Introduction
What is a hybrid?
In general, a hybrid refers to a combination of two or more different things or a mixture of any origin or composition. In chemistry, the two - or more - substances in which the identities are retained and then mixed in the form of solutions, suspensions, and colloids.
However, The Hybrid I am referring to are a combination of the Sativa and Indica strains
Here we discuss everything you need to know about Hybrids..
Sativa and Indica
The two major types of cannabis plants are Indica and Sativa. Each strain has its range of effects on the body and mind resulting in a wide range of medicinal benefits. By fusing these two types of cannabis - Sativa and Indica - a hybrid strain is born. This marriage can make the effects more balanced throughout the body, and becomes a very good choice for a variety of users.
Refresh on Cannabinoids
It's important to remember that when it comes to the strains of cannabis, cannabinoids are the primary elements responsible for the effects you feel. Botanists say that there can be up to 144 different cannabinoids in any given cannabis plant, but the two primary cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Hybrid Effects
The effects of a hybrid strain can vary depending on the more dominant strain it's based on. Sativas are generally known for their uplifting and energetic effects, while Indica is felt more throughout the body and tends to be more calming. A well-balanced hybrid will give you a mixture of both: uplifting your mood while maintaining a relaxed body high.
Sativa-Dominant Hybrid
A Sativa-dominant hybrid strain Induces the effects that tend to make users feel uplifting and euphoric feelings.
Indica-Dominant Hybrid
An Indica-dominant strain will have more calming effects.
Are Hybrids for Me?
If you want a balanced high, yes. They're not as cerebral or psychedelic as a Sativa can be, nor will they put you in a total dream-state like Indica. However, new marijauna users find that hybrids can be a good place to start.
It's hard to predict the effects of a strain with 100% certainty because every individual, every experience, and every setting are different. There are many variables when it comes to consuming marijuana that it's almost impossible to tell if there truly are distinct and tangible effects of the different strains.
If the same individual smokes the same strain at two different times, the outcome can be completely different. The best way to know the effects of cannabis is to experiment with an open mind.
Types of Hybrid Strains
Generally, you'll find there are four types of strains:
- Sativa x Sativa: Two different Sativa varieties are bred together.
- Indica x Indica: Two different Indica varieties are bred together.
- Sativa x Indica: A strain described this way is a hybrid with Sativa-dominant characteristics. However, it has traits of both varieties of cannabis. It could be a tall plant with purple buds, for example.
- Indica x Sativa: This variety will have characteristics of both but is Indica-dominant.
Hybrid Effects:
As mentioned earlier, some hybrids are known to favor one strain over the other. These are known as Sativa-dominant and Indica-dominant. Here are some effects you may experience:
Sativa-dominant
- Mind Dominant
- Anti-Anxiety
- Anti-depressant
- Activating
- Uplifting
- Increase Alertness
- Increase Energy
- Enhance Creativity
Indica-dominant
- Body Dominant
- Relaxing
- Sedating
- Treats Acute Pain
- Reduce Nausea
- Muscle Relaxant
- Increase Dopamine
- Stimulate Appetite
How to Grow Hybrid Marijuana Plants
When breeding any plant, a female plant must be pollinated with male pollen; cannabis is no different. This process happens naturally. However, with a hybrid strain, breeders - in a controlled environment - pick the female plant and male pollen to produce a specific trait or set of traits.
Seeds germinated by this process will be 1st generation hybrids of the male and female parents. Those strains with desired traits will be selected and bred again.
Once these traits have been produced, breeders will breed a child hybrid with a parent strain to reinforce the characteristics. This usually happens to stabilize the characteristics and can be repeated again three or more generations.
How to Properly Test Potency of Hybrid Strains
Maybe a line of why it’s important to test potency)
This process is no different than any other strain. Modern Canna Labs say for THC potency, they utilize High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technology to test for THC potency and cannabinoid content. Flower samples are dried, ground, weighed and prepped before chemical analysis is performed by skilled analysts and laboratory technicians.
Once they quantify cannabinoids through precise liquid chromatography, they then utilize either an ultraviolet or mass spectrometer detector for evaluating potency.
Using their standard potency analysis tests that look for up to 16 cannabinoids. The most prominent cannabinoids are listed below:
- THC – Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Carboxylic Acid
- Δ8-THC – Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol
- Δ9-THC – Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol
- THCa – Tetrahydrocannabinonolic Acid
- THCv – Tetrahydrocannabivarin
- CBN – Cannabinol
- CBC – Cannabichromene
- CBD – Cannabidiol
- CBDa– Cannibidol Acid
- CBDv – Cannabidivarin
- CBG – Cannabigerol
- CBGa – Cannabigerolic Acid
What Does the Hybrid Plant Look Like?
Hybrids blend the best of both worlds and they usually lean towards one side of the spectrum with either Indica- or Sativa-dominant traits.
Sativa-dominant strains tend to be tall and lanky with thin leaves. While Indica-dominant strains tend to be shorter, bushier, and have broader leaves.
Pros and Cons of Indica (Conclusion)
Unlike the Pros and Cons of Sativa or Indica, the Pros and Cons of Hybrids depend on the predominant effects of the hybrid.
Some Pros may include:
- Cerebral or heady high
- Body High
- Does Not cause drowsiness
- More creative high
- High feels caffeinated and makes you productive
- Helps with insomnia
- Helps you Relax
- Great while watching movies or vegging out
Some Cons may also include:
- May cause anxiety
- Increases heart rate
- Feels like the mind is racing
- Restless feeling
- Hinders productivity
- Creates the Couch Lock effect
- Causes munchies
- Causes cloudy thinking
