OG Kush: The Complete Guide to the Mother of Modern Hybrids
OG Kush is the genetic cornerstone of modern Californian cannabis culture. Born from a mysterious mid-1990s Florida phenotype, OG is now the mother or grandmother of nearly every commercially relevant hybrid — from Girl Scout Cookies to Wedding Cake, Gelato and Runtz.
OG Kush is a slightly indica-leaning hybrid (≈55/45) with 20–25% THC. Terpene profile: myrcene-limonene-caryophyllene — hence the distinctive lemon-pine-gas-earth aroma blend. Suspected genetics: Chemdawg × Hindu Kush × Lemon Thai (contested). Effects: euphoric cerebral onset, then deep body relaxation. Medically used for stress, migraine, chronic pain. In Switzerland only legal in psychoactive form via medical prescription.
On this page
History · Genetics · THC profile · Terpenes · Effects · Medical use · Cultivation · Comparisons · OG Kush in Switzerland · FAQ.
History: From Florida cut to Californian cult
OG Kush first surfaces in mid-1990s Florida. Matt « Bubba » Berger is said to have selected a notable phenotype from a Chemdawg seed batch and brought it to California, where « Josh D » (Josh Del Rosso) stabilised and propagated the clone from 1996 onwards in LA's Crenshaw district.
The meaning of « OG » remains folklore: the most popular reading is « Original Gangster » (a nod to LA hip-hop), others read it as « Ocean Grown » (Pacific-coast cultivation), others simply « Original ». OG Kush was the first hybrid « known by name » to become a consumer brand term.
Genetics & lineage (contested)
OG Kush's genetics are not officially settled. The most accepted theory: Chemdawg × (Hindu Kush × Lemon Thai). OG thus shares the Chemdawg root with Sour Diesel and Gorilla Glue #4, plus Afghan indica depth (Hindu Kush) and citric sativa peak (Lemon Thai).
Alternative theories see OG as a pure Chemdawg phenotype stabilised by selection — without an explicit Hindu Kush cross. Recent genetic analyses (Phylos Bioscience) show clear Hindu Kush markers in the OG genome, supporting the hybrid theory.
THC, CBD and cannabinoids
OG Kush delivers 20–25% THC on average, top cuts above 26%. CBD is negligible (< 0.3%).
Secondary cannabinoids: CBG (0.5–1%), CBN (trace, increases with long storage) and THCV (trace). CBN build-up in older OG material strengthens the sedative side — well-aged OG plays more indica than fresh stock.
FAQ
Is OG Kush indica or sativa?
A slightly indica-leaning hybrid (≈55/45). Cerebral onset, body-relaxing taper.
How much THC?
20–25% on average, top cuts above 26%. CBD below 0.3%.
What does « OG » mean?
Contested. Most popular readings: « Original Gangster » (LA hip-hop), « Ocean Grown » (Pacific coast) or simply « Original ».
Dominant terpenes?
β-myrcene, limonene and β-caryophyllene in near-equal concentration.
Does OG Kush make you sleepy?
Eventually, yes. Cerebral and active at first, then increasingly sedating after 60–90 minutes. Older or long-stored OG acts more sedating due to CBN build-up.
Which strains descend from OG Kush?
Over 1,400 documented descendants — Bubba Kush, Tahoe OG, SFV OG, Skywalker OG, GSC, Headband, Fire OG, Larry OG.
Is OG Kush good for beginners?
At moderate doses (1–2 puffs) it is fine. At a full dose the euphoria + sedation combo can overwhelm.
Is OG Kush legal in Switzerland?
Psychoactive version prescription only. CBD-dominant cuts under 1% THC are openly available.