South Florida OG: The "Swampborn" King of Gas
South Florida OG: The "Swampborn" King of Gas
Strain Overview
Type: Indica-Dominant Hybrid (Approx. 80% Indica / 20% Sativa)
Origin: Florida (The "Triangle" – Miami/Tampa/Jacksonville)
AKA: Sour Florida OG, Florida OG, "The Triangle" (often synonymous)
THC Content: 20% – 26%
Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, Myrcene, Chemdog-flavoring (VSCs)
Key Effects: Narcotic Sedation, Cerebral "Headband" Pressure, Muscle Relief, Euphoria
If Gelato #25 is the "Mother" of the modern exotic sensation Biscotti, then South Florida OG (often called Sour Florida OG) is the strong, silent Father.
Emerging from the humid swamps of the Sunshine State in the 1990s, this strain is one of the original pillars of the "Gas" movement. It represents the OG lineage in its rawest, most aggressive form—before it was tamed by West Coast cultivators. It is loud, lanky, and unapologetically potent.
While it is rarely seen on dispensary shelves as a standalone flower today (mostly due to its difficult growth structure), its genetic fingerprint is all over the Top 10 strains of the last decade. If you love the fuel-heavy taste of Biscotti or Gushers, you are tasting the ghost of South Florida OG.
History and Lineage: The Florida Connection
The history of South Florida OG is tangled with the history of Triangle Kush, and many purists argue they are essentially the same genetics, or at least siblings from the same bag of seeds.
The Origin Story
The 90s Smugglers: In the early 1990s, Florida was the entry point for high-grade cannabis. A grower in the "Triangle" region (Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville) got hold of the original Chemdawg/Hindu Kush cross that would eventually become OG Kush.
The "Sour" Pheno: This specific cut was selected for its incredible sour, chemical aroma. Unlike the pine-heavy phenos that went to California (becoming the Tahoe or SFV OGs), the Florida cut stayed true to the swamp: musky, earthy, and extremely sour.
The Biscotti Father: Decades later, the Cookie Fam used this "South Florida OG" cut to pollinate Gelato #25, creating the density and gas profile that made Biscotti a world champion.
Terpene Profile: Lemon Cleaner and Swamp Water
South Florida OG defines the term "Loud." It smells dangerous. It lacks the pastry sweetness of modern strains entirely.
Dominant Terpenes
Limonene (The Acid): This is the primary note. It isn't a sweet candy lemon; it smells like industrial-strength lemon floor cleaner or citric acid.
Myrcene (The Musk): Provides a heavy, damp, "swampy" undertone that smells like wet soil and old wood.
Caryophyllene (The Fuel): Adds the signature diesel fume scent that burns the nose hairs.
Flavor Notes:
The Inhale: Sharp, sour citrus and chemical funk. It makes your mouth water in the same way a sour candy does.
The Exhale: Pure jet fuel and damp earth. The aftertaste is savory and lingers for a long time.
South Florida OG Strain Effects: The "Creeper" Stone
South Florida OG is famous for its "creeper" onset. You might smoke a joint and feel fine for 10 minutes, only to find yourself unable to stand up 20 minutes later.
The Experience
The Headband: The high usually starts with a physical pressure around the forehead and eyes (the classic OG "Headband" effect). This is euphoric and slightly disorienting.
The Heaviness: Suddenly, the high drops into the body. It feels like wearing a lead vest. Motivation disappears, replaced by a deep sense of contentment.
The Sedation: This is a night-ender. It is almost impossible to keep your eyes open once the peak effects set in.
Best For: Watching movies, listening to music, or recovering after a heavy workout. Do not use this strain if you have to drive or work.
Medical Benefits of South Florida OG
This strain is "heavy artillery" for physical ailments. It is widely used by patients who have built up a tolerance to lighter hybrids.
Top Medical Uses:
Chronic Pain: The numbing body stone is incredible for back pain, arthritis, and nerve damage.
Insomnia: It is a potent sedative that helps shut down a racing mind.
Nausea: The high Limonene content makes it excellent for settling stomachs (hence the "Sour" benefit).
Muscle Spasms: It acts as a full-body muscle relaxant.
Growing South Florida OG: The Challenge
There is a reason this strain is mostly used for breeding rather than production: Farmers hate growing it. It is a diva in the garden.
Growth Structure
The Vine: It grows like a vine—thin, weak stems that stretch uncontrollably. It needs massive amounts of support (trellising) or it will fall over.
The Yield: It is a low yielder. It produces small, golf-ball-sized nuggets ("popcorn buds") rather than big colas.
The Finicky Nature: It is sensitive to nutrients, prone to powdery mildew, and hates temperature fluctuations.
Grower’s Tip: Why do people grow it? The Resin. The buds might be small, but they are absolutely caked in trichomes that are perfect for making high-grade hash or rosin.
Final Verdict: Is South Florida OG Right for You?
South Florida OG is a history lesson for the palate. It is the missing link between the Chemdawg era and the modern Biscotti era.
You should choose South Florida OG if:
You are a "Gas Head" who loves sour, chemical terpene profiles.
You want to see where Biscotti got its power.
You suffer from severe pain or insomnia and need heavy relief.
You are tired of sweet "dessert" weed and want something funky.