Kush strains have a rich history that start in the 1960 six decades in Afghan region Hindu Kush. Eventually, they grew in global popularity despite some challenges. Let’s look into their history and defining traits, including their physical appearance, aroma, and known effects. We’ll also highlight our favourite Kush varieties that have achieved legendary status.
The origins of Kush strains
The name characterises a specific variety from the Hindu Kush mountain range, which spans South and Central Asia and the Western Himalayas.
The Hindu Kush mountains traverse a few countries within the region, namely Afghanistan and Pakistan. These two nations are known to grow cannabis natively and have produced some of the best quality herbs in circulation today.
Kush strains first became recognised in the 1960s when Western travelers arrived in Afghanistan while passing through the Hippie Trail on their way to India from Europe. During this time, local growers were already cultivating and refining landrace cannabis strains that were well-adapted to the region’s rugged and arid climate.
How Kush strains grew in popularity
Kush strains began drawing attention among cannabis enthusiasts around the 1970s when they first entered North American soil through smugglers. At the time, most home growers already knew how to handle “new world” landrace strains like Jamaican, Colombian, and Mexican.
However, cultivators encountered challenges as the Kush varieties were accustomed to the dry, mountainous climate of the Hindu Kush. These strains struggled to survive the cooler and more humid winters of North America’s temperate regions.
Growing practices eventually evolved, and Kush strains became more prominent outside of their places of origin. The world-famous OG Kush became a household name in the 1990s during the height of cannabis prohibition, and it has since achieved legendary status among herb lovers.
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The primary characteristics of Kush strains
Kush strains have specific characteristics that make them distinct. If you’ve enjoyed cannabis for a long time, you may spot these traits immediately. For the uninformed, here are some things you may notice just by using your basic senses.
Physical features
You can immediately spot a Kush by looking at it. The first thing that will likely pop up is the colas with a deep green hue. A cola is the central bud where the flowers are densely clustered together.
The surrounding leaves have light touches of purple, while its pistils (a.k.a the hairlike structures on the surface) have an orange or bronze colour. Kush strains are typically dense and hefty in structure, and you’ll likely notice thick and chunky buds.
Kush aromas and flavours
Kush strains are known to have a variety of fragrances, from earthy, floral, and pine to pungent, citrusy, and peppery. Some varieties have a gas and incense-like smell that isn’t off-putting.
The flavours are as deep as the inviting aromas. Within those first few tokes, you’ll notice the same earthy and citrus hints on your taste buds. Some strains have a grape and diesel flavour, making the overall smoking experience more unique.
Common effects of Kush strains
If you’re looking for a strain that can help you wind down after a busy day, Kush might be the one for you. It is known to have a more sedative hit that may keep you glued to the couch after a few good hits.
Some people experience mental clarity along with an uplifting feeling, making Kush strains a go-to option for therapeutic purposes.
Originally and historically, Kush strains fall under the indica-dominant category. However, many cultivators have implemented cross-breeding techniques, producing hybrids that give off a more balanced sensation.
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11 Best Kush strains
This piece won’t be complete without sharing some of our best Kush varieties. We’ve compiled them into a list that includes some strains you may or may not have tried yet.
1. Hindu Kush
High Times Magazine rated Hindu Kush as one of the best 25 strains of all time and for a good reason. This pure indica gained fandom thanks to its easy-to-grow traits, short flowering time of roughly 50 days, and deeply relaxing effects.
Hindu Kush is the true original Kush strain, and stands out with its woody aroma and savoury flavour. It can deliver yields of up to 300 g/plant and 360 g/m2 for outdoor and indoor growing, respectively.
2. Master Kush
Master Kush didn’t win the 2004 High Life Cannabis Cup award for nothing. White Label Seeds’ breeders created this strain by crossing 2 strains from the Hindu Kush mountains – one parent originating from India, and the other from Afghanistan. The result is an old-school 95% indica that usually flowers within 50 to 55 days.
With its earthy, sandalwood aroma and sweet, floral taste, Master Kush is one of the finest indicas known to bring instant relaxation.
