If you would like to know exactly the difference between the indica and sativa cannabis strains, then you should enjoy both worlds at the same time? That has been made possible with the advent of the so-called hybrid weed.
Hybrid cannabis is a good addition to the variety making up the world of marijuana plants along with sativa and indica strains. No matter who you are, a consumer, grower, or dispensary owner, it is a must to be familiar with the different types of cannabis. It might be overwhelming because there could be hundreds or even thousands of cannabis strains. Nevertheless, they can be classified as indica, sativa, or hybrid.
Hybrid Weed – What Is It?
Many people describe hybrid marijuana as something that takes a smoker in two different worlds. This strain is the offspring of sativa and indica strains. Meaning, it possesses both sides. It can be indica-dominant or sativa-dominant. Gone are the days when cannabis strains are either pure indica or sativa. Hybrid marijuana inherits more of the characteristics of the dominating parent strain with fewer attributes of the other parent.
Hybrid Marijuana has 3 Basic Categories
Indica-dominant Hybrids
These hybrid strains have similar effects with pure indica cannabis strains. These strains are frequently used in dealing with insomnia and body pain with their head and body-high attributes. Examples of indica-dominant hybrid strains are Kosher Kush and Blackberry Kush.
Sativa-dominant Hybrids
Sativa-dominant hybrid strains have some features that are quite similar to that of sativa strains. Like pure sativa strains, these hybrids induce a cerebral buzz once consumed. Sativa hybrids give balance quickly to the mental and physical state. Sour Diesel is a good example of a sativa-dominant hybrid strain.
Even Hybrid Strains
These cannabis strains are the ones with an equal ratio for indica and sativa. Meaning, they deliver the best of both worlds at the same time. Mostly, these strains induce first the sativa effects that will eventually fade away and give way to sedating body high. These strains are known to be perfect combinations that affect both the body and mind, customizing a user’s experience. Silver Haze and Purple Diesel are examples of even hybrid strains.
Hybrid Marijuana Strains and Their Effects
The genetics of hybrid cannabis strains will determine those effects that people may experience when they consume this kind of marijuana. If you take sativa hybrid strains, you’re more likely to experience euphoric and uplifting effects. Indica hybrid strains, however, tend to induce a more relaxing sensation to people.
Differentiating indica from sativa will just provide you an incomplete picture of the possible effects of a marijuana strain. It is why you should find out the ratio of CBD and THC contents of any cannabis product. The various cannabis attributes play a big role as to the way hybrid strains work within a person’s body.
Gaining the correct information on those factors will help a marijuana consumer select the right strain to use. However, the best way to determine the possible effects of hybrid strains will be to use them starting with the minimal dose to be consumed slowly.
Moreover, hybrid cannabis strains give users the chance to experience both cerebral buzz and body high. Choosing the right hybrid strain to use will accommodate a wide range of consumer’s preferences. Likewise, it will give the cannabis growers freedom to select crops that will work well based on their harvesting needs and growing space.
The Origin of Hybrid Cannabis Strains
Hybrid strains originate from crossbreeding sativa and indica marijuana plants. For several years, the American farmers exerted efforts to enhance crop quality through hybridizing cannabis plants with different species originating in different parts of the world. The same is the case for modern cannabis breeding.
As of now, what people know is that hybrids came into the market in the mid-1960s on the western coast of the US and Canada. Also, they believe these strains continuously develop until today. Growers combined subtropical indica strains and equatorial sativa strains for more viable commercially produced crops.
Marijuana is a form of a dioecious plant that has both female and male sexes. Likewise, it is a yearly crop that will reproduce via the process of pollination that leads to the creation of seeds. Many of the wild hybrid strains are unstable mixtures of the parent strains. The same with what happens with humans, the succeeding generations of cannabis can produce madly varied combinations of parent plants’ genes.
Breeders will also selectively inbreed the generations of similar hybrid. It is called back-crossing. The purpose behind this is to stabilize the newly created hybrid strain. Breeders will continuously do back-crossing until the next generation of that hybrid strain shows the genes in a more consistent manner.
