OG 18 is an indica-dominant cannabis strain selected from OG Kush, known for a sour, fuel-heavy flavor and a long, relaxing body high. It was picked out of DNA Genetics’ feminized OG Kush seeds by Reserva Privada, the company’s selection line, and is also sold as Private Reserve OG. Most listings put it between 16 and 22% THC, and it placed second in the Indica category at the 2009 High Times Cannabis Cup.
OG 18 Strain at a Glance
| Type | Indica-dominant hybrid |
|---|---|
| Also known as | OG #18, The OG #18, Private Reserve OG, Reserve OG |
| Lineage | OG Kush |
| Breeder / origin | Reserva Privada, the selection arm of DNA Genetics |
| THC | 16–22% (typical lab range) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Dominant terpenes | Limonene, Myrcene, Linalool |
| Aroma and flavor | sour diesel, fuel, earth, kush, skunk, sour, diesel, pine, lemon, earthy |
| Reported effects | relaxed, sleepy, tingly, euphoric |
| Best for | evening use, winding down, experienced consumers |
| Flowering time | 8–9 weeks |
Where OG 18 Comes From
OG 18, usually written OG #18, is a phenotype of OG Kush rather than a new cross. Reserva Privada, the clone-only and selection line of Amsterdam’s DNA Genetics, says it was chosen from the feminized OG Kush seeds DNA first released. SeedFinder traces the OG Kush behind it to a Los Angeles cut, and Leafly also lists OG Kush as its only parent. It is widely sold as Private Reserve OG or Reserve OG.
The breeder describes it as more sour than the OG Kush it came from, with a fuel character and a heavier yield. SeedFinder records second place in the Indica category at the High Times Cannabis Cup in 2009 and a first place for DNA Genetics in the hydro category at the 2011 Spannabis Champions Cup. Leafly mentions High Times wins in 2009 and 2010, and Reserva Privada marketing calls it a three-time Cup champion, so the exact tally depends on who is counting.
OG 18 became a breeding workhorse for DNA. Leafly lists Lemon OG and Gas Candy among its offspring, and DNA also used it in Holy Grail Kush. Reserva Privada sells a related Purple OG #18 as a separate strain.
OG 18 Effects: What It Feels Like
Leafly reviewers most often describe OG 18 as relaxed, sleepy and tingly, and Leafly’s description calls the effect long-lasting and sedative. AllBud users report euphoria and happiness, with a body high and a cerebral buzz up front that settles into a relaxing finish. The arc is classic OG: a quick lift in mood, a heavy body, then a slow slide toward rest.
AllBud’s description calls it quite strong and advises against big doses, and a SeedFinder reviewer calls it very strong and long-lasting. A small amount suits a quiet evening, meditation or a movie. A larger one is better saved for when you are ready for bed.
OG 18 Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor
OG 18 is known for sourness. The breeder says it tastes more sour than OG Kush, with a fuel note it traces to Chemdawg in the OG family. Leafly users tag the flavor as pungent, earthy and diesel, and AllBud lists diesel, pine and sweet flavors over aromas of diesel, earth, kush, skunk and sour. Reviewers also pick up lemon and sage on the exhale, and growers describe a strong, benzine-like smell in the room.
Leafly lists limonene as the dominant terpene, followed by myrcene and linalool. Limonene fits the sour lemon edge, myrcene gives the earthy base, and linalool may add to the calm, floral undertone some people notice.
- Limonene: bright citrus, also found in lemon and orange peel
- Myrcene: earthy, musky and herbal, also found in mango and hops
- Linalool: floral and lavender-like
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 OG 18
Leafly reviewers most often mention dry eyes, dry mouth and headache. At higher doses, the heavy body effect can turn into couch-lock or sleepiness, and AllBud users warn that it hits harder than expected. Start with a small amount, especially if you are new to OG strains.
With OG 18, as with any strain, a smaller dose usually avoids anxiety or grogginess. Our cannabis safety guide covers what to do if you take too much.
Do People Use OG 18 for Medical Reasons?
Leafly readers most often say they reach for OG 18 during stress (35%), pain (31%) and anxiety (30%), and AllBud users mention sleep, headaches and body aches. These are anecdotal reports, not clinical evidence.
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 OG 18
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Flowering: 8–9 weeks
- Yield: 400–500 g/m² indoors (breeder)
- Height: Not documented
- Environment: Indoor
Reserva Privada lists a flowering time of 8 to 9 weeks and an indoor yield of 400 to 500 g/m², and the breeder says it yields noticeably more than the original OG Kush. Leafly growers report about 9 weeks indoors. SeedFinder lists it as an indoor strain and does not state outdoor suitability. The odor during flower is strong, so carbon filtration matters indoors.
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 OG 18
- OG Kush: its parent
- SFV OG: another famous OG Kush cut
- Tahoe OG: a sedating OG phenotype
- Fire OG: another strong OG selection
- Chemdawg: the fuel side of the OG family
Browse more indica strains, the full strain directory, or our guide to cannabis strains.
More Indica Strains to Explore
OG Ringo · Ogre · Orange 43 · Northern Wreck · Northern Lights · Nightshade · All indica strains
Where to Buy OG 18
Dispensary menus change every week, and OG 18 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 Spokane, browse Spokane dispensaries and check the menus at stores like Cinder Downtown Spokane and Lidz Cannabis North Spokane. In Chicago, browse Chicago dispensaries and check the menus at stores like UMI – Chicago and Market 96 – S Wells Street. 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.
OG 18 FAQ
Is OG 18 indica or sativa?
It is an indica-dominant hybrid. AllBud lists it as 70% indica, and Leafly calls it a hybrid with relaxing, sleepy effects.
What is OG 18 a cross of?
It is not a cross. OG #18 is a phenotype selected from OG Kush seeds by Reserva Privada.
Is OG 18 the same as Private Reserve OG?
Yes. Private Reserve and Reserve OG are common names for OG #18.
Who bred OG 18?
Reserva Privada, the selection line of DNA Genetics in Amsterdam.
How strong is OG 18?
AllBud lists 16 to 21% THC and Leafly about 22%, so it is strong enough to warrant a small first dose.
Is OG 18 good for sleep?
Many people use it at night. Leafly reviewers most often report relaxed and sleepy effects.
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.