There are hundreds of cannabis strains out there, but only a handful have reached true icon status. OG Kush is one of them. More than just a strain, OG Kush is a genetic blueprint, a cultural milestone, and a smoking experience that still sets the bar nearly 30 years after it first appeared. This Friday Feature digs deep into why OG Kush has earned its place as the GOAT of cannabis, highlighting classic phenos, legendary clones, and the terp-driven fire that made it king.

The History and Mystery Behind OG Kush

OG Kush’s full origin story reads like weed folklore. The original cut likely came from a cross between Chem Dog ’91, Lemon Thai, and a Pakistani Kush. It first emerged in Florida, then exploded in LA through the work of Josh D and his crew. What makes OG Kush unique isn’t just the terp profile—it’s the cultural energy behind it. OG Kush didn’t ride the wave, it made the wave.

What Does OG Even Mean?

The term “OG” is still debated. Some say it stands for “Ocean Grown,” referring to its Cali roots. Others claim it means “Original Gangster,” giving props to its elite status and street credibility. Whatever it means to you, just know that when you’re smoking real OG, you’re smoking history.

Classic OG Kush Phenos (aka The Real Ones)

These are the cornerstone clones that define what OG is supposed to be. Gassy, piney, lemon-fuel terps. Earthy funk. Deep green leaves. Skinny branches. Tight nodes. When you know, you know.

• OG Kush — The original. The one that started it all. Expect pure fuel, citrus, earthy gas. Grow Difficulty: 8/10
• Ghost OG — A legendary cut with sky-high potency and classic pine-fuel terps. Named after a forum OG who passed it on. Grow Difficulty: 7/10
• Tahoe OG — Heavy, sedating, and loud as hell. Great for insomnia and full-on couch lock. Grow Difficulty: 6/10
• SFV OG — San Fernando Valley’s claim to OG. Bright citrus-gas profile and a buzzy head high. Grow Difficulty: 6/10

Other OG Legends and Crosses (Close But Not Original)

These phenos and crosses might not be the first kids on the block, but they’re still holding it down in 2025. Some are S1s, others renamed cuts, but all of them bring that unmistakable OG vibe. These are your best bets when original cuts are out of reach.

• True OG — Clean, piney, and full-bodied. Often mistaken for the original because of how dialed it feels. Grow Difficulty: 6/10
• King Louis XIII — Named for royalty and smokes like it. Gassy and funky with that classic couch-sink finish. Grow Difficulty: 6/10
• Blood Diamond OG — Tight buds, heavy crystal, and strong OG depth. Grows slightly easier than original OG cuts. Grow Difficulty: 5/10
• Platinum OG — Frosted up and sedative. More on the indica side but still unmistakably Kush. Grow Difficulty: 5/10
• White Fire OG — Also called WiFi OG. Sparkling trichs with a spicy edge. Great for extractions. Grow Difficulty: 7/10
• WiFi 43 — More stable than the original WiFi, dialed in for heavy production and strong nose. Grow Difficulty: 6/10
• Martian Candy — OG lineage with sweet spice. Very unique nose. Great late-night or movie strain. Grow Difficulty: 6/10
• RudeBoi OG — OG Kush x Irene OG. Loud and mean. Heavy on the exhale with gassy funk. Grow Difficulty: 7/10
• OG #18 — DNA Genetics pheno of OG. More stability and slightly bigger yield than the original. Grow Difficulty: 6/10
• The White — Not technically OG, but bred into many OG crosses. Known for insane trich coverage. Grow Difficulty: 7/10

OG Kush: The Blueprint for Modern Strains

OG Kush is a clone-only strain that changed how people define quality. From flavor and aroma to potency and culture, it set the standard. Its terp profile (myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene) still dominates shelf appeal today. If you want to understand what makes cannabis elite, you start with OG Kush.

Want to learn more about what makes a clone-only strain special? Check out our write-up on clone-only cannabis strains worth knowing.

OG Kush in the World of Phenotypes

One of the reasons OG Kush is so legendary is its phenotype variability. Small differences in environment and cultivation style produced distinct phenos like Ghost OG, SFV OG, and Tahoe OG. These aren’t separate strains—they’re branches from the same family tree. To understand the nuance, check out our blog: What Are Cannabis Phenotypes and Why Do They Matter?

Final Word: Why OG Kush Still Reigns in 2025

OG Kush isn’t just still relevant—it’s foundational. From Los Angeles to Amsterdam, OG remains a badge of honor. If you can grow it, cure it, and keep that terp profile alive, you’re not just growing weed. You’re keeping cannabis culture alive. Whether you run the original or a close cousin, smoking OG Kush is an experience every real head needs under their belt.

Browse OG genetics now: Shop OG Kush Clones