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Hybrid

OG Kush | Cannabis Strain Review & Effects

Also known as: Ocean Grown Kush, Original Gangster

Chemdawg x Hindu Kush (suspected)

OG Kush is a hybrid strain (Chemdawg x Hindu Kush (suspected)) with THC levels of 19-26%. It features a Myrcene-dominant terpene profile and is known for euphoria and relaxation. Best used during the evening.

THC

19-26%

CBD

0-0.3%

Best Time

Evening

Primary Effects

EuphoriaRelaxationHappinessStress Relief

Flavor Notes

Earthy, Pine, Lemon, Diesel

Aroma

Complex blend of earthy pine with sour lemon and subtle fuel notes

Research Sources

29 peer-reviewed studies

Verified Via

PubMed / DOI

Evidence

Research-Backed

Updated

December 2025

Every claim cites peer-reviewed research
How We Research

What is OG Kush?

OG Kush is a hybrid strain (Chemdawg x Hindu Kush (suspected)) with THC levels of 19-26%. It features a Myrcene-dominant terpene profile and is known for euphoria and relaxation. Best used during the evening.

About OG Kush Strain

OG Kush is a legendary strain that has become the genetic backbone of West Coast cannabis culture. Its complex terpene profile featuring myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene creates a unique combination of relaxation and mood elevation. The "OG" stands for "Ocean Grown," referring to its California origins, though some claim it means "Original Gangster."

Related Reading

Understanding Myrcene

Learn about this terpene

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Terpene Profile

Myrcenedominant
Earthy, musky, clove-like~0.75%

Primary research: Sedation & Relaxation

Limoneneprimary
Citrus, lemon, orange~0.55%

Primary research: THC Anxiety Reduction

Beta-Caryophylleneprimary
Spicy, peppery, woody, clove-like~0.48%

Primary research: Anti-inflammatory

Concentration Levels

Dominant (>1.0%)
Primary (0.5-1.0%)
Secondary (0.1-0.5%)
Trace (<0.1%)

Cannabinoid Profile

THCPsychoactive

19-26%

Pain Relief

CBD

0-0.3%

Seizure Reduction

Therapeutic Profile Matches

Based on OG Kush's terpene and cannabinoid profile, it may be well-suited for these therapeutic applications:

migraines

75%
Good Match
  • High myrcene content supports migraines & headaches
  • High beta-caryophyllene content supports migraines & headaches
  • thc dominant ratio matches profile

nausea

71%
Good Match
  • High limonene content supports nausea & appetite loss
  • High beta-caryophyllene content supports nausea & appetite loss
  • thc dominant ratio matches profile

ptsd

70%
Good Match
  • High myrcene content supports ptsd & trauma
  • High beta-caryophyllene content supports ptsd & trauma
  • thc dominant ratio matches profile

muscle spasms

68%
Good Match
  • High myrcene content supports muscle spasms & spasticity
  • High beta-caryophyllene content supports muscle spasms & spasticity
  • Best used evening, aligning with condition needs

multiple sclerosis

61%
Moderate Match
  • High myrcene content supports multiple sclerosis
  • High beta-caryophyllene content supports multiple sclerosis
  • Best used evening, 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. 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.

    PubMed: 34368215View Source
  2. 2

    Sewell RA, et al. The Effects of β-myrcene on Simulated Driving Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2023

    Found myrcene alone did not significantly impair simulated driving performance.

    PubMed: 37126442View Source
  3. 3

    do Vale TG, et al. Sedative effects of myrcene in mice Phytomedicine. 2002

    Demonstrated dose-dependent sedative and motor-relaxant effects in mice.

    PubMed: 12587690View Source
  4. 4

    Lorenzetti BB, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of myrcene Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1991

    Found peripheral analgesic activity in animal models.

    PubMed: 1753786View Source
  5. 5

    Rao VS, et al. Antinociceptive action of myrcene Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 1990

    Investigated pain-modulating mechanisms in animal studies.

    PubMed: 1983142View Source
  6. 6

    Tagen M, et al. D-Limonene Reduces THC-induced Anxiety via Adenosine A2A Receptor Mechanisms Psychopharmacology. 2024

    Johns Hopkins study showing limonene specifically reduces THC-induced anxiety in humans.

    PubMed: 38127108View Source
  7. 7

    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.

    PubMed: 29522718View Source
  8. 8

    Kiecolt-Glaser JK, et al. Olfactory influences on mood and cognition from citrus fragrance Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2008

    Lemon scent exposure improved mood and reduced norepinephrine.

