OG Kush
Also known as: Ocean Grown Kush
Breeder: Accidental cross (Matt "Bubba" Berger, South Florida)
OG Kush is widely regarded as the single most influential cultivar in modern cannabis, serving as the genetic backbone for hundreds of modern hybrids including Girl Scout Cookies, Gelato, and the broader Cookies family. It originated from an accidental pollination event in South Florida around 1991 and was brought to Los Angeles in 1996, where it redefined the standard for premium cannabis with its fuel-forward, resin-heavy profile.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Chemdawg 91 x Lemon Thai x Hindu Kush
Chemdawg 91 traces to seeds purchased at a Grateful Dead concert in 1991. Hindu Kush is an Afghan-Pakistani landrace. Lemon Thai (if included) is a Thai landrace x Hawaiian cross. Only one cutting survived the trip from Florida to LA inside rollerblade boots, preserved by Josh D.
Lineage Dispute
Some genealogy databases catalog the cross as simply Chemdawg x Hindu Kush, omitting Lemon Thai. Most historical narratives include Lemon Thai as a contributing parent. The meaning of "OG" is also disputed — Ocean Grown, Original Gangster, or simply Original.
Terpene Profile
Myrcene — Earthy, musky; 0.4–1.2% by weight. The defining marker of a true OG profile
Beta-Caryophyllene — Peppery, spicy; 0.2–0.6%
Limonene — Citrus brightness; 0.1–0.5%
Aroma: Fuel-forward and pungent with layers of fresh lemon zest, damp pine resin, and a deep earthy/hashy undertone.
Flavor: Sour citrus on inhale with woody pine and a kushy, diesel finish on exhale.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Fast-acting cerebral euphoria within minutes.
A distinctive two-phase experience: initial cerebral euphoria with mood elevation and talkativeness, followed by progressive body relaxation that spreads from the neck down. At moderate doses it remains functional; at higher doses it tilts toward couch-lock.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Commonly Reported Uses
Grower's Notes
There is a reason Josh D became the most influential cultivator in modern cannabis history, and it was not because he picked an easy plant. When he brought Matt "Bubba" Berger's Florida clone into his San Fernando Valley grow rooms in the mid-1990s, indoor hydroponic cultivation barely existed in Los Angeles. Josh grew in rockwool on Dutch-style flood-and-drain tables under HPS, at a time when most California growers were still running soil outdoors. He spent years dialing in the nutrient regimen, the lighting canopy, the environmental controls — because OG Kush demanded all of it.
Growth Structure and Training
OG Kush exhibits a 1.5x to 2x stretch during the first two to three weeks after the flip — moderate by hybrid standards, but enough to crowd a canopy that was not pre-shaped. The architecture is a classic indica-dominant Christmas tree: one dominant central cola, tight internodal spacing (5–8 cm untrained), and dense lateral branching that fills in fast. Left unmanaged, the lower canopy starves. The structural challenge arrives in weeks six through eight: genuinely heavy, golf-ball-dense colas on stems that are thin relative to the bud weight they carry. Commercial growers universally report the need for double-layer trellising or bamboo stakes by late flower. SCROG is the consensus training method: install a net at 12–16 inches above the pot, fill 80–90% of the screen before flip, and let the stretch complete the canopy.
Yield
OG Kush is not a production strain, and no amount of technique will make it one. Under optimized SCROG with quality LED lighting, experienced indoor growers consistently report 390–450 g/m². Commercial LA operations compensate with density of planting, premium pricing, and the understanding that OG Kush's value has never been measured in grams per light.
Bud Structure and Trichomes
The canonical OG Kush expression is bright to olive green foliage with heavy frost and vivid orange pistils. Under cold night temperatures (a drop of 10–15°F from day temps), some phenotypes express faint purple hues, but this is not the norm.
Nutrient Management
This is where OG Kush earns its reputation for difficulty. The strain is a moderate-to-heavy feeder with an outsized calcium and magnesium appetite and a narrow tolerance window for EC. Multiple sources converge on the same ladder: 0.8–1.2 EC in early veg, ramping to 1.4–1.8 in late veg, peaking at 1.8–2.2 in mid-flower, and flushing at plain pH-adjusted water for the final 7–14 days. Push above 2.4 and OG genetics show toxicity quickly — dark, waxy, clawed leaves and salt lockout. In coco or under RO water, Cal-Mag supplementation at 2–5 mL/gal from week two through week six of flower is baseline. Maintain pH at 5.8–6.2 in coco/hydro and 6.2–6.5 in soil.
