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Kush Family
The Kush family represents one of the oldest and most influential genetic lineages in cannabis. Originating from the Hindu Kush mountain range spanning Afghanistan and Pakistan, these landrace indicas have been cultivated for centuries, primarily for hashish production.
Defining Characteristics
- ✓Dense, resinous buds
- ✓Short, bushy plant structure
- ✓Heavy sedating body effects
- ✓Earthy, fuel, pine aromas
- ✓Historically used for hashish production
Overview
The Kush family represents one of the oldest and most influential genetic lineages in cannabis. Originating from the Hindu Kush mountain range spanning Afghanistan and Pakistan, these landrace indicas have been cultivated for centuries, primarily for hashish production. The family is characterized by dense, heavily resinous flowers with potent sedating effects. Modern Kush varieties like OG Kush have become foundation genetics for countless popular strains, making this family one of the most important in cannabis breeding history.
History
The Kush lineage traces back thousands of years to the Hindu Kush mountains, where harsh conditions selected for compact, resinous plants that could survive cold nights and dry conditions. Seeds were brought to the West in the 1970s by travelers and breeders, where they were crossed with other genetics to create legendary strains like OG Kush. Today, "Kush" genetics appear in most indica-dominant hybrids available.
Medical Applications
Pain management
Strong body effects help with chronic pain
Insomnia
Heavy sedation promotes sleep
Muscle spasms
Physical relaxation reduces spasticity
Stress/anxiety
Calming effects reduce tension
Appetite stimulation
Often induces strong munchies
Notable Strains
| Strain | Genetics | THC | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OG Kush | Chemdawg Ă— Hindu Kush (disputed) | 19-26% | Foundation of OG family |
| Bubba Kush | OG Kush Ă— Afghani | 14-22% | Heavy sedation |
| Purple Kush | Purple Afghani Ă— Hindu Kush | 17-22% | Purple coloration |
| Master Kush | Hindu Kush Ă— Hindu Kush | 18-24% | Dutch classic |
| SFV OG | OG Kush phenotype | 17-24% | San Fernando Valley |
| Skywalker OG | Skywalker Ă— OG Kush | 20-30% | Space-themed potency |
| Triangle Kush | Florida OG Kush | 20-26% | Foundation for Cookies |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kush family of cannabis strains?
The Kush family is a genetic lineage originating from Hindu Kush landrace strains from the mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan. These indica-dominant strains are known for dense, resinous buds, earthy-fuel aromas, and heavy sedating effects.
What are the effects of Kush strains?
Kush strains typically produce strong body effects including deep relaxation, sedation, and potential couch-lock. They're known for pain relief, sleep promotion, and stress reduction. The high myrcene and linalool content contributes to these calming effects.
What is the difference between OG Kush and Hindu Kush?
Hindu Kush is a pure landrace indica from Central Asia with traditional hash-like flavors. OG Kush is a hybrid that likely combines Hindu Kush with Chemdawg genetics, creating a more complex fuel-pine-citrus profile with both cerebral and body effects.
Typical Terpene Profile
Cannabinoid Profile
Often higher CBN when aged (more sedating)
Find Your Strain
Browse strains from the Kush Family or explore other genetic families.