3. OG Kush
As mentioned earlier, OG Kush is a name that carries legendary status among cannabis lovers. With its slightly lower indica content of 75%, this strain became a top choice for users who prefer citrusy aromas, spicy, earthy flavours, and a soothing and potent body high.
Likewise, OG Kush has a 55-day flowering time. Growers enjoy extra-large yields, which reach up to 1100 g/plant when grown outside and a maximum of 550 g/m2 for indoor cultivation.
4. Purple Cookie Kush
We’re shifting gears from indica-dominant strains to a balanced hybrid with Purple Cookie Kush. With a 60-40 indica-sativa profile, it has grape and sandalwood flavours and pleasantly pungent aromas. As for the effects, it begins with a mild buzz that eventually turns into a body high that calms the muscles.
With its higher sativa content comes a slightly longer flowering period of up to 60 days. It brings moderate yields of up to 475 g/m2 for indoor growing and reaches 550 g/plant when sown outdoors.
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5. Banana Kush Cake
Whether you choose our feminized or automatic variety, Banana Kush Cake offers the comforting and dreamy body high of an indica and the uplifting, energising buzz of a sativa. Both carry a fruity aroma and hints of spice that hit the tastebuds within the first few tokes.
6. Sensi Purple Kush
Famous for its vibrant green-purple colour combination, Sensi Purple Kush has a 70-30 indica-sativa profile that lives up to expectations. With the enjoyable body buzz comes a head high that puts any worried mind at ease.
Sensi Purple Kush has a complex flavour-aroma profile, with sweet and earthy tones for the nostrils and grapefruit and wild berries for the tastebuds.
Flowering takes up to 60 days and brings generous yields. Expect up to 500 g/m2 for indoor growing and at least 550 g/plant when done outdoors.
7. Caramellow Kush
If we were to compile a list of strains with high yields that are easy to grow, Caramellow Kush would be a sure inclusion. With inviting fruity aromas and flowery flavours, Caramellow Kush is known for alleviating effects after a long day. The first hit comes with a slight wave of tingling energy and a heavy relaxation that can melt all stressors away.
8. Sweet Cherry Kush
Sweet Cherry Kush is known for its strong genes, with its lineage consisting of Durban, Hindu Kush, Diesel, and Haze. It has a 60-40 indica-sativa profile, so you can expect to feel satisfyingly stoned as your mind gets hit with an uplifting buzz. At the same time, your nose enjoys a sweet, earthy aroma while your tongue gets coated with cherry and minty flavours.
Apart from being a treat for the senses, Sweet Cherry Kush makes growing enjoyable. With only 60 days of flowering time, you can get yields of up to 600 g/plant outdoors and up to 550 g/m2 indoors.
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9. Double Kush Cake
Double Kush Cake also comes in feminized and automatic varieties. Both strains offer a body high that loosens the muscles, and a light revitalizing head buzz. Regarding indoor yields, the feminized Double Kush Cake can reach up to 500 g/m2. The automatic, on the other hand, can get you up to 450 g/m2.
10. Strawberry Kush
Strawberry Kush, a Strawberry Cough and OG Kush cross, lives up to its name with its flavour and aroma profile. Right off the bat, it will welcome you with a noticeably sweet sensation in your nostrils and tastebuds.
With a 70-30 indica-sativa ratio, Strawberry Kush exhibits a nice body buzz and an uplifting head high. Flowering takes 60 days, bringing yields of 550 g/m2 indoors and 600 g/plant outdoors.
11. Raspberry Critical Kush
We launched this strain in 2024, and it was an instant hit. With the same 70-30 indica-sativa ratio as most on this list, Raspberry Critical Kush is known for its comforting body high combined with floral aromas and fruity flavours.
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Experience the best Kush strains today
Kush strains are revered for their inviting aromas, distinct flavours, and effects that calm the body and invigorate the mind. They’re also a breeze to cultivate. So if you don’t know where to start, this list should give you some excellent ideas.
What about you? What are your favourite Kush varieties, and what do you like most about them? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s start a discussion!
- Disclaimer:Laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation differ from country to country. Sensi Seeds therefore strongly advises you to check your local laws and regulations. Do not act in conflict with the law.