Growing Media
Josh D's original commercial runs were in rockwool on flood-and-drain tables, and rockwool remains the medium of choice for LA-style commercial OG production — precision EC and pH control with high-frequency automated fertigation. Coco coir has emerged as the leading alternative, offering similar oxygenation with more forgiveness on moisture retention. Living soil produces arguably the best terpene expression but at the cost of the EC precision that OG Kush rewards. The consensus: rockwool for scale, coco for the hands-on grower, living soil for the terp-chasing artisan.
Environment and Climate
OG Kush is an indoor strain. This is not preference — it is pathology management. The dense bud structure and high resin production create ideal conditions for powdery mildew and botrytis if humidity climbs above 50% during flowering. Target 40–50% RH in early flower, dropping to 35–45% in the final two weeks. Day temps of 70–80°F with a 5–8°F nighttime drop; VPD of 1.0–1.5 kPa through bloom. Horizontal airflow of 0.3–0.5 m/s across and through the canopy is critical.
Environment and Climate
OG Kush was the strain that proved supplemental CO2 changes the economics of indoor cannabis. Target 600–900 PPFD in veg, ramping to 900–1,100 in flower. With CO2 at 1,000–1,400 ppm in a sealed room, plants tolerate higher temperatures (up to 84–90°F) and push yields up to 20%. Without CO2, do not exceed 1,000 PPFD.
Wash and Extraction
OG Kush's signature fuel-lemon-pine terp profile is built on myrcene (0.4–1.0%), limonene (0.5–0.7%), and caryophyllene (0.4–0.5%), with total terpenes at 3.43% in Josh D's own lab-tested flower. These monoterpenes are volatile — a fast, warm dry destroys them permanently. The proven protocol: 60°F, 60% RH, in darkness, for 12–14 days. Research shows ambient-temperature drying retains 82% of terpenes; elevated-temperature drying retains under 30%. The sesquiterpene caryophyllene can actually increase 20–50% on a relative basis during slow drying, shifting the profile toward spicier, peppery notes. Cure in sealed containers at 58–62% RH for a minimum of four weeks. For hash washing, fresh frozen OG Kush yields 3–8% bubble hash by weight, with the 73–90 micron fraction producing full-melt quality.
History & Origin
Around 1991, Matt 'Bubba' Berger grew bag seed in South Florida from Chemdawg 91, Hindu Kush, and Lemon Thai stock. An unplanned male produced the seeds. In 1996, Berger smuggled cuttings to Los Angeles in rollerblade boots — only one survived. Josh D preserved this clone and distributed it across Southern California. By 1997 it earned perfect scores at a Bay Area competition; by 2001, wholesale prices hit $8,000/lb in LA.
Awards & Recognition
- ●2013: 1st Place — 26th High Times Cannabis Cup, Amsterdam (Rollex OG Kush)
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using OG Kush as a parent:
Frequently Asked Questions
7 common questions about OG Kush
What is OG Kush and what are its genetics?
OG Kush is a hybrid cannabis strain (55% Indica / 45% Sativa) bred by Accidental cross (Matt "Bubba" Berger, South Florida). It is a cross of Chemdawg 91 x Lemon Thai x Hindu Kush, testing at 19–26% THC. OG Kush is widely regarded as the single most influential cultivar in modern cannabis, serving as the genetic backbone for hundreds of modern hybrids including Girl Scout Cookies, Gelato, and the broader Cookies family. It originated from an accidental pollination event in South Florida around 1991 and was brought to Los Angeles in 1996, where it redefined the standard for premium cannabis with its fuel-forward, resin-heavy profile..
What does OG Kush smell and taste like?
OG Kush's dominant terpenes are Myrcene. The aroma is described as fuel-forward and pungent with layers of fresh lemon zest, damp pine resin, and a deep earthy/hashy undertone.. The flavor profile features sour citrus on inhale with woody pine and a kushy, diesel finish on exhale..
What are the effects of OG Kush?
