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SFV OG – Strain Information

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  • SFV OG – Strain Information

SFV OG, short for San Fernando Valley OG, is a potent hybrid strain known for its powerful effects and therapeutic versatility. It is often considered a phenotype of OG Kush, bred by Cali Connection in California’s San Fernando Valley—hence the name. This strain is genetically Indica-dominant (about 70/30), offering deep relaxation combined with euphoria and mental clarity.

1. Genetic Background and Breeding

1.1 Lineage

SFV OG is typically the SFV OG Kush cut crossed with an Afghani, enhancing its Indica characteristics. There are two common references:

  • SFV OG Kush (clone-only cut) – the original variety prized for its sharp aroma and balanced high.
  • SFV OG (seed version) – bred from SFV OG Kush × Afghani, often more pungent and sedating.

1.2 Phenotype Stability

SFV OG is known for phenotypic stability when grown from clones, but seed-based versions can display variability in yield, aroma, and cannabinoid expression due to the Afghani influence.

2. Terpene and Cannabinoid Profile

2.1 Primary Cannabinoids

  • THC: 18–26% (often 20–22% in commercial cuts)
  • CBD: <0.2%
  • CBG: Up to 1%
  • THCV: Trace levels (<0.1%)

High THC with negligible CBD makes SFV OG a potent psychoactive strain with low risk of CBD-mediated anxiolytic buffering, meaning it can be intense for beginners.

2.2 Terpene Profile (Typical Ranges)

  • Myrcene (0.6–1.2%): Sedating, muscle relaxant
  • Limonene (0.5–0.9%): Mood-enhancing, stress relief
  • Caryophyllene (0.4–0.7%): Anti-inflammatory, acts on CB2 receptors
  • Pinene (0.2–0.5%): Bronchodilator, memory-enhancing
  • Linalool (0.1–0.2%): Calming, anti-epileptic

2.3 Entourage Effect

The interplay between limonene and caryophyllene enhances SFV OG’s mood-lifting and pain-relieving capabilities, while myrcene contributes to its “couch-lock” potential at higher doses. This balance makes it unique: relaxing without being overly sedating at lower doses.

3. Medical Uses

SFV OG’s chemical profile lends itself to several clinical applications:

3.1 Pain Management

Its high THC and caryophyllene concentration act on CB1 and CB2 receptors, suppressing nociceptive signaling. It is particularly effective for:

  • Neuropathic pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Arthritis
  • Migraine relief

3.2 Anxiety and Depression

Limonene and pinene contribute to anxiolytic effects, while THC enhances dopamine release. This combination is useful in:

  • Mild-to-moderate depression
  • Situational anxiety
  • PTSD (non-panic)

However, the low CBD and high THC can trigger anxiety or paranoia in sensitive users.

3.3 Appetite Stimulation

THC acts on the hypothalamus to promote ghrelin secretion, increasing appetite. Useful in:

  • Chemotherapy-induced anorexia
  • HIV/AIDS wasting
  • Chronic illness-related appetite loss

3.4 Sleep Disorders

While not a knockout strain, the myrcene-linalool synergy induces muscle relaxation and sleep at medium-high doses. Beneficial for:

  • Insomnia (mild to moderate)
  • Sleep initiation issues
  • Circadian rhythm adjustment

3.5 Inflammatory Conditions

Caryophyllene binds to CB2 receptors and exerts non-psychoactive anti-inflammatory effects, aiding conditions such as:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Autoimmune disorders

4. Recreational Effects

SFV OG has become a staple in West Coast recreational cannabis culture. Its balanced effect profile suits a variety of experiences:

4.1 Onset and Duration

  • Onset: 5–10 minutes after inhalation
  • Peak: 30–45 minutes
  • Duration: 2–3 hours

4.2 Primary Effects

  • Euphoria – elevated mood without racing thoughts
  • Relaxation – muscle and body calm without full sedation
  • Mental clarity – in moderate doses, improves focus
  • Sensory enhancement – music, food, and tactile experiences often feel more intense

4.3 Common Use Cases

  • Evening social events – for its balance of energy and chill
  • Artistic or musical appreciation – enhanced sensory perception
  • Post-work stress relief – eases tension and enhances relaxation
  • Gaming and movies – focused but calm

4.4 Potential Side Effects

  • Dry mouth and eyes
  • Mild dizziness or confusion in high doses
  • Paranoia or anxiety in THC-sensitive individuals
  • Short-term memory lapses

5. Scientific Mechanisms of Action

5.1 THC and the Endocannabinoid System

THC binds primarily to CB1 receptors in the brain, influencing:

  • Mood regulation (prefrontal cortex)
  • Memory (hippocampus)
  • Motor control (basal ganglia and cerebellum)
  • Appetite and reward (hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens)

5.2 Terpene Synergy

  • Myrcene potentiates THC by increasing BBB permeability.
  • Limonene modulates serotonin signaling, which may elevate mood.
  • Caryophyllene interacts with CB2, reducing peripheral inflammation.
  • Pinene counteracts memory impairment and promotes alertness.

