A hybrid strain: what is it?
Many, if not most, of the strains of cannabis that are currently accessible are really hybrids due to ongoing advancements in breeding techniques!
Genetic Hybridity
You’ll probably notice that most of the strains on the typical dispensary menu are separated into indica and sativa variants. This is a common and practical method of classifying cannabis strains according to their effects. It’s likely that your favorite strain is a hybrid known as a “sativa-dominant” or “indica-dominant” variety, even if it is labeled as either “sativa” or “indica” on a dispensary menu.
This is due to the fact that very few strains truly have pure indica or sativa DNA, with the exception of a few landrace cultivars. Nowadays, almost all strains have some combination of sativa and indica effects due to genetic crossover.
In contrast to the vast number of hybrid cannabis strains available, you may occasionally encounter a pure landrace strain such as Durban Poison, a real sativa, or Afghan Kush, a true indica.
What led to the creation of all these hybrid strains?
Cannabis enthusiasts started traversing the world in the 1970s to gather various seeds and bring them back to their homes for personal use. Since many of these tourists were involved in California’s hippie culture throughout the 1960s, Northern California was a noteworthy starting place for them.
The path they took across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East was indeed dubbed the “Hippie Trail.” Following their return, these seeds ultimately found their way into the hands of cannabis cultivators, who crossed them to produce some of the modern hybrid strains that we use.
Effects of Hybrid Strains: What Are the Feelings of Hybrid Cannabis?
What is the purpose of hybrid marijuana, therefore, and what does a hybrid strain do? Determining a hybrid cannabis strain’s effects is more difficult than it would appear.
This is due to the fact that hybrid cannabis strains have a vast array of effects!
Although the indica, sativa, and hybrid categorization system is highly practical, it is not particularly accurate, and there are more effective ways to find out more about the effects of a strain. Examining a strain’s terpene and cannabinoid compositions provides a more precise forecast of its effects.
For instance, a notion known as the entourage effect suggests that the more than 500 distinct chemical components found in cannabis combine to create the overall effects of a particular strain or plant.
There are several factors outside a plant’s genetics that affect its precise chemical composition. The location and growing circumstances of the plant will also impact its terpene and cannabinoid concentration, potentially changing its effects. Other aspects, such as how and at what dose a strain is eaten, can also alter the entire experience, even if these elements remain constant.
Nevertheless, these remain useful abbreviations for discussing impacts. While indica effects are usually linked to a calming, body-based experience, we’ll continue to correlate sativa effects with being cerebral, elevating, and stimulating throughout this guide.
Hybrids with a Sativa or Indica leaning
Compared to its indica cousins, sativa-dominant hybrids are said to have more uplifting mental effects. Because sativa-leaning hybrids are linked to stimulating effects that might aid with attention and creativity, they are frequently a smart choice for daytime usage.
Compared to its sativa siblings, indica-leaning hybrids are more sedative and soothing and often provide more body-based effects. Indica-dominant hybrids are often best used in the afternoon or at night, much like most indicas.
Equilibrium Hybrids
Balanced hybrids have an approximately equal combination of sativa and indica effects, as their name implies. Depending on their parent strains, they have a highly diverse variety of effects, but they all generally give you a physical and mental high.
Various Hybrid Strain Types
It might take some trial and error to select the best hybrid strain for your interests, objectives, and preferences because there are so many varieties accessible now, and there are also a lot of effect profiles to consider. Uncertain about where to begin? Keep a look out for these tried-and-true hybrid strains the next time you visit your neighborhood medical dispensary in Washington, D.C.
Dream in Blue
Many people adore Blue Dream, a traditional hybrid strain, for its potent combination of calming physical and uplifting cerebral benefits. It is renowned for providing a head high that is instantly euphoric and then transitions into a calming body high. Its tranquil and euphoric feeling is well complemented by its sweet and fruity fragrance, making Blue Dream a timeless treasure of a hybrid strain.
Cream and Cookies
Originating from the notorious Cookies line, which is renowned for its potent and potent tastes, Cookies n’ Cream is an indica-dominant hybrid. This strain’s uplifting yet vaguely concentrated high effects are sometimes accompanied by a tingling bodily bliss. The sweet, nutty flavor of Cookies n’ Cream also delights the palate.
NYC Diesel
Over the years, NYC Diesel has garnered several accolades and is considered a legendary strain. The strain has calming, but not overpowering, bodily effects in addition to a lively and bright mental buzz. Despite its name, this sativa-dominant hybrid is widely available across the United States, demonstrating the impact of its parent strain, Sour Diesel. Because of its high THC content, NYC Diesel is a fantastic option for a strain that isn’t overly stimulating but yet produces an uplifting and euphoric high.
OG Kush
Since OG Kush’s effects are mostly physical, it is typically classified as an indica. But compared to most other Kush strains, this one has more sativa! In addition to the calming and sedative physical effects that are commonly associated with Kush strains, OG Kush also delivers slightly stimulating cerebral benefits. Compared to most other earthy Kush cultivars, it also smells and tastes lighter and more lemony.