When a person first visits a dispensary to buy cannabis flower products, they are usually directed to a display case with a variety of flower strains divided into three categories: sativa, indica, and hybrid strains. While sativa strains can make people euphoric and indica strains cause sedation, hybrid strains are a balance of sativa and indica effects. Modern cannabis strains are a hybrid of sativa and indica strains to develop unique fragrances and specific effects.
Mixing genetics of different strains, whether it be two sativas or an indica and a sativa, creates a one-of-a-kind chemical profile. Every hybrid strain will have a different level of cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) and terpenes. Growers may also choose to breed hybrids due to their resistance to pests and molds and ability to grow in a variety of temperatures.
How are Hybrid Strains Created?
A marijuana hybrid strain is created when a grower crosses a cannabis female and male plant of different strains via pollination. Each parent plant will have different yields, cannabinoid content, flowering time, and resistance against pests and disease. The resulting seeds can be used to grow the newly created hybrid strain clones and flowers. Growers have favoured sativa strains’ resistance to mold with indica strains’ ability to flower quickly. It takes a long time for breeders to create a stable hybrid that can produce consistent seeds and clones.
Sativa-Dominant Strain Effects
Sativa-dominant hybrids provide cannabis users with a cerebral, creative, and euphoric experience. Sativa-dominant hybrid strains can be beneficial during the daytime since these strains produce uplifting and invigorating feelings. Some sativa-dominant strains can improve mood, anxiety, and depression by reducing the paranoia-inducing effects that come with many potent sativa strains. Popular sativa-dominant strains include Pootie Tang, Mob Boss, and Glue #4 strains.
Indica-Dominant Strain Effects
Indica-dominant hybrids have a more sedative effect than sativa-dominant strains. While not entirely couch-lock effects, indica-dominant hybrids can provide considerable pain, inflammatory, and stress relief. Indica-dominant hybrid strains can aid in pain management without feeling overly sedated. This can help people who need to be productive throughout the day. Popular indica-dominant strains include Bubba Kush, Chunk Dawg, Chunky Diesel, MK Ultra, Presidential Kush, Banana Kush, Sunset Sherbet, Stardawg, and Valley Girl strains.
Balanced Hybrid Strain Effects
A balanced or true hybrid strain will have a complementary mix of sativa and indica strain genetics and effects. Medical patients have used balanced hybrid strains for the balanced sedation and revitalizing effects. Certain balanced strains are helpful to reduce anxiety by relieving muscle tension and calming the mind. Popular true hybrids include Agent Orange, Kandy Kush, Lemon OG, and White 99 strains.
Who Should Use Hybrid Strains?
For cannabis users who want sativa and indica effects, hybrid strains offer users a balanced experience that isn’t too sedating or energizing. Every person will have a unique experience and effects depending on a multitude of factors including body chemistry, metabolism, and lifestyle choices. Hybrids can be ideal starter strains for first-time users who want to dabble in lower psychoactive strains. Hybrid strains are also favoured by medical patients who need a balanced mind and body relief multiple times throughout the day.