Written by Ad OpsOrigins and History of Master Kush
Master Kush occupies a storied place in the Kush family, tracing its ethos to the rugged Hindu Kush and Afghani ranges where hash-centric cannabis has been cultivated for centuries. In modern form, the cultivar was stabilized and popularized in the Netherlands during the 1990s, where short flowering times and dense, resinous buds quickly earned it a following. Multiple breeders have since maintained and refined the line, with Humboldt Seed Organisation carrying a Master Kush that stays true to its mostly indica heritage.
Today, Master Kush is widely recognized as an indica-dominant classic known for reliable potency and a signature earthy-spice bouquet. European seedbanks often highlight its “Afghani Kush” family roots and its utility for indoor growers needing a fast, compact, and forgiving plant. Its reputation as a heavy resin producer made it a favorite among early hash enthusiasts and modern concentrate makers alike.
Contemporary descriptions consistently place Master Kush among the truly “Kush” strains, with hallmark traits like broad leaves, squat structure, and a hash-forward terpene profile. Leafly categorizes it as indica with a caryophyllene-dominant aroma, aligning with consumer reports of relaxing, body-centric effects. Press and grower notes from Dutch Passion emphasize the cultivar’s reliability, yielding consistent performance across substrates and climates.
In cup circuits and on dispensary menus, Master Kush has retained relevance by delivering an authentic Kush experience without excessive complexity. Its balance of moderate-to-high THC, short bloom period, and easily managed canopy make it accessible to newer growers and appealing to seasoned cultivators. Decades after its debut, it remains a staple for those seeking a grounded, sedative-yet-uplifting indica profile.
This review focuses particularly on the Master Kush line as carried by Humboldt Seed Organisation, reflecting that breeder’s selection choices while acknowledging similar lines marketed by European seedbanks. Despite small phenotypic differences between seed lines, the core identity—dense flowers, hashy-spice aroma, and soothing effects—remains intact. That consistency explains why Master Kush continues to appear on “best strain” lists and “top Kush” roundups across the industry.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding Notes
Master Kush emerges from the Afghani/Hindu Kush gene pool, a region synonymous with resin-rich, narcotic indica landraces. Leafly lists Hindu Kush as a parent influence, and Dutch Passion refers to it as part of the Afghani Kush family. The result is a genotype that strongly favors indica morphology—short internodes, broad fan leaves, and rapid floral development.
Breeding selections across different houses have targeted stability in flowering time and bud density. Reports consistently cite an 8 to 8.5-week indoor bloom, with some phenotypes finishing faster under optimal conditions. Dutch Passion’s climate guidance even lists Master Kush among top performers for cold and dry settings, suggesting robust stress tolerance embedded in its landrace-derived genes.
Humboldt Seed Organisation’s take on Master Kush aligns with these goals by maintaining a mostly indica platform with an emphasis on resin production and compact structure. The line is typically selected for quick onset of flowering, strong lateral branching, and calyx stacking that leads to tight, chunky colas. These traits contribute to the strain’s reputation for above-average yields relative to its size.
While exact parent crosses vary by breeder, Master Kush nearly always expresses “hash plant” characteristics—thick-stalked trichomes, a peppery-earth aroma, and a calm, centering effect. This reliability is why growers often use Master Kush as a baseline cultivar when dialing in rooms for other indica projects. The cultivar’s genetic predictability also makes it a solid candidate for scrog or sea-of-green methods that depend on uniform plants.
From a breeding perspective, Master Kush’s traits suggest a dominant indica inheritance with recessive nodes that occasionally express lighter citrus terpenes and floral notes. Selectors who chase those subtleties can find phenotypes with brighter top notes without losing the core spicy-hash signature. This manageable diversity keeps Master Kush interesting to hunt without sacrificing stability.
Appearance and Morphology
Master Kush grows into a medium-height, bushy indica that typically reaches around 0.8–1.2 meters indoors with minimal stretch after flip. Dutch Passion grow notes describe “medium-high bushy indica plants” that commonly settle near 1 meter in home setups, corroborating grower reports. Internodes are short, which encourages dense cola formation and efficient use of vertical space.
Leaves are broad and dark green, often displaying a deep chlorophyll saturation that gives the canopy a lush, glossy look. During late flower, bract clusters stack tightly and develop pronounced trichome coverage, making the buds appear sugar-frosted. Pistils transition from cream to amber or rust, providing attractive contrast against olive-green calyxes.
