Irish Kush

Ireland is known for its lush foliage and rolling hills, so much so that the island nation has lent its name to a different kind of green. Irish Kush, which may have been originally bred by TBA Subcool, is a cross between staple strain OG Kush and award-winning indica Sweet Tooth. This strain impresses when it comes to both flavor and potency, boasting a bold citrus aroma and a pervasive body high. Its THC content has been measured at between 16% and 22%. The strain is also sometimes known as Sweet Irish Kush or Sweet Kush.

Irish Kush’s flowers stand out with medium to large-sized buds that maintain an elongated, almost cylindrical shape, with small leaves that spiral tightly inward. The leaves themselves are a vivid spring green and are twisted through with dark brown pistils. Finally, a high volume of cloudy, translucent trichomes gives Irish Kush’s buds an icy white sheen when seen from afar and makes them very sticky to the touch.

Irish Kush’s buds give off a sour and sweet citrus-tinged odor, somewhat like lemon candy. A closer inspection reveals some dank and earthy scents lurking underneath. Grinding up or cracking open these flowers, meanwhile, yields some of the hashy, spicy backgrounds passed on from OG Kush. When burnt, Irish Kush gives off a thick smoke that’s liable to cause a coughing fit. On the exhale, though, this smoke has a pleasant taste of sandalwood and lemon.

For a mostly indica strain, Irish Kush has a quick onset, giving the user a buzzy, lightheaded feeling soon after they’ve exhaled its lemony smoke. Once any add sensations like a pulsing in the temples or a flushing in the cheeks subsides, smokers may be catapulted into a suddenly sped-up way of thinking, with thoughts flowing from one to the next in free association. In social situations, this mind race tends to manifest as giddiness and a willingness to engage in conversation. Don’t plan on harnessing this mental stimulation to get any kind of demanding work done, though, as it tends to subside after too long. What replaces this cerebral edge is a hazy, easily distracted headspace with more room for daydreaming than for analysis and concentration. Some consumers may also notice that their sensory perception is altered, with certain sights or sounds taking on a new intensity or dynamic. The spacey feeling that comes through on Irish Kush’s latter half is accompanied by a sudden wave of relaxation that can relieve any lingering physical tension from earlier in the day; it may also weigh down limbs and may make any concerted movements feel like wading through peanut butter. As such, Irish Kush may provoke the desire to sit or lie down on the closest comfortable surface. If you’re with friends, it can be fun to pass the time with some lethargic activities like watching television or playing some board games. It can also pave the way for some solo introspective time to wind down at the end of the day. Because of its predominantly lazy vibe, Irish Kush is recommended for nighttime consumption — or at least for daytime consumption during a day without any real responsibilities.

Irish Kush’s pervasive relaxation can also be of use to some medical cannabis patients. It may temporarily improve the harsh symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. It can also dull physical pain, whether it’s temporary, as due to inflammation or injury, or chronic, as due to conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Thanks to its strong sedative effects, this strain can even work against insomnia, lulling properly relaxed users into a restful sleep. Because it is not likely to bring about scattered, paranoid thinking, Irish Kush is a good option for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC.

Seeds of Irish Kush are not available for sale online. Instead, prospective home growers should seek out clippings of mature plants that can be fostered as “clones.” The strain be grown indoors or out, but ironically, it can’t thrive in Ireland; successful outdoor cultivation calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Gardeners should occasionally trim away any broad, light-blocking fan leaves. Irish Kush flowers within 8 to 9 weeks when grown outdoors.

Irish Kush is a great bud for laid-back weekend activities. It’s also a solid option for indica lovers who want a bit of a head high to accompany their body stone.