The genetic makeup of hybrids includes both Indica and Sativa traits. It is possible to create a strain that produces both bodily and mental effects by combining Indicas and Sativas, typically used for their respective medicinal and recreational purposes.
It’s the equivalent of having one’s cake and eating it, too.
Tangible physical benefits may not always match feelings of well-being from Sativa-dominant strains. The body may feel relaxed from smoking an Indica-dominant strain, but it could also feel more energized.
This hybrid has an equal amount of Indica and Sativa, making it both uplifting and relaxing.
The fundamentals of cannabis hybrids are covered below.
Are There Different Hybrid Strains?
Typically, four main categories of strains are available when you shop at the online cannabis dispensary!
They are as follows:
- Sativa x Sativa: This type of cannabis is created by crossing two different Sativa strains.
- Indica x Indica: For the Indica x Indica cross, two distinct Indica strains are bred together.
- Sativa x Indica: When describing a strain, “Sativa x Indica” indicates that the hybrid has Sativa traits that predominate. It combines the characteristics of both types of cannabis, though. This may be a tall plant with purple buds.
- Indica x Sativa: This hybrid will exhibit qualities of both Indica and Sativa, but the Indica influence will be more decisive.
Further, auto-flowering hybrids are varieties crossed with ruderalis at some point in their history.
How Does It Differ From Indica and Sativa?
Although Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains have long been used in the cannabis industry, we have recently learned that these categories are inaccurate. This is due to the molecular fact that both Indica and Sativa are classified under the species Cannabis sativa.
This means that the entourage effect, which occurs when any strain of marijuana is ingested, must be given credit for any effects.
The entourage effect refers to the theory that various cannabinoids (not just THC), terpenes, and flavonoids collaborate to produce an individual high for each user.
And what does that imply for the future of cannabis hybrids? It means it’s not drastically different from Sativa or Indica. It’s a hybrid of the two strains, so its effects will vary depending on the individual taking it.
How Do You Eat Hybrid Strains?
Hybrid strains of cannabis can be smoked or vaped just like any other kind of marijuana.
Your hybrid product can be consumed in vapor form, smoked, eaten, or imbibed. Due to the fact that Sativa and Indica genes are both present in hybrid marijuana, consumers can choose from a broader range of hybrid-focused products.
These can be anything from cannabis-infused beverages to high-end cannabis buds. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how you want to interact with marijuana and only then choose the products you’re interested in trying.
And remember, we’re here to assist you in any way we can.
New Cannabis Strain Development
The process of plant breeding is universal. Cannabidiol is the same way. It takes male pollen to fertilize a female plant. Selective breeding, however, is used in a lab setting for hybrid creation. They choose the best female plant and the male pollen to produce the required traits.
The offspring of these hybrid seeds will be a cross between the male and female parents for the first time. Those with the desired characteristics will be used as breeding stock.
Once these characteristics are present, the strain will be “cubed” by breeders. They will re-breed a hybrid offspring with its parent strain to boost the desirable traits. Maintaining a trait’s integrity over time must be carried out for at least three generations.
Cannabinoids in cannabis can be “sexually” or “asexually” propagated. The process of sexual reproduction combines the genetic material of both parents. Cloning, cutting, and root division are also examples of vegetative techniques.
The ability to reproduce asexually means that the same plant can be grown repeatedly.
Prevalently Used Hybrids
Many strains could be included here because most dispensary-sold cannabis is a hybrid. We narrowed it down to these five hybrid strains we enjoy the most.
Cannatonic: The Cannatonic hybrid strain is notable for being one of the few in which the CBD content is higher than the THC content, at 12% to 7%, respectively. The Cannatonic strain of medical marijuana is known for its earthy aroma but surprisingly bright citrus flavor.
White Widow: The White Widow is a well-balanced hybrid that first appeared in Dutch coffee shops in the 1990s and has since gained widespread popularity. Both consumers and farmers continue to show great interest in this crop.
It’s a hybrid that has contributed to creating some other well-known strains, such as White Russian, White Rhino, and Blue Widow.
Wedding Cake: As seen in Wedding Cake, also known as Triangle Mints No. 23.
This cross-genetic strain is typical of Indica-dominant hybrids. It has a sweet and tangy flavor, thanks partly to its high limonene terpene content, and it has won multiple awards, including Leafly Strain of the Year in 2019.
Remember that the THC content of this flower is relatively high (around 25%), and use caution when dosing.
Runtz: Runtz, also known as Runtz OG, is a fruity-sweet hybrid created by crossing Zkittlez and Gelato.
Similarly to Wedding Cake, this strain was named Leafly’s top pick for 2020. The resin-filled buds come in a rainbow of colors, from purple to lime green, and the actual flower comes in various shapes and sizes.
Pineapple Express: Pineapple Express is a well-known hybrid that is primarily a Sativa strain. The 2008 release of the film of the same name brought widespread attention to this hybrid of Trainwreck and Hawaiian.
Pineapple Express has a tangy, fruity flavor with hints of pineapple.
The availability of each hybrid marijuana strain varies depending on several factors; therefore, you should not be reluctant to inquire about a few of the strains on the list at your local cannabis dispensaries.
You can get advice from professionals on the best cannabis strains to try there.
Conclusion
Now more than ever, hybrid strains of cannabis are the norm. While older hybrids have been kept alive for decades, newer ones are constantly being developed and introduced to the market.
Growing (and perhaps even trying) a wide range of cannabis strains is enjoyable in and of itself. Still, the real fun comes from trying to find the ideal hybrid strain with the perfect combination of characteristics.
While some gardeners are content to grow the same varieties yearly, others are branching out to try new, exciting hybrids they discover online or at seed swaps.