Buds themselves are compact, heavy, and spherical to conical, with high calyx-to-leaf ratios that ease trimming. The resin glands are notably abundant, reflecting the cultivar’s hash heritage and making it an efficient choice for dry sift or ice water extractions. Under magnification, bulbous-headed trichomes crowd the calyx surface, a visual indicator of strong THC potential.
Structurally, Master Kush is well suited for topping and lateral training thanks to naturally vigorous side branches. Plants generally respond with even canopy development after apical control, producing multiple similarly sized tops. This symmetrical architecture benefits scrog cultivation where uniform bud sites maximize light distribution.
Despite its dense buds, Master Kush can resist bud rot better than some indica peers when air exchange is sufficient. Thick bracts still require vigilance late in flower, especially at humidities above 60% where Botrytis risk rises. Growers who keep canopies thinned and RH controlled report minimal losses and better final bag appeal.
Aroma and Bouquet
Master Kush presents a classic Kush nose anchored in earthy, spicy, and hashy tones. CannaConnection and Dutch Passion descriptions highlight an earthy-spice core with a subtle citrus streak, and many consumers note a dry incense quality reminiscent of traditional Afghani hash. The overall effect is grounding and warm rather than sharp or cloying.
When the jar is first cracked, expect peppered woods, black tea, and a rich loam character. Secondary notes often include sandalwood, leather, and a faint floral sweetness that can hint at geraniol presence. Leafly’s terpene coverage has linked Master Kush in some crops to higher geraniol readings, which can explain the rose-like lift in certain phenotypes.
Grinding the flower intensifies the spice and concentrates the hash-cedar character. A soft citrus peel aroma—most often orange or tangerine—can emerge from limonene and related monoterpenes. This top note never overwhelms the base; instead, it brightens the overall bouquet and keeps the nose from feeling heavy.
On the plant, late flower rooms can smell distinctly peppery with undertones of musky sweetness. Filters and negative pressure are advisable in confined spaces, as the aroma can be quite pungent mid-to-late bloom. For many growers, that pronounced terpene output is exactly the point: the bouquet telegraphs potency, resin density, and a true Kush lineage.
Flavor and Consumption Characteristics
The flavor of Master Kush mirrors the aroma with a bold, earthy-spice baseline that lingers on the palate. Inhalation typically delivers pepper, clove, and hash resin notes carried on a smooth, slightly creamy mouthfeel. Exhalation accentuates wood and tea, while a subtle citrus-zest finish keeps the profile lively.
Combustion character is generally clean when properly cured, with minimal throat bite at moderate temperatures. Vaporization at 180–195°C highlights citrus and floral components, whereas higher settings (200–210°C) emphasize the peppery caryophyllene edge. Many users find the flavor complexity increases noticeably after a 2–4 week cure at 58–62% RH.
Compared to other Kushes, Master Kush leans less gassy than OG Kush and more old-world hash than Bubba Kush, aligning with Leafly’s suggestion that it can be an excellent alternative to Bubba. The tasting arc feels “grounding,” delivering classic indica satisfaction without overt funk or fuel. That balance makes it a versatile choice across joints, bowls, and concentrate formats.
As a concentrate input, the strain’s resin-to-leaf ratio and bulbous trichome heads can produce high returns in both solvent and solventless methods. Hash rosin retains the pepper-wood backbone with a touch of orange-floral brightness in lighter micron pulls. For flavor preservation, slow drying at 60–62°F and 58–60% RH for 10–14 days is recommended before pressing or extraction.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Master Kush is commonly reported in the mid-to-high THC tier with low CBD. CannaConnection cites THC between 15–18%, which aligns with many dispensary lab results for classic phenotypes. Some seed vendors, including SeedSupreme, list “Very High” THC potentials exceeding 20%, reflecting modern selection under optimized grow conditions.
In practice, most growers should expect a harvest potency window of roughly 15–22% total THC depending on phenotype, environment, and post-harvest handling. CBD typically remains low at 0–1%, creating a THC:CBD ratio commonly above 20:1. Minor cannabinoids like CBG may appear in the 0.2–1.0% range, with trace CBC or THCV detected sporadically.
Potency expression is sensitive to light intensity, nutrition, and harvest timing. Pulling the crop at peak cloudy with 10–20% amber trichomes often correlates with a heavier, more soporific effect and strong total THC. Overmaturation can degrade monoterpenes and convert THC to CBN, slightly softening psychoactivity while increasing perceived sedation.
