What is a Kush Strain?

Cannabis consumers have a wide range of cultivars to choose from. Many select their ideal one based on the variety or group to which a plant belongs. Among the most popular and original options are Kush strains.

Originating from the Hindu Kush mountain range, which spans modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of India, these strains are known for their resilience. Despite the rugged and harsh growing environment, the mountain region has long been a destination for cannabis cultivation. This reputation, built on resilience and quality, has made Kush strains synonymous with high-quality cannabis. Aside from their ability to withstand tough conditions, there are plenty more reasons consumers continue to enjoy consuming Kush strains.

What are Kush Strains?

Kush strains are known for their history of durability and ability to thrive in even one of the harshest, most rugged growing environments. Ages of resilience led to Kush becoming some of the most highly valued cannabis strains by cultivators.

Numerous defining characteristics make Kush a top choice for cannabis enthusiasts. Over time, original Kush strains and their rich genetics grew beyond the mountain range, eventually being bred worldwide. 

The growth in recognition led to numerous crosses over the years, producing a new wave of Kush and hybrid strains–a trend that continues today. Whether hunting for a pure Kush or a hybrid, these are some of the defining traits to look for: 

• Appearance: Dense, dark green buds often accompanied by purple hues.
• Aromas: Ranging from earth, wood, and pine scents to citrus or floral notes.
• Calming Effects: Of the many reported effects produced by Kush strains, deep relaxation, and sedation are two of the most common.

What are the Reported Effects of Kush Strains?

Kush strains typically deliver mental and physical relaxation, leading to sedation in many cases. Other common effects include increased hunger and feelings of euphoria. That said, effects vary by strain, Kush, or otherwise. While there is a relatively firm understanding of common Kush effects, it is also understood that people respond to plant genetics differently. 

OG Kush is often associated with mental and physical stimulation combined with physical relief, while Bubba Kush is known for inducing deep sedation, sometimes described as couch-lock. 

Despite being well-documented, like any other strain variety, the effects of Kush genetics can vary. The person consuming the plant and numerous internal and external factors influence the experience. 

What Conditions do Kush Strains Help With?

Medical cannabis patients regularly use Kush strains to potentially help relieve various medical conditions and symptoms. Numerous patient reports suggest that these strains may effectively manage physical and mental pain symptoms. While much of the feedback centers on self-reports, select lab studies help provide a clearer understanding of Kush strains. 

Anxiety Relief

Various Kush strains, such as Bubba Kush, Skywalker OG Kush, Blueberry Lambsbread, and Kosher Kush, are often cited as potential anxiety relief options, with their soothing effects showing the potential to reduce stress and tension symptoms.¹

Pain Management

Strains high in THC content have been linked to reduced spontaneous pain symptoms. In one study, patients using THC-rich cannabis varieties experienced a 30% pain reduction. On the other hand, CBD-dominant strains were reportedly less effective. The study also found that the decrease in pain was linked to the intensity of the high, reporting significantly increased pain thresholds in patients using high-THC strains.²

Sleep Support

Kush strains have been regarded for their ability to improve sleep for a myriad of individuals, including patients with chronic pain. This effect is in part caused by the cannabinoid THC interacting with the body's CB1 receptors. The interaction has been linked to reduced feelings of pain, likely due to the release of neurotransmitters like adenosine. While heightened doses of THC can alter sleep via reduced REM sleep, lower doses reportedly help increase slow-wave sleep and decrease sleep onset latency. In one study, 84% of chronic pain patients using cannabis as a substitute for medication found it extremely helpful for sleep.²

Main Terpenes in Kush Strains

Kush strains are highly regarded for their robust terpene profiles, contributing to their unique aromas, flavors, and effects. 

Myrcene, a prominent compound in many Kush strains, produces an earthy aroma and often contains sedation and anti-inflammatory properties.³ Linalool is another common terpene found in Kush strains. Its floral and lavender notes are often accompanied by calming effects that may reduce anxiety and stress.⁴

Other notable terpenes found in Kush strains include limonene, which has citrus aromas and mood-enhancing properties.⁵ Caryophyllene, a pepper-scented terpene, interacts directly with CB2 receptors, delivering anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects in many consumers.⁶

The Top 5 Kush Strains

Kush strains are diverse, often producing a range of beneficial effects, typically including relaxation. Opinions will undoubtedly vary from person to person over which Kush strain is best. That's likely because several strains stand out as fan favorites and essentials. Some of the top Kush cultivars today include:

OG Kush

Arguably the most well-known and possibly beloved of all Kush strains, OG Kush is associated with whole-body effects, combining physical relaxation with euphoria–while offering earthy aromas and flavors, like pine, accented by citrus notes. 

Afghan Kush

Well-known for its soothing effects, Afghan Kush is often regarded for its ability to help people relax and sleep, producing feelings of euphoria and hunger. A high-yielding, sedating plant, Afghan Kush is the landrace Kush variety and delivers a flavor profile rich in earth notes with hints of sweetness and spice to round it out. 

Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush is known for its calming and relaxing effects, often accompanied by increased hunger. Offering up sweet and spicy notes, many report a coffee-like aroma from this well-known strain. 

Pink Kush

Pink Kush is regularly linked to improved relaxation, sleep, and increased feelings of hunger. Offering sweet and floral notes, many report a vanilla-like aroma from this uplifting strain. Fans of sweet natural notes from the Earth, such as vanilla, berries, and flowers, may want to try this strain.

Blackberry Kush

Blackberry Kush is often associated with relaxation, uplifting effects, and increased hunger. Offering a pungent mix of gas and fruit notes, this strain, with its bright purple buds, stands out for all the right reasons.

References

1. Kamal BS, Kamal F, Lantela DE. Cannabis and the Anxiety of Fragmentation-A Systems Approach for Finding an Anxiolytic Cannabis Chemotype. Front Neurosci. 2018;12:730. Published 2018 Oct 22. doi:10.3389/fnins.2018.00730
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2. van de Donk T, Niesters M, Kowal MA, Olofsen E, Dahan A, van Velzen M. An experimental randomized study on the analgesic effects of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis in chronic pain patients with fibromyalgia. Pain. 2019;160(4):860-869. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001464
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3. Surendran S, Qassadi F, Surendran G, Lilley D, Heinrich M. Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Frontiers in Nutrition. 2021;8. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666
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4. Weston-Green K, Clunas H, Jimenez Naranjo C. A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.583211
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5. Eddin LB, Jha NK, Meeran MFN, Kesari KK, Beiram R, Ojha S. Neuroprotective Potential of Limonene and Limonene Containing Natural Products. Molecules. 2021;26(15):4535. Published 2021 Jul 27. doi:10.3390/molecules26154535
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6. Sommano SR, Chittasupho C, Ruksiriwanich W, Jantrawut P. The Cannabis Terpenes. Molecules. 2020;25(24):5792. Published 2020 Dec 8. doi:10.3390/molecules25245792
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.