Guide to the best OG strains
Certain cannabis stands the test of time and OG Kush strains are among them. Look at Blue Dream. That weed has been around for decades and remains the most searched strain on multiple data platforms. While some remain steadfast on a pedestal, other varieties have birthed lineages of beloved flavors while fading into history. OG Kush not only stands alone as one of the best weed strains of all time, but it also serves as a parent to many great weed dynasties.
OG Kush has been popular in America since the dawn of the 1990s. Around 2010-2011 the variety took on a life of its own with a surge of “designer OG” drops. These flowers differed from the citrus-gassed light green versions of the 90’s.
Designer OGs were often bred to amplify the terpenes, trichomes, THC content, bud density, and other desirable weed qualities. The result was a gorgeous array of quality OG hybrids that were sticky, and stinky, and got people ultra-faded. Some purple out while others stay a hunter green with the most sparkling trichomes.
Many of these classic OGs were around before the 2010s boom. Though they are not the most commonly seen on dispensary shelves, they will likely stick around home grows for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- The “O” in OG stands for “original”
- OG and OG Kush are sometimes used interchangeably.
- OG strains often feature OG Kush as a parent strain.
- OG Kush is a cross of Hindu Kush, Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and a fourth unknown strain.
- Godfather OG, Skywalker OG, Fire OG, and Alien OG are among the most popular OG hybrids
All about OG Kush strains
OG stands for “original,” but some people believe it’s short for “ocean grown.” Famed breeder Josh D, who is credited with developing OG Kush, clarified it. He believed that his Kush cutting was something special, and named it OG to set it apart from the pack.
Since then, a vast lineage of OG plants has hit the culture. When someone says OG, they most often mean OG Kush. If there’s any other strain that has the word “OG” in the name it is likely that OG Kush is one of the parents in its lineage.
OG Kush is potent and tasty, an indica-dominant hybrid that may feature up to 23% THC. It can be a heavy hitter, with the hight starting off in your head before quickly migrating to your body.
Let’s take a closer look at the original, OG Kush, to see exactly what it’s all about.
OG Kush look, smell, and taste
If grown indoors, the buds of the OG Kush strain are fairly tight, dense, and hard. Although, they are much fluffier and looser if grown outdoors. As for the shape, the buds of the OG Kush strain are usually fairly irregular, with some being shaped more like spades and others being more rounded like little pebbles.
Generally speaking, you will see that buds have many small and round sections that combine into one larger and irregularly shaped bud. OG Kush tends to be quite light green, although it often has some darker green spots too.
It also has a small number of orange pistils or hairs, along with a thick layer of those white trichomes or crystals along the outside. That thick white layer of trichomes along the outside is why OG Kush is as potent as it is.
All about the genetics
This is where things get interesting. Despite its popularity, the genetics of this particular strain is somewhat unknown. But, we can tell you that OG Kush is a cross between four separate strains.
The strain was first developed in Florida and then brought to California in the mid 1990s, but there are some unknowns here. Three of the four strains used to create OG Kush include Hindu Kush, Chem Dawg, and Lemon Thai. However, the fourth strain is a mystery.
Hindu Kush is a landrace strain that has been around for hundreds of years. This is an indica with powerful sedative effects, with an average of 19% THC, Another parent is Lemon Thai, which is a relatively potent sativa with roughly 22% THC. This is a cross between a Thai sativa landrace strain and a Hawaiian strain. The final known parent in the OG lineage is Chem Dawg, which is a hybrid strain with roughly 18% THC.
The result of crossing these three and an unknown strain is OG Kush. This is an indica-dominant hybrid that can have between 19% and 23% THC. Some of the most commonly found terpenes in OG Kush include myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene.
OG Strain Effects
OG Kush is a hybrid, but it leans a little heavier toward the indica side. OG Kush being a hybrid generally means that you will feel effects from both sides.
The effects may begin with a cerebral or head-high. This portion is characterized by feeling happy, euphoric, giggly, talkative, stress-free, relaxed, social, and maybe even a little bit energized. The cognitive impairment felt from this strain can be quite strong. However, because this strain is indica-dominant, that cerebral high then quickly gives way to the indica side of things. This portion of the high is characterized by sedation, relaxation, tingling of the extremities, heaviness, hunger, and general body relaxation.
Most people really like the OG Kush strain because it combines the cerebral head high from the sativa side of things with the body high from the indica side. The top three effects that you will likely feel from the OG strain include euphoria, happiness, and relaxation. OG Kush has a very distinct, unique, and enjoyable flavor. Taste diesel and fuel mixed with lemon, earth, and pine when vaping or smoking it.
Growing OG Kush
For those curious about how to grow OG Kush, it can be a little challenging, which is why it is generally reserved for advanced cultivators. It enjoys the customization of indoor grow spaces, although it can flower in pots inside. That is not preferred, though, as being confined in pots limits the size of the root system.
When grown outdoors, the OG Kush strain should flower sometime in the early weeks of October. The indoor life cycle of OG Kush should last around 60 days. If you do grow it outdoors, which is recommended, you can expect this strain to yield up to 500 grams for every plant.
Best OG Strains
Now that we know exactly what the OG Kush strain is all about, let’s take a closer look at some of the best varieties that cannabis culture has to offer.
OG Kush Strain
We already covered OG Kush in great detail, so we’ll keep this one short. We already know that it is a potent indica-dominant hybrid with up to 23% THC. OG Kush is a mix between an unknown strain, Hindu Kush, Chem Dawg, and Lemon Thai. The variety produces a strong cerebral high and a stronger body high, with a flavor characterized by diesel, lemon, pine, and earth.