5.3 Neurochemical Impacts

  • Dopaminergic activity is increased via THC’s interaction with GABAergic inhibition in the VTA, enhancing pleasure and reward.
  • Serotonin modulation through indirect limonene effects contributes to mood elevation.

6. Cultivation and Phenotype Traits

1. Genotype-Specific Growth Behavior

SFV OG inherits its morphology and behavior largely from OG Kush, characterized by:

  • Tall, stretchy internodes due to dominant apical growth (auxin concentration at shoot apex)
  • Moderate leaf-to-flower ratio, but dense buds due to high calyx-to-leaf ratio
  • Moderate yield unless properly trained, owing to vertical bias and suboptimal lower canopy development

Implication: Cultivators should use canopy management to control vertical stretch and promote horizontal light distribution.

2. Environmental Conditions

2.1 Temperature & Humidity

  • Vegetative phase:
    • Temp: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
    • RH: 60–70%
  • Flowering phase:
    • Temp: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
    • RH: 45–55%
  • Late flowering: Lower RH to 40% to reduce risk of Botrytis (bud rot)

SFV OG’s dense buds make it vulnerable to fungal infections, particularly in high RH environments.

2.2 Light Intensity

  • PPFD target:
    • Veg: 400–600 µmol/m²/s
    • Flower: 700–1000 µmol/m²/s
  • Photoperiod:
    • 18/6 for veg
    • 12/12 for flowering

Light stress must be avoided, as SFV OG shows chlorosis and tip burn faster than some hardier strains.

3. Nutrient Management

3.1 Macronutrients

StageN (%)P (%)K (%)Notes
Vegetative3.51.52.0High N for foliage
Flowering1.02.03.5Shift to P/K for flowering sites
  • Calcium: High demand due to dense buds—Ca deficiency appears as tip necrosis
  • Magnesium: Key for chlorophyll; foliar Mg is advised in week 3–5 of flowering

3.2 Micronutrients

SFV OG is moderately sensitive to zinc and iron deficiencies in hydroponic and coco systems. Chelated micronutrients (EDTA or DTPA) help maintain availability.

4. Medium and Root Zone Management

4.1 Soil

  • Well-aerated organic soil (e.g., coco-loam blend)
  • pH: 6.2–6.8
  • Water-holding capacity must balance with drainage to avoid root rot

4.2 Hydroponics (DWC, RDWC, or coco)

  • pH: 5.7–6.2
  • EC: 1.2–2.0 dS/m depending on stage
  • Coco coir offers rapid nutrient absorption but requires more frequent irrigation

4.3 Rhizosphere Health

SFV OG benefits from mycorrhizal fungi and Trichoderma spp. inoculants, which enhance phosphorus uptake and root protection.

5. Training Techniques

5.1 Low-Stress Training (LST)

  • Encouraged due to stretchiness and dominant apical growth
  • Tie down main stem early to promote even canopy

5.2 Screen of Green (SCROG)

  • Highly recommended: Maximizes light efficiency
  • Tuck shoots under screen 2 weeks into veg
  • Flower when 60–70% of screen is filled

5.3 Topping & FIM

  • Topping is safe at the 4th–5th node
  • FIMing encourages bushier lateral growth without halting vigor

6. Pest and Disease Resistance

6.1 Common Susceptibilities

  • Powdery Mildew (PM) – due to OG genetics, PM is a frequent threat
  • Spider mites – dry environments are risky
  • Fungus gnats – overwatering or poorly aerated medium

6.2 Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

  • Weekly neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays during veg
  • Use predatory mites (e.g., Phytoseiulus persimilis) in flowering
  • UV-B light (low dose) during veg can reduce mold risk without stunting growth

7. Flowering Behavior and Yield Optimization

  • Stretch during pre-flower: 2x–3x in the first 2 weeks
  • Flowering time: 8–10 weeks (9 weeks optimal for full terpene expression)
  • Yield:
    • Indoors: 350–450 g/m²
    • Outdoors: 400–550 g/plant (if topped and well supported)

Bud structure is conical and resin-rich, but prone to density-induced mold without proper airflow.

