Critical Kush

aka Critical Purple Kush, CK, Cri

Award Winner +1 more

Quick Hits

😌
High Family
Relaxing High
Deep Body Relaxation
Potency
22% THC
1.1% CBD
Cannabinoid Content
Type Type II
indica
90/10
🌿
Terpene
Myrcene
Sedating
🌙
Best Time
night
Recommended
Era
Origin unknown
🌿
Rarity
Common
Market availability

Strain Highlights

Key insights at a glance

1
Award-winning indica powerhouse with 18-26% THC from legendary genetics
2
Myrcene-dominant profile delivers profound body relaxation and sedation
3
Earthy, spicy, pine flavors with therapeutic pain and sleep support
4
Perfect evening strain for deep relaxation and stress relief
Professor High Avatar

Professor High Says...

In-depth strain breakdown from our cannabis expert

Alright, so I just finished a session with Critical Kush and... whoa, the myrcene is doing exactly what the chemistry predicts. My body feels like it's melting into the furniture in the most scientifically fascinating way—that's the high myrcene content at work, folks. The caryophyllene is delivering this warm, enveloping sensation through my muscles, like nature's own CB2 receptor activation creating waves of physical comfort.

Mentally, there's this gentle euphoric blanket softening all the sharp edges of the day. It's not a racing cerebral high—it's more like your thoughts are floating lazily on a calm river, moving slowly and peacefully. The indica genetics are absolutely dominant here; I can feel the OG Kush lineage in that classic kush relaxation, while the Critical Mass adds this heavy, grounding sensation.

What's remarkable is how the effects layer and deepen over time. Started with mild euphoria, now I'm experiencing profound body sedation combined with zero anxiety. The appetite stimulation is definitely real—suddenly everything sounds delicious. This is textbook indica pharmacology in action, and it's glorious for understanding how terpenes and cannabinoids work synergistically. Perfect specimen for evening research... or just sinking into the couch and enjoying the ride.

Indica Dominant
Myrcene Forward
night Use

Effects Profile

Relaxed Euphoric Sleepy Happy Uplifted Hungry Creative Calming

Best enjoyed during night

Deep relaxation and sleep

Side Effects

Side effects vary by individual. Start low, go slow. Consult a healthcare professional with concerns.

💧 Dry Mouth
👁️ Dry Eyes
⚠️ Drowsiness
⚠️ Increased Appetite
⚠️ Dizziness

These are commonly reported effects. Individual experiences may vary based on dosage, tolerance, and consumption method.

Aromas

Earthy
Spicy
Pine
Sugar
Herbal
Pungent
Woody
Citrus

Flavors

Earthy
Spicy
Pine
Woody
Sugar
Herbal
Citrus
Lemon

Appearance

Color Palette

deep forest green
dark emerald green
rich jade
fiery orange pistils
amber trichomes
purple undertones

Texture

Dense, compact indica structure with heavy resin production and sticky, trichome-coated surfaces

Crystal Density

very high

Exceptional crystal coverage

Cannabinoid Profile

Type II Balanced

Both THC and CBD present (5-15% each) - Medical/wellness focused

THC Range
18-26%

Mental Effects

40 %
  • Stress Relief

    Reduces mental tension and promotes relaxation

  • Anxiety Management

    Calms anxious thoughts and nervous tension

  • Mood Enhancement

    Elevates mood and promotes feelings of happiness

  • Depression Support

    Helps lift depressed mood and emotional heaviness

Professor High visualization

Body Effects

60 %
  • Pain Relief

    Reduces chronic pain and muscle tension

  • Sleep Support

    Promotes deep sleep and reduces insomnia

  • Appetite Stimulation

    Increases appetite for those with appetite loss

  • Muscle Relaxation

    Eases muscle spasms and tension

  • Inflammation Reduction

    Decreases inflammation throughout the body

  • Migraine Relief

    Alleviates headaches and migraine symptoms

Medical Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated based on available research and user reports, provided for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical purposes. Do not use cannabis if pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition without consulting your doctor.

Critical Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid created by crossing Critical Mass with OG Kush. The strain exhibits predominantly indica characteristics with approximately 90% indica and 10% sativa genetics.

Breeder

Barney's Farm

Seed Bank

Barney's Farm, Royal Queen Seeds, Blimburn Seeds, Growers Choice Seeds, Original Sensible Seeds

Historical information is actively being researched. Details will be updated as more verified data becomes available.

Consumption Methods

Recommended Methods

🔥 Smoking
💨 Vaping
🍪 Edibles
💎 Concentrates

Competition Wins

Cup Winner

Barneys Farm
View Source ↗

High Times Cannabis Cup

High Times
View Source ↗

Detailed Description

Introducing Critical Kush: A Powerhouse Indica Experience

Critical Kush stands as one of the most celebrated indica-dominant hybrids in modern cannabis culture, representing the pinnacle of Barney's Farm's breeding expertise. Born from the union of two legendary strains—Critical Mass and OG Kush—this 90% indica / 10% sativa powerhouse has earned its place among cannabis connoisseurs seeking profound relaxation and therapeutic relief. Since its introduction in the 2000s, Critical Kush has captured multiple Cannabis Cup awards, including a prestigious first-place win at the 2015 Spannabis Champions Cup in the Indoor Hydroponics category, cementing its reputation as a world-class cultivar.