Fast-acting cerebral euphoria within minutes. A distinctive two-phase experience: initial cerebral euphoria with mood elevation and talkativeness, followed by progressive body relaxation that spreads from the neck down. At moderate doses it remains functional; at higher doses it tilts toward couch-lock.. Duration is typically 2–3 hours. Commonly reported uses include Stress relief, Anxiety relief, Pain management, Appetite stimulation.
How hard is OG Kush to grow?
OG Kush is rated intermediate to advanced difficulty. It flowers in 8–9 weeks, reaches medium-tall (3–5 ft indoor) in height, and yields 390–450 g/m² indoors. Best suited for indoor preferred environments.
What are the parent strains of OG Kush?
OG Kush is a cross of Chemdawg 91 x Lemon Thai and Hindu Kush. Chemdawg 91 traces to seeds purchased at a Grateful Dead concert in 1991. Hindu Kush is an Afghan-Pakistani landrace.
What strains were bred from OG Kush?
OG Kush has been used as a parent in several notable crosses, including Girl Scout Cookies, Bubba Kush, Headband, SFV OG, Kosher Kush. Its genetics contribute to a wide range of modern cultivars.
Has OG Kush won any cannabis awards?
Yes. OG Kush has received recognition including 2013: 1st Place — 26th High Times Cannabis Cup, Amsterdam (Rollex OG Kush).
Sources & References (58)
- *Dark Coast Seeds** — OG Kush strain history (breeder-attributed origin narrative)
- *Leafly** — OG Kush family genealogy article + strain page (terpenes, effects, user ratings)
- *Caliterpenes** — History of OG Kush (origin narrative cross-reference)
- *PhenoDB** — Lineage tree (Chemdawg x Hindu Kush, 1,162 children cataloged)
- *Cannabis Business Times** — "The Curse of Kush" (cultivation difficulty, naming history)
- *Entour** — OG terpene profile lab data (COA reference ranges)
- *SC Labs** — Terpene distribution data across strains
- *ACS Laboratory** — Myrcene concentration data (0.7% average for OG Kush)
- *Herb.co** — 2026 strain review (effects, Leafly rating data)
- *Leafwell** — Strain profile (terpenes, effects, THC range)
- *AllBud** — Strain profile (THC: 20–26%, effects)
- *Leafbuyer** — Lab data (22% THC average, 20–27% range)
- *GrowGuide.app** — Cultivation guide (yield, flower time, feeding)
- *SeedFinder.eu** — Cannabis Cup Indica winners (Kosher Kush awards)
- *CBDoo.fr** — Cannabis Cup history (OG Kush: 5 victories)
- ### Source Conflicts Noted
- **Indica vs. sativa ratio:** AllBud says 55/45 sativa-dominant; Leafwell, StrainHub, and most others say indica-dominant (55/45 to 75/25). No consensus.
- **Lemon Thai as parent:** PhenoDB/SeedFinder omit it; most historical narratives include it.
- **"OG" meaning:** No authoritative answer exists. "Ocean Grown," "Original Gangster," and "Original" are all commonly cited.
- **THC range floor:** Leafwell and some sources cite 18% as the low end; most dispensary aggregators show 20% as the typical floor.
