DJ Short
Cocoa Kush is a 2009 release from the stables of the Delta-9
collection. It was developed on the US West Coast and tested in
Oregon and California. DJ Short’s breeding work is most
strongly associated with his development of the original
Blueberry. A meticulous breeder, DJ has mostly worked to
expand the Blue family, creating boutique strains for the
medical or hobby grower that are stable, uniquely flavorful
first-class headstash.
Cocoa Kush is no exception. Sister to the Vanilluna (also in
this book), Cocoa Kush is a selection of two Blueberry parents.
Even though they are both Blueberries, they embody different
variations: the mother is a more sativa type, and the father is a
“stretch” indica type, making Cocoa Kush more similar to an F1
hybrid than an inbred line. The F1 seeds are uniform, but offer
genetic diversity in additional crosses. Cocoa Kush’s Blueberry
sativa mother forms asymmetric growth and often has no
dominant main stem. Less than a quarter of the leaves show
variegation (the “krinkle” leaf characteristic). By finish, this
plant ranges into the deep blue and lavender hues so often
associated with the Blueberry strain, and her flavors are tangy,
with a subtle chocolate palate.
The Blue family originated with crosses of four pure P1
landrace varieties: the Highland Thai, Chocolate Thai,
Highland Oaxaca Gold, and Afghan indica. The Cocoa Kush is
aesthetically and experientially reminiscent of its grandmamma
Chocolate Thai. Structurally Cocoa Kush blends kush
characteristics and Thai influences. With some help from the
indica-leaning Blueberry papa, Cocoa grows as a uniform and
symmetric plant with fat dark leaves and compact nodes, but it
is not as thickset as an indica, incorporating an open or
stretchy aspect in its structure from the sativa lines. Extended
vegetative time coupled with early topping is recommended to
increase yield, or run these plants un-topped in a sea of green
system. After 8–9 weeks of flowering time, these plants reach a
medium height with sturdy stems and ample resin that
emanates high-end aromatics. Cocoa colas are tight and
elongated lavender foxtails. The swollen purpled calyxes are
like bunches of grapes along a vine.
Cocoa Kush excels in its complex yet subtle flavors. DJ is a
taste master, and with Cocoa Kush, the mixture of flavors
includes a zesty fruit edge with a blend of chocolate, tobacco,
licorice, and nuts. Remember riding a roller coaster? That
moment right after the pause at the top of the first peak, when
the wheels start to roll forward into the swift and exhilarating
ride ahead? The initial hit of Cocoa Kush has that breathless
quality to it. Its intense beginning may make occasional or light
users anxious or momentarily overwhelmed. However, not to
worry, the sensation tapers into a more mellow, sleepy, and
dreamy state of mind.
