strain reviews

Legendary OG Kush strains you need to smoke

January 19, 2026

Darren Tarbat

Certain cannabis varieties stand the test of time, and OG Kush strains are among them. While some remain steadfast on a pedestal, others 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 early 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 terpene profiles, trichome production, 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.

best og strains: Marijuana flowers isolated on white background.

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 remain a staple in 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 in their lineage.
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 typically boasts high THC levels. It can be a heavy hitter, with the high 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

When grown indoors, OG Kush buds are fairly tight, dense, and hard. They are often much fluffier and looser if grown outdoors. As for shape, the buds of the OG Kush strain are usually fairly irregular, with some shaped more like spades and others 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, though it often has darker green spots as well.

The plants also have 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 are somewhat unknown. It is believed 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 indica has powerful sedative effects and originates in the Hindu Kush mountains of India. Another parent is Lemon Thai, which is a relatively potent sativa. 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.

The result of crossing these three and an unknown strain is OG Kush, an indica-dominant hybrid. Some of the most commonly found terpenes in OG Kush include myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene.

best og strains: Medical marijuana top of cannabis

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 buzz can be fairly powerful for many.

Because this strain is indica-dominant, the cerebral high quickly gives way to the stoney side. 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 a cerebral head high from the sativa side with a body high from the indica side. The top three effects you are likely to feel from the OG strain include euphoria, happiness, and relaxation.

OG Kush has a very distinct, unique, and enjoyable flavor. You’ll likely 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, though it can also flower in pots indoors. That is not preferred, though, as being confined in pots limits the root system’s size.

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 about 60 days, with flowering time starting a few weeks earlier. If you grow it outdoors, as recommended, you can expect this strain to yield up to 500 grams per plant.

Best OG Kush 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 have come from this legendary cannabis cultivar.

Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush is a relative of OG Kush, created by the latter’s co-parent, Matt “Bubba” Berger. The variety was developed when an OG Kush plant was pollinated by an unknown indica, which many believe is Northern Lights.

As an elder of the Kush strains, Bubba Kush offers a modest THC content, dark green buds, and a refined earthy aroma. One thing that will always be with all Bubba Kush strains is the big, round, bulbous bud structure. When given the right environment, they also grow exceptionally dense.

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 embodies the lineage’s classic aromatics, 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.

Ghost OG

This OG Kush variety is a unique phenotype of Josh D.’s original cut. 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 percent 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 makes you hungry, then sleepy. It features flavors of herbs, pine, and grape.

Kush Mints

A grandchild of OG Kush, Kush Mints is a cross of Bubba Kush and Animal Mints. Developed by Seed Junky, the strong toothpasty aroma is flecked with notes of pine, citrus, and a bit of spice.

A popular modern OG variety, this true hybrid offers uplifting yet chill effects that hit hard. Some varieties have over 40 percent THC; if you’re new to this one, taste test it at a time of day when you have nothing important on your to-do list.

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; 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.

Holy Grail Kush

A cross between Kosher Kush and OG #18, Holy Grail Kush is an elite strain known for its potent effects. The award-winning variety is credited to DNA Genetics, which developed the strain in 2011. The bud presents a classic Kush structure with big, dense, chunky nuggets. Buds feature combinations of dense and spacey florets.

Holy Grail Kush provides a strong body buzz, best for relaxation and rest. Many find it sedating and can even help ease chronic pain. Do not count on this variety for a daytime lift, as it may leave you couch-locked.

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 an earthy pine 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.

Orange og kush strains — An Orange OG plant grows in a medical cannabis facility. Photo: Cappi Thompson / Getty

OG Kush 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 percent THC or higher. There have been a select few specimens that have tested at up to 35 percent.

How many OG strains are there?

There are dozens upon dozens of OG Kush strains, with at least 160 on record so far.

OG Kush Strains – Standing the Test of Time

OG Kush, or just OG, whatever you want to call it, is one of the most popular indica cannabis strains out there. There are many different strains that are made with OG Kush, and they’re all equally enjoyable as the last. Just remember that OG Kush strains are typically heavy hitters, so tred lightly next time you light up.

Darren Tarbat