- Now let me compile all of this research into a thorough, structured profile. I have data from multiple sources that I can cross-reference. Let me organize the key findings:
- *Lineage:**
- Most widely accepted: Chemdawg (Chem 91) x Lemon Thai x Hindu Kush - accidental pollination in South Florida ~1991
- PhenoDB/SeedFinder lists it as Chemdawg x Hindu Kush
- Some sources include Lemon Thai as a third parent
- There IS a lineage dispute - some say just Chemdawg x Hindu Kush, others include Lemon Thai
- The "Kush" name apparently came from the strain's appearance rather than actual Hindu Kush genetics, according to Cannabis Business Times
- Matt "Bubba" Berger originally cultivated the bag seed in Florida, and Josh D later preserved and transported the clone to LA in 1996
- *THC Range:**
- Looking at the THC data across multiple platforms - Leafly reports 25% median, while Leafbuyer, AllBud, and California Street Cannabis cluster around 20-27%, with most sources settling on a 19-26% consensus range
- *Terpene Profile:**
- Myrcene dominates the terpene profile at 0.4-1.2% by weight (making up 30-50% of total terpenes), with beta-caryophyllene and limonene as secondary components and minor amounts of humulene, linalool, and alpha-pinene - all sources agree on this myrcene dominance with total terpene content around 2-3%
- *Effects:**
- The experience unfolds in two distinct phases: initial cerebral euphoria with mood elevation and creativity, followed by body relaxation and muscle tension relief that can lean toward sedation at higher doses - users typically report it for stress, anxiety, pain, and sleep, though dry mouth and dry eyes are common side effects
- , with some sensitive individuals experiencing anxiety or paranoia
- *Growing:**
- Flowers in 8-10 weeks with indoor yields around 400-500 g/m² and outdoor plants producing up to 700g, though it requires moderate skill to manage the environmental conditions - it stretches 50-80% early in flower, responds well to training techniques, but demands careful humidity control (40-50% in flower) and stays in the 65-80°F range to avoid bud rot and mold issues, plus it's calcium-magnesium hungry and can develop hermaphroditic traits under stress
- *History:**
- Started around 1991 from an accidental pollination in South Florida that Matt "Bubba" Berger grew from bag seed, with the strain becoming established by 1996 when Berger smuggled cuttings to LA, then Josh D took over preservation and distribution, entering it into the 1997 Bay Area competition where it scored perfectly and eventually commanded $8,000/lb in LA by 2001 - the "OG" origin remains debated between "Ocean Grown," "Original Gangster," or simply "Original"
- *Awards and Notable Crosses:**
- The strain has won five significant Cannabis Cups, with descendants like Kosher Kush taking multiple Best Indica awards and Rollex OG Kush placing first at the 26th High Times Cannabis Cup in 2013, plus Fire OG winning Leafly's Best OG Kush contest in 2019, and it's been crossed with strains like Girl Scout Cookies using OG Kush and Durban genetics
- , Headband combining it with Sour Diesel, SFV OG as a phenotype variant, Bubba Kush, and Fire OG itself, with PhenoDB documenting over 1,162 crosses using OG Kush as a parent and grandchildren like Gelato and Wedding Cake inheriting its lineage through GSC
- There's also ongoing debate about the exact parentage - whether it's Chemdawg crossed with Hindu Kush or a three-way cross involving Lemon Thai as well.
- Grower's Notes cultivation sources:
- The Flowery — Behind the Buzz: Josh D OG Kush history — https://theflowery.co/article/behind-the-buzz-meet-the-industry-legend-who-cultivated-the-original-og-kush-strain-josh-ds-cannabis-legacy
- The Highest Critic — Josh D: OG Kush Story — https://thehighestcritic.com/reviews/josh-d-og-kush-story/
- Sensi Seeds — OG Kush Feminized Grow Report — https://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/og-kush-feminized-grow-report-indoor/
- Grow Guide — OG Kush Grow Guide for Heavy Yields — https://growguide.app/blog/og-kush-strain-grow-guide-for-heavy-yields-potent-buds/
- Grow Guide — OG Kush Yields, Terpenes & Harvest Timing — https://growguide.app/blog/og-kush-grow-guide-yields-terpenes-harvest-timing/
- JointCommerce — Josh D OG Strain Guide — https://app.jointcommerce.com/blog/category/cannabis-101/josh-d-og-strain-a-comprehensive-strain-guide/
- Agriculture Novel — OG Kush Cultivation Mastery — https://agriculturenovel.co/og-kush-cultivation-mastery-the-complete-growers-guide-to-cannabis-royalty/
- Marijuana Break — 8 Tips for Cultivating OG Kush — https://marijuanabreak.com/growing/tips-for-growing-og-kush/
- Strainpedia — True OG Strain — https://www.strainpedia.com/true-og/
- JointCommerce — Raskal's OG Strain Guide — https://app.jointcommerce.com/blog/category/cannabis-101/raskals-og-strain-a-comprehensive-strain-guide/
- Josh D OG Kush Story Lab COA — https://salve-platform-production-pub-1.s3.amazonaws.com/27001/DA40209016-002-%28Revision-1%29.pdf
- PhenoDB — Drying and Curing Guide — https://phenodb.eu/drying-curing-guide
- The Press Club — Average Bubble Hash Washing Yields — https://thepressclub.co/blogs/tips-tricks/average-bubble-hash-washing-yields
- Fluence — How CO2 Enhances Cannabis Cultivation — https://fluence-led.com/resources/co2-for-cannabis-cultivation/
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