Original OG (OG Kush): The Godfather of Gas
Original OG (OG Kush): The Godfather of Gas
Strain Overview
Type: Hybrid (55% Sativa / 45% Indica - Effects lean Indica)
Breeder: Unknown / Matt Berger & Josh D (Popularized in Los Angeles in the mid-90s)
Lineage: Chemdawg x Lemon Thai x Hindu Kush (Widely accepted theory)
Market Status: The "Gold Standard"; Original OG (often simply called OG Kush) is arguably the most famous cannabis strain in the world. It is the genetic backbone of the entire West Coast cannabis industry. Before "Exotics" and "Dessert" strains existed, OG was the king. It defined the term "Dank" with its unmistakable aroma of lemon-pine fuel. It is the parent strain of countless legends, including Girl Scout Cookies, Headband, and Barney's Farm's Bad Azz Kush.
THC Content: 19% – 25% (Potent & Psychoactive)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
Key Effects: Euphoric Head Rush, Heavy Body Stone, Stress Relief, "Stoney" Confusion
If you have smoked cannabis in the last 20 years, you have likely smoked Original OG or one of its children.
This strain is the definition of "Gas." It doesn't smell like fruit or candy; it smells like a pine forest soaked in gasoline. It changed the trajectory of cannabis breeding forever, moving the market away from the sweet Haze strains of Amsterdam and toward the heavy, fuel-forward Indicas of Los Angeles. It is a potent, no-nonsense strain that hits with a distinct mix of mental euphoria and physical crushing power.
History and Lineage: Florida to L.A.
The history of Original OG is the most debated story in cannabis, but the consensus is clear on its impact.
The Origin: In the early 90s, a grower named Matt Berger in Florida cultivated a strain he called "Kush" (later proved to be a Chemdawg hybrid).
The Move: He shared a cut with Josh D, who brought it to Los Angeles in 1996.
The Explosion: Josh D mastered the growing technique for this finicky plant. It quickly took over the L.A. scene, commanding prices of up to $8,000 a pound. It became the "Original Gangster" of strains, synonymous with high-quality California weed.
The Legacy: It is the mother of the modern market. Without Original OG, there is no GSC, no Gelato, and no Runtz.
Terpene Profile: Pine, Lemon, and Fuel
The terpene profile of Original OG is aggressive. It is not subtle. It is "Loud."
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Musk): Provides the heavy, earthy base that hits the body.
Limonene (The Citrus): A sharp, chemical lemon cleaner scent that hits the nose first.
Caryophyllene (The Gas): High levels give it the spicy, diesel fuel kick that tickles the throat.
Pinene (The Forest): Adds a fresh pine needle aroma that makes the fuel smell "green."
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is penetrating. It smells of jet fuel, pine-sol, damp earth, and skunk.
The Smoke: Expansive and coughing-inducing. It tastes of spicy lemon, woody pine, and sour earth.
Strain Effects: The Hybrid Hammer
Original OG is unique because it is technically a hybrid, but it hits with the weight of an Indica.
The Experience
The Head Rush: The high hits instantly behind the eyes. It is a euphoric, stoney confusion. You feel happy but unfocused.
The Body Melt: Within 30 minutes, the heavy body effects kick in. It feels like gravity has increased.
The Zone: It puts you in a "zone." You are awake enough to watch a movie or play games, but too stoned to do complex math or work.
The Crash: Eventually, it leads to a heavy sedation, making it great for evening use.
Best For: Stress relief, migraines, ADD/ADHD (in low doses), appetite stimulation, and winding down.
Growing Original OG: The Finicky Vine
This is not a beginner's plant. Original OG is famous for being difficult to grow well.
Growth Structure
The Structure: It grows Tall and Lanky. It produces thin, vine-like branches that cannot support their own weight.
The Support: You must use trellis netting or stakes. The plant needs to be supported, or it will flop over.
The Buds: It does not produce massive colas. It produces "Popcorn" buds—small, dense, golf-ball-sized nuggets spaced out along the stems.
The Feeding: It is a heavy feeder. It demands high levels of Calcium and Magnesium.
The Sensitivity: It is prone to Powdery Mildew and Bud Rot. Airflow and humidity control are critical.
Grower’s Tip: Don't top Original OG too many times. Instead, "Super Crop" it (bend and snap the stems) to create a wider canopy. This strengthens the weak branches and increases yield. This difficulty is why breeders crossed it with Afghan Kush (to make Bad Azz Kush) or Critical Mass (to make Critical Kush)—to keep the flavor but fix the lanky growth structure.
Final Verdict: The King
Original OG is the benchmark. Every new strain is eventually compared to it. "Is it stronger than OG? Does it smell louder than OG?" Usually, the answer is no. While it is a pain to grow and yields less than modern hybrids, the quality of the flower is undeniable. It provides the classic "High" that every smoker chases—a perfect blend of mental happiness and physical relaxation.
You should choose Original OG if:
You love Gas/Pine flavors.
You want the "True California" experience.
You have Growing Experience (Intermediate/Expert).
You want Potent Relief from stress/pain.
Score: 9.8/10 (The Godfather)