its deeply calming and tranquilizing effects and its potential to relieve various pains and ailments, makes it an extremely popular strain amongst night-time and medicinal weed users.
3. Bubba Kush
After being around for more than two decades, it’s no wonder that Bubba Kush, an 80% indica-dominant Kush weed, has developed quite a following. It’s a cross between the Bubba strain and OG Kush, and it boasts a THC level of 15–22% with a CBD content of 0.3%.
Bubba Kush is known for its distinct and unique rich coffee aroma. The moment this Kush bud gets lit up, a kick of pine and a hint of earthiness fills the entire room. As the smoke settles, a sweet spiciness remains as a reminder.
While this Kush weed’s effects result in an incredibly potent, tranquilizing high, the user will remain alert and functional. Be warned, though, this Kush pot is not meant for novice stoners.
When used for medicinal purposes, it’s believed that Bubba Kush can help combat anxiety and stress, alleviate symptoms related to painful conditions and reduce insomnia.
4. Master Kush
Originally known as High Rise, Master Kush is believed to be a cross between Hindu Kush and Skunk#1. This Kush weed is an 80% indica-dominant containing THC levels ranging between 16 and 20% and a CBD content of 0.6%.
With an almost immediately identifiable aroma, when lit up, this Kush pot pronounces its presence with a quintessential earthy smell, underlined by hints of crushed pepper and fuel and notes of pine, giving it a welcome spicy bite.
As for this Kush weed’s effects, stoners can expect an uplifting, euphoric, but not overpowering high. As the initial onset settles, you’ll slip into a body-numbing buzz, which leaves you feeling deeply relaxed before drifting off to la-la land.
5. Purple Kush
Crossing the two epic strains, Purple Afghani and Hindu Kush, resulted in creating the legendary all-star cultivar we know as Purple Kush. As a pure indica variety, this marijuana Kush is not meant for those who need to be productive.
With a THC content between 18 and 19% and CBD levels ranging from 0.3–0.6%, this Kush bud delivers a long-lasting mind and body-stone combined with a euphoric buzz, tranquilizing the body with a strict sense of relaxation.
True to its ancestral lineage and due to being a Kush weed, it gifts the senses in every puff with its heavenly sweet aroma and spicy, grape-like undertones. While smoking it, your taste buds will be drowned in a sweet zest, underlined by a hint of mixed berries.`When exhaled, it leaves a lingering taste of sandalwood on the lips.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s to be expected when answering a question such as “what’s Kush?” that new queries will arise. Keeping that in mind, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to respond to some of those FAQs.
What is the Hindu Kush?
The Hindu Kush is a mountain range in the Middle East that stretches along the border of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. It played a considerable role in humanity’s history, while for the marijuana community, it’s significant for being the epicenter of indica cultivars.
What is OG Kush?
OG Kush, aka Ocean Grown or Original Gangster, is a legendary and exceptionally potent Kush weed strain. Although its origins aren’t documented, it’s commonly believed to be the offspring of a cross between Chemdawg and Hindu Kush.
What is Krippy Kush?
According to Urban Dictionary, the term “Krippy” refers to the highest grade of cannabis. It originated in the southern states, and synonyms include Skunk Weed or Skunk Bud, Kine Bud, or Nug. The term “Kush,” on the other hand, refers to all varieties of Kush weed.
In essence, when using the two terms in conjunction, i.e., “Krippy Kush,” it refers to the highest grade of Kush pot.
What is Bubba Kush?
Bubba Kush is a type of Kush weed. It’s a heavy indica-dominant cannabis strain well known for its sweet flavor and for delivering an exceptional body-stone when smoked. It’s a popular cultivar amongst both medicinal and recreational pot users.
Long live the Kush!
All hail, long live the Kush!
We owe a debt of gratitude to the hippies of the ’60s and ’70s who took it upon themselves to traverse the hippie trail and bring back to Europe and the Americas those glorious seeds we know today as cannabis Kush.
Kush weed strains have forever secured their place on the cannabis wall of fame and will be hailed in marijuana folklore for generations to come. Hundreds of premium cultivars owe their existence to this unique pot that once only grew in the Hindu Kush mountains.
In general, marijuana Kush strains can be identified by their unique traits and characteristics, which are typically among the best on the cannabis market.
Kush weed strains reached unprecedented popularity, with OG kush rated as the best cultivar of all times. Even GW Pharmaceuticals choose these cannabis varieties when producing marijuana-derived medicine.
If you’re itching to try your hand at cultivating Kush weed or considering breeding your own Kush strain, you’re going to need the highest quality Kush seeds you can get your hands on.
At Homegrown Store we offer a wide selection of premium Kush seeds, ready to be packaged and shipped discreetly in the blink of an eye. Visit us online and order your seeds today!
About the author: Parker Curtis
Parker Curtis has around a decade of cannabis-growing experience, specialising in soil-less and hydro grows. He’s mastering outdoor, greenhouse, and indoor grows.