8. Post-Harvest and Cure Considerations

8.1 Drying

  • 16–21°C (60–70°F) at 50–55% RH
  • Hang whole plants or branches in the dark for 10–14 days
  • Avoid fast drying; this damages terpene profile (especially limonene and myrcene)

8.2 Curing

  • Store buds in airtight containers (glass or CVault) at 58–62% RH
  • Open jars 1–2x/day for first 10 days, then less frequently
  • Curing over 3–6 weeks enhances flavor and smoothness

Limonene and caryophyllene degrade quickly if improperly cured, affecting medicinal potency.

9. Phytochemical Optimization Techniques

To maximize THC and terpene output, consider:

9.1 UV-B Supplementation

  • Apply 30–60 minutes daily during the last 3 weeks of flowering
  • Increases trichome density and cannabinoid synthesis via stress-related pathways

9.2 Nutrient Restriction (Late Flower)

  • Mild nitrogen restriction in weeks 7–9 promotes better resin and terpene development
  • Flushing for 5–7 days can improve taste but is not always necessary if synthetic nutes are avoided

9.3 Light Spectrum

  • Flowering under red-blue spectrum (660 nm/450 nm) increases secondary metabolite production
  • Supplementing with far-red (730 nm) and white light improves bud structure and terpene profile

10. Genetic Stability and Phenotype Variation

Seed-based SFV OG may show phenotypic drift, especially in terpene output:

  • Some phenos lean lemon-pine (limonene-dominant)
  • Others skew earthy-fuel (myrcene and caryophyllene)

Clonal propagation is the best way to preserve target chemotypes.

7. Lab Testing and Clinical Data

While SFV OG itself is not the subject of many peer-reviewed clinical trials, its parent strains (OG Kush, Afghani) and key components (THC, caryophyllene, limonene) have been studied extensively.

7.1 THC-Centric Research

  • Chronic pain relief: A 2015 systematic review found THC-rich cannabis effective in treating chronic pain conditions.
  • Appetite stimulation: A 2006 study showed significant weight gain in HIV patients treated with dronabinol (synthetic THC).

7.2 Terpene Research

  • Limonene has shown anxiolytic effects in murine models, possibly by modulating 5-HT receptors.
  • Caryophyllene is unique among terpenes for being a full CB2 agonist, offering anti-inflammatory effects without psychoactivity.
StrainTHC %DominanceEffectsBest Use
SFV OG20–26%Indica-domEuphoria, relaxation, clarityEvening, pain, mood
OG Kush18–25%HybridUplifting, cerebral, mildly sedatingStress, mood, socializing
Tahoe OG19–27%Indica-domHeavy body high, sedativeInsomnia, pain
Skywalker OG20–28%IndicaSedative, dreamy, potentNighttime, chronic pain

SFV OG stands out by offering clarity and mood uplift without full sedation, unlike Tahoe OG or Skywalker OG.

9. Consumer Reviews and Cultural Impact

SFV OG has garnered popularity in:

  • West Coast dispensaries for its consistent effects and classic flavor
  • Medical marijuana communities for its reliable pain and stress relief
  • Cannabis competitions – though less flashy than newer cultivars, it remains a top-tier OG cut

Users consistently praise:

  • Its pine-lemon diesel aroma
  • The balanced mental and physical effects
  • Its ability to relieve stress without knocking them out

10. Summary

FeatureDetails
TypeIndica-dominant hybrid (70/30)
GeneticsSFV OG Kush × Afghani
THC Range18–26%
TerpenesMyrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool
Medical UsesPain, anxiety, inflammation, insomnia, appetite
Recreational EffectsRelaxed, euphoric, focused, mood-lifting
CultivationModerate difficulty, 8–10 week flower time
Aroma & FlavorPine, citrus, diesel, earthy
Ideal Use TimeLate afternoon to evening

Final Thoughts

SFV OG exemplifies the classic California OG profile—lemony-fuel pungency, body-mind balance, and versatile medical utility. While newer hybrid strains may offer higher THC or flashier terpenes, SFV OG’s reliability, efficacy, and enduring legacy ensure it remains a staple in both medicinal and recreational cannabis communities.

For a complete directory of cultivars, visit our Cannabis Strain Reviews.