Kush is a word that’s highly popular across the cannabis industry. In fact, it’s one of the most widely used adjectives to describe top-shelf weed. But do you truly know the kush meaning or what’s the difference between cannabis kush strains? If not, no worries - we’ve put together the ultimate guide to cannabis kush including an in-depth guide to different types of kush strains, too.
What is kush and what does it mean?
While you might think kush is just another way to compliment the highest quality weed, there’s much more to the word than you may know. Kush is more than just a descriptive term, the meaning of the word Kush is an actual classification of strains that originate from the Hindu Kush mountains. The Hindu Kush mountain range is located on the Afghanistan-Pakistan and is where many landrace strains were known to natively grow.
Now, these indica and indica hybrid genetics are found across the globe thanks to advancements in breeding. No matter how many cannabis kush strains compile, they all share similar attributes. Including -

What are kush strains like?
Appearance
Kush strains typically boast deep-green colas with eye-catching hints of purple, and vibrant amber or orange pistils. The kush bud structure is normally dense and quite hefty, and plants tend to pack on weight as they grow.
Scent & flavor
Different types of kush strains deliver varying aromas and flavors depending on the exact genetics. Overall, cannabis kush strains tend to have a gassy, floral, pine and earthy aroma that delivers a citrus, earthy and fruity diesel like taste.
What are the effects of kush?
Because kush strains tend to be indica dominant kush effects follow suit. That means you can expect intense relaxing types of effects, that can be cerebrally introspective and uplifting for the mood, too. The soothing and comforting effects make many kush strains ideal for medical consumers.
Cannabis kush strains have become so synonymous with top-notch cannabis that kush is now even used to describe any good weed. Which may have to do with the number of High Times cannabis cups kush strains have been awarded or how high-quality their genetics tend to be.
Guide to Growing Cannabis Kush Strains

Before you begin cultivating indica kush strains, there’s a few things you should know about how they grow. For one, like any true indica cannabis kush plants grow short and stocky. Meaning, they’re ideal for indoor environments that are limited on ceiling space. One other factor to keep in mind is kush strains can be quite pungent. So, you may want to maximize your odor mitigation practices or avoid growing outdoors if you think your neighbors will be offended by the loud aromas.
Due to their long-standing and stable genetics, kush strains tend to be quite hardy and resistant to common issues. Like cold temperatures, pests and molds. This also makes cannabis kush strains ideal for beginner growers. Overall, popular kush strains are beloved by growers for their shorter than usual life cycles and maximized yields. Even better, kush strains are highly notable for resin-coated, dense buds which make them ideal for making hash, oil or concentrates, too.
The Top 5 Most Popular Kush Strains
So now you know what is kush, but what are some of the most popular kush strains available on the market today? Here’s the top 5 most notable cannabis kush genetics and the most important characteristics and effects to know.

OG Kush
OG Kush is probably one of the most renowned kush strains, or strains in general available on the market today. The indica dominant hybrid delivers a lively, and uplifting euphoria along with its soothing and comforting effects. In fact, High Times itself has ranked OG Kush as the #1 strain of all time. OG Kush easily reaches 19-22% THC making it a highly potent and pleasurable experience, all-around.

Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush has been around for almost 20 years and for good reason. The cross of OG Kush x Afgani is an 80% indica dominant hybrid that’s optimal for nighttime use and sedation. The cannabis kush strain is well-known for tranquilizing effects with THC content ranging from 16-19%. Medical consumers are quite fond of Bubba Kush for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety, while keeping the mind focused and alert.

Hindu Kush
Hindu Kush is one of the OG’s of strains today and is named for the original mountain range that all kushes came from. It’s one of the very few pure indicas available on the market today, and is highly sought after by medical consumers for its soothing and calming effects. While Hindu Kush effects may be slow to set in, once they do expect to be couchlocked and fully relaxed. Growing wise, and consuming wise, Hindu Kush is also recognizable for its maximized resin production making it ideal for hash or concentrates.

Master Kush
Master Kush gained much of its notoriety as being a favorite strain of Snoop Dogg. While it has elusive origins, it’s been around the block for quite some time and is one of the most notable indica dominant hybrids today. When looking at Master Kush vs OG Kush the two strains share many traits, including an uplifting and euphoric type of high. As the buzz goes on the kush effects become ultimately relaxing and quite sedating. Master Kush usually produces 19-22% THC and is a multiple-time High Times cannabis cup winner, too.

Pineapple Kush
Pineapple Kush is one of the newcomerss to the kush strain block but is just as high-quality as the rest. The highly potent indica dominant hybrid comes from a cross of OG Pineapple x Master Kush for a delightful end-result. With 19-22% THC and low levels of CBD, Pineapple Kush is just as popular with medical consumers as its other kush strain counterparts. Its kush effects will relax the body, while producing an uplifting, creative and euphoric buzz that brings on the giggles and the munchies.
Add a Little Kush to Your Crops
If you’re interested in elevating the crops in your commercial or personal grow - look no further than the quality of cannabis kush strains. Different types of kush like the popular kush strains we covered today are infamous for producing high-quality crops, maximized yields, and effects that are highly soothing for nighttime use. So, try your hand at adding some kush to your cannabis routines. Shop MSNL’s full collection of cannabis kush genetics for high quality end-results.