Everything You Need to Know About Kush
1 CommentWhether you’re a veteran smoker or you’re completely new to cannabis, you’ve probably heard of the world-famous strain OG Kush. It’s a strain that’s been featured in films, songs, and if you live on the West Coast, probably in your local dispensary as well. But what is OG Kush? Is it related to other Kush strains? And what’s with the name?
Like many strains in the world of cannabis, the origins of OG Kush are somewhat murky. In the era before legalization, growers needed to keep their cultivation practices a closely guarded secret. But when a strain of cannabis becomes as legendary as OG Kush, there are bound to be multiple parties laying claim to that strain’s origins. Here’s what we do know: it’s a powerful strain, a legend in its own right, and it’s been used to cultivate some of the most popular cannabis strains on the West Coast and beyond.
No one knows for sure how OG Kush came to be, but many cannabis enthusiasts believe it was originally a cross between Hindu Kush and an unknown California strain (some speculate Chemdog).
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The History of Kush
OG Kush is believed to have been first cultivated in Florida in the early 90s, but it was brought to Los Angeles in 1996 – which is when the strain’s popularity really began to take off. Some disagree with this narrative, claiming that OG Kush originated from a single seed found in a bag of exceptional herb at a Grateful Dead show in the 1990s.
The origins of OG Kush are far from settled, but there’s even been debate over what the “OG” name stands for. Some insist that it’s short for “Original Gangster,” while others claim that this West Coast favorite’s initials stand for “Ocean Grown.” In one apocryphal story, someone complimented the original grower by saying that the buds tasted mountain grown, to which they replied: “this was Ocean Grown.”
Effects of Kush Strains
No matter what the name means, OG Kush has been carefully bred by cannabis enthusiasts for its balanced physical/mental effects. Some Kush varieties lean strongly indica (like Bubba Kush, for example). Other Kush phenotypes produce more sativa-dominant effects, including a rush of euphoria. Still, other phenotypes of OG Kush deliver more balanced effects typical of a hybrid. Some people believe that the same strain can even produce different effects among various users.
As it goes with many origin stories, we may never know the true history or genetics of OG Kush. But we do know that we love this strain for its piney smell, its hashy taste, and its powerful effects. Some consumers choose OG Kush varieties to tackle stress, anxiety, and pain. Certain Kush varieties that lean heavy on the indica side may also lead to drowsiness, making indica-dominant Kush varieties a great choice for anyone struggling with insomnia.
7 Kush Strains Delivered to Your Door
Want to try OG Kush but don’t know where to begin? Here are some of the top Kush strains, available for delivery in the LA area from Nugg Club! These Kush phenotypes are sure to meet your needs, no matter what effects you’re seeking:
1. OG Kush (Eighth Brother) – OG Kush is the classic Kush strain here in California. Some consumers swear that OG Kush complements any activity or mood, whether you want to be social with friends, go for a hike, recover from pain/discomfort, or ease into a good night’s sleep.
2. Royal Kush (Eighth Brother) – Royal Kush is distinct from the genetics of OG Kush; this strain is actually the product of an Afghani indica and the hybrid Skunk #1 (not Chemdawg). However, much like the classic OG Kush, consumers can expect an onset of euphoria followed by a powerful, relaxing body high.
3. Source OG – Classic OG Kush and SFV OG are the proud parents of this strain, Source OG. Expect notes of citrus mixed in with the traditional OG pine smell and slightly more indica-dominant effects from Source OG.
4. OG Kush (CaliGold) – Expect the familiar taste and effects that you love from this classic California OG Kush. OG Kush offers physical relaxation without putting you to sleep, making this strain perfect for any endeavor.
5. Sunset OG (Old Pal Flower) – Not much is known about this strain’s origins. Based on the name, some believe it to be a cross of Sunset Sherbet and an undisclosed OG strain. Expect indica-dominant effects that will knock out stress, anxiety, and physical pain.
6. OG Kush (Humboldt) – Another classic OG Kush, this version hails from Humboldt County in Northern California, one of the cannabis capitals of the world. This OG offers spicy, piney smells and balanced indica-dominant effects. Perfect for just about any activity, any time of day!
7. Doc’s OG (Erba) – This Kush strain is the child of the indica-dominant hybrid Face Off OG and the powerful indica Rare Dankness #1. Overall, Doc’s OG leans towards the indica end of the spectrum. Fans of Doc’s OG turn to this strain for its ability to relax the mind and the body. Doc’s OG delivers a muscle-relaxing physical high that’s great for treating pain, muscle spasms, and physical discomfort, all while crushing any stress you might be feeling. This strain is best saved for a pre-bedtime treat as it may put you to sleep shortly after consumption.
