Bear OG (aka Karma's OG): The European Standard
Bear OG (aka Karma's OG): The European Standard
Strain Overview
Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid
Breeder: Karma Genetics
Lineage: Bear OG (Clone) x Biker Kush
Market Status: A breeder’s favorite; widely regarded as the "Gold Standard" of European OG Kush genetics and the mother of Mephisto’s 3 Bears OG.
THC Content: 20% – 24% (Potent and Heavy)
Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, Myrcene, Pinene
Key Effects: Deep Physical Relaxation, Mood Elevation, "Happy" Sedation, Long-Lasting
In the complex world of OG Kush genetics, most roads lead back to California. But Bear OG (now officially sold as Karma's OG) proved that the Dutch masters could take American genetics and refine them into something even more stable.
Bred by the legendary Karma Genetics, this strain was created to solve the biggest problem with OG Kush: it is notoriously difficult to grow. By taking a specific, heavy-hitting cut (The Bear Cut) and crossing it with his robust male Biker Kush, Karma created a plant that delivers the authentic "lemon-fuel" fire of a true OG but grows with the vigor and structure of a reliable hybrid.
For autoflower fans, this strain is royalty: it is the photoperiod mother that Mephisto Genetics used to create their flagship 3 Bears OG.
History and Lineage: The Name Change
The history of this strain is slightly confusing due to a branding update, but the genetics are elite.
The Name: Originally released as Bear OG, it was later renamed Karma's OG to serve as the flagship strain for Karma Genetics. If you see either name, you are looking at the same legendary lineage.
The Mother (Bear OG Cut): A specific phenotype of OG Kush (believed to be from the OG#17 or Fire OG lines) selected by a grower named "Bear." It was chosen for its crushing potency and classic flavor.
The Father (Biker Kush V1.0): Karma's legendary male breeding tool (HA-OG x Biker). It adds structural integrity and tight internodal spacing to the lanky OG mother.
The Legacy: This strain won the 2014 IC420 Breeders Cup (Indica Category), cementing its status as one of the best OGs in the world.
Terpene Profile: Lemon Pledge and Pine
Bear OG is for the purist. It doesn't hide behind fruity candy flavors. It smells like a cleaning cupboard in a pine forest.
Dominant Terpenes
Limonene (The Cleaner): The most aggressive note. It smells of industrial lemon floor cleaner and citrus zest.
Pinene (The Forest): A sharp, fresh pine scent that clears the sinuses.
Myrcene (The Earth): Provides the damp, musky undertone that gives the smoke its "heavy" feeling.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is loud and distinct. It smells of lemon pledge, pine-sol, and diesel fuel. It is the definition of "Dank."
The Smoke: Thick and expansive. It tastes of sour citrus, earthy hash, and spicy fuel. It hits the back of the throat with that classic OG "kick."
Strain Effects: The Happy Heavyweight
Bear OG is cherished because it delivers the "Knockout" power of an OG without the immediate "Sleep" effect.
The Experience
The Lift: The high starts with a surprising amount of cerebral euphoria. You feel happy, giggly, and stress-free.
The Body Stone: About 30 minutes in, the "Bear Hug" begins. A warm, heavy sensation wraps around the body, relieving tension in the shoulders and back.
The Balance: Unlike some OGs that make you non-verbal, Bear OG leaves you functional enough to watch a movie or hang out with friends, provided you don't smoke too much.
The End: Eventually, the relaxation turns into sedation, making it a great pre-sleep strain.
Best For: Late-night movies, chronic pain relief, appetite stimulation, and unwinding after a stressful week.
Growing Bear OG: The Structure King
Karma bred this strain specifically to fix the "lanky/viney" structure of classic OGs.
Growth Structure
The Shape: While it still stretches (it is an OG, after all), it has a much sturdier frame than a standard OG Kush. It grows in a "pillar" shape with strong side branches.
The Stretch: Expect it to double in height during the first 3 weeks of flower. You will need to pinch/top the plant early to encourage lateral growth.
The Buds: They are rock-hard and round. They often develop beautiful lime green and light purple hues late in flower.
The Yield: Moderate to High. It yields significantly better than clone-only OGs.
The Feed: It is a moderate feeder. It loves Cal-Mag and P-K boosters in week 5–7.
Grower’s Tip: Support is still necessary. Even though it is stronger than a typical OG, the buds get very heavy. Use bamboo stakes or a trellis net to prevent the branches from sagging under the weight of the resinous colas.
Final Verdict: The OG Masterclass
Bear OG (Karma's OG) is a strain that demands respect. It is arguably the most refined version of OG Kush available in seed form today. It takes the flavor and potency of the West Coast and combines it with the stability and reliability of Dutch breeding. If you are a fan of Mephisto's 3 Bears OG and want to see where the magic came from, or if you simply want to grow one of the best lemon-fuel Indicas on the planet, this is the strain.
You should choose Bear OG if:
You are a fan of authentic OG Kush genetics.
You love Lemon, Pine, and Fuel flavors.
You want a heavy, relaxing high that doesn't instantly sedate.
You are a photoperiod grower looking for stability.
Score: 9.6/10 (The Breeder's Choice)