Rainbow Kush Strain: Colorful High
The word kush is ubiquitous in the world of weed strains. It comes from the Hindu Kush mountain range in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, where the plant has been cultivated for hundreds of years.
Nowadays, there are dozens and dozens of kush varieties on the market and even more crosses. Even if the strain doesn’t have the word kush in the name, it very easily could be a distant descendant.
Rainbow Kush is one strain in a league of its own. Known for its brilliant colors, tropical flavor with hints of pine, and full body effects, this weed strain is a favorite among cultivators and consumers alike.
But what sets Rainbow Kush apart, and how do the two main phenotypes differ? We’ve got the answers in this Rainbow Kush guide.
Kush strains: the basics
As we mentioned above, kush was first grown in the mountains of Central and South Asia. They were first brought to the United States in the 1960s and 70s, where decades of genetic breeding led to the wide range of kush strains we see today.
The original landrace kush strains were heavy indicas, growing in short, bushy plants with dark leaves and thick, resinous buds. The effects are typically sedative in nature, offering a stoney buzz sure to knock you out.
Modern kush strains, like Kush Mintz, Banana Kush, and Lemon Kush, are nearly all hybrids after being crossed with so many other varietals. While many can be indica-leaning, the effects can range from uplifting to relaxing and everything in between depending on the full family tree.
The different types of Rainbow Kush
While you may think that all Rainbow Kush strains are the same, the truth is there are two widely different varieties. Therefore, it’s important to research exact genetics prior to purchasing or planting in your garden.
Rainbow Kush was first developed by breeders in the Netherlands and Spain, who created two versions that are quite unique.
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Amsterdam Marijuana Seeds Rainbow Kush
Breeders at Amsterdam Marijuana Seeds (AMS) created their Rainbow Kush by crossing Master Kush, Hindu Kush, and Montel’s Pride. The first two strains are landrace kush strains while Montel’s Pride is a cross between a Mexican landrace and several Skunk cultivars.
This version of Rainbow Kush is a balanced hybrid, with relaxing yet happy effects. The addition of sativa genetics from Montel’s Pride evens out the sedative properties of the kush side.
Lifetime Seeds Rainbow Kush
Lifetime Seeds, based in Spain, did not specifically look to the kush family when making their Rainbow variety but it does have several landraces in the family tree.
Lifetime breeders crossed Blueberry, a Skunk, Afghani, and Thai descendant, with Dancehall, a blend of Mexican, Spanish, and Afghani genetics. Blueberry leans toward indica but Dancehall, a euphoric high-CBD strain, is sativa-dominant.
Much like the AMS version, Lifetime’s Rainbow Kush is a lovely hybrid offering the best of both worlds. The Lifetime Seeds version is sometimes just called Rainbow, a good way to tell it apart from the AMS version.
Which Rainbow Kush strain is right for you?
Even though the lineage of Rainbow Kush can vary, each version is considered to be a 50:50 sativa: indica. This means the effects will be harmonious, chill, and pleasant without getting you in your head or completely couch-locked.
The Rainbow Kush strain is consistently ranked at four stars or more on Leafly. Many consumers report it helps ease their stress, leaving them uplifted, aroused, and tingly.
Rainbow Kush is available in flower and extract form. With such a balanced buzz, it’s great in a joint or blunt with friends. The rich terpene profile makes it wonderful to dab too, preferably at a lower temp to truly bring out the flavors.
No matter what pheno of Rainbow Kush you choose, always make sure to get it from a reputable retailer. Look at the test results on the package as it may help determine which version it is. Either way, you’re sure to get an even and mellow high perfect for any occasion.
Curious about other weed strains? Check out our guides on the Gelato and Zelato weed strains.
