OG Kush — strain review
OG Kush is more than a strain — it's the genetic foundation of modern commercial cannabis. Surfacing in Florida and Los Angeles in the mid-1990s, OG Kush is the parent or grandparent of dozens of today's commercial favorites including GG4, Wedding Cake, GSC, and most of the Cookies family. The strain itself is still in continuous production and still excellent. Our current batch tests at 26.3% THCa.
Strain profile
Strain bucket: Indica-leaning hybrid (~60/40) Lineage: Disputed — most-cited cross is Chemdog × Lemon Thai × Hindu Kush Dominant terpene: Myrcene with limonene and caryophyllene in a near-equal triple-terpene profile (the rare combination that gives OG its signature "complex" feel) Typical THCa range: 22-29%; our recent batches 24-27% Use time: Late afternoon through evening Flavor profile: Earthy, pine, citrus skin (lemon zest), pungent. The "OG smell" is a near-universal reference point in cannabis culture.
Effects — what to expect
OG Kush produces what users describe as a heavy-headed but euphoric effect — onset 10-15 min, with the head-rush hitting first, followed by a gradual body soak about 30 min in. The triple-terpene profile produces a more layered experience than single-dominant strains: there's mood-lift from the limonene, body-relax from the myrcene, and tension-release from the caryophyllene, all at the same time.
Peak hits 30-45 min. Duration 2-4 hours, with a long heavy-relaxed taper.
What it's good for: end-of-day decompression, social evenings, mid-strength pain, stress that's "everywhere" rather than localized.
What it's NOT good for: morning use, anything requiring sustained focus, pre-driving.
How to dose OG Kush
For new or low-tolerance users:
- One puff of 24%+ OG Kush. Wait 15 min. The triple-terpene depth makes one puff feel "fuller" than a single-terpene strain at the same potency — don't underestimate it.
For experienced users:
- 2-puff evening session is the sweet spot. The heaviness scales decisively at higher doses; 3+ puffs and you're committing to couch time.
- Excellent paired with a small amount of CBD (1:4 ratio CBD:THC) if you want to soften the heavy-headed lead with extra body-relax.
Avoid: combining with alcohol (the dizziness compounds), morning use, or stacking with edibles.
Who should try OG Kush
Yes if: you appreciate complex terpene profiles over single-note strains, you want a "reference" classic to compare modern strains against, or you specifically like the OG aroma family.
Maybe if: you're new to cannabis — OG hits harder than its THCa% suggests because the terpene profile amplifies the experience. One puff is plenty.
Skip if: you don't like earthy/pungent aromas, you want something gentle, or you need daytime-functional effects.
Top picks from our catalog
Live from in-stock inventory — what we'd recommend right now for this use case.
Frequently asked questions
What does the "OG" in OG Kush stand for?
Disputed. The most-cited explanations are "Original Gangster" (used by the original LA growers) and "Ocean Grown" (referring to its Florida coastal origin). No definitive answer — both stories circulate among the original 1990s breeders.
Is OG Kush stronger than Wedding Cake?
Wedding Cake has higher peak THCa (often 28%+ vs. OG's 24-27%) but OG Kush feels comparable in effect because the triple-terpene profile amplifies what you get per percentage point. Comparable strength, different character.
How does OG Kush compare to GG4?
GG4 is one of OG Kush's grandchildren. GG4 is more potent (28-32%) and heavier on the body-soak; OG Kush is more balanced and slightly more euphoric. GG4 if you want max sedation; OG Kush if you want the classic balanced-evening profile.
Will OG Kush help me sleep?
Yes for most users — the indica lean plus heavy myrcene produces clear sedation, especially at 2-puff doses 30 min before bed. Not as overtly sleep-targeted as Northern Lights but more pleasant getting there.