Kush - a popular group of Cannabis indica strains

THE HISTORY OF KUSH

The name “Kush” refers to a popular group of Cannabis indica strains all with genetic origins traceable to the slopes of the Hindu Kush Mountain range. It is from the landrace strains growing in this region – namely Afghanistan, Northern Pakistan and North-Western India – that the now infamous Kush strains were bred from. It is, unfortunately, a region of the world plagued by ongoing conflict; however, the locals have also made it a place renowned for high-quality cannabis and hash production.

For centuries, the fertile valleys and hillsides of the Hindu Kush were known as the source of the world’s finest hash, with the Afghani hash of the pre-war era remaining legendary among older cannabis aficionados. Years of natural and human selection have resulted in short, stocky bushes covered with huge, highly resinous, shiny trichomes. In the mid-to-late 1970s that some daredevil potheads smuggled strains from the Hindu Kush to the United States, where they continue to be available to the present day. These Kush varieties became the springboard for many now classic cannabis strains.

Kush strains are basically a cornerstone of Cannabis breeding and have been used to create an almost endless list of new varieties. Almost every strain with a dash of Kush genetics carries "Kush" in its name - it is like a seal of quality. OG Kush, Lemon Kush, Critical Kush, Afghan Kush and Cookies Kush are just a few famous names that instantaneously come to mind.

Nowhere are Kush strains more popular than in Southern California, but they have also spread far and wide throughout the rest of the US and Europe. Because of the short flowering time of Kush strains, they are much sought after in regions with a shorter summer. Many medical marijuana dispensaries carry as many varieties of Kush as they can get their hands on, and there are literally dozens, if not hundreds to choose from. Many of these have found their way to Europe and are highly sought after - Kush’s potency and flavour are simply undeniable.

KUSH STRAIN FEATURES

Let's have a quick look at the features that count for Kush strains as a group.

• Genetics: Indica (dominant)
• Parents: from the Hindu Kush mountain range
• Flowering period: short
• Height: short
• Yield: medium-large
• THC%: medium-strong

TASTE, SMELL ... AND THE EFFECT OF KUSH

Since it is really hard to find 100% Kush strains on the market today, we must, unfortunately, resort to the cop-out explanation of saying its flavours are "difficult to describe.” However, those few old-school veterans who can remember the days of pure Kush have described it in the following way:

"It is very earthy, somehow piney taste with a floral touch."

"Kush has an intense citrus, skunky odour" and "a taste like dirt, touched with pine and topped off with hints of liquorice."

Many of these flavours can be found in modern Kush variants in one form or another, reaching back into their past and displaying their origins.

Kush strains are known for their hard-hitting body stones and medicinal properties; their long-lasting sedating effect makes them a perfect choice for an evening nightcap. It is what has made Kush strains so popular amongst the celebrity stoners of the world, as the soothing and relaxing nature of the high, as Kush slowly seeps through the body, is unforgettable.

KUSH AT THE CUPS

Many varieties with Kush genetics have won prizes at various events around the globe - breeders know the sheer potency and distinct flavour are an almost sure-fire warrant for a place on the winner's podium.

KUSH AT ZATIVO

Several breeders offer Kush variations, as part of their catalogue. Browse through the different versions of Kush, and all strains related to her, that are available here at Zativo: