Kosher Kush
Also known as: Kosher OG, Jew Gold, JG
Breeder: DNA Genetics / Reserva Privada
Kosher Kush is one of the most decorated indica strains in modern cannabis history, winning three consecutive High Times Cannabis Cup Best Indica awards (2010–2012). Originally a clone-only cut circulating among a group of growers in Los Angeles under the name 'Jew Gold,' it was acquired and rebranded by DNA Genetics for commercial release. The strain epitomizes the classic OG Kush experience — heavy body effects, pungent fuel-forward aromatics, and extreme resin production — pushed to championship-caliber potency. DNA Genetics later released it in regular and feminized seed form through their Reserva Privada label, making this once-elusive cultivar broadly available. Kosher Kush is one of the most decorated indica strains in cannabis history. Originally circulating under the name "Jew Gold" before DNA Genetics stabilized it and facilitated a rename, the strain earned its "Kosher" designation after a rabbi reportedly blessed the plants during production. The effects are profoundly indica: deep full-body relaxation, heavy sedation, and powerful sleep promotion. It is widely regarded as one of the best nighttime strains available and is frequently recommended for chronic pain, insomnia, and stress relief. The buds are dense, chunky, and covered in thick resin, with dark green coloring. The strain has been a foundational parent in numerous modern crosses and remains a staple in dispensary rotations across California and beyond.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: OG Kush descendant
OG Kush is the foundational parent, itself a Florida-to-California transplant with roots traced to Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and Hindu Kush (Pakistani). Kosher Kush inherits OG Kush's hallmark traits — lemon-fuel top notes, earthy pine undertones, dense bud structure, and heavy resin output — and amplifies them into thicker colas and above-average trichome coverage. The original clone was selected for its consistency and potency within the broader OG Kush gene pool.
Lineage Dispute
Exact parentage is undocumented. DNA Genetics describes it as a self-cross (Kosher Kush x Kosher Kush) or a direct OG Kush descendant. Most sources treat it as an elite phenotype selected from an LA OG Kush population rather than a multi-parent cross. A THCFarmer thread claims it was formerly circulated as 'Skywalker OG' before being renamed, and one source suggests a possible Chemdog 91 cross, but neither claim is substantiated by the breeder. SeedFinder lists lineage simply as 'Jew Gold.'
Terpene Profile
Myrcene —
Limonene —
Beta-Caryophyllene —
Linalool —
Humulene —
Pinene —
Aroma: Intensely pungent and among the most odiferous OG-related strains. Primary notes of rich earth, lemon fuel, and sharp pine, with secondary layers of spicy pepper, woody incense, and musky clove. Two phenotype expressions are commonly reported: a lemon-forward sharper-gas profile and a deeper earthy-gas with pepper and incense. The smell is pervasive — carbon filtration is considered essential for indoor grows.
Flavor: Dense, complex smoke with earthy pine and diesel fuel on the inhale, transitioning to citrus-lemon brightness and a warm, lingering hashish-like finish. Lacks the sweet dessert notes of modern hybrids; this is classic old-school Kush flavor — woody, spicy, and deeply savory. Some phenotypes express more fruit undertones on exhale.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Fast-acting. A warm euphoric cerebral wave within minutes that rapidly transitions to full-body sedation.
Pronounced full-body relaxation that melts physical tension progressively. Starts with euphoric mood elevation and mild cerebral warmth, then deepens into heavy couch-lock and sedation. Appetite stimulation is common. Mental effects lean toward calm contemplation rather than stimulation. Even experienced users report being caught off guard by the potency.
Duration: 3–4 hours. The sedative tail can linger, often leading directly into deep sleep.
Commonly Reported Uses
Grower's Notes
Kosher Kush is a pure or near-pure indica (commonly listed as 100% indica or 80/20 indica-dominant) developed by DNA Genetics in collaboration with Reserva Privada. Its exact parentage is considered proprietary, but it descends from the OG Kush lineage and was stabilized from a clone-only cut originally circulating in California. THC levels are consistently high, typically ranging from 22% to 29%, making it one of the most potent indicas available.
