Cannabis has thousands of strains that produce an endless variety of hybrids.
A hybrid is the product of the crosses between different cannabis types or strains. It is important for breeders to create hybrids so they can select the one with the best traits.
Thus, hybrids have the best qualities of its parents, with the least of unwanted effects. It is for that reason hybrids are so popular today.
Common Cannabis Hybrids
In general, there are three types of cannabis used for creating hybrids. These are Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis. In this article, we focus on the Sativa and Indica strains, as well as their intended effects on the mind and body.
In essence, Sativa is stimulating and energizing. It gives the kind of high that makes people want to engage in deep conversations, be creative or active. For some people, they use it as a daytime medication to ease fatigue, mood disorders, or depression.
On the other hand, Indica strains tend to be sedating and relaxing. It is perfect after a long day at work as it helps in reducing stress or anxiety. Due to its sedative-like property, it can also help people sleep better.
In this article, we take a look at the types of hybrids, and the most common ones that are around. As we now know, different strains have different effects. For hybrids, their effects float along the spectrum of both the Indica and Sativa sides. That is why it is important to understand the basic characteristics of its parents. When you do, it becomes easier to choose which particular hybrid to use.
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Types of Cannabis Hybrids
Cannabis hybrids are the result of crosses between different strains, including other hybrids. Hybrids can be combined with a pure Sativa, pure Indica, or a mixture of both. The offspring often retain the genetics of its dominant parent(s). To be more specific, it achieves these results through certain THC and CBD ratios. Here are the three main types and their effects.
Indica-dominant Hybrids
Since it is largely from a sedating strain, this type of strain gives a full-body pain relief and a relaxing physical high. It is perfect for daytime relief from minor pain, as well as nighttime use for sleep troubles. These strains may also help patients with autoimmune diseases as well as depression.
Sativa-dominant Hybrids
These hybrids are largely stimulating but partly act as sedatives. As such, these strains deliver effects that are more on the mental side. It is perfect for people who need relief from anxiety but still able to function during daytime.
Balanced Hybrids
Most hybrids come with either a more Sativa or Indica dominant side. But there are also some that come with 50/50 Sativa/Indica splits. This makes it perfect for people seeking the perfect mind and body balance.
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Some of the Most Common Cannabis Hybrids
Haze, Kush, Northern Lights, and Skunk are four of the most common and iconic hybrid strains. They basically serve as the building blocks of much of the cannabis hybrids we know today. In this section, we explore details such as their place of origin and lineage. Also included are their flowering time, unique effects, and popular variations.
Haze
The first on the list of cornerstone cannabis strains is the renowned Sativa strain called Haze. It came out in the 1970s and is sometimes called Original Haze or Neville’s Haze.
| Place of Origin | This strain was first created by the “Haze Brothers” in Northern California. But it almost went extinct at the beginning of the 80s, as growers looked for easier varieties to work with. In the end, Neville Schoenmakers got hold of the seeds, preserved the strain, and began crossing it. |
| Lineage | Haze traces its lineage to four Sativa strains – South American, Mexican, Thai and South Indian. |
| Flowering Time | Flowering Time. It was initially hard to cultivate this strain as it has a long flowering time of 16 weeks. Haze also requires plenty of professional care and attention to flourish. Later, growers succeeded in decreasing budding time to 9 weeks. When it comes to places of cultivation, Haze is usually grown indoors, but thrive well outdoors. |
| Unique Effects | This strain is well known for its heavy ‘high’ effects that include creativity and energy. It is also very popular among cannabis users who seek out medicinal effects. |
| Popular Offsprings | Since its creation, Haze has given birth to popular and award-winning hybrids. These include the Shining Silver Haze, Lemon Shining Silver Haze, and Amnesia Haze. |
Kush
Next in the list of common cannabis strains is Kush. To be clear, Kush refers to cannabis that grew in the Hindu Kush mountains. As such, Kush itself is not the name of one strain but refers to many strains originating from the same region.
