Lemon Kush can describe a few different though similar strains. Prolific breeder Alien Genetics (creators of the popular Indica Alien Kush) claims to have created one of this strain by crossing Lemon G and Afghan Kush. Another, more common variety of Lemon Kush is the product of Master Kush and Lemon Joy. Cannabis testing lab Analytics 360 has measured strains labeled Lemon Kush at between 15% and 26% THC, making Lemon Kush a moderate to potent psychoactive agent.

The strain has buds that are nugget-like, and tend to be smaller than average. They hold a tight and dense bud structure, more typical of Indica than sativa. Its leaves are light green, made to appear lighter by a heavy coating of trichomes. All this resin makes buds sticky, and difficult to break apart without a grinder. When buds are broken, however, they give off a sweet and smooth lemon scent. Intact buds also have Kush-like notes of dank earth and musk, balancing out the citrus profile. When smoked, This strain is notably harsh and expands within the lungs, often inducing coughing. The aftertaste is tangy and citrusy, but without the ammonia or diesel taste that comes with other lemon-inflected strains.

D-Limonene is the chemical compound — or terpene — responsible for the lemony scent and taste of this strain. D-limonene occurs naturally in citrus fruits and is used industrially to enhance the fragrance of lotions and perfumes. This terpene may also have some tangible medical benefits — in animals and test tube trials, d-limonene was found to have anti-inflammatory and even cancer-fighting properties (although these results were not replicated in a later test among women with breast cancer). D-limonene may also help to relieve acid reflux.