Still not sure where to start? Chat live with a Nugg Club cannabis concierge who can answer your questions and help you pick the strain that’s right for you.
Have your favorite Kush strain delivered to your door with Nugg Club – click here and enter your address to see if delivery is available in your area.
Top 10 Medical Marijuana Blogs Nugg Recommends
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The world of medical marijuana is only going to continue growing. From novices to experts alike, finding websites and blogs for reliable cannabis information can be difficult.
With such a saturation on the market, not every outlet provides the information the community needs to know.
Whether a daily publication or a sporadic contributor, these medical cannabis blogs provide readers with useful information that is sure to inform its readers. Here are the top 10 Nugg recommends.
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Leafly News & Culture
Leafly is one of, if not the top, name in cannabis information today. For years, the site has excelled at crafting written and video content that caters to a range of cannabis consumers.
Newcomers and novices are sure to benefit from Cannabis 101 articles like How to Buy Cannabis in a Legal Recreational State as well as CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?
Meanwhile, experts can learn about emerging cannabinoids and extraction tech.
With years of content, Leafly newbies can easily get lost down a rabbit hole of useful cannabis facts. That includes information on dispensaries, strains, current events and so much more.
The Weed Blog
The Weed Blog calls itself “the #1 source of important marijuana-related information.” Visitors to the site tend to agree. TWB, as it is often called, provides information on current events, science, advocacy and much more.
The site also promotes learning beyond reading the articles. TWB believes in open-minded discussions among its readers and encourages constructive ideas to be shared.
Articles are updated on a near daily basis and feature insightful analysis that readers are sure to appreciate. Be sure to read their profiles on people in the cannabis space. They’re chock full of inspiration and information.
Cannabis Culture
Cannabis Culture is an excellent source for all things cannabis in Canada and the United States. The company has a long history of running up against Canadian lawmakers, including having its three of its dispensaries in Vancouver shut down.
The potential controversies aside, Cannabis Culture is a vital resource for not only cannabis current events but also for its original content. A recent article delved into who actually uses pot and hot today’s climate is changing the “pothead” image.
NORML BLog on Medical Marijuana
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) has been one of the most prominent names in American cannabis reform for decades. Its blog delves into federal and state legislation and advocacy efforts. This includes coverage of adult use and medical cannabis news.
In addition to its blog, the site is packed with information on cannabis laws by state, federal legal news and how you can get involved in the cannabis reform movement.
Medical Marijuana, Inc.
Those seeking only medical marijuana news need to consider Medical Marijuana, Inc. News. The blog does an excellent job of keeping up to date with the latest on the medical side. That includes near daily and multiple posts a day. Readers can drop in to get the latest on legislation, studies and health-related news to cannabis consumption.
In addition to the blog, the site also offers in-depth information on CBD and MMJ for newcomers.
Honest Marijuana
Honest Marijuana does what not many product blogs do — provide quality information on a somewhat consistent basis. About once a week, readers can get a new piece of insight from the brand that emphasizes organic cannabis grown from sustainable sources.
While not ideal for daily news, Honest Marijuana’s blog does provide quality tidbits you won’t find at every publication. Instead, they delve into topics that appeal to intermediate or experts in the field.
However, the blog keeps novices’ attention with the easy-to-read approach the writers take.
Cannabis Training University
Unlike the others on the list, Cannabis Training University’s blog content is not the most enticing content it offers. Their blog is an excellent source for learning about how to be a caregiver in addition to interesting historical dives like examining the history of cannabis in Islamic countries.
However, most of its content is behind a paywall. The good news is, it isn’t some scam paywall like some outlets have you buy into. Instead, CTU offers over 100 ebooks on cannabis courses including the medical industry, laws, business and numerous other facets of the market.
Have a Heart
Have a Heart is a multi-state cannabis retail brand. Find their dispensaries in Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, Iowa, Illinois and Ohio.
While not a reliable everyday source of information, the company blog does serve as a bookmark-worthy publication for occasional reading.
Updated about once a week, Have a Heart’s blog balances informative with light-hearted reading. Readers can take deep dives into subjects such as cooking with cannabis while also getting Netflix suggestions for when the edibles kick in.
Green Relief
Green Relief is a Canadian cannabis brand that knows how to do a blog right. Eye-catching visuals pair nicely with the site’s in-depth information.
