The name Cali Kush (or California Kush) describes at least two distinct strains in wide circulation -- and ironically, neither was produced in California.  One is a balanced pure indica created by the Netherlands-based company Sumo Seeds. The other is an indica-leaning hybrid bred by Anesia Seeds from Spain.

Sumo Seeds’ indica Cali Kush is a cross between award-winning Mendocino Purps and staple indica LA Confidential. It has small to medium-sized buds that appear mostly spherical with a tight and dense bud structure. The pale green leaves are streaked with shades of blue and purple which come about when high concentrations of pigments in the plant (likely passed on from the Purps parent strain) are stimulated by cold temperatures during cultivation. Cured flowers of this Cali Kush have mostly floral, herbal scents with some hints of mint. Smoke is smooth and has a fruity aftertaste.

This strain has a well-rounded high despite its entirely indica genetics. Users may have initial feelings of thoughtfulness and sharpened perception. Instead of disorienting cerebral mindrace, though, smokers will experience a progressive physical relaxation to ground their thoughtfulness and bring them back down to earth. Cali Kush can serve as an accompaniment to socializing in familiar surroundings or unwinding alone.

It has medical application as a means of temporary stress and anxiety relief. Its lucidity and focus can help those with attention deficit disorder to focus on a single task. It can also soothe aching joints and muscles and, in high enough doses, lull those with insomnia to sleep. Sumo Seeds’ creation is suited to use at any time of day.

Although Sumo appears to have made seeds of Cali Kush available at some point, the strain has since been discontinued for commercial sale. Prospective growers must obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants to grow genetically identical “clones.” Once rooted, clones can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor growing calls for daytime temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Anyone looking to bring out this strain’s visual appeal should expose plants to cold temperatures at night just before flowering in order to stimulate their pigments. Conveniently, plants flower within a quick 6 to 7 weeks. They offer growers a medium yield of flowers.

Anesia Seeds’ Cali Kush is a cross between tasty Strawberry Kush and a phenotype of none other than OG Kush. It has medium to large-sized buds that are spade-shaped and, although they have a tight bud structure, have somewhat wispy, fluffy leaves. The leaves themselves are a yellowish-green, set off by pistils that range in color from brown to vibrant orange. This strain’s aroma is predominantly of citrus, with a sweet and somewhat dank base. When it is broken up or ground, some more peppery, Kush-like notes might be evident. This Cali Kush burns with a smooth smoke and when exhaled leaves behind a skunky and overall tropical impression.

Anesia’s Cali Kush has a high that comes on fans for an indica. Smokers may feel a sudden heaviness in the head that spreads through the limbs and core. The quick sedative effects may bring about a desire to lounge in the closest comfortable surroundings. More calming than thought-provoking, this strain’s head high manifests as a pleasantly hazy, dreamy state.

For medical cannabis patients, this Cali Kush can have a range of applications. Its mellow vibe can place a damper on the troubling symptoms of stress, anxiety, and PTSD. It can also relieve aches and pains, whether they’re incidental, due to injury or exercise, or chronic, due to conditions like arthritis. More of an evening or nighttime treat than a wake-and-bake strain, this bud’s effects may ultimately lead to deep and restful sleep.

Luckily, Anesia has made seeds of their Cali Kush available for purchase online. With strong and varied genetics, this may be a good option for newcomers to cannabis cultivation. It can be grown outdoors, but successful outdoor cultivation depends on a warm, Mediterranean-like climate. The short, indica-typical plants, which rarely exceed 3 feet in height, are very manageable in indoor grow spaces. Growers should be sure to “top off” their plants, trimming away any broad, light-blocking fan leaves to encourage flowering among lower branches. This Cali Kush flowers within 7 to 8 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in mid September when grown outdoors. It offers growers high yields of about 51 to 60 grams (or 1.8 to 2.1 ounces) per square foot of plant.