Presidential Kush is an indica-leaning hybrid with a dynamic flavor profile. Not to be confused with Presidential OG, a strain created by Royal Queen Seeds, Presidential Kush is the brainchild of DNA Genetics, the same breeders responsible for taste-focused strains like Sour Cream and Chocolope. It is a cross between OG Kush and Lemon Skunk and offers a multifaceted high, beginning with mellow relaxation and later amping up into energetic mental focus. Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has found flowers of this strain to have between a modest 12% and a whopping 30% THC. Note that in certain locales and retail outlets, Presidential Kush may also be known as Lemon OG Kush.

Presidential Kush is distinguished by medium to large-sized flowers. These buds appear rounded and almost spherical in shape, as is typical of many varieties in the Kush family. Fluffy leaves hang together in a loose and piecey bud structure and they can easily be torn away from their central stems. The leaves themselves are a mossy shade of green and are threaded through with curly orange hairs (which are actually pistils, structures intended to capture pollen from fertilizing male plants). Finally, Presidential Kush’s flowers boast a high volume of amber trichomes, giving the leaves a slightly yellow tint.

Presidential Kush has the aromatic profile you might expect from a Kush and Lemon cross. When cured, it smells dank and earthy and gives the overall impression of damp soil. There are tart notes of citrus peeking through as well. When the buds are broken apart or ground up, the lemon scent becomes even more prominent. When combusted, Presidential Kush burns with a harsh and cough-inducing smoke. This smoke carries a citrus taste with some faint piney accents on the exhale.

This strain offers what’s best described as a “creeper” of a high, sometimes taking several minutes after smokers have savored its unique tastes before its effects are fully felt. Gradually, smokers may detect a pressure around the eyes and the temples. This sensation is accompanied by a relief of muscular tension and a higher capacity for deep breathing. All of this therapeutic relaxation easily contributes to a euphoric state in which smokers can float along contentedly. In its early stages, Presidential Kush is not particularly cerebral. As the high progresses, though, a sativa edge begins to emerge. Users may notice an increase in thoughtfulness or an altered perception, with colors and sounds taking on vibrant new dimensions. Visual distortions are also often reported, giving this hybrid a distinctly psychedelic character. In the right set and setting, smokers can turn this newfound stimulation towards various mundane tasks and errands. Although Presidential Kush can be enjoyed at any time of day, it may be most appropriate in the morning or afternoon, allowing smokers to enjoy the strain’s initial relaxation and the subsequent burst of energy.

The wide-ranging effects of Presidential Kush’s high may also be of value to medical cannabis patients. Those with attention deficit disorders may find that the strain’s sustained, clearheaded mindset can allow for focus on single tasks. Physiologically speaking, it may also relieve deep-seated aches and pains and can stoke hunger for those who’ve lost their appetites to medications or treatments like chemotherapy. Finally, Presidential Kush can relieve the painful intraocular pressure that is a primary symptom of glaucoma. Those who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance should consume this strain with caution, keeping in mind its mentally stimulating effects.

DNA Genetics has made seeds of Presidential Kush available for sale online. Once obtained, it can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation requires a semi-humid climate with consistent daytime temperatures in the 70 degree Fahrenheit range. The indica-typical plants grow short and bushy with strong lateral branches. Presidential Kush flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and offers a fairly high yield of 42 to 51 grams (or 1.5 to 1.8 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

Unlike heads of state, whose legacies can waver with time, Presidential Kush has firmly established its reputation. Its well-balanced high is as enjoyable alone as it is when shared with a group of close friends.