Bubblegum Kush is a mostly indica strain with thoroughly relaxing effects and a tangy flavor profile. Created in the Netherlands by Bulldog Seeds, this hybrid is a cross between the fruity Bubble Gum and none other than OG Kush.
With a high that leans toward the relaxing end of the spectrum, this is definitely a strain better suited to kicking back than to being out and about. Bubblegum Kush’s THC content has been measured at between 14% and 23%.
Bubblegum Kush has impressive buds that are medium-sized and hold a spindle-like shape, bulging in the middle but tapered at both ends. These buds are unmistakably indica, with a densely-packed structure in which the leaves curl tightly inward toward their central stems. The leaves themselves are a dark yellowish-green and are twisted through with brown and orange pistils. Finally, like bubblegum itself, Bubblegum Kush is very stick due to its thick coating of translucent white trichomes. This high resin content makes the bud very difficult to break up by hand.
Consumers expecting the sugary scent of bubblegum may be surprised to find that Bubblegum Kush has a predominantly citrus aroma, with top notes of sour lemon and orange. There is, however, an underlying sweetness as well, a testament to the influence of award-winning parent strain Bubblegum. Meanwhile, grinding up the buds gives off some musky and earthy odors. When combusted, Bubblegum Kush gives off a thick smoke that can be harsh on the lungs, inducing coughing. On the exhale, this smoke tastes sweet and citrusy.
Bubblegum Kush offers a slow, creeping high that may take as long as 15 minutes to reveal its presence. Eventually, smokers may notice a flushing in the cheeks, as well as a tingle around the temples and forehead. Some also describe an increase in salivation. Once these sensations pass, a well-prepared consumer can settle into a calm and even headspace. Any outside worries and stressors begin to dissolve into the background. Physical signs of anxiety are alleviated as well -- users may feel a release of a lingering muscular tension, as well as an improved capacity for breathing deeply and easily. Bubblegum Kush is not known to trigger intense bouts of deep thinking. As such, it’s neither liable to nudge smokers toward paranoia nor is it appropriate for achieving productivity. Instead, mellow-minded users can savor this bud for its ability to intensify the perception of certain sights and sounds. It can be a great way to appreciate a favorite album or a trippy or scary movie. Otherwise, Bubblegum Kush’s mental effects are marked by a giddiness that can be exuberant, if not exactly high-energy. The strain’s giggly mood can be very much at home in rowdy social situations. As the high wears on or as dosage is increased, Bubblegum Kush tends to paralyze smokers with couchlock; in the right circumstances, it can even pack them off to dreamland. Because of its mostly sedative vibes, Bubblegum Kush is best savored after dark.
Bubblegum Kush’s relaxing effects can also have therapeutic value for medical cannabis patients. Its feeling of tranquility can temporarily lessen the symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. It can also numb deep-seated aches and pains, as well as minor everyday annoyances like headaches and nausea. For some, Bubblegum Kush can stoke the appetite, proving useful to chemotherapy patients. As noted, this strain can even combat insomnia, lull smokers into a deep and restful sleep. Thanks to its relative lack of cerebral side effects, Bubblegum Kush is a good option for patients who are prone to panic or who have a low tolerance for THC.
Seeds of Bubblegum Kush are available online from Bulldog Seeds. The strain can be an easy, user-friendly grow for newcomers to cultivation. It can be grown indoors or out, although outdoor success calls for a semi-humid climate with daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants can grow short and bushy, and users may want to regularly trim away any fan leaves that can prevent light and air from reaching low-growing flowering nodes. Bubblegum Kush flowers within 8 weeks when grown indoors and offers growers a high yield for their efforts.
Combining stress relief with euphoria and giddiness, it’s not wonder this strain is as popular as it is. Bubblegum Kush’s particularly high resin output can also be very useful in the production of hash and other THC concentrates.