| Place of Origin | Kush plants trace its roots to the mountain range between Pakistan and Afghanistan. As was the case in the early 70s, Kush was named as such in relation to culture and origin. |
| Lineage | Kush strains and hybrids is a good mix of different subgroups of original Indica strains. Moreover, they come from native plants in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as India. |
| Flowering Time | The Kush variety usually takes 8 to 9 weeks to bud. It has a pungent yet fresh aroma which usually takes over an area. They can grow as tall as 2 meters outdoor and produce a sizable yield. Also, it is interesting to note that it is natural for Kush buds to have thick layers of frosty crystals. |
| Unique Effects | Kush is a potent strain that has roughly 19% THC. And since it is a crossbreed from pure Indica strains, it can provide a deep state of physical relaxation. |
| Popular Offsprings | Some of the most famous Kush-based strains include the legendary OG Kush, Bubba Kush, and Critical Kush. |
Northern Lights
This strain is one of the few that has reached legendary status. It is so common that it is impossible for regular users not to have tried it.
| Place of Origin | Northern Lights originated in California. |
| Lineage | It’s difficult to know its lineage, but the story goes that the plant was from the Pacific Northwest. It then made its way to Holland where growers developed the best version of the strain. This legendary strain is the result of a cross between an Afghani Indica and a Thai Sativa. |
| Flowering Time | Northern Lights can mature in as little as 7 weeks. This short flowering time is due to the tweaking growers did in Holland. Other improvements include better resistance to molds and pests compared to other strains. This plant also stays short and produces high yields even when grown indoors. |
| Unique Effects | Northern Lights has THC levels that go up to a whopping 35%. This contributes to the distinct vigor and strength of the high. On the other hand, some people describe its effects as ‘smooth’ and ‘buttery.’ The heavy Indica effects of this hybrid make it suitable for nighttime use. |
| Popular Offsprings | Super Silver Haze, Sour Diesel, and Shiva Skunk are just a few of this hybrid’s variations. |
Skunk
Last on the list of the cornerstone strains is Skunk. This iconic strain is the result of the first crossing between a Sativa and an Indica strain.
Place of Origin. The original Skunk was first bred in the 1970s in California by Sacred Seed Co. David Watson, better known as Sam “the Skunkman.” He was the leader of the Cannabis growers.
| Place of Origin | The original Skunk was first bred in the 1970s in California by Sacred Seed Co. David Watson, better known as Sam “the Skunkman.” He was the leader of the Cannabis growers. |
| Lineage | The strain is a mix of Afghani, Acapulco Gold, and Colombian Gold. |
| Flowering Time | Skunkman’s group apparently created a groundbreaking strain. It produced high yields in the short flowering time of 7 to 8 weeks. Add to that, it survives in a variety of climates. So, the plant can be grown indoors, outdoors, and in greenhouses. |
| Unique Effects | Skunk is a Sativa strain that induces a strong cerebral high. Accordingly, the original Skunk gives a strong blow of energy that is good for daytime use. Other variations are 50/50 hybrids, and some are Indica-dominant. |
| Popular Offsprings | Varieties with good reputations are Skunk XL, Sweet Skunk Automatic, and Critical Skunk. |
Knowing the Effects of Cannabis Hybrids
Once again, hybrids are the result of carefully selected cannabis crossings. Some of the best hybrids took years or even decades before they were produced.
By taking the best traits of its parents, the new offspring is catered to the whims of the cannabis connoisseurs.
Once again, effects of the cannabis hybrids depend on the percentage of its Sativa/Indica sides.
For example, if Indica is more dominant in the strain, then it produces a more relaxed state for evening use.
Conversely, if Sativa is more dominant, then it provides more mental kick, which makes it suitable for day use.
In balanced hybrids, there is a more balanced effect of both the strains.
Hybrids are so popular because they give people options about their desired results.
Therefore, hybrids make cannabis more appealing and less scary to use. In essence, it gives people the chance to predict and control how cannabis affects their bodies and minds.
