Cannabis Origins: What Does OG Mean?
When browsing strains on dispensary shelves, one of the most common naming habits one will encounter is the use of the term “OG.” But what does OG mean in the context of cannabis? The answer lies embedded deep within cannabis history, dating back to the days prior to the legalization of cannabis at any level.
What Does OG Mean?
“OG” itself is a long-established slang term, meaning “Original Gangster.” The term was prevalent in the world of hip hop, where rappers like Ice-T were instrumental in promoting the term to the world at large through its use in his music, particularly the 1991 hit “O.G. Original Gangster.”
While OG has hip-hop centric origins, it did not take long before it became a regular expression to denote that which is considered “original” in any given field. Now the term is nearly ubiquitous in modern culture, although its unique history with regards to cannabis offers a somewhat more complex explanation.
What Does OG Mean in the World of Cannabis?
Originally, the term OG was applied by growers Matt “Bubba” Berger and Josh Del Rosso, two titans of the 90s cannabis scene whose influence is still felt to this day at dispensaries across America. Berger is responsible for the naming of Bubba Kush, a storied strain that has made its way all around the world.
According to legend, Berger and Del Rosso encountered a bag of exceptional bud, which they christened with the simple name “Kush.” Extracting its seeds, they decided to grow their own batches, which quickly became immensely popular. In order to stake their proprietary claim on the new strain, the term “OG” was used to mark the product as the “original” variant. Hence, OG Kush was born.
Most Popular OG Strains
While OG Kush is still likely the most well known among the family of OG strains on the market, there are other worthy examples of OG cannabis that stand out on their own. Each contains elements of OG genetics, although over time the strain has been remixed so many times as to become completely distinct from the true “original.”
Tahoe OG, for example, is a hybrid strain that instantly impresses with its pungent, herbal OG aroma. Immediately upon opening a container of Tahoe OG, the power of its lineage becomes readily apparent, as the strong smell foreshadows the strain’s potency and invigorating high that encompasses the entire body. Batches of Tahoe OG often test at above 18% THC, so it’s recommended to use caution when dosing with the strain.
Unlike Tahoe OG, Girl Scout Cookies does not carry the “OG” lineage in its name but owes part of its genetic history to the strain. GSC has become one of the most famous and lauded strains in modern cannabis, owing to effects that often result in a simmering body high that creates the conditions for one to be able to comfortably melt on the couch. Similarly, the dazzling cerebral qualities imparted by the strain won’t soon be forgotten after an encounter with Girl Scout Cookies.