OG Kush is the definitive West Coast cannabis strain — the genetic foundation from which a generation of California cannabis culture was built. Developed in the early 1990s in California and popularised through Los Angeles dispensary culture, OG Kush remains one of the most recognised and requested strains in legal cannabis markets.
OG Kush Strain Guide — Effects, Terpenes & THC Content
OG Kush Quick Facts
- Type: Indica-dominant hybrid (55% Indica / 45% Sativa)
- THC Content: 22–26% (West Coast Treez batches)
- CBD Content: 0.1–0.3%
- Terpene Profile: Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Pinene
- Flavour: Earthy pine, citrus zest, diesel undertones
- Effects: Euphoric, relaxing, stress-relieving, sociable
- Best Time to Use: Late afternoon or evening
- Available Formats: Flower (Smalls), Vape Cartridge 1g, Pre-Rolls
OG Kush Terpene Profile
OG Kush’s characteristic aroma and effects are driven by one of the most studied terpene combinations in cannabis. Understanding these terpenes helps predict what OG Kush will feel like before you consume it.
Myrcene (primary terpene, 0.4–0.9%) — The most abundant terpene in OG Kush. Myrcene produces a heavy, earthy, musky base note similar to hops and contributes significantly to the sedative body relaxation associated with indicas. Myrcene is believed to increase the permeability of cell membranes, potentially enhancing THC absorption.
Limonene (secondary terpene, 0.2–0.5%) — The citrus component of OG Kush’s aroma. Limonene produces bright lemon-orange top notes above the earthy base and is associated with mood elevation, stress relief, and anxiety reduction. Limonene’s uplifting quality partly explains why OG Kush feels euphoric despite being indica-dominant.
Caryophyllene (secondary terpene, 0.15–0.4%) — The spicy, peppery terpene that gives OG Kush its subtle diesel character. Caryophyllene is unique among terpenes because it also activates the body’s CB2 receptors — the same receptors targeted by CBD — contributing to OG Kush’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Linalool (trace, 0.05–0.15%) — The lavender-floral terpene present in small quantities. Linalool is known for calming, anxiolytic properties that round off OG Kush’s effects, preventing the anxiety that pure sativas can produce in sensitive consumers.
α-Pinene (trace, 0.05–0.12%) — Fresh pine terpene that contributes to OG Kush’s clean, foresty finish. Alpha-pinene may act as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, potentially counteracting some of THC’s short-term memory effects.
OG Kush Effects — What to Expect
Onset (0–5 minutes): Cerebral rush of euphoria and mood elevation. Head feels light, thoughts quicken. Stress and anxiety decrease rapidly. Social inhibition lowers. Many consumers report a sudden shift in perspective — colours, music, and conversation feel more vivid and engaging.
Peak (20–60 minutes): The indica genetics assert themselves. Body relaxation spreads from the shoulders downward. Mind remains active but thoughts slow to a pleasantly contemplative pace. Appetite may increase noticeably. For higher doses, deep physical sedation can occur — commonly described as “couch-lock.”
Come-down (1–2.5 hours): Gradual transition to full body relaxation and mild drowsiness. Most consumers report natural, easy sleep following an OG Kush session in the evening.
Duration: 2–3 hours total for flower; 1.5–2 hours for vape cartridge.
OG Kush Flavour Profile
OG Kush produces one of the most complex and distinctive flavour profiles in cannabis. On the inhale: sharp citrus lemon followed immediately by dank, earthy pine. Mid-palate: diesel and spice from caryophyllene. On the exhale: lingering earthy-sweet finish with subtle floral notes from linalool. The combination is immediately recognisable to experienced cannabis consumers — OG Kush has a flavour fingerprint that even most cannabis-adjacent people have encountered in popular culture.
OG Kush — Frequently Asked Questions
Is OG Kush indica or sativa?
OG Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid — approximately 55% indica and 45% sativa. This balanced genetic composition produces both the euphoric cerebral effects associated with sativas and the deep body relaxation of indicas, which is a key reason OG Kush has remained popular across multiple generations of cannabis consumers.
What does OG stand for in OG Kush?
The exact meaning of “OG” in OG Kush is debated in cannabis culture. The most credible account holds that “OG” stands for “Ocean Grown” — a reference to the California coastal growing conditions that the original cultivator, Bubba Berger, attributed the strain’s unique terp profile to. The term was later reinterpreted as “Original Gangster” as the strain spread through Los Angeles hip-hop culture.
How strong is West Coast Treez OG Kush?
West Coast Treez OG Kush typically tests at 22–26% total THC in flower format and 82–91% THC in vape cartridge format. This places our OG Kush in the high-potency tier for flower and the premium tier for vape extracts. Consumers new to high-THC cannabis are advised to start with small doses.
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West Coast Treez Editorial Team
Cannabis education specialists with expertise in West Coast cultivation, strain genetics, and lab-testing standards. All content reviewed for accuracy and compliance.
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