Hybrid cannabis strains mix the two other main strains, Indica and Sativa. Hybrids contain the traits of two or more cultivars, which result in the creation of one super-charged strain. A hybrid's combined characteristics will depend on its parent strains' genetic lineage.
Unlike what many people think, most cannabis today are not pure Indica or Sativa - they are primarily hybrids that are either Indica-dominant or Sativa-dominant. The original cannabis strains, also known as landrace strains that retain their native traits, have become quite rare with all the crossbreeding going on in the market today.
And because many cannabis plants today are more modern cultivars rather than landrace strains, they can be short with thin leaves or tall with bushier leaves. These are mixed characteristics of the main traits of either Indica or Sativa.
Kinds of Hybrid Cannabis Strains
Hybrid strains can be classified into four types:
- Sativa x Sativa - a combination of two different Sativa varieties
- Sativa x Indica - has Sativa-dominant characteristics, although it has traits of both cannabis varieties. One example is a tall plant with purple buds.
- Indica x Indica - a combination of two different Indica varieties
- Indica x Sativa - Indica-dominant but has characteristics of both strains.
How Cannabis Strains Are Bred
The same basic process is involved in breeding new cannabis strains. In a natural setting, a female plant is pollinated with male pollen. But breeders carry out selective breeding in a controlled environment to create a hybrid plant. This involves picking out the female plant and male pollen that will be combined to produce a particular trait or a set of them.
The seeds that will be germinated will become the first generation of hybrids of the male and female parents. Plants that have the desired traits will be reproduced again. Afterward, breeders will "cube" the strain, crossing a parent strain with a child hybrid to produce said characteristics. Breeders will repeat the process in at least three generations to stabilize the characteristics.
There are two ways to propagate cannabis: sexually or asexually. In the sexual process, different parents will be combined, while the asexual process allows the same plant to be reproduced over and over.
Indica VS Sativa
Since hybrid strains result from mixing Indica and Sativa strains, it's essential to understand the differences between these two main strains. It should be noted that three categories do not entirely describe the effects of a specific strain because there are other things that should be taken into account, such as terpenes and cannabinoid potency. But still, they are good starting points for grouping cannabis strains.
Indica marijuana strains are usually associated with the "body high," which is the soothing, relaxing effect that cannabis can bring. This makes Indica strains the ideal choice for those who want relief from stress, anxiety, and pain. Because of these effects, Indica is usually taken during nighttime.
On the other hand, Sativa cannabis strains are usually taken to get an energetic, uplifting feeling and a creativity boost. This is referred to as the "head high." Users swear by Sativa's ability to make a person think more creatively and get into deep conversations. This makes Sativa the ideal strain to take during the daytime, especially when you want to be active or have some chores.
This makes hybrid strains a mix of the Indica and Sativa effects. It's like the best of both worlds in one strain. The balanced effect can make you feel relaxed without getting too sleepy and unable to function completely. If you find the effects of pure Indicas and pure Sativas too intense, a hybrid may be the perfect option for you.
It's also important to note that no two strains of cannabis are alike, which applies especially to hybrids, given that they cover the spectrum between the two other main types. There are Indica-dominant hybrid strains, while others are Sativa-dominant. This can provide an effect just like an Indica or Sativa, but on a lesser level.
Benefits of Taking Hybrid Cannabis Strains
The effect of cannabis on you may not be the same with another person, even if both of you take the same strain. This is because other factors come into play when it comes to the effect of cannabis on the body. These factors include your body chemistry and your mindset.
Starting out with hybrids is a great idea if you're a beginner. From there, you can adjust from the middle of the spectrum and choose the specific strain that is best for your mind and body.
Do you want to experience the benefits of cannabis minus the intoxicating high? Hemp is what you need. Check out our selection of Apotheca Indoor Hemp Flower products.
How Do You Ingest Hybrid Strains
Ingest hybrid cannabis strains just like you would any marijuana - you can smoke, vape, eat, or drink the hybrid product of your choice. It's easier now to get rid of choice hybrids since most products contain Indica and Sativa genetics.
You can take your hybrids in various ways, from premium cannabis flowers to marijuana drinks. If you're still a beginner in using marijuana, it's best to figure out first the method you prefer in taking it and then buy the products that are made for the method you chose.
You can still experience the joys of cannabis without the intoxicating high. Check out our selection of Apotheca Outdoor Hemp Flower products.
Best Hybrid Strains in the Market You Should Try Today
Before, people thought hybrid cannabis varieties possessed both energetic and relaxing effects, and you could feel them one after the other. But now, it's clearer that the terpenes and cannabinoids determine a plant's effects.
This makes clear-cut distinctions such as Indica and Sativa pretty meaningless in terms of effect. But still, it's essential to look into the parents that created the hybrid strains and the traits breeders are going for when breeding them.
