Pros and Cons of Hybrid Weed Strains

Research into marijuana is still in its relative infancy, which means we continue to learn more about the herb with every passing year. A prime example of marijuana misinformation relates to the distinct groups – Hybrid Weed Strains – that you may see at your local dispensary. There is also ruderalis, but in general, most weed users steer clear of that particular type of cannabis.

A lot of people used to believe that indica and sativa strains had specific effects. Indicas were associated with sedation and were classified as a late evening or night time strain. Sativas were said to provide you with an energy boost, which made them the best wake-and-bake options.

In reality, there is much about the marijuana plant that we have yet to understand. For instance, the overall cannabinoid and terpene content of a strain is more likely to dictate the effects you’ll feel. There are well over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, plus at least 100 terpenes.

Therefore, it is entirely possible to find a sativa strain that has a sedative effect, and an indica that invigorates you. Breeders are becoming more aware of this, and are creating exciting new strains as a result. These days, you’ll find it hard to find a pure indica or sativa. Indeed, some experts believe neither exists in the modern era.

When strains with different heritage are crossbred, exciting things happen. Hybrids contain a combination of indica and sativa genetics and take on traits from both strain families depending on their lineage. Add in the importance of cannabinoids aside from THC & CBD, not to mention terpenes, and it is easy to see why a sativa-dominant hybrid might surprise you by helping you to chill out.

What is an Indica Strain?

Medicinal cannabis can be used to treat a wide variety of common conditions. Generally, medicinal cannabis results in the user having a sense of greater physical and mental relaxation, pain reduction, increased appetite, and better sleep. However, there are two main varieties of medicinal cannabis plants, and each offers a different set of benefits. Understanding the difference between the two is important to finding the right strain for each patient.

The two major types of cannabis plants are Indica and Sativa. Each strain has it’s own range of effects on the body and mind resulting in a wide range of medicinal benefits. Indica strains generally provide a sense of deep body relaxation. Sativa strains tend to provide a more energizing experience.

Typically, cannabis Indica plants are short, bushy plants with wide leaves. Indica plants typically grow faster and have a higher yield than the sativa variety. Medicine produced from cannabis Indica plants have higher CBD and lower THC counts.

The major qualities of Indica medicinal strains include:

increased mental relaxation
muscle relaxation
decreases nausea
decreases acute pain
increases appetite
increases dopamine (a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain’s reward and pleasure centers)
for night time use

What is a Sativa Strain?

Sativas are giants compared to Indicas. They are best cultivated outdoors but can also be grown indoors. They can reach heights of up to 12 feet! Unlike Indicas, the leaves, buds and colas of a Sativa marijuana plant are far spread apart.

Sativa cannabis strains are best suited to individuals seeking a boost in energy or creativity. Many of the Sativa cannabis strains originate in nations near the equator, for example, Colombia, Thailand, Mexico and several countries in Africa, but as cultivation has become more technological based, you will find Sativa’s grown virtually anywhere

Carl Linnaeus is credited with being the first person to classify the Cannabis sativa plant in 1753. For the record, the word sativa means things that are cultivated. The typical qualities of a pure sativa plant include:

Anti-depressant
Treating chronic pain
Boosting creativity and focus
Increasing serotonin
Anti-anxiety

Sativas need more time to grow and mature, require more light, and on average, have higher THC and lower CBD counts than indicas. Of course, this is only a rule of thumb and is not set in stone.

What is a Hybrid Strain?

As you can probably guess, a hybrid is the ‘best of both worlds’ in the sense that it offers both Sativa and Indica. They are a combination of two or more forms of cannabis, and they are designed to allow you to get the benefits of Indica and sativa in a single strain.

For example, if you have chronic pain from arthritis but have to go to work, you could use a hybrid strain to alleviate the pain while still remaining alert. Hybrids are used to treat the same illnesses as Indica or Sativa strains.

Hybrid strains provide the best of Sativa and Indica. Many of the best hybrid strains are easy-to-grow, and many hybrid weed strains win awards for this quality alone. Other top hybrid strains are popular hybrid strains due to their flavor and effect. Here you’ll find reviews of Indica and Sativa hybrid strains as well as full-balanced 50/50 hybrid strains.

5 Strongest Hybrid Strains On Earth Right Now

While scrumptious landrace strains were popular in the hippie era, today’s cannabis environment is full of craft hybrids. Contemporary strains are often fast-growing, high-yielding, fragrant, and are chock-full of psychoactive THC. In fact, strains are now producing upwards of 25 to 35 percent of the compound. If you’re interested in consuming or growing some truly potent cannabis, here are 10 of the strongest hybrids in the world right now.

Sour Space Candy. The strongest hybrid out there is this straight descendant of the classic Sour Tsunami and Early Resin Berry strains. Testing at 16.7% CBD and having a high, enticing terpene profile, Sour Space Candy has some of the most hard-hitting effects amongst hybrid strains. After a few hits of this strain, you’ll feel a body soothing, clear-headed relaxed mood. The smell on this flower is fruit-based, with gas and diesel notes thanks to its parents. It grows strong and has a flavor profile similar to Gorilla Glue #4 and Sour Diesel. Dense buds are multicolored, showing purple, orange, and green hues. Get some premium Sour Space Candy flower from Botany Farms and see for yourself why it’s the strongest hybrid you can find.
Chiquita Banana. Chiquita Banana has won the title of one of the strongest strains in the world. In some tests, this strain reached over 33% THC, making it one of the strongest strains in the world. Those who manufacture clear concentrates or distillates will love this strain, as it produces such a concentrated amount of THC naturally. Chiquita Banana is a cross between the famous OG Kush and Banana, and you’ll be finding yourself soaring through dreamy, euphoric bliss after just a taste or two of this strain. This strain has been named a High Times strongest two years running, in 2015 and in 2016.
Blissful Wizard. This strain is a potent hybrid cross between Captain’s Cookies and Girl Scout Cookies. Bred by The Captain’s Connection, this hybrid features up to a whopping 28% THC. It won Best Non-Solvent Has at the SoCal Medical Cannabis Cup in 2015, and it remains one of the highest testing strains around right now. The high from this strain is happy and comfortable overall, interspersed with an extremely pleasurable blissful euphoria.
Gorilla Glue #4. Gorilla Glue #4 shook up the cannabis world with test results reaching up to 33% THC. There are several phenotypes of Gorilla Glue available, though #4 is the most popular, followed by #1. Gorilla Glue produces a very strong hybrid high, perhaps leaning a little toward the body-heavy side. However, this strain also provides some intensely euphoric effects. All in all, anyone in need of a powerful yet blissful experience will love Gorilla Glue.
Bruce Banner #3. Bruce Banner #3 is a difficult find, and the demand for this bud is increasing. Bruce Banner #3 is a heavy-hitting hybrid that features up to 28% THC. One of the strongest strains in the world, Bruce Banner is a great medical cannabis bud and can be extremely helpful for those with chronic pain, including neuropathic pain and pain after injury. This strain is also known to inspire a bout of creativity, that is often appreciated by those who struggle with focus and attentiveness.