Bubba Kush | Cannabis Strain Review & Effects
Also known as: BK, Bubba
OG Kush x Unknown Indica (possibly Northern Lights)
Bubba Kush is a indica strain (OG Kush x Unknown Indica (possibly Northern Lights)) with THC levels of 15-22%. It features a Myrcene-dominant terpene profile and is known for relaxation and sleepiness. Best used during the night.
THC
15-22%
CBD
0-0.1%
Best Time
Primary Effects
Flavor Notes
Chocolate, Coffee, Earthy, Hashish
Aroma
Rich chocolate and coffee with earthy hash undertones
Research Sources
29 peer-reviewed studies
Verified Via
PubMed / DOI
Evidence
Research-Backed
Updated
December 2025
What is Bubba Kush?
Bubba Kush is a indica strain (OG Kush x Unknown Indica (possibly Northern Lights)) with THC levels of 15-22%. It features a Myrcene-dominant terpene profile and is known for relaxation and sleepiness. Best used during the night.
About Bubba Kush Strain
Bubba Kush is a heavy indica that emerged in California in the late 1990s. Its dense, bulky buds deliver tranquilizing effects ideal for nighttime relaxation. The high myrcene content creates classic "couch-lock" sedation, while caryophyllene may provide anti-inflammatory benefits. It's a staple indica for insomnia and pain management.
Related Reading
Terpene Profile
Concentration Levels
Cannabinoid Profile
Therapeutic Profile Matches
Based on Bubba Kush's terpene and cannabinoid profile, it may be well-suited for these therapeutic applications:
migraines
- High myrcene content supports migraines & headaches
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports migraines & headaches
- thc dominant ratio matches profile
muscle spasms
- High myrcene content supports muscle spasms & spasticity
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports muscle spasms & spasticity
- Best used night, aligning with condition needs
ptsd
- High myrcene content supports ptsd & trauma
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports ptsd & trauma
- thc dominant ratio matches profile
nausea
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports nausea & appetite loss
- High limonene content supports nausea & appetite loss
- thc dominant ratio matches profile
multiple sclerosis
- High myrcene content supports multiple sclerosis
- High beta-caryophyllene content supports multiple sclerosis
- Best used night, aligning with condition needs
Match scores are theoretical
These scores are based on terpene/cannabinoid research and do not guarantee specific effects. Individual responses vary significantly. Always consult a healthcare provider.
- 1
Surendran S, et al. Myrcene-What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Frontiers in Nutrition. 2021
Comprehensive review: β-myrcene may potentiate the anti-nociceptive properties of cannabinoids.
- 2
Johnson MB, et al. The Effects of β-myrcene on Simulated Driving and Divided Attention: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Pilot Study Cannabis. 2023
Found myrcene alone did not significantly impair simulated driving performance.
- 3
do Vale TG, et al. Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) n.e. Brown Phytomedicine. 2002
Demonstrated dose-dependent sedative and motor-relaxant effects of myrcene in mice.
- 4
Lorenzetti BB, et al. Myrcene mimics the peripheral analgesic activity of lemongrass tea Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1991
Found peripheral analgesic activity in animal models.
- 5
Liktor-Busa E, et al. Analgesic Potential of Terpenes Derived from Cannabis sativa Pharmacological Reviews. 2021
Comprehensive review of cannabis terpene analgesic effects including myrcene.
- 6
Gertsch J, et al. β-Caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2008
Landmark paper: BCP directly activates CB2 receptors.
- 7
Klauke AL, et al. The cannabinoid CB2 receptor-selective phytocannabinoid beta-caryophyllene exerts analgesic effects in mouse models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain European Journal of Pain. 2014
Showed dual mechanism for neuropathic pain relief.
- 8
Bahi A, et al. β-Caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist produces multiple behavioral changes relevant to anxiety and depression in mice Physiology & Behavior. 2014
BCP reduced anxiety via CB2 receptor activation.
- 9
Horvath B, et al. β-Caryophyllene ameliorates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in a cannabinoid 2 receptor-dependent manner Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 2012
BCP reduced inflammation markers and oxidative stress.
- 10
Tambe Y, et al. Gastric cytoprotection of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene, beta-caryophyllene Planta Medica. 1996
BCP protected gastric mucosa in ulcer models.
