If you’ve spent any significant time smoking, you’ve probably heard the word “Kush” uttered more than once. Musicians like Kanye West have mentioned Kush strains in their lyrics. Countless movies have immortalized Kush strains in stoner culture. However, more often than not, many smokers don’t know what exactly Kush strains are. In this guide to Kush strains, we’ll go over common Kush traits, popular variants, and the history behind one of the most famous cannabis families in the world.
What Is a Kush Strain?
In simplest terms, Kush strains are a subtype of indicas. The term “Kush” takes its name from the Hindu Kush mountains. This region, which spans from Pakistan into Afghanistan, is a mountain range nearly 500 miles long. It features some of the highest average elevations in the world, and connect to the Himalayas via the Pamir Mountains. This region spawned Kush strains, and lends its name to them.
Kush strains are all descended from Hindu Kush, a landrace that grows naturally in the region. Landraces are strains of marijuana that have grown naturally in nature, and there are more than a dozen of them scattered around the world from the Americas to Central Asia to Africa. Some landraces even grow naturally in the harsh climates of Eastern Europe. Every strain of cannabis today comes from these landraces. Other common landraces include Lamb’s Bread, one of Bob Marley’s favourite strains.
Hindu Kush is one of the original indica strains. All indica plants come from Central Asia, where they’ve developed their typical bushy structure. Indica plants are typically known for the relaxing vibes they produce, and may be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, some research shows that indica strains may be able to alleviate certain health issues, including low appetite, insomnia, glaucoma, chronic pain, and more.
While Kush strains originated as pure indicas, that’s no longer the case. Today, you can find many hybrids sporting the Kush moniker. Some Kush descendants, like Gorilla Glue, don’t bear its family name but contain Kush genetics nonetheless.
History of Kush Strains
The story of Kush strains begins thousands of years ago. People indigenous to what is now Afghanistan and Pakistan used the naturally-occurring Hindu Kush landrace to make one of the oldest forms of hash in the world: charas.
At that time, hashmakers would collect resin from cannabis buds onto their fingers. Then, they would roll their hands together to make thick balls of resin. Then, these resin balls were utilized for religious practices and personal recreation. Travellers today can still find charas in many areas of central Asia.
Kush plants first made their way to North America in the 1970s. Breeders quickly began to introduce Kush into their own genetics, producing the plethora of Kush variants that we find ourselves with today.
What are Some Common Traits of Kush Plants?
Kush plants commonly grow deep, rich green buds with purple splotches at their crowns. Once they’re fully mature, the hairs that emerge from between buds turn to a deep amber colour. Since all Kush plants are indicas, they exhibit the same short, bushy growth that other indicas do.
One of the most distinctive traits of Kush strains are their smell. Kush plants provide a distinctive aroma, combining pungent earthy tones with pine, citrus, and other spices. The terms “hashy” and “incense” get thrown around a lot when talking about Kush plants, thanks to their unique scent.
Kush genetics are also responsible for gassy smell that strains like Sour Diesel exhibit. This strain’s flavour is even stronger than its smell. Kush strains make a pivot when they’re lit up, providing more floral and citrus notes along with the scent of earth and fuel that its aroma features.
Common Kush Strains
There are hundreds of strains that bear Kush genetics, and not all of them are made equal. In addition, there are two distinct waves of Kush strains. The first were developed when Hindu Kush genetics originally rose to prominence. The second wave is based around the proliferation of Girl Scout Cookies, one of the biggest strains of the last decade.
First Wave of Kush Strains
The first wave of Kush strains emerged in the 1970s. While its origins are murky, somehow Hindu Kush genetics made their way to Amsterdam. It likely got there via the “Hippie Trail,” a route taken by marijuana pioneers in the 1960s and 1970s to bring strains from Asia to Europe. Sometime later, an intrepid breeder crossed Hindu Kush with a strain from Northern California to produce OG Kush, one of the main ancestors of today’s Kush strains.
Some of the most popular Kush strains to emerge from OG Kush include Master Kush and Granddaddy Kush. Chemdog and DJ Short’s Blueberry, both iconic strains of the ‘70s and ‘80s, also had Kush parents. Purple Kush, which exhibits bold purple colouring over its nugs, is also popular among Indica smokers. Sour Diesel, another strain immortalized in song lyrics, is also among this first generation of Kush children.
New Wave of Kush Strains
Today, a new generation of Kush descendants are taking the weed world by storm. Thanks to Girl Scout Cookies, a cross between OG Kush and Durban Poison, Kush strains are still making waves in the cannabis world. This strain, originally developed by the “Cookie Family” in California, was an attempt to refine and improve on the taste of existing Kush strains.
Girl Scout Cookies has spawned countless other popular strains including Gelato, Zkittlez, and Vanilla Frosting. Growers value these strains for their huge popularity and appeal, while consumers enjoy them for their incredible taste and high potency.
In addition, there’s one hugely popular Kush variant that didn’t come from Girl Scout Cookies: Gorilla Glue. Also known as GG4, this strain is a descendant of Chemdog and Diesel strains. Gorilla Glue is an award-winning hybrid that’s claimed multiple Cannabis Cup wins in Michigan, Los Angeles, and Jamaica.
The Wrap-Up
As one of the most widespread subtypes of cannabis today, Kush strains have permeated the marijuana world. It’s nearly impossible to smoke weed these days and not spark up some kind of Kush variant. With a keeper knowledge of the definition, history, and effects of Kush strains, you’ll improve your understanding of cannabis genetics immeasurably.