Alien OG Strain
Alien OG is one of the less potent strains on the list today, featuring just under 20% THC. It is a slightly sativa-dominant hybrid that many people enjoy smoking at the beginning or the middle of the day.
Alien OG is a cross between Tahoe OG and Alien Kush. Interestingly enough, Alien OG is actually a phenotype of OG Kush. Because this strain is sativa-dominant, you’ll feel that cerebral head high above everything else, which is characterized by feeling euphoric, happy, talkative, giggly, and slightly energized. You will then also feel the indica side of things, characterized by a bit of tiredness, sedation, and heaviness. The number one flavor that you get from Alien OG is pine.
Fire OG Strain
Fire OG is believed to be bred by OG Raskal Genetics, who also created White Fire OG (aka WiFi OG). This variety combines OG Kush and San Fernando Valley OG (SFVOG), two beloved flavors that merge into an earthy delight.
It is the embodiment of the classic aromatics of the lineage, emitting lemon and acrid calamus root. After consuming Fire OG, expect a lighter experience than designer OG strains. The gas is real with this hybrid strain.
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Ghost OG
This OG Kush variety is a unique phenotype of Josh D.’s original cut of the plant. The first Ghost OG was taken to the Pacific Northwest where it took on specialty characteristics from the original. Many believe that this type of OG has similar effects to OG Kush, but differs in flavor. This flower has a sweeter finish compared to the pungent earthiness of classic OG.
Godfather OG Strain
Godfather OG is a very potent indica-dominant strain that can contain up to 28% THC, or more, depending on the exact specimen. It is therefore a very heavy hitter and not recommended for beginners. This is a cross between XXX OG and Alpha OG. XXX OG is made from XXX and OG Kush, and Alpha OG is an OG Kush phenotype.
Because this is a strong indica, you will feel a very strong body high characterized by feeling heavy, tingly, sedated, and a bit euphoric too. It’s the kind of strain that will make you hungry and then sleepy. It features flavors of herbs, pine, and grape.
Skywalker OG Strain
Skywalker OG Kush strain is a very potent strain that is indica-dominant. It is roughly 85% indica. The variety is a three-way cross between Blueberry OG, and Mazar, with the result being a heavily indica-dominant hybrid.
Skywalker OG contains up to 26% THC, which is a lot. It is therefore ideal for seasoned smokers, and not for beginners. Here, you are going to taste herbs and a strong diesel flavor.
This is another one of these indica-dominant strains that is going to make you feel heavy, tingling, sedated, and should lock you right into your couch along with that bag of chips you went hunting for. You should also feel very euphoric and mentally relaxed.
Larry OG strain
Larry OG, a cross of OG Kush and SFV OG, is said to have been created in Orange County, Calif. It offers a more cerebral experience than heavy like many designer OG strains. This variety has a spear-shaped bud structure, while the original OG Kush is dense and bulbous. The calyxes are pale green with dark orange-brown hairs, sometimes the top buds can get slightly lavender.
Larry OG smells like candied lemons and patchouli, with a taste that leans more into the earthy side. It is a classic flavor and former staple that is not often found in dispensaries these days.
Sour OG strain
There are many great OG strains, including Sour OG. This is an even hybrid that combines the focused qualities of Sour Diesel with the body effects of OG Kush. These flowers grow more round and bulbous than classic OG, sometimes finishing completely rounded, little balls.
These buds are pale green with darker orange hairs. There will be lots of trichomes and a gassy, lemon-earth scent. Many report feeling a zing in the brain immediately after enjoying Sour OG. That eventually settles into the body for an even-keel experience.
Tahoe OG
Tahoe OG sits in the nice and heavy category, offering an almost full indica experience. Like Ghost OG, this Kush variety is a specialty phenotype likely from Lake Tahoe, Calif. The flower grows dense, sticky, and sometimes a little purple. It gives off a pine sol aroma that leans into a deep, cocoa musk.
Platinum OG strain
This OG variety is another stellar heavy indica. Platinum OG grows dense, forest green buds with tufts of orange hairs. The nugs grow in the shape of chunky evergreen trees and are known as some of the heaviest in the lineup.
Platinum OG combines Master Kush, OG Kush, and a third unknown parent bred by Apothecary Genetics.
Platinum OG (OG Kush “Platinum” Pheno) 28.6% THC/4.8% Terps ⛽️ 🔥
by inFLMedicalTrees
OG Strains: Frequently Asked Questions
Any good guide would go over some of your most frequently asked questions about OG strains.
What does “OG” mean in cannabis culture?
OG technically stands for “original” but some people believe it stands for “ocean grown.”
Are all OG Kush strains indica?
OG Kush is often a heavily indica-dominant strain. Therefore, most offspring from OG Kush, and most OG strains, are also indica-dominant.
What is the strongest OG strain?
Godfather OG is said to be the strongest OG strain, as it regularly has 28% THC or higher. There have been a select few specimens that have tested at up to 35%.
How many OG strains are there?
Seedfinder.eu has found at least 160 OG strain varieties in the world so far.
Final Thoughts
OG Kush or just OG, whatever you want to call it, is one of the most popular indica strains out there. There are many different strains that are made with OG Kush, and they’re all equally as enjoyable as the last. We absolutely recommend taking a closer look at some of the OG strains that we talked about here today because we guarantee that you’ll find at least one that you like.