Banana OG: The Tropical Knockout
Banana OG: The Tropical Knockout
Strain Overview
Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid (70% Indica / 30% Sativa)
Breeder: Originally credited to OrgnKid (West Coast Legend)
Lineage: Banana (Ghost OG x Skunk Haze) x OG Kush
Market Status: A staple "Flavor Strain"; famous for its distinct overripe banana terpene profile.
THC Content: 23% – 27% (High Potency)
Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
Key Effects: "Creeper" Onset, Muscle Liquefaction, Euphoric Haze, Intense Munchies
In the vast catalog of fruity cannabis strains, Banana OG holds a special title: it is one of the few strains that actually tastes like its name.
While strains like "Blueberry" or "Grape Ape" often just taste generally sweet, Banana OG possesses a unique terpene combination that perfectly mimics the aroma of overripe, spotty bananas. Originally bred by the West Coast legend OrgnKid, this strain is a cross of a specific "Banana" phenotype (Ghost OG x Skunk Haze) and a classic OG Kush.
But do not let the fruit basket aroma fool you. This is widely considered one of the biggest "creepers" in the cannabis world. It invites you in with a smooth, tropical smoke, waits 15 minutes, and then drops a 500lb weight on your chest. It is a deceptively strong Indica that has earned its place on the top shelf.
History and Lineage: The Genetic Fruit Salad
Banana OG is a complex mix of "Gas" and "Skunk" genetics that somehow resulted in fruit.
The Mother (Banana): Technically a cross of Ghost OG and Skunk Haze. This parent provided the rare "Banana" terpene profile—a mix of sweet vegetation and skunky musk that the brain interprets as tropical fruit.
The Father (OG Kush): The backbone of the West Coast. The OG Kush male added the raw THC potency, the dense bud structure, and the heavy physical sedation that anchors the high.
The Result: A strain that retains the "Haze" cerebral buzz for the first few minutes before the OG Kush genetics take over completely. It is a slow-motion rollercoaster.
Terpene Profile: Rotten Fruit and Cinnamon
The smell of Banana OG is polarizing. Some love the tropical sweetness; others find the "overripe" funk overwhelming.
Dominant Terpenes
Limonene (The Sweetness): Unlike the citrus punch in other strains, here Limonene interacts with Myrcene to create a "soft" sweetness, resembling banana bread.
Myrcene (The Heavy): Extremely high levels of Myrcene contribute to the "couch-lock" effect and the musky, damp aroma.
Caryophyllene (The Spice): Adds a distinct cinnamon/nutmeg note that reinforces the "Banana Bread" flavor profile.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It smells of mushy bananas, damp earth, and cinnamon. It has a distinct "fermented" quality, like fruit left in the sun too long.
The Smoke: Surprisingly harsh on the first hit (an OG trait), but the exhale is thick and creamy. The aftertaste is undeniably sweet tropical fruit and tropical hash.
Strain Effects: The Creeper
The most dangerous thing about Banana OG is the delay.
The Experience
The Bait: You smoke a joint. You feel a mild, happy buzz. You think, "This isn't that strong."
The Wait: You smoke more because you aren't feeling it yet.
The Trap: About 15 to 20 minutes later, the high hits all at once. The "Creeper" effect kicks in.
The Stone: A heavy, narcotic sedation washes over the body. Your eyelids become lead. The mental state is hazy, happy, and unfocused.
The Hunger: Banana OG is legendary for inducing an appetite that is almost painful. You will eat everything.
Best For: Movie marathons, treating appetite loss, lazy Sundays, and experienced smokers who know how to pace themselves.
Medical Benefits
Because of its high THC and "creeper" nature, Banana OG is a heavy-duty medical strain.
Wasting Syndrome / Appetite Loss: It is one of the most effective strains for stimulating hunger (munchies).
Insomnia: Once the initial euphoria fades, the crash is inevitable. It is excellent for staying asleep.
Muscle Spasms: The high Myrcene content acts as a powerful muscle relaxant.
Stress: It forces the brain to turn off. It is hard to worry about deadlines when you can't remember where you put the remote.
Growing Banana OG: The Lanky Yielder
Banana OG can be tricky to grow because it has a confusing structure.
Growth Structure
The Stretch: Despite being an Indica dominant, it grows like a Sativa (thanks to the Skunk Haze lineage). It stretches tall and has long internodal spacing.
The Buds: The buds are distinct. They are often long and finger-like (resembling bananas?), pale green, and covered in amber hairs.
The Feed: It is a moderate feeder but sensitive to pH fluctuations.
Flowering Time: 8 to 9 weeks.
Grower’s Tip: Because the branches are long and the buds get heavy, Banana OG requires aggressive trellis netting. If you don't support the colas, they will flop over by week 7.
Final Verdict: The Tropical Trap
Banana OG is a strain that demands respect. It offers one of the most unique flavor profiles in cannabis—a genuine taste of ripe bananas and spice—but backs it up with a potency that catches many users off guard. It is the perfect strain for the smoker who wants the flavor of a fruit salad but the knockout power of a Mike Tyson uppercut. Just remember: wait 15 minutes before you pack the second bowl.
You should choose Banana OG if:
You love Fruity/Tropical terpene profiles.
You struggle with insomnia or appetite loss.
You enjoy the "Creeper" effect.
You have a high tolerance for THC.
Score: 8.9/10 (The Flavorful Knockout)
