As a longtime favorite in cannabis culture, the Master Kush strain, also known as the Master OG strain or the Grandmaster Kush strain, has cemented its status as a go-to strain for artists, chill seekers, and Amsterdam coffee shop regulars alike. Its reputation skyrocketed in the ’90s, becoming a staple in the Dutch cannabis scene and earning nods from rap legends like Snoop Dogg, who’s praised its smooth, grounding vibes.

In this Master Kush strain review, we’ll explore what makes this classic indica so beloved. From its lineage and effects to its flavor profile and potential benefits, here’s everything you need to know about Master Kush.

Master Kush Strain Info Review (AKA Master OG Strain)

Born in the misty peaks of the Hindu Kush mountain range, the Master Kush strain is a pure Indica strain with roots as sturdy as its effects. This timeless strain is the lovechild of two legendary landrace strains—Hindu Kush and Skunk #1—blending ancient genetics with just a touch of modern charm. For decades, it’s been the quiet hero of late-night smoke sessions, celebrated for its ability to melt tension without knocking you off your feet and regarded as one of the best Indica strains out there.

While some strains blur the line between indica and sativa, Master Kush stays true to its roots—a 90% Indica, 10% sativa balance that leans heavily toward relaxation. Unlike full-on hybrids, which often deliver an equal mix of effects, Master Kush keeps its indica dominance front and center.

Earthy, Sweet Aroma

Crack open a jar of the Master Kush strain, and you’re greeted with a scent that’s like wandering through a sunlit forest after rain. Earthy undertones anchor the aroma, while sweet citrus and fresh pine swirl around it—a nostalgic mix that feels like coming home. It’s not just a smell; it’s a mood-setter, promising calm before you even take the first hit.

Master Kush shares its earthy-sweet aroma with legendary heavy Indicas like Northern Lights and LA Confidential—both known for their rich, grounding scents. All three strains carry a deep, earthy, pine-forward base thanks to high levels of pinene and myrcene, which contribute to their signature relaxing effects.

The sweet citrus undertones in Master Kush and Northern Lights add a bright, almost nostalgic quality, while LA Confidential leans slightly spicier with hints of skunky musk. What ties them together isn’t just their scent—it’s the experience. These strains set the mood before the first hit, easing you into their signature full-body relaxation, muscle-melting calm, and stress-melting effects that have made them go-to choices for deep, sedative relief.

Woodsy, Citrus Flavor Profile

The taste? Imagine sipping herbal tea beside a cedarwood campfire, with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the mix. The Master Kush strain genetics give it a cozy balance of woody depth and zesty sweetness, rolling smoothly across the palate. Each inhale is earthy and grounding, while the exhale leaves a whisper of citrus that keeps things light. Perfect for slow, mindful sessions where the smoke feels like a warm blanket.

Master Kush’s woody, citrus-kissed flavor mirrors the deep, earthy richness found in MK Ultra and Skywalker OG—both heavy-hitting Indicas known for their smooth yet complex taste. Like Master Kush, MK Ultra delivers a bold earthy-pine foundation with a slightly herbal, almost tea-like quality, making each hit feel grounding and rich.

Skywalker OG, on the other hand, leans into a spicy, lemon-pine zest, much like the citrusy finish in Master Kush. These strains don’t just taste good—they embody the deep, sedative effects of classic Indicas, wrapping the body in warmth and relaxation.

Terpene Profile

Terpenes—the tiny compounds behind the strain’s magic—tell the story here. Master Kush leans on limonene (think sunny citrus vibes) to lift your spirits and pinene (smells like pine forests) to sharpen focus gently. Together, they team up with myrcene, the terpene famous for its “couch-lock” charm, creating a trifecta that soothes the mind, eases the body, and still lets you laugh at your favorite show.

Master Kush Strain Effects And THC Levels

With THC levels cruising between 20–24%, Master Kush isn’t just potent—it’s a masterclass in balance. This strain walks the line like a tightrope artist, offering heavy-lidded body relaxation while keeping your thoughts light, bright, and curiously clear. It’s the kind of vibe that says, “You could nap… or you could finally tackle that puzzle you’ve been eyeing.” Versatile? Absolutely. Predictable? Never.