Its articles are sure to provide insights into a range of familiar and not so familiar cannabis topics. One topic will explore dry herb vaporizers while the next article introduces readers to the world of cannabinoids far beyond THC and CBD.
The only knock against Green Relief is in which many brands suffer: a lack of consistent posting. While the reads are insightful and informative, its infrequent posting schedule makes the blog a casual check-in rather than an everyday read.
Legalize It. We Think So. (LIWTS)
Legalize It. We Think So (LIWTS) is one of the more straightforward brands on the list.
The site is almost exclusively dedicated to blog content. Topics fall under a series of categories: Legalize It, Grow, Edibles and Strains.
Readers can learn about male plants and if they can get you high, as well as easy to read listicles like the 10 rules to wake and baking. This is an excellent resource for those looking for dedicated cannabis content.
However, the site isn’t updated as frequently as some of the others, so be sure to have additional resources for daily information.
Didn’t see your favorite medical cannabis blog on the list? We know there’s a slew of excellent ones out there. Be sure to let us know your favorites in the comment section below!
A Look Beyond the Brand: THC Design
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Alex Wilkerson has his nose in the flowers. He’s not picking roses. Instead, Wilkerson inhales the rich terpene profiles of the latest cannabis strains that THC Design has in the works.
“It’s got a great nose,” Wilkerson says of a batch of Purple Punch.
The way that THC Designs’ team talks about cannabis is not unlike the way sommeliers talk about fine wine, which underscores just how seriously they take this plant.
A candid conversation about cannabis’ complex aroma and tasting notes were somewhat rare in the cannabis community, which has previously used terms like “dank” to describe a bag of weed’s characteristics. That’s exactly what the folks at THC Design are hoping to change.
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THC Design’s Mission
THC Design Co-Founder and Head of Sales, Jairia Pass, poses in the mother room at their HQ in downtown LA.
“That’s a huge goal for us to have it [cannabis] very normalized in your home,” said Jairia Pass, co-founder of THC Design. “You should be able to talk about that and not feel weird about it.”
That connection to cannabis is evident in seemingly every conversation that Pass and her team have. While other cannabis cultivators may be focused on producing the most intoxicating buds possible, the team at THC Design have other plans in mind. For them, potency is important – but it’s not the only goal.
“We want to represent what cannabis isn’t usually represented as. Something that’s a benefit for society, something that can be used to help others,” Wilkerson said.
“It’s not just a drug,” Pass emphasizes. “We want to show people everything this plant can do.”
That level of enthusiasm for cannabis is what THC Design is all about. First and foremost, the team at THC Design wants you to know that they care about cannabis because they value cannabis consumers.
“That passion comes because we have so much faith and love and care for this plant,” Jairia Pass said. “We just know that there are so many possibilities for this plant and what it can do.”
Passion Turned to Purpose
Jairia Pass, Co-Founder of THC Design, likes to take a little personal time each day in the mother room.
The people behind THC Design have been growing cannabis for over a decade. Pass, the company’s co-founder, began her passion for cannabis in Oklahoma. But she quickly found that Southern California was a more hospitable place to plant roots and fully embrace the possibilities of this sacred plant.
“This is where we need to be, in Los Angeles,” Pass said. “This is where the community for cannabis is and where it’s growing, and this is where I think the most education needs to be.”
Pass’s experience and her passion for high-quality cannabis are evident when you smell, see and taste the buds and pre-rolls THC Design produces. They’ve studied the genetics behind every strain they sell in order to create a premium product for consumers and consistent medicine for medical cannabis patients.
“We’re constantly trying new genetics for the best medicine possible,” Pass said. “As we’ve grown, we’re trying to find plants that are actually better for medicinal purposes. Right now we’re currently sourcing genetics for higher CBD – that’s going to be the future.”
Maintaining Environmental Sustainability
Fine tuning their plants’ genetics isn’t the only thing that the THC Design team is focusing on. They also want to be as environmentally sustainable as possible – a breath of fresh air in this arid, drought-prone region of Southern California.
Unlike many grow operations, THC Design’s growing facility is as close to waste-free as you can get. They use HVAC systems to capture moisture from the air, including moisture that the plants themselves release. Water is essentially being harvested, sterilized, and recycled within a closed system.
“It’s nice that we can get water that our plants make, in the actual flower rooms, and then use that to feed the plants all over again,” Wilkerson said. “It’s like the Circle of Life.”
“Our practices have gotten a lot better,” Pass explained. “We’re using energy efficient bulbs…we’re using less electricity.”
