Apple Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid that packs a bold flavor to accompany its potent, hazy high. Although this strain's origins and creators are something of a mystery, we do know that it's a cross between pungent staple Sour Diesel and Pure Kush (which is a distinct phenotype of OG Kush, not to be confused with OG Kush itself). This strain offers a multi-faceted high, with an initial cerebral kick that soon mellows into full body relaxation. Flowers of Apple Kush have tested at between 15% and 20% THC content.
Apple Kush is marked by medium-sized flowers that are long and almost cylindrical in shape. Cured properly, the buds have a dense, compact structure, with the leaves tightly compressed together. Leaves themselves are a bright green with hints of yellow. The hairy pistils, which appear when in the plant's early growth stages, stand out against the green buds in hues of orange and brown. A thick coating of trichomes, on the surfaces and inner crevices of the flowers, make this strain difficult to break up without the use of a grinder. While the flowers have a certain clean, fruity smell that reminds some users of apples, there are also prominent floral notes. Grinding or breaking up the buds offers a more sour tang, reminiscent of Cheese. When combusted, Apple Kush has an acrid odor and a harsh smoke that might induce coughing and cause eyes to water. On the exhale, this strain rounds out its fruitiness with a spicy musk that betrays its OG Kush roots.
Unlike some hybrids that may blend the psychoactivity of indica and sativa into one balanced, seamless experience, Apple Kush seems to instead affect users in two different stages. The high starts as a quick headrush -- smokers may feel greater blood pressure around their eyes and temples. This physical effect is met with a sudden alertness that may cause users may feel increasingly thoughtful or talkative. As the high wears on though, cerebral stimulation decreases, easing users into an extreme relaxation that can be felt deep in the muscles. Breathing may slow down as tension evaporates. This soothing indica phase of the high comes with a more dreamy mindset is best enjoyed in comfortable, familiar settings. In high enough doses, couchlock can be expected. As such, Apple Kush should be savored during the nighttime or early evening rather than morning or afternoon.
Apple Kush's sedative effects are of value to medical cannabis patients as well. This strain can ease aches and pains, whether, incidental, age-related, or caused by chronic conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Apple Kush is also known to soothe headaches and stomach problems. Its tendency to bring about relaxation and sleep also makes it an effective treatment for stress and anxiety-related conditions and insomnia.
This relatively uncommon strain doesn't have the name recognition of its illustrious parents just yet. Seeds of Apple Kush are not available for purchase, meaning that prospective growers need to find existing plants of the strain to take a cutting that can be grown as clones. As with many other hybrids, Apple Kush can be successfully cultivated indoors or outdoors, although outdoor grow setups require warm, semi-humid climates with consistent daytime temperatures in the 70 degrees Fahrenheit range. Both the Sour Diesel and Pure Kush parent strains have a long flowering period, so anyone lucky enough to obtain clones of Apple Kush should plan on the plants flowering within 9 to 10 weeks when grown indoors and in late October or early November when grown outdoors.
Growers should also preserve Apple Kush's unique flavor through a two-stage process called curing. Curing first requires trimmed buds to be hung upside-down for a week in 70-degree surroundings with consistent 50% humidity. Once sufficiently dry, the buds should be sealed in airtight containers and stored in slightly more moist conditions of 60-65% humidity; as secured buds should regularly be checked for mold or mildew.
Although initially popular in Amsterdam, Apple Kush is gaining ground in the U.S. cannabis market. Its novelty flavor profile and dynamic, easygoing high make it a great choice for hanging with friends or taking some calm and introspective solo time. A bowl of Apple Kush every day may not keep the doctor away -- but it's guaranteed to help users unwind.