Here are some of the hybrid strains you should definitely try now.
White Widow
White Widow has diverse global origins as an offspring of Indian Indica and Brazilian Sativa. This strain has a reasonably balanced CBD to THC ratio, which makes it possible to get the synergistic entourage effect. This makes White Widow a good option for those who want relief from anxiety and chronic pain.
OG Kush
The OG Kush came from Florida and was developed in the 1990s. It was a product of Hindu Kush, Lemon Thai, and Chemdawg and resulted in a strain that has 18% THC levels and absolutely no CBD. This makes OG Kush an excellent choice for those who want to experience a solid head high, which also has stress-relieving effects.
Gorilla Glue
This powerhouse strain is also known as Gorilla Glue #4, GG4, and Original Glue. It's heavy on the THC at 20%, which makes it likely to give deep relaxation and euphoria to the user. It's a blend of Sour Dubb, Chem's Sister, and Chocolate Diesel, resulting in an earthy taste that's a bit sour.
Bruce Banner #3
The name alone implies that this is quite a potent strain, and that's the case. Although just 20% on THC, it still packs a solid punch. This offspring of OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel gives one a refreshing feeling that is ideal for those with a lot to accomplish throughout the day.
Chiquita Banana
If you love OG Kush, then you will also love Chiquita Banana, the OG's child with Banana. It packs a wallop of 26% THC, which makes it not ideal for beginners. This hybrid doesn't have even a single drop of CBD, although there's a generous amount of limonene, a terpene known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Cherry Pie
This hybrid strain is a cross between Granddaddy Purple and F1 Durb and came out tasting like sweet and sour cherries. This euphoric strain is said to give people a healthy case of giggles, although some feel a balance of calm and energy when taking this one. Its moderate 16% THC content is still a tad high for beginners, so that Cherry Pie may be more ideal for non-novice users.
Sour Space Candy
Sour Space Candy is a good choice for a CBD-dominant hybrid. The 16% CBD content dominates over just 1% THC, so this strain can make you feel relaxed without getting you high. Its parents include the Early Resin Berry and Sour Tsunami. The plants of this strain produce a slightly sour citrus profile with their colorful buds.
Skunk # 1
This strain dates back to the 1970s, resulting from a diverse blend of Colombian Gold, Acapulco Gold, and Afghani. This will certainly give you a case of the munchies, one of the most common effects of Skunk # 1, along with euphoric energy.
Hybrid Strains - Frequently Asked Questions
Which Strain Is Better - Indica or Sativa?
What's the best strain is not necessarily Indica or Sativa, but rather which of them works best for you. Given that it's now difficult to tell the difference between Indicas and hybrids, it can get trickier to decide what works better for you.
Indica-dominant strains such as Girl Scout Cookies and Wedding Cake are actually considered hybrids because they are not purely Indica. The same principle applies to Sativas as well. This is why you must experiment with different strains to determine which will complement your health and wellness goals.
I’m a Beginner, Is It Recommended to Try Hybrid Strains?
Novices are mostly advised to stick to CBD-dominant hybrid strains first. Strains that have high THC levels are likely to make you feel the side effects that THC-dominant cannabis is known for. You can always ask the budtender at your local dispensary to help you get the right strain for your level and needs.
Are Hybrid Strains Uppers or Downers?
Hybrid strains can be both an upper and a downer. It will depend on what species is dominant in your particular strain. If it's Indica-dominant, then it's more of a downer given the relaxing properties of Indica cannabis. If it's Sativa-dominant, it's more of an upper given its energy and creativity-boosting qualities. This is why Indica-dominant strains are best taken at night while Sativa-dominant strains work best during the day.
What is the Difference Between Hybrid and Balanced?
Hybrid usually refers to blending Indica and Sativa strains, while a balanced strain means the THC and CBD components of your cannabis. A balanced 1:1 means that your strain has equal parts THC and CBD. A balanced strain can be Indica or Sativa.
Buy Only the Best Hybrid Cannabis Products At Apotheca
If you're in the North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia areas, Apotheca can give you the hybrid cannabis products you need. Its mission is to provide alternative remedies to modern medicine that are clean, affordable, and sustainable for people and plants.
Apotheca's team researches, tests, and curates partner brands that put people first before profit through intent and action. No product reaches their store shelves without being thoroughly tested for quality and efficacy.
Every partner brand provides complete test documentation and educational materials to support their customers' purpose of buying all-natural products to lead a healthier lifestyle. Apotheca provides a safe, secure shopping experience in an industry full of uncertainty.
Apotheca is very careful in selecting the brands and products they carry because they want to support companies on the leading edge of their industries that are also taking a holistic approach to their business. Apotheca uses its abilities to enact and support positive change and growth from seed to need.
Visit the Apotheca Store Locations to see what's in store for you.