A Focus on Education
In addition to sustainability, the THC Design team also wants to focus on education. They work with policymakers to make them better informed when it comes to the benefits of cannabis, advocating for legislative reform at the local level as well as the national level.
They’re also hoping to educate cannabis consumers on how to be more self-sufficient, with their popular “Grow Girl” series of online educational content. The Grow Girl series instructs viewers on how to sustainably grow their own cannabis plants at home.
“I’ve had so much faith and hope in cannabis,” Alex Wilkerson said. “How you take care of a plant might be reflective of how you take care of yourself.”
Even if you haven’t tried THC Design’s products, you’ve certainly seen them in your local dispensary. Their pre-rolls, gram bags, and prepackaged eighths are labeled with the brand’s easily recognizable logo that includes the delta-9-THC molecule, with pre-rolls delivered in slim, discreet metal tins that are reminiscent of old-fashioned cigarette cases.
Sativas are labeled with green lettering on the logo, hybrids are orange-yellow, and indicas are a calming shade of purple.
Try a pre-roll or a prepackaged flower varietal from THC Design through Nugg and see for yourself how quality-crafted cannabis can help you focus on your own sense of wellness. Then check out the brand’s website at www.thcdesign.com to learn more about what elevates this brand above the competition.
How to Have a Productive Dinnertime Discussion About Cannabis
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Dinner conversations can be quite joyful and celebratory. At other times, they can be downright fiery. Depending on your guests, cannabis tends to be a topic often evokes both outcomes.
When discussing cannabis over dinner, proponents of the plant run into a myriad of hurdles and potholes that can derail the conversation.
We spoke with some cannabis professionals to see how they broach the subject. Here’s what they had to say.
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The Hurdles & Pitfalls to Talking Cannabis
The professionals who talked to Nugg laid out a number of challenges when discussing pot. On a broad level, most of the significant pitfalls fell into four categories: Health, Society, Regulation and Culture.
Dana Leavy-Detrick, Director of Canna Career Partners, explained that the most significant challenges she faced were the physiological and societal roles of cannabis as well as the potential gains from legalization. As such, Leavy-Detrick suggests that first focuses on education.
She explained that this education should center on “building knowledge, trust, and curiosity around what cannabis is as a product, and how it can impact our society from a medical, economic, and cultural perspective.”
This is an experience Leavy-Detrick has faced herself. Like many at the dinner table, generations of families tend to disagree. In this case, her conservative father erroneously links cannabis and alcohol.
As such, she says that he “likens cannabis to alcohol, considering legalization as simply a liberal tactic that will ultimately result in drug-fueled violence and DUIs.” She attributes this error to his misunderstanding of the plant’s effects as well as its consumers and applications in a legal market.
Politics is far from the only conversation hurdle. Sometimes religion and cultural upbringings play a significant part.
Adriana Herrera, Founder, CEO and CTO of the automated cannabis training platform EpicHint, told Nugg how growing up in a Catholic Mexican-American household affected her family’s cannabis beliefs. Despite both her parents working in healthcare and relying on science for evidence, Herrera said they still view cannabis as bad. She chalks these beliefs up to an emotional decision.
“For decades, cannabis – alongside other drugs – was responsible for violence, kidnappings, deaths, and destruction in Mexico and Latin America,” adding, ”It was something to stay entirely away from.”
How to Successfully Talk Cannabis
These broad conversation potholes and hurdles make the subject particularly volatile. One wrong point and the conversation can quickly become misconstrued. Overall, the key to avoiding this outcome is by relying on facts. Share knowledge and educate your guests. While stats are telling, remember that some are more swayed by visuals. In those instances, books, documentaries and phone video clips are all useful tools to have around.
However, those points are just like the issues that can derail the talk. Meaning, they’re all broad. The nuances of the opposition are immense and difficult to tap into on a case by case basis.
So instead of tackling the opposition’s concerns head-on, cannabis proponents may want to think a bit more strategically. Forget leading with passion and instead lead with strategy. Tap into your inner politician or CEO, the ethical kind, and come out swinging with measured composure.
Cain Castor, co-founder of the L.A. marketing agency Good People, told Nugg how trips back home to New York with his conservative family cause friction. Castor explained how numerous family members weren’t fond of his profession.
“Whenever I travel back east to speak to my more conservative family members, I find myself having to sell a new family member on what I do.” He added that his response tends to sound like, “No, I’m not a glorified drug dealer or a junkie. I’m a cannabis marketer and an enthusiast.”
