Afghan Kush (Landrace Indica) — The Most Comprehensive Guide

Fast Facts

• Type: 100% Indica-leaning landrace

• Origin/Lineage: Native to the Hindu Kush mountains along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border; stabilized from traditional hash-plant populations

• Aroma & Flavor: Earthy hash, sandalwood, cedar, spicy pepper, sweet herb, pine, incense

• Dominant Terpenes (typical): Myrcene (primary) with β-caryophyllene, α-pinene, plus humulene & limonene in supporting roles

• Typical Potency: THC ~16–21% (can vary by cultivar/batch); CBD usually <1–2%

• Effects (user-reported): Heavy body relaxation, stress relief, full-body calm, couch-lock; often sleepy at higher doses

• Best For: Evenings, winding down, off-days, movies, deep relaxation

• Grow Difficulty: Easy–moderate; short, sturdy, very resinous; great for hash making

• Flowering Time (photoperiod): 7–9 weeks indoors

• Yield: Medium–high (dense golf-ball to knuckle-sized buds)

• Outdoor Harvest (N. Hemisphere): Late Sept–Oct

• Climate Preference: Cool–temperate, low humidity late flower (dense buds)

---

What Makes Afghan Kush Special

A true landrace indica, Afghan Kush is prized for thick, sticky trichomes and the classic “hashish” bouquet. Generations of selection in harsh mountain climates yielded a compact, hardy plant with broad leaves, dense flowers, and a deeply sedating finish. Its resin content is why Afghan Kush remains a cornerstone for traditional Afghan/Black hash and countless modern Kush lines.

---

Sensory Profile (Aroma, Flavor, Mouthfeel)

• Top notes: Earthy soil, incense/sandalwood, dry cedar, peppery spice

• Mid notes: Pine needle, herbal sweetness, faint floral musk

• Finish: Classic hash, slightly sweet and woody; thick, resinous mouthfeel

• Grind: Sticky; a medium grind prevents clogging and preserves terp saturation

---

Cannabinoids & Terpenes

• THC: Commonly mid-teens to low-20s%

• CBD: Usually trace to low; some phenos can express a touch higher

• Terpene Drive:

  • Myrcene: Relaxation, musky herbal notes

  • β-Caryophyllene: Pepper/spice; interacts with CB2

  • α-Pinene: Pine, clarity; can brighten the profile

  • Humulene/Limonene: Earthy bite / subtle citrus lift

Potency and terpene percentages vary by grower, batch, and curing.

---

Effects & Experience

• Onset: 5–15 minutes (inhaled); 30–90 minutes (edibles)

• Body: Heavy relaxation, easing of physical tension; potential couch-lock at higher doses

• Mind: Calm, quieting chatter; contented, sleep-leaning finish

• Duration: 2–4 hours (inhaled), longer for edibles

• Great For: Unwinding, movie nights, post-work decompression, pre-sleep routines

Note: Effects are anecdotal and can differ by person, dose, and set/setting.

---

Potential Side Effects

Dry mouth/eyes, heavy sedation, dizziness on overconsumption; less commonly anxious/paranoid feelings (usually dose-related). Start low, go slow, especially for new consumers.

---

Who Will Love Afghan Kush

• Indica enthusiasts seeking the classic hash-plant feel

• Tolerance-holders wanting deep body calm and sleep support (anecdotally)

• Hash makers—plants are prolific resin producers

---

Growing Afghan Kush (Cultivation Guide)

Plant Structure: Short, stocky, broad leaves, thick stems; internodes tight.
Training: Great with LST, topping, main-lining, SCROG/SOG to keep an even canopy.
Environment:

• Veg temps: ~20–27 °C (68–80 °F)

• Flower RH: 40–45% (reduce late to prevent botrytis in dense colas)

• Airflow: Strong; use defoliation/lollipopping to open interior.
  Feeding: Moderate–heavy feeders; stable with balanced macros (N in veg; P/K + Ca/Mg support in bloom).
  Flowering: 7–9 weeks; most cuts finish near week 8.
  Yield: Medium–high indoors; outdoors can be very productive in dry climates.
  Pest/Mold: Generally hardy; watch for powdery mildew/botrytis in humid rooms due to density.
  Hash/Extraction: Exceptional kief/water-hash returns thanks to oversized capitate-stalked trichomes.

Harvest & Cure Tips

• Harvest when most trichomes are cloudy with 10–20% amber for a heavier finish.

• Dry 10–14 days at ~18–21 °C (64–70 °F) & 55–60% RH; slow-cure in glass at 58–62% RH.

• Burp daily first 1–2 weeks; then weekly. Full cure in 4–8 weeks enhances incense/wood notes.

---

How Afghan Kush Compares

• Hindu Kush: Similar earth/incense, often slightly brighter pine.

• Master Kush: Afghan heritage with a smoother, sometimes creamier spice.

• Mazar (Afghani × Skunk): More skunky-sweet, still deeply relaxing.

• Northern Lights: Indica body with a sweeter, sometimes fruitier top.

---

Buyer’s Guide

Look for:

• Dense, olive-to-forest green buds with thick amber-to-milky trichomes

• Aromas that scream earthy hash, sandalwood, pepper

• Fresh pack dates and transparent lab results (THC/CBD + terpene list)

Storage: Dark, cool, airtight; 58–62% RH packs maintain texture and terps.

---

FAQs

Is Afghan Kush indica or sativa?
Indica-leaning landrace from the Hindu Kush.

How strong is Afghan Kush?
Commonly mid-teens to low-20s% THC; check the batch COA.

Does Afghan Kush help with sleep?
Many consumers report a sleep-leaning finish, especially at higher doses. Individual results vary.

What does Afghan Kush smell/taste like?
Earthy hash, incense/sandalwood, pepper, pine, sweet herb.

How long does it flower?
Most phenos finish in 7–9 weeks indoors.

---

Responsible Use & Compliance

Cannabis affects everyone differently. Do not drive or operate machinery. Keep out of reach of children and pets