White Kush is a knockout indica hybrid that boasts some prestigious genetics. The strain is a cross between an Afghani landrace indica and notoriously resinous White Widow. With a classic OG funk and deeply sedative effects, this strain is best reserved for a day or an evening when you have nothing active planned. White Kush’s THC content has been measured at a low as 11% and as high as 29.

White Kush impresses right off the bat with large, well-formed flowers. These buds tend to hold two distinct shapes, depending on phenotype: round and chunky or long and spindly. In either case, the flowers maintain a characteristically sativa bud structure, with ragged-looking leaves that twist loosely outward from their central stem. The leaves themselves are a drab shade of olive green and are twisted through with bright orange pistils. Most notably, the flowers have a particularly high volume of trichomes thanks to the influence of White Widow. These resinous stalks cover all visible surfaces of the buds, giving them a snowy appearance.

When properly cured, White Kush gives off a predominantly dank aroma with notes of damp earth. There’s also a sweet and sour edge underneath, somewhat like fermented organic matter. Grinding up these tight buds gives off a kick of spice that may be passed on from parent strain Afghani. When combusted, White Kush gives off a harsh, acrid smoke that may sting the palate and make eyes water. This smoke tastes sweet and a bit woodsy on the exhale.

White Kush’s high is a creeper and may take up to 10 minutes to arrive, even for those who regularly consume THC. A surge of blood to the head can result in some slight vertigo, as well as a flush in the cheeks or an increase in salivation. Almost immediately after these sensations, smokers are plunged into a state of heavy relaxation. Waves of lethargy begin to roll down the neck and radiate through the spine and limbs, leading smokers who may have been standing to dive for the closest couch. Any chronic pains begin to dissipate while deep, restorative breathing happens more freely and easily. Mentally, White Kush will not stimulate the mind other than to warp sensory perception; feelings of time dilation may set in and many consumers also report closed-eye visualizations while listening to atmospheric music. These psychedelic properties tend to come at the expense of lucid, rational thinking -- as such, those who need to accomplish analytical, task-based work should avoid White Kush until they’re ready to unwind and abandon all responsibility. As time passes or as dosage is increased, this strain’s deep, almost narcotic relaxation may lead to couchlock, or, at the very least, an extended binge-watching session. Any stresses or preoccupations of the day will dissolve into the background as White Kush melds the consumer with their immediate surroundings. In the right set and setting, this sedative bud can even lull susceptible smokers into a deep and restful sleep. This powerhouse indica, which may prove overwhelming for users with a low THC tolerance, is recommended for evening or bedtime consumption.

White Kush’s calm, therapeutic effects can also have benefits for medical cannabis patients. The strain can temporarily improve the harsh symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. It may also stimulate hunger, helping those who have lost their hunger to disease or to treatments like chemotherapy. Physiologically, this strain’s relaxing effects can soothe deep-seated aches and pains as well as minor irritations like headaches and nausea. As noted, it can even induce sleep, making it useful for hypochondriacs. Because it does not often bring about intense, recursive thinking, White Kush is a good option for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low THC tolerance.

Fortunately for home growers, seeds of White Kush are available for sale online. The strain can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor cultivation calls for a humid climate with consistent daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants tend to grow short and bushy; gardeners may need to occasionally “top” their crops by trimming away large fan leaves that can prevent light and air from reaching low-growing nodes. White Kush flowers within 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors. It offers a yield of about 37 grams (1.3 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

White Kush’s deep indica effects are fun to share with friends, but it’s also great for enjoying some solo, introspective time. If you’re toking in public, beware that this very pungent strain can attract some unwanted attention.