Face Off OG: The Strain That Lives Up to Its Name
Face Off OG: The Strain That Lives Up to Its Name
Strain Overview
Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid (70% Indica / 30% Sativa)
Origin: Southern California (Archive Seed Bank)
THC Content: 20% – 26%+
Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene
Key Effects: "Face-Melting" Euphoria, Disorienting Cerebral Buzz, Heavy Sedation, Pain Relief
In the vast encyclopedia of OG Kush phenotypes, Face Off OG holds a special, somewhat terrifying place. While other OGs are known for being relaxing or "chill," Face Off OG gained its reputation for being a relentless psychoactive powerhouse.
The strain was popularized by Fletcher Watson of Archive Seed Bank, who received the original seeds in the late 90s. The gifter famously told him, "This stuff will rip your face off," referencing the 1997 action movie Face/Off starring Nicolas Cage and John Travolta. The name stuck, and so did the reputation.
Today, Face Off OG is perhaps best known as the genetic father of the modern superstar Do-Si-Dos, but the original cut remains a bucket-list smoke for anyone who claims to have a high tolerance.
History and Lineage: The Archive Legend
The history of Face Off OG is a classic piece of California cannabis lore.
The Origin Story
In the late 1990s, a dozen seeds were found in a pound of exceptionally potent OG Kush in California.
The Phenohunt: These seeds were grown out, and pheno #4 was selected for its crushing potency.
Archive Seed Bank: The strain was preserved and stabilized by Archive Seed Bank, who later used it to create a massive library of "Face Off" crosses (including Dosi-Face, Rocket Fuel, and the legendary Do-Si-Dos).
Why it matters: Face Off OG represents the "psychedelic" side of the OG family. Unlike the sleepy Bubba Kush or the balanced Tahoe OG, Face Off was selected specifically for a high that is dizzying, heavy, and intense.
Terpene Profile: Lime, Leather, and Fuel
Face Off OG smells like a mechanic's shop located in a citrus grove. It lacks the sweetness of modern dessert strains, opting for a raw, industrial funk.
Dominant Terpenes
Limonene (The Citrus Solvent): The primary note is a sharp, acidic lime scent (rather than the lemon of standard OG). It cuts through the nose immediately.
Myrcene (The Earth): Provides a damp soil and herbal background that grounds the sharp citrus.
Caryophyllene (The Gas): Adds a spicy, peppery kick on the exhale that tingles the tongue.
Flavor Notes: The smoke is thick and expansive. On the inhale, you get a blast of sour lime and pine-sol. The exhale is heavy on diesel fuel and earthy leather, leaving a savory, almost salty aftertaste.
Face Off OG Strain Effects: A Dizzying Experience
The reason for the name becomes apparent within minutes of the first exhale.
The "Face-Melt"
The high does not creep; it crashes.
The Rush: It begins with an intense cerebral pressure around the eyes and temples. Many users report a dizzying, "vertigo-like" euphoria where the room feels like it is spinning slightly.
The Confusion: This is not a focus strain. It often induces a state of "stoned confusion" where you might forget what you were saying mid-sentence.
The Body Stone: As the cerebral rush settles, a crushing heaviness takes over the body. It feels like gravity has increased, pinning you to the nearest surface.
Warning: This strain is known to cause anxiety or "greening out" in novice users due to the sheer intensity of the initial head rush. Proceed with caution.
Medical Benefits of Face Off OG for Pain and PTSD
Because of its ability to numb both the mind and body, Face Off OG is a "break-glass-in-case-of-emergency" strain for medical patients.
Top Medical Uses:
Severe Chronic Pain: The body stone is narcotic-like in its ability to dull severe pain, migraines, and nerve damage.
PTSD and Panic: While the onset is intense, the eventual plateau is incredibly numbing, helping to silence traumatic thoughts and emotional distress.
Nausea: The heavy Limonene content makes it excellent for settling the stomach.
Insomnia: Once the mental fireworks fade, the comedown is sedating enough to knock out even the most stubborn insomniacs.
Growing Face Off OG: The Lanky Vine
Face Off OG is a tricky plant that requires a grower with experience in managing OG genetics.
Growth Structure
True to its lineage, the plant is lanky, thin, and vine-like. It has weak stems that struggle to support the weight of the buds.
Cultivation Tips
Support is Mandatory: You must use trellising or bamboo stakes. Without them, the branches will snap.
Nutrients: It is a "cal-mag" hog. It requires heavy supplementation of Calcium and Magnesium to prevent leaf yellowing.
Yield: Low to Moderate. It produces small, dense, golf-ball-sized nuggets (popcorn buds) rather than massive colas.
Environment: It prefers a dry, warm climate with plenty of airflow to prevent powdery mildew.
Grower’s Tip: Don't judge the yield by the size. These buds are denser than almost any other OG. A small bowl goes a very long way.
Final Verdict: Is Face Off OG Right for You?
Face Off OG is a strain for the thrill-seeker. It is for the smoker who wants to feel really stoned, not just "relaxed."
You should choose Face Off OG if:
You have a massive tolerance and other strains feel weak.
You want to experience the genetic father of Do-Si-Dos.
You need powerful relief from pain or nausea.
You enjoy the raw, gassy, lime-heavy flavor of old-school OGs.