As it stands, 19 states have legalized both medicinal and recreational marijuana. This means the US legal cannabis industry could reach $32 billion by the end of 2022.
So if you’re ready to purchase marijuana in a cannabis dispensary or online, you’ll need to know a bit more about the variety of strains available. But with over 700 strains of cannabis, we’ll be looking at the Kush cannabis family.
So if you’re asking yourself, “what is Kush?” keep reading. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about this legendary strain.
Explaining Cannabis Strains
Marijuana and cannabis strains are classified according to their phenotypes (physical appearance), chemotypes (chemical profile), and potential medicinal effects. Additionally, they are commonly referred to as varieties or cultivars, chemovars, and chemotypes.
Researchers have identified over 700 strains of cannabis; however, there are potentially thousands more yet undiscovered due to the ability of the plant to crossbreed.
A marijuana strain is created by breeding two cannabis plants, one male and one female. If two different strains are bred, it results in a hybrid, or new, strain. For example, breeding Hindu Kush with Afghani Purple resulted in what we know today as Purple Kush.
Choosing Cannabis Strains: What Is Kush?
When you purchase cannabis, whether medicinal or recreational, you’ll find various strain options. Each strain will have its own effects, so you’ll choose based on what you’re looking for.
To begin, There are two primary species of cannabis strains, again, each with its own effects:
- Cannabis sativa
- Cannabis indica
Hybrid varieties are a combination of both or with the addition of a lesser-known type, Cannabis ruderalis (an auto-flowering variety).
Cannabis sativa plants are taller than Indica plants, and their leaves are typically more elongated. Conversely, Cannabis indica plants are shorter and more compact, with broader leaves that are densely packed.
In addition, indica strains are reported to be more of a “downer,” inducing relaxation and calm, whereas Sativa strains are more “uppers,” generating more energy and creativity.
Cannabis ruderalis is a slightly different cultivar in several ways. First, it’s a hardy auto-flowering plant that can withstand various environments. Second, C. ruderalis is a short, compact plant that grows to a maximum height of around 2.5 feet. This cultivar is typically high in CBD and low in THC.
Each species of cannabis can have several strain families, cultivars, and subvarieties.
One of the most popular strain families is Kush. Kush typically refers to a Cannabis indica strain (hybrid or pure), and pure Cannabis indica strains include:
- Hindi Kush
- Afghan Kush
- Purple Kush
- Green Kush
Whereas hybrid C. indica strains can include:
- Golden Jamaican Kush
- Blueberry Kush
- OG Kush
Kush was named after the Hindi Kush mountain range, originating primarily in Northern Pakistan, Afghanistan, and North-Western India.
Medical and Health Benefits of Kush
People use Kush to aid with various ailments; however, research is still being done on the medical benefits of cannabis. Some specific health conditions that are undergoing or have undergone research are:
- Chronic pain (modest benefits)
- Anxiety (potentially beneficial)
- Epilepsy (potentially beneficial)
- Glaucoma (not beneficial)
- HIV/AIDS symptoms (potentially beneficial)
- Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (potentially beneficial)
- Nausea and vomiting (potentially beneficial)
- PTSD (potentially beneficial)
- Sleep problems (potentially beneficial)
How to Consume Cannabis for Potential Health Benefits
There are several ways you can consume cannabis for its potential health benefits. Some are healthier than others, but a few common consumption options are:
- Edibles
- Smoking
- Sublinguals
- Topicals
- Tinctures
- Suppositories
Some options are more common than others, and others you may battle to find easily. The list above is certainly not complete, but let’s take a closer look at some of the alternative options to smoking.
Edibles
Edibles are arguably the second most well-known method of consumption, next to smoking. There are several advantages to consuming edibles, such as an extended period of effect, and disadvantages, such as the length of time you have to wait for the effects to set in. In addition, edibles come in an array of options, from gummies to baked goods.
Topicals
Cannabis can also be used to aid in inflammation and pain by way of topical products. For example, balms, creams, and patches can be applied to the affected area for relief.
Tinctures
A cannabis tincture is an alcohol-based extract of cannabis that comes in a dropper bottle. This product can be added to most beverages; however, if you want to achieve results quicker, you can administer the dose under your tongue.
Kush Strain Effects and Characteristics
Kush strains with strong genetics will typically have one or more of the following traits:
Appearance
The leaves of Kush can be deep green to purple in color, while the pistils can be shades of rust, orange, or bronze. The flower, or bud, is dense and chunky.
Smell
Kush can have a variety of smells but ranges between scents such as floral, earthy, pungent, pepper, citrus, pine, herbs, and even gas.
Flavor Profile
If you’re smoking or vaping your medical Kush, the flavor profile should vary between florals, grapes, citrus, herbs, earth, and (believe it or not) diesel.
Kush strains are said to bring on the greatest relaxing effect and feelings of euphoria; however, these effects ultimately depend on the specific strain’s genetics.
Other Popular Cannabis Strains
The more you look into purchasing medical cannabis, the more strains you’ll find. Other popular cannabis strains include, but are not limited to:
- AK-47
- Pineapple Express
- Purple Haze
- Sour Diesel
- Blue Dream
- Girl Scout Cookies
- Cheese
- Durban Poison
Some are so well-known they’ve made their way into mainstream media and movies.
Buy Quality Kush Products at Medcare Farms
Whether you’re new to medical cannabis, or an old hand, Kush is undoubtedly a strain worth exploring. With several options for consumption and various benefits, you’ll certainly find a Kush strain you’ll love, and never ask, “what is Kush?” again.
If you’re looking for quality medical cannabis products, we encourage you to look at our online shop. We offer collection and delivery options and stock a wide range of top-quality cannabis products, from buds to tinctures.
You can also sign up and receive discounts on every order, exclusive product access, and more.