    PubMed: 18178322View Source
  9. 9

    Sun J. D-Limonene for heartburn and GERD Alternative Medicine Review. 2007

    D-limonene showed gastroprotective effects.

    PubMed: 17472505View Source
  10. 10

    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.

    PubMed: 18574142View Source
  11. 11

    Klauke AL, et al. β-Caryophyllene reduces neuropathic pain via CB2 and PPAR-γ European Journal of Pain. 2014

    Showed dual mechanism for neuropathic pain relief.

    PubMed: 24338862View Source
  12. 12

    Bahi A, et al. Anxiolytic-like effect of β-caryophyllene Physiology & Behavior. 2014

    BCP reduced anxiety via CB2 receptor activation.

    PubMed: 24582908View Source
  13. 13

    Horvath B, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of β-caryophyllene Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 2012

    BCP reduced inflammation markers and oxidative stress.

    PubMed: 22569421View Source
  14. 14

    Tambe Y, et al. Gastroprotective effects of β-caryophyllene Planta Medica. 1996

    BCP protected gastric mucosa in ulcer models.

    PubMed: 8923806View Source
  15. 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.

    DOIView Source
  16. 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.

    PubMed: 26103030View Source
  17. 17

    Aviram J, Samuelly-Leichtag G. Cannabinoids for neuropathic pain Journal of Pain Research. 2017

    Review of clinical trials for neuropathic pain.

    PubMed: 28860855View Source
  18. 18

    Lutge EE, et al. Dronabinol for AIDS-related anorexia Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2013

    Systematic review of appetite stimulation evidence.

    PubMed: 23539665View Source
  19. 19

    Smith LA, et al. Cannabinoids for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015

    High-quality evidence for CINV efficacy.

    PubMed: 26561338View Source
  20. 20

    Kesner AJ, Lovinger DM. Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep Neuropsychopharmacology. 2020

    Review of THC effects on sleep architecture.

    PubMed: 31767987View Source
  21. 21

    Novotna A, et al. Nabiximols for spasticity in multiple sclerosis European Journal of Neurology. 2011

    Phase III trial showing efficacy for MS spasticity.

    PubMed: 21696543View Source
  22. 22

    Silvestro S, et al. Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) Journal of Cellular Physiology. 2020

    Comprehensive review of CBD's therapeutic applications.

    PubMed: 31960376View Source
  23. 23

    Devinsky O, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome New England Journal of Medicine. 2018

    Phase III trial leading to FDA approval of Epidiolex.

    PubMed: 29768152View Source
  24. 24

    Devinsky O, et al. Cannabidiol for treatment-resistant epilepsy Lancet Neurology. 2016

    Open-label trial showing 36.5% reduction in seizures.

    PubMed: 26724101View Source
  25. 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.

    PubMed: 30624194View Source
  26. 26

    Bergamaschi MM, et al. CBD reduces anxiety in social anxiety disorder Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011

    CBD reduced anxiety in simulated public speaking test.

    PubMed: 21307846View Source
  27. 27

    Burstein S. Cannabidiol as an emergent therapeutic strategy for reducing inflammation Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2015

    Review of CBD's anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

    PubMed: 25997150View Source
  28. 28

    Shannon S, et al. Cannabidiol for treatment of insomnia Permanente Journal. 2019

    66.7% of patients reported improved sleep.

    PubMed: 30624194View Source
  29. 29

    Boyaji S, et al. Cannabidiol for chronic pain management Current Opinion in Anesthesiology. 2020

    Review of CBD's analgesic mechanisms.

    PubMed: 32740152View Source

Research Verification

All citations link directly to PubMed or the original source. You can verify any claim by clicking the reference link. Learn more about how we research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes OG Kush so popular?

OG Kush is popular for its potent effects and complex flavor. Its unique terpene combination creates balanced euphoria with deep relaxation. It has also been used to create countless popular crosses including GSC and Skywalker OG.

What does OG Kush smell like?

OG Kush has a distinctive aroma combining earthy, piney notes with sour lemon and a subtle fuel-like undertone. This complex scent profile comes from its blend of myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene.

Quick Facts

Type
Hybrid
Genetics
Chemdawg x Hindu Kush (suspected)
Breeder
Unknown (Florida origin)
Genetic Family
Kush Family
Best Time of Use
Evening
Availability
common
Grow Difficulty
moderate

Dominant Terpene

Myrcene

Earthy, musky, clove-like

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Related by Genetics

Chemdawg

hybrid

Bubba Kush

indica

Skywalker OG

hybrid indica

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