Blue Kush

Although strains in the Kush family are typically more sleepy and stoney, hybrid Blue Kush is a sativa-dominant strain with an energetic kick. It is a cross between fruity staple Blueberry and indica building block OG Kush and has inherited all the potency and flavor of these parent strains. Blue Kush was created by Spanish seed bank Dinafem, the company responsible for varieties like Moby Dick and Amnesia Kush. Dinafem says Blue Kush has a THC content of 20%; Cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has found its flowers to have THC levels between 13% and 18%.

Blue Kush has small, clustered flowers that take a popcorn-like shape once cured. The round buds have a dense, heavy bud structure often associated with indica varieties. Mossy green leaves are threaded through with yellowish pistils. Some phenotypes of this strain have hints of light to deep purple, the result of pigments passed on from parent strain Blueberry; when exposed to colder than average temperatures in the growing process, these pigments generate vibrant blue and purple hues. The already-colorful flowers are dusted with clear to white trichomes that give the flowers a very sticky texture. Blue Kush gives off the unmistakable aroma of blueberries; the scent is sweet without any hint of tartness or skunk. Grinding or breaking up the buds yields a woodsy, piney scent, evidence of the OG Kush in this strain’s genetics. When burnt, Blue Kush gives off very smooth smoke that tastes sweet and vaguely musky on the exhale.

The high from Blue Kush takes hold quickly, gives smokers an initial headrush. Some changes in the perception of sights and sounds may be temporarily disorienting. Users may also be struck by an increase in freely associative thoughts, sometimes manifesting as stream-of-consciousness chattiness. The overall feeling conferred by this strain is upbeat and energetic, and can be pushed to accommodate the user’s priorities: it can be great accompaniment for tasks involving problem solving or creative thinking, or can provide the boost of energy needed for everyday tasks like housecleaning. While Blue Kush comes with some slight physical relaxation, its sativa effects ultimately eclipse any weighty feelings of couchlock.

Blue Kush has application for medical cannabis patients as well. Its euphoric uplift can provide some benefits for those struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression. Its strong cerebral nature may also aid focus for patients with attention deficit disorders. Physically, this strain’s indica side can relieve mild to moderate aches and muscle pains. It can also have anti-inflammatory properties, useful in treating seizure conditions and multiple sclerosis. Because of its powerful mental stimulation, Blue Kush is well-suited to morning or afternoon use and may not be the best strain to savor before bed.

Dinafem has made seeds of Blue Kush available for sale online; alternatively, growers can obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” This strain’s solid, time-tested genetics ensure hardy, disease-resistant, and novice-friendly plants that can be successfully cultivated outdoors in semi-humid, Mediterranean-like climates. The medium-height plants can also be grown indoors, where growers will need to trim and prune branches in order to train the bushes to fit in indoor grow spaces. Those looking to bring out Blue Kush’s full visual potential should consider “shocking” the plants by exposing the plants to cold nighttime temperatures just before the flowering stage. Blue Kush flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown indoors and is ready for harvest in early October when grown outdoors. It can yield up to 46 grams (1.6 ounces) per square foot when grown indoors and up to a whopping 74 grams (about 2.5 ounces) per individual plant when grown outdoors. Curing Blue Kush’s buds — by first hanging them upside down to dry and then sealing them in airtight containers surrounded by moderate humidity — will help preserve their unique flavor and valuable trichomes.

With genetics that closely resemble those of recent novelty strain Blue Ivy, Blue Kush is part of an emerging class of varieties that build on the fruity and potent qualities of Blueberry. Blue Kush’s buzzy high works well in social settings — especially at parties, where its rich aroma is sure to turn a few heads.