What Does OG Stand for in Cannabis Strain Names?
You may have seen many OG cannabis strains on the menu in your local dispensary, but what does “OG” stand for in weed? Though there are conflicting theories, one thing everybody can agree on is that OG strains can provide a wonderful experience.
Because there are so many OG products on the market, it's a good idea to ask for recommendations, especially if you're searching for a strain that will offer specific effects. Whatever you're looking for, there will be a perfect OG strain out there for you.
Possible Meanings of “OG” in Cannabis Strain Names
There is some debate in the cannabis community about how the OG name came about. The OG in cannabis names could mean "original gangster" (or "original gangsta") but some suggest that it could also mean "ocean grown" or “original grower.” While all of the theories have a reasonable foundation, the true meaning of “OG” might never be known for sure.
Original Gangster
The term "original gangster" has its roots in hip-hop culture and, as a cannabis strain name, may pay tribute to the hip-hop scene that developed in the 1990s in Southern California where these strains originally took off.
Original Gangsta
As legend has it, "original gangsta" was coined by DNA Genetics, a cannabis company in Amsterdam that had a hand in marketing the OG Kush strain. In this case, "Original Gangsta" was originally used by the hip-hop group Cypress Hill who reportedly discovered the strain at a concert in the 1990s and stamped their mark on the product.
Ocean Grown
Alternatively, some suggest that OG stands for "ocean grown," referring to cannabis cultivation in California where marijuana is grown close to the ocean.
Original Grower
The Netflix documentary Murder Mountain tells the story of cannabis cultivation in Humboldt County from the 1960s onward. It is claimed that growers traveled to Afghanistan to obtain seeds to take back to the USA. One of these growers reports that OG stands for "Original Grower."
Top OG Strains
Due to continuing innovation and the ever-growing market for cannabis in the USA—an industry analysis projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2% in the U.S. cannabis market from 2023 to 2030—there are a great number of OG cannabis strains to choose from.
The concept of OG strains may have been born in the South. However, cannabis enthusiasts from Seattle to New York can enjoy the many different OG strains available. If you're new to the cannabis world or are simply looking for something new to try, these are some of the top OG strains:
OG Kush
The OG Kush strain is one of the many premier cannabis strains that exist today and is considered the original OG strain that was first popularized in Los Angeles. OG Kush is a potent sativa-dominant strain that offers a cerebral, uplifting high and a relaxing effect on the body.
With a 20-26% THC content, OG Kush provides a rush of euphoria and is said to help creatives think outside of the box. This strain now has several descendants, including Bubba Kush and Fire OG.
Dragon OG
This sativa-dominant hybrid is a cross between Red Dragon and OG Kush. Users describe pleasant euphoric effects with mood-boosting stimulation and physical relaxation. Dragon OG can be consumed during the day or in the evening to boost creativity or combat pain. Dragon OG is a fairly potent strain so should be taken in moderation.
Jesus OG
Jesus OG is an indica-dominant strain that offers relaxing effects. It is said to open the mind to new concepts. This strain can provide pain relief and features typical Kush flavors with fruity and lemony hints.
Lemon OG
This hybrid strain offers an invigorating, energizing buzz leading to a state of total relaxation. Lemon OG can be a great strain for those looking for stress relief and a mood lift. In the medical marijuana community, Lemon OG is often used to alleviate symptoms like chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and stress.
OG Chem
OG Chem offers an uplifting and euphoric experience that promotes creativity and elevates your mood, leaving you feeling totally carefree. OG Chem is consumed therapeutically to relieve stress and fatigue.
Skywalker OG
This is an indica-dominant strain that offers users a mellow, euphoric experience. Skywalker OG can also be effective for boosting awareness, focus, and creativity and feels uplifting and relaxing at the same time.
San Fernando Valley OG
SFV OG is a potent indica-dominant strain with an average 17-22% THC level. This strain offers relaxing and sedative effects that could be useful for pain relief at the same time as providing a feeling of euphoria.
In the medical marijuana community, SFV OG is a popular cannabis strain for depression, stress, chronic pain, and muscle spasms.
Tahoe OG
This is an indica-dominant hybrid that’s perfect for an evening spent relaxing on the couch. This strain offers a mood-boosting, dreamy effect with a strong body high that will send you into a deep and relaxing sleep.
Tahoe OG is popular with people who suffer from insomnia, chronic pain, migraines, and anxiety. However, recreational users can also enjoy it for its mood-elevating and stress-relieving effects.
Banana OG
This is an indica-dominant cross of OG Kush and Banana with around 24% THC, making it a potent strain with effects that include heightened awareness, a sense of euphoria, time dilations, and sedation. Consumers first experience a head high which later moves down to the body.
Fire OG
Named after the warm, fiery glow this strain offers, Fire OG provides a relaxing body and mind high. Consumers often report feelings of euphoria which then settle into a relaxing sense of sedation.
Fire OG is a mix of two other strains on this list, OG Kush and SFV OG, and is one of the most potent OG strains. For this reason, it may be more suitable for consumers with a higher THC tolerance.
Honorable Mentions
There are several other OG strains in addition to the ones we’ve covered here. Some of these include:
Yoda OG
Runtz OG
Larry OG
Alien OG
Secret OG
Overboard OG
Platinum OG
Cali OG Kush
Papaya OG Cookies
Presidential OG Kush
Forbidden OG Chem
OG Mintz
As breeders continue to develop new cultivars, we can expect to see the OG family continue to grow!
Explore OG Strains at Your Local Dispensary
Cannabis consumers interested in learning more about strains with the OG name will find a wide range in dispensaries, including our dispensaries in Seattle, WA. Our expert budtenders can help you pinpoint the right OG strain depending on the experience you're looking for, and advise on the best ways to consume it.
Ultimately, we may never know for sure what the origin of "OG" is, but that's okay. Whether it's original gangster, ocean grown, or even original grower, these strains offer an experience that’s second to none.