Flowering Time and Harvest
Indoors, Kosher Kush flowers in 9 to 10 weeks (56 to 63 days) and produces impressive yields of 450 to 550 grams per square meter (16 to 19 ounces per square meter). Outdoors, plants are usually ready for harvest by mid to late October and can produce approximately 16 ounces per plant under optimal conditions. The plant grows to a medium height and develops a bushy, dense canopy.
Nutrient Management
Kosher Kush is well-suited to hydroponic setups, where it responds particularly well to bloom-formula nutrient regimens. It is a heavier feeder than most strains, especially during flowering. Provide a well-dosed nutrient schedule with increased phosphorus and potassium during bloom. Regular trimming and defoliation are necessary to maintain adequate light penetration and airflow through the dense canopy.
Growth Structure and Training
The strain responds exceptionally well to topping, SCROG, and LST training techniques. Topping early encourages bushier growth, while SCROG optimizes light distribution across the canopy and promotes even development of multiple bud sites. The plant's structure makes it relatively easy to trim at harvest.
Environment and Climate
Environmental control is critical for Kosher Kush. It prefers a dry, warm climate with daytime temperatures between 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temps around 65 to 70 degrees. During early vegetation, maintain humidity near 55%, dropping to 40 to 50% during flowering. In the final weeks, lower humidity further to 30 to 40% to protect the dense, heavy buds and their thick resin layer. Proper air circulation is non-negotiable, as the dense bud structure creates moisture pockets that invite mold and mildew if ventilation is poor. Despite this sensitivity, the plant itself shows good resistance to common molds and mildew when environmental conditions are maintained.
Drying and Curing
The dominant terpenes are myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene, producing a complex aroma of earthy pine with pungent, spicy undertones and hints of citrus. The flavor follows with earthy, herbal notes and a lemon-sweet finish. Post-harvest, a proper dry and cure are essential to bring out the full depth of the terpene profile.
History & Origin
Kosher Kush originated in the Los Angeles cannabis scene, likely in the early-to-mid 2000s, as a clone-only cut circulated among a group of Jewish growers who called it 'Jew Gold.' DNA Genetics co-founders Don and Aaron acquired the cut, grew it out at scale, and — uncomfortable with the original name but wanting to honor its heritage — rebranded it 'Kosher Kush.' The strain was first introduced to the European market in seed form around 2006 via DNA Genetics' Reserva Privada label, making it the first true OG Kush variety available as seeds in the Netherlands. It achieved legendary status by sweeping the High Times Cannabis Cup Best Indica category three years running (2010–2012) and also won Best Strain in 2011.
Awards & Recognition
- ●1st Place Best Indica — High Times Cannabis Cup 2010
- ●1st Place Best Indica — High Times Cannabis Cup 2011
- ●Best Strain — High Times Cannabis Cup 2011
- ●1st Place Best Indica — High Times Cannabis Cup 2012
- ●3rd Place Indica — High Times Cannabis Cup 2014
- ●2nd Place Hydro — Spannabis Champions Cup 2012
- ●2nd Place Kush Strains — Highlife Cup 2018
- ●8x Farmers Cup Winner (including 1st Place Indoor Flower 2022)
- ●Best Strain 2011 — High Times Cannabis Cup
- ●2nd Place Hydro Category — 2012 Spannabis Champions Cup
- ●2nd Place Kush Strains — 2018 Highlife Cup
- ●Best Indica 2014 — High Times Cannabis Cup
- ●Best Pre-Roll — LA Weekly 2022
- ●Best Pre-Roll — Weedmaps 2023
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Kosher Kush as a parent:
Frequently Asked Questions
6 common questions about Kosher Kush
What is Kosher Kush and what are its genetics?
Kosher Kush is a indica cannabis strain (80/20 Indica-dominant) bred by DNA Genetics / Reserva Privada. It is a cross of OG Kush descendant, testing at 20–29% THC. Kosher Kush is one of the most decorated indica strains in modern cannabis history, winning three consecutive High Times Cannabis Cup Best Indica awards (2010–2012). Originally a clone-only cut circulating among a group of growers in Los Angeles under the name 'Jew Gold,' it was acquired and rebranded by DNA Genetics for commercial release.