Aside from raw percentages, Master Kush’s effect profile is enhanced by its terpene ensemble, particularly caryophyllene and myrcene. Caryophyllene’s CB2 affinity may modulate inflammatory signaling, while myrcene is frequently associated with perceived sedation in user reports. The synergy often presents as a calm, full-body relaxation even at “moderate” THC levels like 16–18%.
For those tracking dosage, 10 mg of THC from Master Kush flower equates to approximately 50–65 mg of raw cannabis at 18–22% THC when vaporized efficiently. Beginners often find 1–2 inhalations sufficient, while experienced users may titrate to effect across a 5–10 minute window. Duration of effect typically spans 2–4 hours, with a mellow afterglow persisting longer in low-stimulus settings.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Master Kush is commonly caryophyllene-dominant, a trait confirmed by Leafly’s profiling of classic Kush cultivars. Caryophyllene contributes peppery, woody aromas and is unusual among terpenes for its capacity to bind CB2 receptors. In Master Kush, it often appears alongside myrcene, limonene, and humulene in meaningful quantities.
Quantitatively, lab reports for caryophyllene-forward Kush lines often show myrcene around 0.3–0.8%, caryophyllene around 0.2–0.7%, and limonene around 0.1–0.4% by weight of total terpene fraction. Humulene and alpha-pinene frequently register in the 0.05–0.2% range each, rounding out the spice-wood spectrum. Actual values vary by phenotype and environment, but these ranges reflect commonly observed Master Kush chemotypes.
Notably, Leafly has referenced data showing Master Kush testing high in geraniol among certain producer crops, placing it in company with Afghani and Headband. Geraniol can add rose and sweet herb nuances at modest levels around 0.05–0.2%, which some tasters perceive as a light floral lift through the hash-forward base. This minor terpene can have a disproportionately noticeable aromatic impact due to its low odor threshold.
The cumulative terpene fingerprint pushes the experience toward calm, body-centric relaxation with gentle mood elevation. Myrcene is frequently linked in observational reports to sedative qualities, while limonene contributes subtle uplift and anxiety buffering for some users. Meanwhile, caryophyllene and humulene reinforce the peppery-spice core that defines classic Kush flavor.
From a cultivation standpoint, terpene expression is enhanced by stable daytime temperatures of 21–26°C and a slight drop to 18–21°C at night during late bloom. Maintaining RH around 50–55% in weeks 6–8 helps preserve monoterpenes that volatilize under heat and high airflow. A 10–14 day slow dry at 60–62°F and 58–62% RH followed by curing at 62% RH sustains aromatic complexity and prevents terpene loss.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Master Kush’s effects span sleepy, happy, and relaxing—an arc Leafly highlights as central to its appeal. The onset is typically smooth and progressive over 5–10 minutes, beginning with a loosening of muscular tension and a gentle lift in mood. As the session develops, a warm body heaviness sets in, encouraging stillness, comfort, and low-key focus.
Users often choose Master Kush for evenings, meditation, and media consumption, echoing Leafly’s recommended activities like chilling out and watching TV. At moderate doses, cognition remains functional but unhurried, while higher doses can be decisively couch-locking. The strain is a favorite for winding down after work or decompressing after strenuous exercise.
Anxiety-sensitive consumers frequently report positive experiences due to the soothing, non-racy profile. Limonene’s subtle brightness prevents the effects from feeling dull, while caryophyllene’s calming earthiness grounds the mind. That balance gives Master Kush a reputation for calm clarity rather than head fog, particularly when vaped at lower temperatures.
Duration averages 2–4 hours depending on dose and individual tolerance. Residual sedation can persist into the next morning at high doses, especially when consumed late at night. Common side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes; occasional dizziness can occur in naïve users at potent doses exceeding their tolerance.
Compared with more energetic hybrids, Master Kush is decisively relaxing and introspective. Against heavier indica benchmarks, it can feel slightly more cheerful and less narcotic, particularly in phenotypes with a touch more limonene or geraniol. Its consistent equilibrium explains why it remains a go-to option for unwinding without overwhelming the headspace.
Potential Medical Applications
With a mostly indica profile and caryophyllene-forward terpene mix, Master Kush is frequently chosen for stress reduction and sleep support. Users commonly report decreased bodily restlessness and improved pre-sleep relaxation within 30–90 minutes of consumption. For some, even small doses before bedtime reduce sleep latency and nighttime awakenings compared with no cannabis.
Analgesic potential is another commonly cited reason for selection. THC, especially in the 15–22% range typical for Master Kush, can provide short-term relief of musculoskeletal pain and tension in observational settings. The caryophyllene content may add a peripheral anti-inflammatory dimension via CB2 engagement, potentially supporting comfort without amplifying intoxication.
