The World of Kush

Kush originates from the Indian word meaning Sacred grass. How apt. In the cannabis community, Kush is known as a landrace strain and parent to some of the best breeds such as Bubba Kush, OG Kush, Purple Kush, and Master Kush.

A landrace strain is typically named after the place of origin and it is an indigenous cannabis plant that develops in a natural environment with unique characteristics. Kush is native to the Kush Mountain region, which stretches 500 miles through India, Northern Pakistan, and Afghanistan. This region is home to some of the finest cannabis and hash because of its abundant fertile valleys.

It is a pure strain that has given us the collection of hybrids we have today. Although it is quite difficult to find pure landrace Kush today, you will be able to get varieties cultivated from Heirloom strains.

The Kush Journey

When the hippie culture was developing and people were exploring Eastern religions and spirituality and making pilgrimages to India, they stumbled upon Kush and brought the strain back to Europe and eventually America.

The Kush strain is generally dominated by Indica, but hybrids have been cultivated. The effects trigger thought-provoking and contemplative moods while invoking feelings of euphoria.

Kush Characteristics

Kush is unquestionably a smooth ride accompanied by a powerful aroma and gives off a citrus flavor that is earthy and sweet. Because Kush is dense and resilient, they are hardy options for novice and expert growers.

Other benefits of cultivating Hindu Kush strains is its resistance to mold and pest and produces good yields even when growing in less than optimal conditions but still prefers a warm and sunny climate.

Kush plants have intense colors exhibiting green buds with tinges of fiery orange and gold, and the sometimes leaves have an exquisite purple hue.

Kush Strains

Hindu Kush is a pure indica that expresses a thick crystal trichome coat treasured by growers and smokers around the world. It has been used to cultivate hybrid strains that fast became popularized throughout the cannabis industry.

Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush is notorious for its heavy soporific effects. While its genetic profile is ambiguous, it is thought to have Afghani lineage. Matt “Bubba” Berger who bred this strain claims it originated when an OG Kush plant pollinated a female of the Northern Lights strain, but because of the uncertainty around its profile, it was simply known as Bubba Kush. It has a sweet hashish flavor with hints of coffee and chocolate and blended hues of purples and greens.

Mango Kush

Mango Kush is the result of breeding Hindu Kush with the Mango cannabis strain (bred from KC 33 and Afghani). Needless to say it has a fruit mango taste with a subtle flavor of Kush and pine. The buds are dense with orange pistils and a popular choice with both outdoor and indoor growers.

Master Kush

Also known as Grandmaster Kush and High Rise, this strain comes directly from Hindu Kush that was cross-bred with another landrace strain that also came from the Hindu Kush region. Its subtle aroma is a mix of earthy citrus and incense. It is known for its potent kick that enhances cognition, sensory awareness, and physical effects.

OG Kush

OG Kush was first grown in the nineties in Florida using a Northern California strain that was cross-bred with a Hindu Kush plant that came from Amsterdam. This hybrid has distinctive terpenes that emit a multifaceted aroma of spice and skunk.

Purple Kush

Grown in California, Purple Kush is the child of Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani. It has typical Kush characteristics inducing a long-lasting state of bliss and relaxation. This strain is known to grow more horizontally than vertically and requires an 8-week period for flowering before harvest.

Purple Hindu Kush

Another strain bred from Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani, which is almost a pure indica with a potent dose of THC. It is what you would expect as a direct descent from the Hindu Kush.

Other Strains

Other Kush strains that can trace their ancestry to Hindu Kush include the following:

Cookies Kush, Khalifa Kush, Critical Kush, Afghan Kush, Platinum Kush, Blackberry Kush, Platinum Bubba Kush, Platinum Purple Kush, Kosher Kush, Lemon Kush, Obama Kush, Kandy Kush, Orange Kush, Cali Kush, Strawberry Kush, SFV OG Kush (San Fernando Valley Kush), Pineapple Kush, Pre-98 Bubba Kush, King’s Kush, Crunch Berry Kush, Cherry Kush, Bubblegum Kush, and Purple OG Kush.