Identifying Hybrid Marijuana Strains
Identifying hybrid strains can be tough considering that they are a combination of various strains. However, you can tell whether a strain is sativa-dominant or indica-dominant based on the following factors:
- Appearance and colors of the buds
- Coloring of the buds
- The smell and flavor of the strain
- What you feel after consuming the strain
The Features of Hybrid Marijuana Buds
Hybrid cannabis strains share the same characteristics with both sativa and indica strains. However, being familiar with the common features seen in hybrids will help you identify them. Indica hybrids and indica-dominant strains will have:
- Small and thick buds
- Strong skunky smell
- A purplish or bluish tint
- Sativa-dominant hybrids might have:
- Light and fruity smell
- Thin and wispy buds
- Spongy and fluffy feel
Aromas of Hybrid Marijuana Strains
Hybrid marijuana is more likely to have a more pleasing aroma. It is rich in terpenes that makes every hybrid strain as aromatic as it can be. Terpenes are molecules that give the plants, including cannabis, their enticing scent. Likewise, they can a major component in the essential oils of a plant.
Terpenes are responsible not just for the aroma as they can affect one’s reaction to cannabis. Moreover, they can affect the flavor of the plant. Recent studies revealed that terpenes like myrcene possess anti-inflammatory properties. Myrcene is considered the most predominant terpene that provides a fruity-like smell to cannabis.
Cannabis has hundreds of terpenes. Every terpene gives an extraordinary effect when combined with other terpenes and cannabinoids. The more aromatic a hybrid strain is, the more therapeutic it can be.
Breeders have been busy in creating hybrid cannabis strains with higher terpene levels. Terpenes make cannabis smell like pine, berries, and even gasoline. A lot of cannabis smokers believe that those strains with higher terpene levels are of the best quality and more effective compared to isolated cannabinoids. The kind of strain, be it sativa-dominant, indica-dominant, or balanced hybrid, doesn’t always determine the smell of the plant. When searching for a perfect hybrid marijuana strain, look for one with a pleasing smell and can provide the effect you like. A few hybrids are consistent in the aroma, although it can be so difficult to tell how the strains will smell.
Famous Hybrid Cannabis Strains
There are plenty of hybrid marijuana strains. Some of them are extremely popular and the favorites of many. One of them is the White Widow. Growers like it much because it’s easy to grow and endure the unpleasant weather conditions. White Widow triggers a strong euphoric sensation and sudden energy bursts. It can also make the user more creative and talkative.
Another one is the Girl Scout Cookies. The buds of GSC contain around 17-20% THC and around 0.50% CBD. It’s a good cannabis strain to use when searching for an effective natural painkiller. GSC is potent and great to use in the daytime. Likewise, this strain creates a spicy and sweet oven-baked smell that makes it more tempting.
Blueberry Haze is also a hybrid strain. It was created after mixing and crossing the genetics of Haze with that of Blueberry. Increased cerebral stimulation is among the potential effects of this strain. The buds are tasty and induce a pleasing high.
Growing Hybrid Marijuana Strains
Hybrids have been so popular among growers. Indica hybrids tend to flower faster than their sativa-dominant counterparts. They even offer a more decent yield, making them a perfect option for people who want the best return for their money.
Sativa-dominant hybrid strains may take time to flower and offer lower yields. The best thing about them is they are naturally resistant to heat and mold that makes them a good choice for growers who live in areas with harsh climates.
Breeding new hybrid strains of cannabis require effort and more time. It is not as easy as creating another plant because the results vary. You need to continue crossing the plants until you develop the stabilized version. It involves back-crossing the hybrid strains until the characteristics you want to become consistent in the recent strain generation.
Conclusion
Hybrid weed is simply irresistible and has something special to offer just like the pure indica and sativa strains. Balanced hybrid strains are extremely sought-after, especially for people who want to experience the best of both indica and sativa strains. Their characteristics and healing power helped them gain a good reputation in the market.
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