Alien Kush: The Intergalactic Original
Alien Kush: The Intergalactic Original
Strain Overview
Type: Balanced Hybrid (Balanced near 50/50, leaning Indica)
Breeder: The Cali Connection / Alien Genetics
Lineage: Las Vegas Purple Kush (LVPK) x Alien Technology
Famous Offspring: The father of Alien Dawg and Fire Alien Kush
THC Content: 14% – 21% (Don't let the numbers fool you; the effects are unique)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene
Key Effects: "Spacey" Head High, Sensory Distortion, Deep Relaxation, Psychedelic Calm
Before MAC 1 broke the internet and before Alien Cookies became a legend, there was the original traveler: Alien Kush.
This is the strain that launched the entire "Alien" family tree. Born from a collaboration between The Cali Connection and the mysterious Alien Genetics, this strain was designed to merge the bag appeal of the West Coast (Purple Kush) with the raw, unadulterated power of the Middle East (Alien Technology).
Alien Kush is famous not for overwhelming THC numbers, but for the quality of its high. It is often described as "psychedelic" or "spacey." It doesn't just make you sleepy; it alters your perception, making it a favorite for artists, musicians, and anyone looking to leave this planet for a few hours.
History and Lineage: The Soldier and the Purple
The story of Alien Kush is one of the most fascinating in cannabis lore, involving a deployment to Afghanistan and a legendary clone from Las Vegas.
The Mother (Las Vegas Purple Kush): A clone-only legend. LVPK is known for its stunning purple hues, sweet floral/grape aroma, and heavy, narcotic Indica effects. It provides the flavor and the color.
The Father (Alien Technology): The story goes that a US soldier brought landrace seeds back from a village in Afghanistan. This "Alien Tech" was a pure, squat, resin-producing machine. It adds the structural integrity and the distinct "hashy" spice.
The Legacy: Alien Kush is the bridge. By crossing these two, breeders created a plant that had the beautiful look of a Purple Kush but the robust growth and unique "stone" of a pure Afghan landrace. It is the grandfather of almost every "Alien" strain on the market today.
Terpene Profile: Spiced Tea and Pine Forests
Alien Kush does not smell like the gas or candy strains of today. It has an "Old World" aroma that is spicy, herbal, and complex.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Herbal): The anchor. It provides a muskiness that smells like damp earth and aged wood.
Pinene (The Forest): This is very prominent. It gives the strain a sharp, refreshing scent of pine needles and cedar, contributing to the mental clarity found in the high.
Caryophyllene (The Spice): Adds a kick of black pepper and cloves.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It smells like spicy herbal tea, pine sap, and faint floral sweetness. It is not "loud" like a Sour Diesel; it is subtle and earthy.
The Smoke: Extremely smooth. The taste is dominated by hash, pine, and a subtle grape/berry finish from the LVPK mother.
Strain Effects: The Space Walk
The reason this strain is called "Alien" is the high. It is distinct from the standard "stoned" feeling.
The Experience
The Abduction: The onset is cerebral. You feel a lightness in the head and a shift in perspective. Colors may seem more saturated; music sounds deeper. It is a mild psychedelic effect.
The Drift: You are not energized, but you are not asleep. You enter a "flow state" where you can drift through thoughts or creative tasks with ease.
The Body: The Indica genetics eventually catch up, loosening the muscles and joints. However, unlike the crushing weight of Fire OG, Alien Kush feels like floating in zero gravity.
The Peace: It ends in a state of total meditative calm.
Best For: Meditation, yoga, listening to albums with headphones, and creative writing.
Medical Benefits
Alien Kush is a favorite for mental health because it separates the mind from the body's stress.
Stress & PTSD: The "dissociative" nature of the high allows patients to step outside of their anxiety and observe it from a distance.
Muscle Tension: The LVPK genetics provide excellent relief for tightness and cramping without total sedation.
ADHD: The Pinene content helps focus the mind, quieting the "noise" and allowing for concentration on a single task.
Mild Depression: The sensory enhancement can make the world feel more interesting and engaging.
Growing Alien Kush: The Stout Soldier
Thanks to the Alien Tech father, this is a relatively easy plant to grow, especially compared to the finicky OG strains.
Growth Structure
The Stature: It grows short and squat (Afghan influence). It rarely stretches out of control, making it great for indoor tents.
The Leaves: Broad, dark green leaves that can turn purple if exposed to cooler temperatures.
The Buds: They are round, dense, and "hairy." The trichome coverage is high, but the resin is often waxy rather than oily.
Flowering Time: 8 to 9 weeks.
Yield: Moderate. It focuses on density rather than size.
Grower’s Tip: This strain is hardy. It can handle fluctuations in temperature and humidity better than most "Exotic" strains. It is a great choice for a first-time grower who wants connoisseur-quality smoke.
Final Verdict: The Intergalactic Original
Alien Kush is a classic that deserves respect. It is not trying to be the loudest or the strongest strain in the room. Instead, it offers a sophisticated, "spacey" experience that reminds us that cannabis can be psychedelic, not just sedative. It combines the sweet beauty of Purple Kush with the ancient power of Afghan genetics to create a strain that truly feels like it came from another world.
You should choose Alien Kush if:
You want a "heady" high that is relaxing but not sleep-inducing.
You are an artist or musician looking for inspiration.
You prefer herbal, piney, and spicy flavors over sugar and gas.
You are a beginner grower looking for a resilient plant.
Score: 9.0/10 (The Intergalactic Original)