Consumers also turn to Master Kush for anxiety modulation during evening hours, particularly where racy sativa effects are unwanted. The myrcene and humulene contributions may foster a calm body feel that, anecdotally, eases somatic stress. Limonene’s presence may help counterbalance heavy sedation by offering slight mood elevation.
Appetite stimulation is frequently reported at medium doses, which can be useful for individuals experiencing low appetite in the evening. Those sensitive to morning grogginess may prefer vaporization at lower temps and dosing earlier in the night to reduce next-day lethargy. As with any THC-forward strain, titration is important; starting low and moving slowly can optimize therapeutic windows.
While individual responses vary, the overall pattern of use cases includes stress, sleep disturbance, minor pain, and general relaxation. CBD levels are typically low (0–1%), so patients seeking anti-anxiety effects without THC intoxication may need to pair with CBD-dominant cultivars. Always consult local regulations and healthcare professionals when integrating cannabis into a medical regimen.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Environment, Nutrition, and Training
Master Kush is celebrated by growers for predictability and speed, making it ideal for both beginners and veterans. Indoors, a stable environment with day temperatures of 21–26°C and nights at 18–21°C supports tight node spacing and high resin output. Relative humidity should begin around 60–65% in late veg, shift to 50–55% in early bloom, and finish at 45–50% in the last two weeks.
Light intensity targets of 600–900 μmol/m²/s PPFD in vegetative growth and 900–1,100 μmol/m²/s in flowering produce strong results without excessive stress. Many growers aim for a daily light integral (DLI) of 35–45 mol/m²/day in bloom for balanced potency and yield. Maintain adequate CO2 at ambient 400–500 ppm unless enriching; enriched rooms at 1,000–1,200 ppm can push yield and THC when coupled with high PPFD and precise irrigation.
Nutritionally, Master Kush responds well to moderate EC levels with clear transitions between stages. Target EC 1.2–1.6 mS/cm in veg and 1.6–2.0 mS/cm in mid-to-late bloom, adjusting based on leaf posture and runoff readings. Soil pH around 6.2–6.8 and hydro/coco pH around 5.6–6.0 optimize uptake; watch calcium and magnesium in soft water systems to prevent interveinal chlorosis.
Training strategies that suit this cultivar include topping once or twice by week 4–5 from sprout, followed by low-stress training to even the canopy. Screen of green (SCRoG) is especially effective, as Master Kush fills a net rapidly thanks to strong lateral branching. Sea of green (SOG) also works well with a short veg, leveraging its compact stature to pack uniform colas per square meter.
Watering cadence should track substrate moisture and VPD, not a fixed calendar. Aim for a vapor pressure deficit of 0.9–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in bloom to encourage steady transpiration without stress. Avoid prolonged over-saturation near flip; slight drybacks promote oxygenation and reduce edema risk, supporting tighter flower formation.
Flowering time is reliably 8–8.5 weeks indoors per CannaConnection and Dutch Passion reports, with some phenos finishing in as little as 55 days. Stretch is modest—often 20–50%—keeping plants manageable in tents and cabinets. Expect medium-to-large yields; many growers report 400–550 g/m² indoors under 600–1,000 W-equivalent lighting, with experienced cultivators sometimes exceeding these figures.
Outdoors, Master Kush thrives in temperate to semi-arid locales and has a reputation for performing in cold, dry climates per Dutch Passion’s recommendations. In northern latitudes, target harvest from late September to early October to avoid late-season storms. Well-structured plants with staking and pruning resist wind and reduce rot in humid shoulder seasons.
Environmental Tolerance and Climate Strategy
Dutch Passion’s climate assessments place Master Kush among the more reliable indicas for cold and dry conditions. Thick cuticles and dense bracts offer some protection against environmental stress, though airflow remains critical. Maintaining good air exchange and moderate defoliation mitigates moisture pockets that can harbor pathogens.
In hot climates, aim for daytime highs under 28–29°C to protect terpenes and avoid excessive foxtailing. A 2–3°C nighttime drop helps color expression and bolsters resin density in late flower. Supplemental silica strengthens stems and can improve heat tolerance, especially in LED-driven rooms where leaf surface temps run slightly cooler than HPS.
Outdoors at altitude or in continental climates, Master Kush’s fast bloom is a major asset, reducing exposure to early frosts. In arid regions, drip irrigation with mulched beds conserves water and maintains consistent root zone conditions. Windbreaks and staking are inexpensive insurance against late-season gusts that can topple heavy colas.
