Hybrid Weed & Its Effects
Hybrid weed and its effects will be of great interest to cannabis enthusiasts as it represents the bulk of the cannabis varieties available in dispensaries today. Cannabis strains—or cannabis cultivars—come in three versions: sativa, indica, and hybrid. Each offers consumers different effects and potentially distinct health benefits.
Whether choosing an indica strain, sativa strain, or a hybrid, consumers should understand the potential effects that each strain can offer them. Choosing the perfect strain for you will optimize your experience and provide you with a high that goes hand in hand with your vibes on any given day.
What Is Hybrid Weed?
A hybrid cannabis plant is a cultivar that has been bred from a combination of Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa strains. Most modern strains are hybrids because they have been cross-bred intentionally to achieve unique aromas and effects.
Within the subset of hybrid strains, consumers can find indica-dominant and sativa-dominant hybrid strains as well as strains that offer a balanced indica/sativa mix. A strain's makeup will inevitably impact its effects because pure indica strains and pure sativa strains offer vastly different experiences.
How Are Hybrid Cannabis Strains Created?
A hybrid strain is produced by crossing indica and sativa plants. Cultivators breed male and female plants from different strains to produce a new, hybrid strain with qualities from both of the parent plants. For example, breeding a pure male sativa with a pure female indica will produce a 50/50 or balanced hybrid strain. The resulting hybrid will display qualities from both parent plants.
Types of Hybrid Strains
There are three types of hybrid cannabis strains: indica-dominant strains, sativa-dominant strains, and balanced strains. Evenly balanced strains offer an even mix of indica and sativa.
What Does Hybrid Weed Do?
There has been some debate in the cannabis community about how much the "indica" or "sativa" label really tells consumers about the effects they should expect from a given strain. It’s important to keep in mind that the effects of each strain are influenced by the cannabinoids and terpenes in the strain as well as their botanical classification.
Indica-Dominant vs Sativa-Dominant Strains
The main difference between indica-dominant and sativa-dominant strains is the energizing or relaxing effects they typically offer. As a rule of thumb:
Indica strains offer sedating effects that are perfect for relaxing in the evening or for passing the time on a rainy day.
Sativa strains are generally more energizing and offer uplifting cerebral effects more suitable for use at social gatherings or during creative projects.
Balanced hybrid strains offer a mixture of the aforementioned relaxing and energizing effects.
Indica-Dominant
Studies have shown that indica-dominant hybrids tend to contain higher levels of the terpene myrcene. This is thought to contribute to their sedative effects, often referred to as the "couch-lock" effect. Indica strains are said to make you hungry more than sativa-dominant strains. Indica-dominant strains may therefore be a good option for people who have lost their appetite because of illness or stress.
Sativa-Dominant
Whethersativa makes you sleepy or hyper is important for deciding when to consume it. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis sativa strains are more uplifting, energizing, and cerebral than indica strains. This makes them popular for daytime use.
Balanced
A 50/50 mix of sativa and indica can be expected to offer a balanced head and body high.
The Entourage Effect
Some research suggests that labeling strains as "indica" or "sativa" may be misleading since it's impossible to guess the biochemical content of a plant based solely on its physical characteristics. Instead, a study of a cannabis plant's cannabinoid and terpene profiles is necessary to understand its potential effects.
The way a cannabis plant's cannabinoids and terpenes interact with each other to produce certain effects is called the entourage effect. Studies suggest that a better understanding of the entourage effect is a much better indicator of how a full-spectrum strain will work than simply choosing an indica, sativa, or hybrid strain.
What Hybrid Cannabis Plants Look Like
The hybrid plant you choose will mix the qualities of its parents, meaning there will be some variety in the appearance of hybrid plants. A sativa plant tends to be tall with narrow and long leaves while an indica plant is shorter, stockier, and a darker green color.
Potential Benefits of Hybrid Strains
Hybrid strains can offer potential benefits for recreational and medical marijuana consumers. One study investigating the effects of marijuana on headache and pain relief reported that the majority of patients preferred hybrid strains for analgesic effects.
With so many different hybrid strains out there, finding one that provides the most benefits for you personally will be a question of trial and error.
Potential Side Effects of Hybrid Strains
Hybrid strains themselves don't pose any greater risk of side effects than sativa or indica strains. Consumers must be aware of the chemical compounds contained in the plant to understand the effects a given strain may have.
Because hybrid strains contain features of sativa and indica plants, hybrids can come with a mix of indica and sativa side effects. It’s best to consult a knowledgeable budtender about the potential side effects of a specific strain.
Popular Hybrid Cannabis Strains to Try
Some of the most popular hybrid strains include:
Northern Lights
(5% sativa/95% indica)
Northern Lights is one of the most legendary hybrid strains. Known for its euphoric and sedative effects, Northern Lights is often used to relax after a stressful day or to help consumers sleep. It has an earthy, piney aroma.
OG Kush
(55% sativa/45% indica)
OG Kush is a hybrid cannabis strain that contains around 18% THC and no CBD. Consumers note a lemony flavor and aroma that offers a head high and helps with stress and anxiety.
Apple Fritter
(50% sativa/50% indica)
Apple pie lovers will love Apple Fritter with its deliciously sweet, apple-vanilla taste and aroma. Apple Fritter is a balanced hybrid, with an approximately 50/50 sativa-indica ratio and a high (24%) THC content.
Blue Dream
(60% sativa/40% indica)
This sativa-dominant strain offers cerebral stimulation and relaxation throughout the body, with 18% THC and a low CBD percentage. Consumers love the sweet berry-like smell and taste of Blue Dream.
Experiment to Find Your Ideal Strain
Hybrid weed strains offer a best-of-both-worlds experience with a mix of sativa and indica in their genetics. That said, it's important to recognize that the cannabinoid and terpene levels in a given strain will also impact your experience.
Be willing to experiment with different strains to find the ones that match each moment and your personal tastes. Staff at your local dispensary—including our dispensaries in Seattle, WA—will also happily recommend different strains or consumption methods depending on the experience you're looking for.