What does Kosher Kush smell and taste like?
Kosher Kush's dominant terpenes are Myrcene. The aroma is described as intensely pungent and among the most odiferous og-related strains. primary notes of rich earth, lemon fuel, and sharp pine, with secondary layers of spicy pepper, woody incense, and musky clove. two phenotype expressions are commonly reported: a lemon-forward sharper-gas profile and a deeper earthy-gas with pepper and incense. the smell is pervasive — carbon filtration is considered essential for indoor grows.. The flavor profile features dense, complex smoke with earthy pine and diesel fuel on the inhale, transitioning to citrus-lemon brightness and a warm, lingering hashish-like finish. lacks the sweet dessert notes of modern hybrids; this is classic old-school kush flavor — woody, spicy, and deeply savory. some phenotypes express more fruit undertones on exhale..
What are the effects of Kosher Kush?
Fast-acting. A warm euphoric cerebral wave within minutes that rapidly transitions to full-body sedation. Pronounced full-body relaxation that melts physical tension progressively. Starts with euphoric mood elevation and mild cerebral warmth, then deepens into heavy couch-lock and sedation. Duration is typically 3–4 hours. the sedative tail can linger, often leading directly into deep sleep.. Commonly reported uses include Insomnia, Chronic pain, Stress and anxiety, Muscle spasms.
How hard is Kosher Kush to grow?
Kosher Kush is rated easy to moderate difficulty. It flowers in 9-10 weeks, reaches medium; bushy structure in height, and yields 450-550 g/m² indoors. Best suited for indoor preferred environments.
What strains were bred from Kosher Kush?
Kosher Kush has been used as a parent in several notable crosses, including GMO Kosher, Kosher Tangie Kush, Sour Kosher, Kosher Dawg, Holy Grail Kush. Its genetics contribute to a wide range of modern cultivars.
Has Kosher Kush won any cannabis awards?
Yes. Kosher Kush has received recognition including 1st Place Best Indica — High Times Cannabis Cup 2010; 1st Place Best Indica — High Times Cannabis Cup 2011; Best Strain — High Times Cannabis Cup 2011.
Sources & References (24)
- DNA Genetics official product page — dnagenetics.com/product/kosher-kush-reg/
- SeedFinder.eu — seedfinder.eu/en/strain-info/kosher-kush/reserva-privada
- Leafly strain page — leafly.com/strains/kosher-kush
- Leafly 'An Epoch of OG: The OG Kush family genealogy'
- SeedFinder HTCC 2010–2012 winners pages
- JointCommerce strain guide — app.jointcommerce.com/blog/category/cannabis-101/kosher-kush
- Strainpedia — strainpedia.com/kosher-kush/
- The Emerald Magazine — theemeraldmagazine.com/pot-talk-kosher-kush/
- THCFarmer — thcfarmer.com/threads/kosher-kush-aka-skywalker-og.72969/
- CannaConnection — cannaconnection.com/strains/kosher-kush
- Blimburn Seeds grow guide — blimburnseeds.com/blog/marijuana-crop-guide/how-to-grow-kosher-kush-strain/
- Grower's Notes cultivation sources:
- https://dnagenetics.com/product/kosher-kush-reg/
- https://www.leafly.com/news/growing/how-to-grow-kosher-kush-marijuana
- https://thisiswhyimhigh.com/strains/kosher-kush
- https://www.ilovegrowingmarijuana.com/strains/kosher-kush/
- https://cheefbotanicals.us.com/blogs/flower-guides/kosher-kush-strain
- https://www.leafly.com/strains/kosher-kush
- https://weedmaps.com/strains/kosher-kush
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_Cup
- https://weedwiki.fandom.com/wiki/Kosher_Kush
- https://seedfinder.eu/en/database/cup-winner/high-times-cannabis-cup/2012
- https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/indica/kosher-kush
- https://www.wikileaf.com/strain/kosher-kush/
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