If humidity spikes are unavoidable, target dehumidification to keep late-bloom RH below 55%, especially in weeks 6–8. Spacing plants 45–75 cm apart indoors and 1–2 meters outdoors promotes healthy airflow. Consistently achieving these parameters can reduce bud-rot risk by a meaningful margin compared with crowded, stagnant environments.
Pest, Pathogen, and IPM Considerations
Master Kush’s dense buds reward vigilance during the final weeks of bloom. The most common issues include powdery mildew under high humidity, spider mites in warm dry rooms, and Botrytis in stagnant air. A proactive integrated pest management plan prevents small problems from becoming yield-impacting events.
Begin with strong prevention: quarantine new clones, inspect with a loupe, and use clean tools and clothing. Maintain a tidy grow space, removing dead leaves and runoff water that can attract fungus gnats. Sticky cards and weekly leaf inspections provide early warning signals before populations explode.
Biological controls can complement prevention. Beneficial mites like Phytoseiulus persimilis target spider mites, while Amblyseius swirskii can suppress thrips and whiteflies. For powdery mildew, sulfur burners are effective in veg but should be avoided in bloom; instead, use improved airflow, UV-C in controlled settings, or approved bio-fungicides early in the cycle.
Canopy management is crucial for a dense indica like Master Kush. Strategic lollipopping and selective defoliation around weeks 3–5 of flower allow light and air into interior bud sites. This reduces microclimates that lead to mildew and also improves uniformity across the canopy for higher-quality colas.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing Protocol
Harvest readiness typically falls between days 56 and 60 from flip for most phenotypes, aligning with the 8–8.5 week window cited by CannaConnection. For a more sedative profile, let trichomes reach mostly cloudy with 10–20% amber. Growers prioritizing brighter top notes may harvest at peak cloudy with minimal amber.
During harvest, handle buds gently to preserve trichome heads and avoid bruising that can oxidize terpenes. Whole-plant hang drying or large branch hanging at 60–62°F and 58–62% RH for 10–14 days produces even moisture migration. Fans should move air in the room, not directly across flowers, to prevent case hardening.
After stems exhibit a dry snap but before flowers become brittle, transfer to curing jars at 62% RH with hygrometers. Burp daily for the first week, then taper to every few days for another 2–3 weeks. Many Master Kush batches reach peak flavor and mouthfeel between weeks 3 and 6 of cure, with notable polish continuing up to 8–10 weeks.
Final moisture should stabilize around 10–12% for long-term storage, with jars kept in the dark at 60–68°F. For concentrate preparation, a slightly shorter dry (7–10 days) followed by 2–3 weeks of cure can retain brighter monoterpenes. Properly cured Master Kush rewards patience with a richer, more layered expression of its earthy-spice and subtle citrus-floral facets.
Yield Expectations and Processing Potential
Growers consistently describe Master Kush as offering medium-to-large yields relative to size. Indoors under competent lighting, 400–550 g/m² is a realistic target, with optimized scrog setups sometimes surpassing 600 g/m². Outdoors, single-plant yields of 500–700 g are common in supportive climates, with larger plants exceeding those figures when vegged longer.
The strain’s resin density translates well to extraction. Dry sift and ice water hash can show excellent gland separation thanks to bulbous trichome heads, often producing above-average returns. Solventless rosin from 90–120 μm bags typically captures the flavor core—pepper, tea, woods—with light citrus in select phenos.
For those seeking edible inputs, decarboxylation at 105–115°C for 30–45 minutes preserves terpenes better than higher-temperature protocols. Given THC levels in the 15–22% band, dose calculations should be conservative for first-time consumers. Well-cured material will deliver smoother-tasting infusions and more predictable onset compared with rushed cures.
Phenotype Variation, Stability, and Selection
Across seed lines, Master Kush exhibits moderate phenotype variation primarily in terpene emphasis and stretch. Most plants remain compact with minimal internodal elongation, but a minority may show slightly taller architecture. Resin output is consistently high, making pheno hunting rewarding for both flower and hash.
Terpene variation often falls along a spectrum from pure earthy-spice to earthy-spice with citrus-floral lift. Phenotypes expressing brighter top notes may show measurable limonene or geraniol increases, consistent with Leafly’s observation that some Master Kush lots test high in geraniol. Selection for those profiles can diversify a garden while preserving the core Kush signature.
