History of Kush Marijuana and Best Strains
Kush is one of the most popular and sought-after cannabis families among seed enthusiasts. Throughout this article, we will explore what exactly makes this strain all the rage among collectors around the world.
In the following paragraphs, we will provide some key facts about the origins of the Kush family, the defining characteristics of strains in this family, and a selection of the best Kush seed strains on the market.
Origin and history of the Kush family
The history of the Kush family can be traced back to the Hindu Kush mountains, an incredible but sadly war-torn region. The region joins onto the Himalayan mountain range and consists of three countries: India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The area is known for its high-quality hashish, a testament to the ideal growing conditions of the surrounding environment. The Hindu Kush region, being a primarily mountainous area, is located at a high altitude at upwards of 800 meters, which strains of the Kush family are particularly adapted to. They are hardy varieties, which thrive best in climates with relatively cool summers.
In ancient times, this region was popular as a common trade link between Central, West and East Asia, bringing together populations from various different parts of the continent in a bustling trade hub. The oldest cannabis traditions can also be dated back to here, with many marijuana strains thriving naturally in the region.
Later, towards the middle of the 20th century, counter-cultural movements of young people flocked to this area, attracted by its famous cannabis strains and the mysticism that pervaded the area. These young people brought the original Kush seeds back to the United States and Europe, which were later combined to produce some of the most interesting landmark strains in the Kush family lineage.
In many cases, these pioneers of Kush hybridization used Sativa genetics from regions with different climates to the Hindu Kush, resulting in strains with novel characteristics and in turn establishing the primitive reserves of what would later become the best seed banks in the world.
These hybrid varieties, according to experts, perform better in milder climates such as Europe and North America. This meant that they were able to be grown in these regions, while increasing in the characteristic potency and physical sensation of the Kush family. From this point on, California became the cradle of stabilization for the Kush strains.
The Best Kush Family Strains
Having gone through the history of the Kush family, let’s not cast our attention on some of the current most popular and revered Kush family seed strains in the world.
Bubba Kush
One of the queens of the Greenhouse Kush family is the feminized version of Bubba Kush. This strain comes from the prodigious genetic stabilization of a classic American Kush from the 90s. It is an Indica-dominant strain, often regarded as one of the best of this subspecies of marijuana.
One of the most striking characteristics of this strain is its high resin production, a defining trait of the Kush family. Cannabis plants produce more resin as a method of protection from inclement weather, such as cold fronts, which are common in the mountainous region of the Hindu Kush.
This is a seed that, according to the manufacturer, produces compact plants with a lot of branching and short internodal distance, and is also reported to produce abundant harvests of large buds. Although certainly a Kush variety, this is a California stabilized strain, so it is better suited to more temperate climates.
The attached data sheet tells how this strain has the distinct aroma characteristic of Kush strains; spicy, with earthy hints of coffee, which make the organoleptic properties of this variety one of the most revered by Kush family enthusiasts. The yield of this strain is excellent and, despite its small size, it can produce up to 500 grams per square meter when grown indoors.
Kosher Kush
Kosher Kush from DNA Genetics is one of the champions of the Kush family. This is a seed that has won up to 3 awards in different cannabis competitions around the world. It is also one of the crown jewels of the DNA Genetics seed bank, which stabilized original Kush specimens in the exceptional climatic conditions of the Californian coast.
According to the manufacturer, Kosher Kush is easy to grow and is particularly resistant to pests and fungus. Kosher Kush seeds produce characteristically short plants with short internodal distance, perfect for growing crops under space limitations.
As the seedbank reports, Kosher Kush is also known for its champion harvests, especially when grown outdoors, where plants of this strain can yield up to 800 grams per plant. This strain also responds very well to indoor growth, capable of producing up to 500 grams per square meter.
Kosher Kush is a strain with complex, exquisite organoleptic properties and a varied terpene profile. Another of Kosher Kush’s strong suits is its potent and sedative effects, which are a defining characteristic of the Kush family and therefore a favorite among indica enthusiasts.
Critical Kush
There is also a place within the Kush family for strains with unique fragrances. This is the case for Critical Kush, a seed prodigy from the Barney’s Farm seed bank, another major seed manufacturer. This strain reflects many of the American West Coast cannabis institutions’ deep-seated interest in the Kush family.
A cross between a Critical Kush variety with an original Ocean Grow Kush, this is a pure Indica strain with a delicious earthy, herbal aroma with slight hints of gasoline. This seed, according to the manufacturer, has many more advantages, such as excellent resin production and relatively fast flowering.
Due to its Indica heritage, Critical Kush plants are rather small, reaching only up to 110cm. It is a perfect example of the hybridization processes that were carried out during the last century in order to introduce strains with new characteristics.
The production of Critical Kush is also part of the of the Kush family’s heritage, according to Barney’s Farm. The manufacturer reports that, when grown outdoors, this strain can yield a harvest of up to 1kg per plant, which is impressive when compared to the average yields of the Kush family.
Pink Kush
Within the Kush family there are also certain colorful and eye-catching strains such as Pink Kush. This is another product of Barney’s Farm, the result of stabilizing and selecting OG Kush specimens, possibly the most popular variety of the Kush family for its effects, resistance, and flavor.
In addition to OG Kush, this seed bank also incorporated the genetics of Critical Kush and Peyote Purple, which together provide Pink Kush with its characteristic yields, color, and potency.
Pink Kush feminized seeds are reported to produce compact-sized plants of up to 120cm in height. The structure of Pink Kush consists of 80% Indica genetics, developing a large central branch with large, dense, and resinous buds. The bank reports that the yield of this variety varies depending on its environment. Harvests can yield up to 700 grams per plant when grown outdoors, and up to 650 grams per square meter indoors.
According to the seed bank’s lab tests, this is a strain with very active cannabinoids. Pink Kush could produce up to 24% THC and 1.4% CBD. The Indica potency of this strain is intended for lovers of high-quality Indica seeds. This strain has an intense, sweet flavor with hints of vanilla.
Bad Azz Kush
Barney’s Farm’s Bad Azz Kush rounds off our list of the best Kush family strains. Bad Azz Kush is a strain that comes from a triple cross between Afghan Kush, Urkel and OG Kush. The resulting qualities of this combination are reflected in seeds that produce primarily indica-dominant plants.
This is a strain with a compact structure and short flowering time, so it works well in climates with short summers. In spite of this fact, Bad Azz Kush is capable of extraordinary yields, producing up to 650 grams per square meter indoors and yet more outdoors.
The manufacturer claims that it boasts potent psychoactive effects, aided in part by THC concentrations of up to 23%. In addition, this Kush family strain also contains up to 1.2% CBD. The taste of Bad Azz Kush is equally admired for its intense and highly aromatic floral notes.
Kush strains are a favorite of connoisseurs throughout the seed collecting world. Originating from Central Asia, its cultivation and stabilization has spread to the American West Coast. This is a very heterogeneous family, among which you can find seeds with a vast array of different characteristics.
Keep reading with The Best CBD rich Strains of 2020 and The Best Outdoor seeds of 2020.
