Stoner Dictionary | Kush

Kush: noun 1. a particular type of cannabis indica plant

Origin: The Hindu Kush Mountains, Pakistan/Afghanistan

Example: “I can smell that sweet kush from a mile away.”

The indica dominant strain we call kush has a big family but finds its origins from landrace plants mostly in Northern Pakistan and Central Afghanistan as well as parts of North-Western India. The Hindu-Kush Mountains are the supposed birth place of the beloved kush strain which now has many sub strains and hybrids. Also known as Pāriyātra Parvata or Paropamisadae, this mountain range stretches between Central Afghanistan and Northern Pakistan and is 800m (2625ft) long. The etymology behind the name “Hindu Kush” has been speculated to mean “Indian Killer.” This name was supposedly given to a particular pass by the Persians because it was a place where many of their Indian slaves had perished during the harsh mountain winters. In Uzbek, Kush also means bird. Whether or not there is any correlation between these supposed meanings and our familiar kush, it is always fun to speculate. It was brought to the United States in the 1970s and has become a staple for indica smokers all over the world.

One of the most distinguishing traits of the kush plant is its aroma. While there are several types of kush now each possessing a unique scent, most kush will have a deep skunky and earthy smell with notes of sweetness.

Some will have hints of pine or citrus/ammonia. Strains like Lavender Kush or Pure Kush have been known to have a very floral scent, almost fragrant enough to wear as a perfume. Oddly enough, there is a line of Kush perfumes and colognes that have been released. If you are a true lover of that signature kush aroma, pick up a bottle of that Kush fragrance for your mate and enjoy the scent even when you are not smoking it!

Many of the popular types we know today include: Purple, Master, Pure, OG, Afghani, Hindu, Lavender, Mango and Bubba Kush. OG Kush is one of the most popular derivations and was made popular in Southern California, most famously by rapper B-Real of Cypress Hill. It does possess some sativa qualities but smokes more like an indica and is usually recommended for the indica smoker.

True Bubba Kush is a strain that has become hard to find.

There are many strains out there that claim to be Bubba but are often just named as such by the vendor or dispensary. A real Bubba cut is hard to come by so if you find it, snatch it up! Not all plants are indica, many of them are hybrids but will always have indica dominant genes. Kush is a strain that is loved by almost all weed smokers and is thought of as being royalty in the strains of marijuana. This is because it’s usually high quality and gives the user their money’s worth. The preferred strain by many true smokers and remains respected by many!

For more info check out the rest of our Stoner Dictionary.