- 11
Tagen M, et al. Vaporized D-limonene selectively mitigates the acute anxiogenic effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2024
Johns Hopkins study showing limonene specifically reduces THC-induced anxiety in humans.
- 12
Vieira AJ, et al. Limonene: Aroma of innovation in health and disease Chemico-Biological Interactions. 2018
Comprehensive review of limonene's anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.
- 13
Kiecolt-Glaser JK, et al. Olfactory influences on mood and autonomic, endocrine, and immune function Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2008
Lemon scent exposure improved mood and reduced norepinephrine.
- 14
Sun J. D-Limonene: safety and clinical applications Alternative Medicine Review. 2007
D-limonene showed gastroprotective effects and clinical safety.
- 15
Gaoni Y, Mechoulam R. Isolation, structure, and partial synthesis of an active constituent of hashish Journal of the American Chemical Society. 1964. doi:10.1021/ja01062a046
Landmark paper first identifying and synthesizing THC.
- 16
Whiting PF, et al. Cannabinoids for medical use: A systematic review and meta-analysis JAMA. 2015
Comprehensive review finding moderate evidence for chronic pain.
- 17
Aviram J, Samuelly-Leichtag G. Efficacy of Cannabis-Based Medicines for Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Pain Physician. 2017
Systematic review of clinical trials for neuropathic pain.
- 18
Lutge EE, et al. The medical use of cannabis for reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV/AIDS Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013
Systematic review of cannabis for HIV/AIDS symptoms including appetite.
- 19
Smith LA, et al. Cannabinoids for nausea and vomiting in adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015
High-quality evidence for CINV efficacy.
- 20
Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabinoids, Endocannabinoids and Sleep Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 2020
Review of THC effects on sleep architecture.
- 21
Novotna A, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, enriched-design study of nabiximols (Sativex), as add-on therapy, in subjects with refractory spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis European Journal of Neurology. 2011
Phase III trial showing efficacy for MS spasticity.
- 22
Silvestro S, et al. Molecular Targets of Cannabidiol in Experimental Models of Neurological Disease Molecules. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD's therapeutic applications and molecular targets.
- 23
Thiele EA, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (GWPCARE4): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial Lancet. 2018
Phase III trial leading to FDA approval of Epidiolex.
- 24
Devinsky O, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial Lancet Neurology. 2016
Open-label trial showing 36.5% reduction in seizures.
- 25
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series Permanente Journal. 2019
79.2% of patients reported reduced anxiety within first month.
- 26
Bergamaschi MM, et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011
CBD reduced anxiety in simulated public speaking test.
- 27
Burstein S. Cannabidiol (CBD) and its analogs: a review of their effects on inflammation Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2015
Review of CBD's anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
- 28
Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series Permanente Journal. 2019
66.7% of patients reported improved sleep in this anxiety and sleep study.
- 29
Urits I, et al. Use of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of chronic pain Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology. 2020
Comprehensive review of CBD for chronic pain management.
Research Verification
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bubba Kush good for pain?
Bubba Kush is commonly used for pain management. Its high myrcene and caryophyllene content may contribute to analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, while its sedation helps with relaxation.
What does Bubba Kush taste like?
Bubba Kush has an unusual chocolate and coffee flavor with earthy hash notes. It's one of the more distinctive-tasting indicas, quite different from fruity or citrus strains.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Indica
- Genetics
- OG Kush x Unknown Indica (possibly Northern Lights)
- Breeder
- Unknown (California origin)
- Best Time of Use
- Night
- Availability
- common
- Grow Difficulty
- easy
Dominant Terpene
Myrcene
Earthy, musky, clove-like
Want to try Bubba Kush? Get your medical marijuana card today.
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Educational Information
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis products.
Strain Variability
Profiles vary between batches, growers, and growing conditions. Always check lab test results for the specific product you're purchasing.
Beyond Indica/Sativa
Effects are better predicted by cannabinoid and terpene profiles than strain classification. Focus on the chemistry, not the label.
Understanding Therapeutic Profiles
Learn how terpenes and cannabinoids work together to create each strain's unique effects and therapeutic potential through the entourage effect.
Learn About Therapeutic Profiles