🧬 Genetic Heritage & Lineage

The genius behind Critical Kush lies in its carefully selected parentage. Critical Mass contributes massive yields and sedating body effects, while OG Kush brings the iconic West Coast potency and complex terpene profile that cannabis enthusiasts crave. This strategic genetic combination creates a strain that delivers heavy-hitting indica effects with THC levels ranging from 18-26% and CBD content between 0.13-2%. Barney's Farm, the renowned Amsterdam-based seed bank, developed this strain to satisfy medical patients and recreational users alike who demand both therapeutic efficacy and exceptional flavor.

👃 Terpene Profile & Aromatics

Critical Kush's aromatic complexity stems from its rich terpene profile, dominated by Myrcene at approximately 0.65%—the sedating terpene responsible for the strain's couch-locking properties. Caryophyllene follows at 0.45%, contributing spicy, peppery notes while activating CB2 receptors for enhanced pain relief. Limonene rounds out the profile at 0.25%, adding bright citrus accents that lift the overall aroma, with trace amounts of Pinene (0.05%) providing subtle pine undertones.

When you encounter Critical Kush, you'll immediately notice its pungent earthy base layered with spicy, herbal accents and sweet pine notes. The aroma intensifies as you break apart the dense buds, releasing woody, dank overtones with hints of lemon and citrus that add brightness to the heavy, kush-forward scent profile. This complex bouquet prepares you for the full-bodied experience ahead.

👅 Flavor Experience

The flavor journey of Critical Kush mirrors its aromatic promise. On the initial inhale, you'll taste rich, earthy flavors with pronounced spicy-herbal notes that coat your palate. The mid-palate reveals sweet pine and woody undertones, creating a smooth, complex experience that seasoned cannabis consumers appreciate. The exhale finishes with tangy citrus and pungent earthy notes that linger pleasantly, inviting another draw. This flavor profile intensifies when vaporized, allowing the terpenes to shine through with greater clarity.

🎯 Effects & Experience

Critical Kush delivers a deeply sedating, full-body experience that unfolds in distinct phases. Within 5-10 minutes of consumption, you'll feel a gentle euphoric wave washing over your mind, bringing happiness and mental relief from daily stressors. This cerebral onset quickly transitions into the strain's signature heavy-body relaxation that starts in your shoulders and cascades downward, melting tension and physical discomfort.

The peak effects arrive around 30-45 minutes in, characterized by profound physical sedation, increased appetite, and a sleepy, tranquil state. Users consistently report feeling calm, relaxed, and utterly content as the indica genetics take full control. The experience typically lasts 2-4 hours, making it ideal for evening use when you have nowhere to be.

💚 Medical & Therapeutic Potential

Critical Kush has gained significant recognition in medical cannabis circles for its potential therapeutic applications. The strain's high Myrcene and Caryophyllene content may help with chronic pain management, inflammation reduction, and muscle relaxation. Many patients report it may assist with insomnia, stress relief, anxiety management, and appetite stimulation. The strain may also provide relief from headaches, migraines, and arthritis symptoms. Medical users should start with low doses due to the strain's potency.

👁️ Visual Characteristics

Critical Kush buds are visually stunning, displaying dense, compact structures typical of indica genetics. The flowers showcase deep forest green as their primary color, often accented by purple undertones in cooler growing conditions. Fiery orange pistils weave throughout the buds, contrasting beautifully against the green backdrop. The entire surface is blanketed in a thick layer of amber and crystalline trichomes, giving the buds a frosty, resinous appearance that indicates high potency.

⚠️ Consumer Considerations

Critical Kush is best suited for evening and nighttime use due to its sedating effects. Experienced consumers will appreciate the strain's potency, while newcomers should start with small doses to avoid overwhelming sedation. Common side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes, so keep water and eye drops handy. This strain excels for activities like meditation, gentle yoga, watching movies, listening to music, or simply unwinding before bed.

Critical Kush remains a testament to masterful breeding—a strain that delivers exactly what indica lovers seek: powerful relaxation, therapeutic potential, and unforgettable flavor.

Research Methodology

How we compiled this strain profile

82%
Data Confidence

This strain profile was generated by analyzing 25 independent sources mentioning 'Critical Kush'. Our research pipeline cross-references multiple databases, lab results, and community reports to synthesize accurate strain data.

Data Quality by Section

Terpenes High (12 sources)
Effects Low (23 sources)
Lineage Medium (21 sources)
Medical Low (23 sources)
Aromas Medium (22 sources)
Cannabinoids Low (21 sources)
Last updated: February 6, 2026

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