One key to navigating the often-tense chats is tone. Castor explains how tone can help sell cannabis to skeptics.
“Be as tactful as possible. You do not want to fuel their stereotypes with combative behavior.” He added that listening to their claims, no matter how ridiculous, helps make the conversation go smoothly.
Cannabis author Sandra Hinchliffe also spoke to dispelling stereotypes. She explained that “Sure, we all love a stoner teddy bear and our hippy friends–but now is not the time to introduce them, no matter how wonderful.”
Instead, Hinchliffe suggests sticking to mainstream, positive images that mirror the lifestyle of the opposition, except with cannabis involved.
Many respondents say that they lead their conversations with health. Under this umbrella, you can explore several issues at the dinner table.
Castor explained how his Reagan-era parents may not understand the health benefits of cannabis thanks to years of misinformation. He mentioned breaking down the benefits of THC and CBD and how they reduce the need for prescription medication.
In addition to replacing potentially addictive medications, Castor suggests discussing cannabis as an alternative to alcohol use as well.
Autumn Shelton, co-founder of the indoor cannabis cultivator Autumn Brands, also touched on addiction. In this case, Shelton suggests laying out that cannabis is just not the same as the other drugs it has been associated with.
“Cannabis can be psychologically addictive for certain personalities (like extreme sports, etc), but it’s not physiologically addictive like heroin, cocaine, etc that can have a withdrawal effect (also like caffeine). There is a huge difference.”
Both Shelton and Adriana Herrera also echoed relatively recent health discoveries cannabis detractors may not be aware of. Both cited the body’s endocannabinoid system, which was only discovered in the early 1990s, as a credible talking point.
Herrera explained how she linked this connection between body and religion to her family.
“The human body is literally built to make use of cannabis’ properties,” Herrera explained. She elaborated that “My family is Catholic, so, the idea that God is so thoughtful to create our bodies to make use of medicine he also created went pretty far.”
In addition to religion, Herrera was able to connect cannabis to the colon cancer treatment of her good friend whom the family loved like one of their own.
Herrera also noted the power of history in her efforts. Going back to its use in ancient China, she highlighted the journey cannabis has taken through the years before being used in the U.S.’s misinformation campaign. This includes American lawmakers using the term marijuana against Mexicans.
She went on to point out that, “the term’s origin is racially motivated and was created to antagonize Mexican immigrants as well as place distance between the plant, its biological genius, and its uses [such as] industrial, food, medical–which created economic competition.”
After demonizing cannabis and further demeaning people of color with this campaign, cannabis went into the prohibition we continue to push back on today. Despite it being the elephant in the room, our respondents were torn: is prohibition a worthwhile subject if you want a productive conversation?
Chris Rice, director of the documentary Cannabis: A Lost History, supports discussing prohibition. Rice noted how this point acknowledges the failures of other prohibition efforts. He added that “this is true of the prohibition of alcohol, which did not reduce the number of consumers but did increase the amount of crime associated with its clandestine nature.”
Meanwhile, Sandra Hinchliffe suggests avoiding politics altogether.
“Always remember that prohibitionists come from every part of the political spectrum, right, and yes, left.” She elaborated, “I’ve met quite a few ‘progressive’ prohibitionists, and just as many conservative ones. Avoiding the mention of any politics keeps the conversation on the right track.”
Each Outcome Varies
The advice offered up today may or may not help keep your next dinner discussion productive. Each person involved is complex and layered. One person may be swayed by stats while another may be hung up on the plant and its connection to their god. In other cases, going headfirst into politics may be ideal, while others have seen the strategy blow up worse than a DIY backyard butane extraction lab.
According to Adriana Herrera, her approach did open her family’s mind quite a bit. Herrera revealed that “To my surprise, my Catholic, old school Mexican-American parents were like ‘okay’ and then had a bunch of questions about what cannabis can be used for.”
Her efforts and the cannabis experience of their close friend helped the family better understand the plant. She pointed out that “Learning about the history of cannabis, our endocannabinoid system, how taxes are used from the sale of cannabis, and the additional close to home human impact stories tied everything together.”
She added that “They now cutely refer to cannabis as ‘the ganja,’ support the legal sale and use of cannabis (preferably for medicinal purposes), share what they learn about cannabis with other family members, and support my choice to build my company.”
Her family may not consume cannabis after their talks, and your’s may not either. However, if you can convert one detractor into a listener, then they may just become a proponent sooner than later.
If you or your family member has a question about cannabis, chat live with Nugg’s Cannabis Concierge, and spread cannabis education at your next dinner table discussion.