Banana Kush is an indica-dominant cannabis strain commonly said to be a cross of Ghost OG and a Skunk Haze hybrid, known for a ripe banana aroma and a relaxed, euphoric high. It is usually credited to Crockett Family Farms, though another breeder group tells a different story. THC typically runs from about 17% to 26%.
Banana Kush Strain at a Glance
| Type | Indica-dominant hybrid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Banana Kush |
| Lineage | Ghost OG × Skunk Haze |
| Breeder / origin | Commonly credited to Crockett Family Farms; another account credits Cali Kush Farms |
| THC | 17–26% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, Limonene, Beta-caryophyllene |
| Aroma and flavor | ripe banana, sweet tropical fruit, earthy Kush, banana, sweet cream, earth |
| Reported effects | relaxed, euphoric, sleepy, happy |
| Best for | evening use, stress relief, winding down |
| Flowering time | 8–9 weeks |
Where Banana Kush Comes From
Banana Kush is most often credited to Crockett Family Farms, a California breeding group. Their account says the strain came from Ghost OG, an OG Kush phenotype, crossed with a Skunk Haze hybrid. A competing story from Cali Kush Farms claims an OG Kush female crossed with a male Banana plant. Both are breeder claims, and neither has independent documentation.
The strain became popular for its unusual banana smell, which stood out in a market full of lemon and diesel. It is the base for many bananas on the market, including Strawberry Banana and various Banana OG and Banana Runtz cuts, and it remains a common menu item.
Banana Kush Effects: What It Feels Like
Banana Kush usually comes on with a pleasant buzz around the head and eyes, an easy mood lift and a loosened, tingly body. After the first hour the body weight grows, and many people feel sedated.
Owing to the Ghost OG heritage, it behaves like a classic evening Kush: calm, comfortable and a little sleepy. Moderate doses can be sociable and relaxed. Larger ones can lead to couch-lock, so people with low tolerance should begin carefully.
Banana Kush Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
The smell is unmistakable: ripe banana, sweet tropical fruit and a creamy undertone, over a background of earthy Kush funk. Taste mirrors it, with banana on the inhale and earthy, slightly skunky sweetness on the exhale.
Myrcene commonly leads, backed by limonene and caryophyllene. These bring the earthy softness, a bright citrus note and a peppery base.
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Limonene: bright citrus, also found in lemon and orange peel
- Beta-caryophyllene: peppery and spicy, also found in black pepper and cloves
Terpene levels vary from grower to grower and batch to batch, so check the lab label on the package. Learn more in our guide to cannabis terpenes.
Side Effects and How to Use Banana Kush
Dry mouth and dry eyes are standard. Heavier doses can cause drowsiness, dizziness or a foggy head, and some people feel anxious if they take too much. Drink water and plan for a restful setting.
If you are new to Banana Kush, start with one small inhalation or 2.5 mg in an edible and wait before taking more; see our dosing guide.
Do People Use Banana Kush for Medical Reasons?
Users often say they reach for Banana Kush for stress, sleeplessness, low appetite and body tension. This is based on user reports only. Anyone with a medical condition should consult a doctor.
These are user reports, not clinical findings. For what research actually supports, see our cannabis health and research section, and talk to your doctor before using cannabis for a health condition.
Growing Banana Kush
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Flowering: 8–9 weeks
- Yield: Moderate
- Height: Medium
- Environment: Indoor, greenhouse or warm outdoor
Banana Kush is a medium-height plant with dense, resinous buds. It tends to do well with trimming of lower growth for airflow. Outdoors it finishes in early to mid October, so Pacific Northwest growers should watch for bud rot in wet weather and consider a greenhouse.
Home-grow rules depend on the state: adults can grow at home in states such as California (six plants per residence), Michigan (12 per residence) and Oregon (four per household), while Washington and Illinois allow home growing only for registered medical patients. Check your state in our cannabis laws by state guide before you plant anything.
Strains Like Banana Kush
- Banana OG: a banana-forward OG cut with a similar relaxing effect
- Banana Cream OG: a creamier, sweeter version of the banana profile
- Banana Runtz: a newer banana-and-candy hybrid
- Strawberry Banana: a descendant that adds strawberry sweetness
- OG Kush: the classic Kush family it draws on
Browse more indica strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Indica Strains to Explore
Banana MAC · Banana OG · Bananaconda · Banana Fig · Badazz Cheese · Baby Yoda · All indica strains
Where to Buy Banana Kush
Dispensary menus change every week, and Banana Kush may be sold under its own name, as a cross or as a pre-roll or vape. The fastest way to find it is to check store menus online before you go. In Vancouver, browse Vancouver dispensaries and check the menus at stores like High 5 Cannabis and Main Street Marijuana East. In Long Beach, browse Long Beach dispensaries and check the menus at stores like L B Green Room and Catalyst – DTLB. You can also browse licensed dispensaries in every state we cover. Adults 21 and older can buy with a valid photo ID; see cannabis laws by state for purchase limits.
Banana Kush FAQ
Is Banana Kush indica or sativa?
It is usually listed as an indica-dominant hybrid, and most people use it in the evening.
How strong is Banana Kush?
Typical flower tests about 17% to 26% THC, and higher numbers on retail pages are usually concentrates.
What does Banana Kush taste like?
Sweet ripe banana with creamy and earthy notes.
What is Banana Kush a cross of?
Crockett Family Farms says Ghost OG and Skunk Haze. Another breeder says OG Kush and a Banana male.
Is Banana Kush good for sleep?
Many users find it relaxing and sleepy, especially at higher doses.
Who bred Banana Kush?
Crockett Family Farms is the usual credit, though competing claims exist.
For adults 21+ in legal states. Strain information reflects breeder descriptions, lab data and user reports; effects vary by person and batch. Not medical advice.
