History & Genetics

Critical Kush is an indica strain that delivers powerful, full-body relaxation and soothing mental effects. It is the brainchild of Barney’s Farm, the Amsterdam-based growers who have given us such powerful strains as LSD and Liberty Haze.

Critical Kush is a cross between Afghani-descended Critical Mass and none other than OG Kush. Cannabis testing lab gives this bud consistently high marks, with THC measurements between 16% and a whopping 29%. With that kind of potency, Critical Kush is almost certain to put you in critical condition.

Appearance, Aroma & Flavor

Critical Kush sets itself apart with medium to large-sized nugs of resin-filled goodness. The buds are densely-packed, as you might expect of a pure indica. Leaves are a bright shade of spring green and are twisted through with deep orange pistils. A network of shiny trichomes covers the inner and outer surfaces of these large buds, making them very difficult to break up without the help of a grinder.

When properly cured, flowers of Critical Kush emit a dank, earthy odor. There are some hints of citrus to brighten things up -- an aroma that becomes even more evident when grinding this bud -- but overall, the impression is dank and kushy. When combusted, Critical Kush may burn with a harsh and acrid smoke that can sting the eyes and sinuses. On the exhale, this thick smoke tastes like pine with a slight spicy kick. Finally, Critical Kush can be a very pungent smoke, and those looking to keep their consumption discreet should take any necessary precautions.

Effects

Since Critical Kush offers a true creeper of a high, smokers should wait a while after their first toke before boosting dosage. As much as 15 minutes after sampling this strain, users begin to feel a tingle of relaxation spread through the limbs and core. Smokers also report a decreased heart rate and a lessening of muscular tension.

Although mental effects are subtle, Critical Kush does have some effect on the senses, with many reporting visual or auditory distortion. Other than that, smokers shouldn’t expect an intense cerebral experience; on the contrary, this bud is more likely to leave users contentedly dopey. It’s a good choice for an evening indoors, spent working on mindless tasks like cleaning.

If you’re riding a more sleepy vibe, it’s also a great option for binge-watching or for zoning out to some soothing music. Although Critical Kush can be fun in social situations, note that it can trigger couchlock in higher doses, and may make you less willing to actively engage with company. It should go without saying that, because of its heavily sedative effects, Critical Kush is better suited to evening than to daytime use.

Medical cannabis patients may also find various uses in this strain’s therapeutic properties. It can work against deep-seated aches and pains, whether temporary or chronic. The medicine’s anti-inflammatory effects may also help with more minor irritations like headaches or nausea. Critical Kush’s mood-elevating effects may provide some welcome (albeit temporary) relief from stress, depression, and even anxiety. Finally, in high enough doses, this strain may lull even insomniacs into a deep, fulfilling sleep. Because paranoid, cerebral thinking isn’t common with this strain, it’s a good choice for those who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Growing

Both Barney’s Farm and Dutch company Royal Queen Seeds have made seeds of Critical Kush available for sale online. It can be grown indoors or out, although successful outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid climate with temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Critical Kush flowers within 7 to 8 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in late September when grown outdoors. Grown properly, it can offer as much as 56 grams (about 2 ounces) or flower per square foot of plant! Note that, just as this is a pungent smoke, it can be a very stinky grow (after all, parent strain Critical Mass has Skunk in its genes!) and indoor growers may want to invest in odor control measures like carbon air filters.

While it’s great for a night at home, Critical Kush’s dank and piney aroma is also a great way to enhance your enjoyment of the great outdoors -- trying bringing it along on your next camping trip.