LA OG Kush: The West Coast Titan
LA OG Kush: The West Coast Titan
Strain Overview
Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid (90% Indica / 10% Sativa)
Breeder: Clone-Only (Originating in Los Angeles, CA)
Lineage: OG Kush Phenotype (Chemdawg x [Lemon Thai x Hindu Kush])
Market Status: The "Godfather"; LA OG Kush (often called simply "LA OG") is one of the foundational pillars of the California cannabis market. While there are countless "OG" cuts, the LA cut is revered for being the darkest, heaviest, and most physically sedating of the bunch. It defined the "Top Shelf" standard in Los Angeles dispensaries for over a decade. It is not a fruity strain; it is a serious, fuel-soaked plant that demands respect.
THC Content: High (20% – 26%)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
Key Effects: Immediate "Headband" Pressure, Narcotic Sedation, Heavy Body Stone, Complete Relaxation
LA OG Kush is the definition of "Gas."
Before the era of Runtz and Gelato, if you wanted the strongest weed money could buy, you asked for the LA OG. It offers a no-nonsense profile of pine, earth, and jet fuel. It doesn't try to be dessert; it tries to be a tranquilizer.
History and Lineage: The Los Angeles Legend
The history of OG Kush is messy, but the status of the LA cut is undeniable.
The Origin: This specific cut emerged in the Los Angeles medical scene in the early 2000s. It was selected for its darker coloration and heavier indica effects compared to the racier San Fernando Valley (SFV) cuts or the lighter Tahoe cuts.
The Reputation: It became the backbone of the LA "Trap" scene and the medical market simultaneously. It was prized because it grew small, dense, and incredibly potent—perfect for indoor growers who needed maximum power in minimum space.
The Genetics: It is a phenotype of the original OG Kush. While the original genetic mix is believed to be Chemdawg x Hindu Kush, the LA cut leans heavily into the Hindu Kush side, providing that deep, earthy coffee note and the sedative body high.
Terpene Profile: Pine-Sol and Coffee
The aroma of LA OG Kush is heavy, dank, and lingering. It is the smell of a classic California dispensary.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Earth): The dominant terpene in this specific cut. Unlike the Limonene-heavy SFV OG, the LA cut is rich in Myrcene, which gives it a musky, earthy, and balsamic aroma and contributes to the "couch-lock."
Pinene (The Forest): A strong note of fresh pine needles and turpentine. It provides a sharp, crisp top note.
Caryophyllene (The Fuel): Adds the signature spicy diesel and burnt rubber kick that makes it an "OG."
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is loud and aggressive. It smells of pine floor cleaner, damp earth, roasted coffee, and diesel fuel.
The Smoke: Thick and expansive. It tastes of spicy pine, lemon zest, and earthy wood. It is a heavy smoke that often induces coughing (the "cough to get off" phenomenon).
Strain Effects: The Concrete Blanket
LA OG Kush is not for the morning. It is a heavy, gravity-amplifying strain.
The Experience
The Impact: The high hits instantly behind the eyes. You feel a sensation of pressure (the "Headband") and a wave of stony euphoria.
The Drop: Almost immediately after the head rush, the high drops into the body. Your shoulders drop, your jaw unclenches, and your limbs feel heavy.
The Stone: A deep, narcotic sedation sets in. The mind slows down, and anxiety is crushed under the weight of the high.
The Sleep: If you smoke enough, it will put you to sleep. It is one of the most effective strains for battling insomnia.
Best For: Nighttime use, severe chronic pain, insomnia, muscle spasms, high stress, and appetite stimulation.
Growing LA OG Kush: The Finicky Queen
Like most elite OG cuts, LA OG is not easy to grow. She is picky, hungry, and requires attention.
Growth Structure
The Structure: It grows Vine-Like and Lanky. It has thin stems and large internodal spacing. It will flop over if not supported.
The Support: Trellising is mandatory. You must net the plant to support the buds and spread the canopy.
The Yield: Low to Moderate. It is not a commercial yielder like Blue Dream. It produces small, incredibly dense "golf ball" nuggets.
The Feeding: It is a Calcium/Magnesium hog. It demands high nutrient levels but is sensitive to pH fluctuations.
The Time: It finishes flowering in 9 to 10 weeks.
Grower’s Tip: Don't top this plant too many times, as it recovers slowly in veg. Instead, use LST (Low Stress Training) to bend the main stems horizontally. This breaks apical dominance and encourages those lower "popcorn" sites to become main colas.
Final Verdict: The West Coast Titan
LA OG Kush is cannabis royalty. It is the strain that taught the world what "Kush" was supposed to mean. It offers a raw, earthy, pine-fuel profile that cuts through the sweetness of modern hybrids. If you want to experience the heavy, narcotic stone that made Los Angeles the weed capital of the world, you have to pay respects to the LA OG.
You should choose LA OG Kush if:
You love Pine/Earth flavors.
You suffer from Insomnia.
You want Heavy Sedation.
You are a Cannabis Purist.
Score: 9.4/10 (The Heavy Classic)