For production-focused grows, prioritize plants that set early flower sites by week 2–3 and maintain even stacking through week 6. Buds should feel dense and greasy by week 7, with pistils receding and calyxes swelling rather than fox-tailing. Keep mother stock from plants that resist mildew and finish dependably in 56–60 days for predictable turnover.
Clonal stability is generally good once a desirable mother is selected. Many growers keep a two-mother rotation to hedge against pathogen issues and maintain constant supply. Over successive runs, small environmental tweaks can further refine terpene and potency expression in stable clones.
Comparisons: Master Kush vs. Other Kush Icons
Compared to OG Kush, Master Kush is less gassy and more hash-forward, leaning into pepper, wood, and tea rather than fuel and lemon-pine. It is typically more compact than many OGs, with reduced stretch and a slightly shorter flowering horizon. For growers in limited vertical space, Master Kush’s structure is often easier to manage.
Against Bubba Kush, Master Kush can feel a touch brighter and less outright sedative, corroborating Leafly’s suggestion that it is an excellent alternative to Bubba. Bubba often presents coffee-chocolate notes and can be heavier in the body at similar THC levels. Master Kush’s subtle citrus-floral lift provides a different evening experience with comparable relaxation.
Versus Hindu Kush, Master Kush feels like a refined selection that emphasizes resin density and fast finish. Hindu Kush can express more pine and herbal-mineral notes, while Master Kush compresses those into a rounder, spicier bouquet. In all cases, the familial resemblance is strong, and preference often comes down to palate and desired sedation depth.
Buyer’s Guide and Provenance Notes
Humboldt Seed Organisation offers a Master Kush consistent with the classic indica playbook, and this guide spotlights their line in particular. Other reputable European seedbanks also list Master Kush, typically describing indica dominance, short flowering, and hash-forward terpenes. Dutch Passion’s materials emphasize its Afghani Kush family, 8-week bloom, and suitability for colder, drier climates.
When selecting seeds, look for feminized lots if canopy uniformity and space efficiency are priorities. For pheno hunting, regular seeds can widen the genetic window, potentially revealing rare citrus-forward expressions without losing the core profile. Always purchase from established vendors to ensure viable stock and accurate labeling.
Check breeder notes for average height and finishing times; data citing 8–8.5 weeks aligns well with user reports and is a good benchmark. Be skeptical of extremely compressed flowering claims under 7 weeks unless supported by grow logs and lab tests. For potency, expect typical results in the 15–22% THC band, with occasional highs beyond 20% under high-performance conditions.
Quick Stats and At-a-Glance Profile
Type: Mostly indica (indica-dominant), Afghani/Hindu Kush family heritage.
Breeder focus: Humboldt Seed Organisation line spotlighted here; multiple reputable European breeders carry similar lines.
Flowering time: 8–8.5 weeks indoors; late September to early October outdoors in temperate zones.
Height: Medium; often ~1 m indoors with modest 20–50% stretch after flip.
Potency: THC commonly 15–22% (CannaConnection 15–18%, some vendors list >20%); CBD low (0–1%).
Dominant terpene: Caryophyllene; frequent myrcene and limonene support; some lots test elevated in geraniol per Leafly’s reporting.
Aroma/flavor: Earthy, spicy, hashy with subtle citrus and occasional floral lift.
Effects: Sleepy, happy, relaxing; ideal for chilling out, meditation, and watching TV per Leafly’s activity notes.
Yields: Medium-to-large; indoors 400–550 g/m² typical, higher with optimized scrog; outdoors 500–700 g/plant common.
Climate: Performs well in cold & dry conditions per Dutch Passion; robust and forgiving.
Why Master Kush Still Matters
In an era of dessert terps and hyper-hybrids, Master Kush remains relevant because it delivers a timeless, focused experience. The strain’s signature is not sugar or fuel but a composed tapestry of earth, spice, and hash that feels equally classic and complete. For many, this is the archetypal indica: centering, reliable, and free from jittery edges.
From a cultivation standpoint, its short flowering window and manageable morphology are practical advantages. Consistent finishing in 8–8.5 weeks ensures faster room turnover and reduced exposure to late-season risks outdoors. These traits translate into fewer surprises and more consistent production schedules.
Chemically, the caryophyllene-forward profile and low CBD complement a calm, restorative effect that is easy to integrate into evening routines. The occasional geraniol and limonene lifts add dimension without erasing the Kush core. That layered simplicity is why the cultivar continues to earn shelf space and grow-room real estate, season after season.