Relaxation And Euphoria

Imagine sinking into a plush armchair while your mind floats on a cloud of quiet joy. Master Kush’s body high is a slow-motion massage, unraveling knots without gluing you to the couch. Meanwhile, its cerebral buzz hums like a happy little engine, lifting your mood just enough to keep the giggles coming and the stress fading. Perfect for evenings when you want to unplug, not disappear.

Uplifting Mental Buzz

Here’s the magic: even as your limbs turn to honey, your brain stays sharp enough to binge that new series or debate the real best pizza topping. The mental clarity here isn’t laser-focused—it’s more like a soft glow of happiness, letting you chat, create, or daydream without tripping over your own thoughts. Functional relaxation? Consider it Master Kush’s quiet superpower.

The Munchies

Let’s be real: this strain will make your snack cabinet sing. The munchies hit like a gentle nudge toward that bag of chips you swore you’d ignore. But there’s a silver lining—for those struggling with appetite loss, Master Kush’s hunger kick is a blessing.

Pro tip: keep fruit or dark chocolate nearby. Your future self will thank you.

Therapeutic Wonders And Potential Benefits

Thanks to its 90% Indica and 10% Sativa ratio, this near-pure Indica profile ensures full-body relief, making it ideal for unwinding without feeling stuck.

It melts away stress, soothes aches, and boosts appetite, offering gentle euphoria that smooths out anxiety while keeping meals more appealing—perfect for those struggling with appetite loss.

One strain that’s similar to Master Kush in terms of raw Indica strength is the GMO strain. GMO leans into its pungent, skunky aroma while delivering a creeping, sedative high that fully locks the body into deep relaxation.

Master Kush fits seamlessly into a wellness routine, offering relaxation without the mental fog. Whether you need to de-stress after a long day, ease muscle tension, or stimulate your appetite, this strain provides relief while keeping you functional.

Smoking this strain in the evening can help transition from work mode to relaxation, while a low dose during creative sessions or social time keeps things light and enjoyable. If sleep is the goal, letting Master Kush wind you down naturally can be a game-changer. Used mindfully, it becomes less of a habit and more of a tool for balance.

Anxiety And Stress Relief

Master Kush’s dual effects—mental calm paired with physical ease—make it a popular choice for unwinding. A recent study found that low THC doses may reduce stress, whereas high doses might increase anxiety. This suggests Master Kush’s efficacy could depend on individual tolerance and dosage. Anecdotal reports highlight its ability to quiet racing thoughts, though newbies should proceed mindfully.

To help you understand better, this strain’s effects are almost like Bubba Kush. Much like Bubba Kush, Master Kush delivers a signature mix of deep physical relaxation and a pleasantly clear mind. Both strains lean heavily into their Indica roots, making them go-to choices for stress relief, pain management, and sleep support.

Sleep Aid

For those battling insomnia, Master Kush’s sedative tendencies could offer ease. An article from The Sleep Foundation shares that cannabis may alter the time spent in different sleep stages, thereby helping you sleep better. The strain’s myrcene content—a terpene linked to sedative effects—paired with its heavy-bodied relaxation may help users drift into deeper sleep. That said, reliance on THC for sleep carries risks, including tolerance buildup or next-day grogginess.

For those looking to get a sense of Master Kush’s sleep-inducing effects, Platinum OG offers a close comparison. Both strains bring on a deep, full-body heaviness that melts away tension, making them ideal for winding down at night.

Growing The Master Kush Strain

Cultivating the Master Kush weed strain is like tending to a trusty, low-maintenance house plant—forgiving enough for greenhorns but rewarding for seasoned growers. While Master Kush seeds thrive with a little TLC, challenges like humidity sensitivity or nutrient hiccups can pop up.

Indoors, you’ll have climate control for denser buds; outdoors, it basks in sunshine for robust, natural growth. From seed to harvest, expect a steady 8–10 week journey, with patience paying off in resin-coated rewards.

