Lake Tahoe is well known for its scenic skiing trails, majestic Vikingsholm, and brilliant blue waters. However, in the cannabis community, Tahoe is closely associated with the high-potency strain Tahoe OG. Since the late 20th century, cannabis fans on the West Coast have fallen in love with this indica-forward strain’s earthy tones and soothing “body buzz” effects. Now that cannabis legalization is becoming the norm in more states, countless people outside of California can sample Tahoe OG for the first time. Discover what Tahoe OG is all about and whether it’s the best choice for your preferences.
Tahoe OG Strain Overview
- Created in California by Ganja Guru
- A cross between OG Kush and SFV OG Kush
- 80/20 indica-to-sativa ratio
- Average THC percentage: 20%
- Average CBD percentage: ≤ 1%
- Standard terpenes: Alpha-pinene, myrcene, and limonene
Tahoe OG’s Backstory: The Strain’s Origins, Genetics, and Cannabinoid Percentages
As its name suggests, Tahoe OG originated in the Lake Tahoe area of California. According to most reports, the cannabis breeder and enthusiast Ganja Guru deserves credit for creating Tahoe OG sometime in the mid-80s. It’s also believed the “OG” in “Tahoe OG” refers to the famed hybrid OG Kush. Ganja Guru either in-bred OG Kush strains until he arrived at the Tahoe OG phenotype or crossed OG Kush with SFV OG Kush. In any case, there’s no denying the strong presence of OG Kush in Tahoe OG’s genotype.
Like OG Kush, Tahoe OG has substantial THC concentrations of around 20% and minimal CBD. However, most lab tests suggest Tahoe OG is more indica-forward than its parent strain. Although some Tahoe OG cultivars have a near 50/50 balance of indica-to-sativa, most have indica concentrations of close to 80%. Unsurprisingly, this strong indica presence plus high THC scores make OG Kush a stereotypical “stoner” strain. Put another way, Tahoe OG produces strong sedative effects that put users into a “dazed” state of mind. Customers not ready for THC’s full-on effects should stick with high-CBD strains that mimic Tahoe OG’s indica properties. CBD-rich hemp flowers are federally legal and carry minimal risk of psychoactivity. In fact, every hemp flower on Cannaflower’s site comes with lab reports that show it has ≤ 0.3% THC content.
How Does Tahoe OG Smell And Taste?
Tahoe OG smells remarkably similar to the fresh pine trees you’d expect on a California hiking trail. Woodsy and earthy aromatics predominate in a well-cured batch of Tahoe OG buds. True to its OG Kush heritage, Tahoe OG also tends to have plenty of spicy, hashy, and smoky “Kush” notes. Despite these standard Kush flavors, tokers often report a shockingly smooth throat feel when smoking Tahoe OG nugs. The purported anti-asthmatic effects of terpenes like alpha-pinene may contribute to Tahoe OG’s correlation with a “low cough” smoke.
One flavor in Tahoe OG you don’t get with OG Kush is lemon. Many people who argue Tahoe OG includes SFV OG Kush use this citrusy flavor as significant supporting evidence. While Tahoe OG isn’t as gassy or industrial as Sour Diesel, tokers will notice a refreshing “zest” as they sniff and smoke these flowers.
What Does Tahoe OG Feel Like? — A Few Standard Effects
Many people who take Tahoe OG report a “numbing” effect on their central nervous system. Not only does this strain give users a “numb tongue” thanks to dry mouth side effects, it tends to produce a heavy body sensation. Although Tahoe OG has some euphoric properties, this “head buzz” typically releases tension in the temples and behind the eyes. As the Tahoe OG high progresses, people often feel increasingly “couchlocked” and relaxed. Even if users get a case of the munchies, getting out of their sofa will be a pain after smoking some Tahoe OG.
Since Tahoe OG is closely associated with deep relaxation, customers should use this strain when they have no plans to be productive. It’s also unwise to use Tahoe OG in a hip party setting. Tahoe OG may help over-anxious users mellow out in a chill and intimate get-together, but it won’t give people an energy boost. Typically, tokers who enjoy Tahoe OG are interested in stress reduction, sleep, or relief from aching muscles.
Does Tahoe OG Have Negative Side Effects?
Tahoe OG doesn’t typically produce the sativa “head-rush” high most often associated with paranoia. However, the high concentration of THC is a cause for concern if people don’t have experience with cannabis. No matter which strain a person uses, THC can trigger undesirable effects like panic attacks, tremors, and confusion, especially if users have a low tolerance for this cannabinoid. People concerned about THC’s psychoactivity should start with hemp strains with high CBD percentages. While CBD hemp flowers won’t get users “high,” they provide a far safer experience for cannabis fans. Plus, research increasingly shows CBD may help with insomnia and anxiety—two conditions many people use Tahoe OG for. Consider browsing Cannaflower’s hemp hybrids to find CBD-rich indica strains for your next at-home session.
