Hybrid Weed: What Is It And How To Use It

Hybrid weed strains can offer the best of both worlds. However, there are a few things you may want to consider first.

Key Takeaways

• Hybrid weed is a combination of sativa and indica cannabis strains and offers a unique experience.
• The crossbreeding of these different cannabis varieties produces a unique combination of effects.
• The cultivation process and genetic background will determine the dominance of one strain over the other. If indica is more dominant, it's likely to have a relaxing effect felt all over the body, whereas sativa-dominant hybrids will lead to a more euphoric “heady high” and mood boost.

Before exploring the vast landscape of hybrid strains, let's take a moment to review each of the main types or varieties of cannabis, namely indica and sativa.

See Related: Does CBD Make You Hungry?

Starting With Sativa Strains

What makes each cannabis strain unique? Well, when we talk about the different cannabis strains, it makes sense to look at the source as well as the effects the final products have.

The Source

Sativa strains typically come from warm, tropical climates like those in Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia. As far as physical characteristics, the sativa plants are tall and slender, producing buds that are lighter in color. They have a more floral smell when compared to indica plants. 

The Stimulating Effects

When talking about the effects of cannabis strains, why not start from the top of the body and work our way down? That would be the head, the dome, the noodle, the noggin. So let's begin by talking about sativa and the effects it famously has on the mind.

Sativa strains are celebrated for their ability to induce a cerebral high, characterized by feelings of euphoria, creativity, and focus. Being exceptionally uplifting and energizing makes these strains an enticing option for those pursuing creative endeavors.

Cannabis sativa - the scientific name for this particular strain - has often been used to stimulate appetite, though many find this to be true of other strains as well.

People who are reticent to participate in a group activity or conversation may feel more at ease, as this option often fosters sociability. Whether enjoying this type of weed in a group setting or a party of one, people often turn to sativa as a mood boost. It's been used to treat a variety of mental health conditions.

Starting Off Slow

If you're using it as a medical treatment, make sure you're aware of potential side effects. It's important to note that excessive sativa consumption can lead to a sense of anxiety for some folks.

As with any cannabis product, it's important to start with a low dose and increase as needed to responsibly gauge your body's response.

Indulging in Indica Strains

Now that we've covered the sativa strain of cannabis, indica is up next. Let's go straight to the source.

The Source

Indica strains often originate from the cooler, mountainous areas of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The plants have adapted to the harsh winters and dry summers of the Hindu Kush mountains.

These unique climates shaped the plants' genetic makeup. Typically shorter and bushier than sativas, they produce dense buds with an earthy smell.

The Relaxing Effects

Indica strains cause physical relaxation, often leading to what we refer to as a "body high." This can help alleviate aches and pains and reduce anxiety.

People often experience a real groovy sense of peace and tranquility, so it's a great time to put on some Pink Floyd, Miles Davis, or maybe Massive Attack.

Since Indica strains tend to promote relaxation, most "budtenders" and other frequent high flyers will suggest you consume this kind of cannabis during the evening. Many marijuana aficionados first started selecting indica for treating insomnia.

So, when you want to welcome a wave of calm and send yourself off to sleep, we suggest an indica strain. However, certain indica strains achieve a more balanced and uplifting experience, rather than a straight-up sleep-inducing effect.

Starting Off Slow

If you want to make sure you're fully awake for the enjoyable body high, you may wish to experiment with one of the hybrid marijuana strains we'll discuss shortly. As with any cannabis product, it's crucial to start with a lower dose and gradually increase until you hit the sweet spot.

What's the Deal With Hybrid Weed?

What is hybrid weed, you ask?

When giving an overview of hybrid weed strains, there are a few areas we want to cover. How are these hybrid strains created? What different types of hybrid cannabis strains are there? What are the benefits and how do you choose the right hybrid strain for you?

The Creation of Hybrid Strains

In the cannabis industry, hybrid marijuana is gaining popularity (or potpularity - if you're into Dad jokes). Hybrid weed is created by crossbreeding different strains of cannabis.

To create a hybrid cannabis strain, breeders carefully select two parent strains with desirable traits. A parent strain may also be called an original or progenitor strain. The appearance of the hybrid strain will depend on the combination of the parent plants.

These parent strains can be pure indica, pure sativa, or even existing hybrid strains. The goal is to combine the best qualities of each parent to produce offspring with specific characteristics. The breeders might experiment with different combinations until achieving the desired effects.

Once the parent strains are chosen, the breeder will pollinate a female plant from one strain with pollen from a male plant of the other strain. This process, known as crossbreeding, results in seeds that carry genetic information from both parents.

Bonus: Is Recreational Marijuana Legal In Ohio?

When these seeds germinate and grow into plants, they will exhibit a blend of traits from both parents. As mentioned above, by carefully selecting parent strains and controlling the process, breeders can fine-tune the characteristics of hybrid strains to meet specific needs and preferences.

Types of Hybrid Marijuana Strains

The genetic background and cultivation process determine whether a hybrid cannabis strain is sativa-dominant, indica-dominant, or a balanced 50/50 blend. This process leads to a unique combination of effects based on the blend of the various chemical compounds.

Sativa-dominant hybrid strains generally contain higher levels of THC than indica-dominant hybrids. 

This is because they tend to produce more THC-rich trichomes, the tiny, crystal-like structures on the surface of cannabis flower. THC is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, which leads to its psychoactive effects.

As you might expect, sativa-dominant hybrids have more cerebral and energizing effects. It's important to note that the THC content can vary widely, even within the same dominant category.

If you use sativa-dominant strains, you are likely to feel slightly more productive and creative, as opposed to relaxed or lethargic.

Indica-dominant hybrids typically provide more of a relaxed, sedated feeling.

The presence of indica genetics in hybrid strains means there will be more pronounced physical effects. That's why it's the go-to for temporary pain relief as well as for those dealing with chronic pain. It's also likely the preferred option for those wanting to Netflix and chill.

It makes sense, then, that a balance of sativa and indica in hybrid marijuana would have the body high from indica, as well as the uplifting and energizing effects sativa produces.

Benefits of Hybrids

Hybrid marijuana may be the best choice if you like feeling the effects of both sativa and indica.

Perhaps you're hoping for some pain relief or the calming effect commonly experienced with indica, but also enjoy the mood boost more associated with sativa. When consuming cannabis hybrids you get the unique properties of both.

If you're wondering about hybrid THC levels, they typically fall somewhere between those of pure indica or sativa strains but can vary widely. This allows for a lot of choice.

How to Choose a Hybrid Strain That Suits You

Choosing the right strain is something of a more personal matter. Luckily, with so much information available, you won't be short on suggestions.

Medicinal and recreational users most likely have access to someone with more experience. They are often happy to help you explore a hybrid option. You can talk about the effects you desire and they can send you in the right direction.

There are many cannabis products with both indica and sativa present. So, if you're less comfortable with smoking joints there are always gummies to get the job done.

Saying Hello to Hybrid

When you're on the hunt for hybrid options, there's no shortage of resources, including Clean Remedies.

We hope we conveyed not only what is hybrid weed, but the difference between sativa vs. indica dominance. As you now know, cross-breeding these strains creates hybrid marijuana that we think lives up to the hype.

Keep Reading: How Much THC Is In A Joint?

--

Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses clean and natural hemp extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well-being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.