Bestowing the title of Strain of the Year is no simple task for Respect My Region. At the time of writing this, we’ve done over 250 cannabis product reviews featuring dispensaries and growers from multiple states. But after heavy deliberation, and a successful North American Weed Tour, it became clear that Kush Mints deserved the award this year.
For those unfamiliar, this is a highly sought-after strain originally concocted by Seed Junky Genetics. And while our choice draws from direct experience and research, a star-studded lineage backs it up as well. In only a few jumps, Kush Mints draws from the landrace strain Afghani, as well as OG Kush.
It is such a successful grow, in fact, that Seed Junky uses the genetics to craft several other notorious names – LA Kush Cake and Sticky Buns being two to note.
Via @blazeddispensary IG
Why We Picked Kush Mints as Strain of the Year
RMR has had a couple of positive run-ins with Kush Mints at this point, each from a different grower as well. In August, our COO Joey was joined by Justin of Green Rocket Distribution and Johnny from Inspired by Cannabis on the RMR Podcast. The three took a deep dive into an eighth of the strain, procured by none other than Green Dragon Caregivers, whereupon they found unanimous infatuation.
Few grows make Joey applaud upon exhale, but the Kush Mints from Green Dragon Caregivers was one such rare instance. “This is a 9.5/10,” he continues to say. “The terps are roasting my nose… It is so terpy and smooth. It’s taking me back to the first time I smoked some Cookies. Incredible.”
Kush Mints Experience
Being a cross of Animal Mints and Bubba Kush, the strain is more widely known for its unusually minty scent and flavor. Also a considerably even hybrid, it is commonly reported to have a balanced head and body high. Judging by reports from medical patients, it may also help restore appetite and is used by some to combat depression and anxiety.
Image via Jungle Boys
Kush Mints Genetics
Crossing an exotic strain with a classic cut, Kush Mints has a rich family history.
The Bubba Kush parent lends credibility to Kush Mints as it’s one of the original popular cannabis strains, dating back to the 90s. While the genetics of Bubba Kush is unknown, it is thought to be derived from the landrace Afghani strain. If that’s the case, Kush Mints truly has OG in its blood. The beloved indica-dominant Northern Lights strain is another possible parent of Bubba Kush; this would also bring Afghani into the mix, as well as another landrace strain, Thai.
On the other side, its Animal Mints parent brings more modern genetics into the picture. Animal Mints is made by crossing Animal Cookies with SinMint Cookies, meaning the wildly famous Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) is in Kush Mints genes. Animal Cookies is a cross between GSC and Fire OG, while SinMint Cookies is a cross between GSC and Blue Power. To learn more about what makes the Girl Scout Cookies strain so special, check out our profile on it.
Kush Mints Cannabinoids
A huge reason Kush Mints is worthy of the Strain of the Year title is its high potency. This cultivar undoubtedly packs a punch, which comes as no surprise with THC levels around 27% and sometimes exceeding 30%. This strain isn’t for the faint of heart, but is still recommended for beginners and cannaseurs alike due to its enchanting effects. Though, those with a lower tolerance should start with a low amount and feel it out before consuming more.
Additionally, Kush Mints is high in the cannabinoid CBG, with around 1%. CBG is shown to have potential therapeutic effects, including pain relief, and anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. In fact, research has shown that CBG may be a great aid in relieving inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Huntington’s Disease, Glaucoma, and fighting cancer cells.
Kush Mints Terpenes
Limonene, pinene, caryophyllene, linalool, and myrcene are primary terpenes often found in this cultivar. Each of these terpenes lends Kush Mints a spectrum of therapeutic benefits as well as flavors and aromas.
Limonene is known to have many therapeutic benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antinociceptive, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperalgesic, antiviral, and gastroprotective properties. This terpene is also to thank for Kush Mints citrus aroma, holding hints of lemon and orange.
Myrcene lends it anti-inflammatory, sleep-supporting, mood-enhancing, stress-relieving, and immune-strengthening properties as well as a pine aroma. Strains high in myrcene may be great for sleep and relaxation.
Caryophyllene is unique because it is the only terpene that also acts as a cannabinoid, providing anti-inflammatory effects by activating our endocannabinoid system. This can also help with inflammatory bowel disease, anxiety, and depression.
One of the most common and powerful terpenes, pinene may lend the strain a spectrum of healing properties. Commonly used in drugs to treat liver and kidney damage, pinene has shown potential to treat inflammation, cancer, and asthma as well as relieve pain and anxiety.
Lastly, linalool may lend this cultivar mood-enhancing effects. Linalool holds anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative, and immune potentiating effects. It is most known for its ability to bring raised stress levels back to normal conditions. Research also suggests it may help treat Alzheimer’s Disease, Dravet Syndrome, fibromyalgia, and epilepsy.
Via @_strangest_of_places_ IG
Strains Created with Kush Mints Genetics
Another reason we consider Kush Mints #1 this year: the success of its offspring. Several popular grows came to be by crossing the clone-only strain with similarly potent genetics. Several names that have been taking dispensary shelves by storm this year fit under the umbrella.
As mentioned before, Seed Junky Genetics took the chance to bring Kush Mints into multiple crosses, two of the most notable being Sticky Buns and LA Kush Cake. Meanwhile, other breeders’ crosses with Do-Si-Do, London Pound Cake, and GMO created Mint Whips, Pancakes, and OMG, respectively. This small slice of its roots is just one glimpse into how the minty bud led to dozens of successful strains.
In fact, the second generation of Kush Mints genetics is just as, if not more, prosperous as the first. LA Kush Cake, for instance, goes on to cross with Jungle Cake, creating the ever-earthy, soothing Jungle Mints. Georgia Pie, another Seed Junky creation that crosses Kush Mints with Gelati, appears in multiple brilliant strains, namely GMO Pie and Lemon Cherry Pie.
Conclusion
In total, there are over 100 different first and second generation off-shoots of this Strain of the Year, and that’s disregarding everything coming after those tiers, too. All-in-all, it became more than evident to the RMR team that Kush Mints deserved the title this year. Seeing its name appear, not just on the labels of top-shelf growers, but also in the genetics behind strains like Georgia Pie is, in our opinion, more than enough proof of the strain’s exceptional traits.
Find Kush Mints Near You
Weedmaps | Leafly | Seedfinder
Learn More About the Brands Mentioned
Green Dragon Caregivers | Seed Junky Genetics | Cookies | Buddies Brand