Cultivation Tips For Master Kush Seeds

Master Kush is the "easy-going friend" of the cannabis garden. Beginners love its resilience, while experts appreciate its consistency. Outdoors, it prefers warm, Mediterranean-like climates but won’t fuss over a cooler day or two.

Indoors, it adapts to soil, coco coir, or hydroponics—just keep pH levels between 6.0 - 6.5. Use low-stress training (LST) to spread its bushy frame for better light exposure, and go easy on nitrogen during flowering to avoid leafy overgrowth. Pro tip: A fan mimicking a gentle breeze strengthens those stems!

Master Kush Strain Flowering Time

This strain moves at its own cozy pace:

Germination: 1–2 weeks (soak seeds in water overnight for a head start).
Vegetative: 4–6 weeks of leafy growth—keep temps around 70–85°F (21–29°C) and humidity at 40–60%.
Flowering: 8–10 weeks of bud magic. Flip to a 12/12 light cycle indoors, and maintain slightly cooler nights (65–75°F / 18–24°C). Trim lower “popcorn” buds to focus energy on top colas.

Outdoor growers: Plant in late spring for a late-September harvest. Watch for early frosts—Master Kush is hardy but not frost-proof!

Visual Appearance Of Master Kush Plants

Picture a stout, forest-green bush dusted in sugar. Master Kush’s compact, indica-heavy structure (2–4 ft indoors, up to 6 ft outdoors) makes it a space-saving star. Its broad leaves soak up light, while chunky buds glisten with amber trichomes and fiery orange pistils.

Some Master Kush plants develop striking purple hues, especially in cooler temperatures—much like Purple Punch. This color shift, caused by anthocyanin pigments, gives the dense, resin-coated buds an even more eye-catching appeal.

The plant’s sturdy branches rarely need staking, laughing off mild wind or heavy buds. By harvest, it looks like a miniature evergreen dipped in glitter—a true “set it and forget it” beauty.

Conclusion

Master Kush isn’t just a strain—it’s a legacy. With its roots in the Hindu Kush mountains and a reputation polished by decades of love from casual users, medical patients, and even rap royalty, this Indica-dominant hybrid is the definition of “classic.”

Its sweet, earthy aroma and balanced effects (think: a body wrapped in a weighted blanket while your mind floats on a happy cloud) make it a go-to for unwinding, creating, or simply melting into the couch. Add in its forgiving nature for growers—thriving indoors or under the sun—and you’ve got a strain that’s as reliable as it is rewarding.

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FAQs

Is Master Kush A Sativa Or Indica?

Is Master Kush strain indica or sativa? Master Kush is an Indica-dominant strain known for its relaxing effects. Originating from the Hindu Kush region, it delivers a strong body high that soothes muscles. With minimal sativa influence, it’s ideal for evening use, offering a tranquil experience without excessive stimulation.

Is Master Kush Good For Sleep?

Master Kush may be great for sleep due to its heavy Indica effects. It might promote deep relaxation, ease stress, and calm the mind, making it a popular choice for those struggling with insomnia. Its sedative properties help users unwind, leading to a restful night without excessive grogginess.

Is Kush A Sativa Or Indica?

Kush strains are predominantly Indica or Indica-dominant hybrids, originating from the Hindu Kush mountain range. Known for their earthy aroma, relaxing effects, and body-heavy high, they provide deep physical relaxation and stress relief. While some hybrids may contain sativa genetics, Kush varieties are primarily associated with sedative, calming effects.

How High Does Kush Get You?

Kush strains deliver a potent, body-centered high that relaxes muscles, reduces stress, and promotes tranquility. The intensity varies by strain, but most provide a deep, couch-lock effect rather than an energetic buzz. Kush can induce euphoria and sleepiness, making it ideal for relaxation, pain relief, and unwinding after stressful days.

* This information is obtained from our audience and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice. It is important to consult with the advice of a healthcare professional prior to considering the use of cannabis for any medical conditions.*

*All our marijuana products are subject to availability. To see what products and strains we currently have in stock, please check our website.*

Master Kush Strain Review: Weed Strain Guide