Hybrid Strains — A Balanced Mix of Sativa and Indica

This cannabis plant strain aims to provide a balanced mix of Sativa and Indica genetics. Breeders have cataloged 779 cultivars, with about half being hybrid. As cross-breeding advances, growers create sub-hybrids by crossing existing hybrids. 

Hybridization intentionally crossbreeds different plants to create offspring with specific traits. This process entails selecting parents with unique characteristics, like potency, aroma, growth patterns, or disease resistance, and breeding them to produce a new variety.

What is the Breeding Process of Hybrid Marijuana Strains?

Marijuana hybridization involves several steps:

1. Selection: Breeders choose parent plants with desired traits such as potency, flavor, aroma, growth, or medicinal properties.
2. Crossbreeding: Pollen from the selected male plant fertilizes the flowers of the chosen female, which results in seeds.
3. Phenotype Selection: Breeders grow the seeds and observe the desired traits.
4. Stabilization: Breeders continue selecting and combining until it consistently displays desired traits across generations to ensure a stable outcome. This process establishes a predictable genetic profile.

Origin of Breeding 

In the 1960s and ’70s, most marijuana in the US was grown outdoors. During this period, researchers noted that  breeding in the US aimed to develop high-THC  suitable for North American outdoor conditions. 

This breeding effort began in the early 1960s by crossing quicker-finishing Northern Mexican and Jamaican with more potent but longer-flowering time Panamanian, Colombian, and Thai. Breeders created well-known outdoor Sativas like Original Haze and Maui Wowie through selective inbreeding.

Inbreeding involves selecting siblings with desirable traits and using males to pollinate females. Over several generations of careful selection, inbreeding creates a uniform line known as “stabilized” or “true-breeding,” where all offspring consistently display the desired characteristics.

Classic Breeding Products

Skunk #1

Skunk #1, an iconic bud developed in the 1970s by Sacred Seeds in California, combined Afghani, Colombian Gold, and Acapulco Gold genetics through inbreeding to create stability. It quickly became popular for its sweet flavor and potent impacts. After Sacred Seeds shut down in 1982, Sam the Skunkman preserved it.

In the 1980s, Skunk #1’s move to the Netherlands transformed breeding. Its consistent DNA genetics enabled the creation of many varieties, including the award-winning Skunk #1 by Cultivator’s Choice at the first High Times Cannabis Cup in 1988.

Skunk #1 remains important in modern marijuana breeding because it produces uniform, vigorous F1 hybrids. Blending traits from tropical Sativas and Afghani Indicas yields moderately dense buds ideal for high yields.

Skunk #1’s influence extends to buds like AK-47 and S.A.G.E., thriving in similar conditions and cementing its legacy in the  community.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights, a classic originating from the Pacific Northwest, is believed to be an inbred line derived from pure afghanica genetics.

Introduced to the Dutch cannabis scene by Nevil Schoenmakers, founder of the Seed Bank of Holland, Northern Lights became the basis for several renowned crosses and backcrosses, including NL #5 x Haze, NL #5 x Skunk #1, Silver Pearl, and Hash Plant x NL#1.

In 1991, Schoenmakers sold the Seed Bank of Holland to Sensi Seeds. Sensi Seeds has since continued to offer Northern Lights seeds, refining them by meticulously back-crossing three original variants. The result is a variety known for its low odor and distinct sweet aromas of honey-musk, earthiness, and juniper in its cured buds.

Also, Greenhouse Seed Co.’s Super Silver Haze, a standout bud derived from Northern Lights, is prized for its classic Haze flavor reminiscent of cedar wood and its uplifting, psychedelic high known for intensifying colors and enhancing sensory perception.

Blueberry

Blueberry by DJ Short is a stabilized flower that blends Afghani Indica and Sativa genetics. Known for its sweet berry flavor and euphoric sensation, reminiscent of blueberry pie, it produces beautiful bluish-purple hues. 

Blueberry is an inbred line that combines well with other buds and is a favorite for breeding new variants. This has led to numerous “Blue” and “berry” named strains in seed catalogs for their esteemed quality and breeding adaptability.

OG Kush 

OG Kush has made a big splash in the weed scene. It competes with legendary names like Haze, Skunk #1, and Northern Lights. With a THC level of over 25%, it’s known for its potent flavor and unmistakable scent, which makes it a top choice in dispensaries and seed catalogs.

OG Kush, such as Girl Scout Cookies (OG Kush x Durban Poison), dominate the current market. It combines potency with exceptional flavor.

Sativa Vs. Indica Vs. Balanced Hybrid

Marijuana may have originated in Central Asia before spreading to diverse climates across the globe, where it evolved into a distinct landrace named after their respective regions. In 1753, Carl Linnaeus classified plants as Cannabis sativa L., with ‘sativa’ meaning ‘cultivated.’ French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck differentiated both based on physical relaxation and psychoactive properties.

Breeders introduced these original landraces to the Western world, extensively cross-breeding them and thereby contributing to today’s rich diversity.

1. Sativa Dominant

These flowers lead to  uplifting, stimulating, and cerebral high  and are indigenous to warmer regions like Eastern Asia and Central and South America.

They are taller and slimmer with thin, light green leaves. They take longer to mature and exceed 3m in height. They commonly have a lower CBD-to-THC ratio.

They have stimulating experiences, described as producing a ‘mind high’ that boosts creativity and focus and reduces anxiety.

Lemon Haze and Red Congolese are the best examples of sativa hybrid strains. Lemon Haze comes from crossing Lemon Skunk with Silver Haze. Red Congolese is the crossing of Mexican, Congolese, and Afghani.

2. Indica Cannabis Strains 

They originally grow in cold, northern climates and have shorter, stockier growth and quicker harvest cycles. These Indica dominant hybrid strains are native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. Indica-strain plants have bushier greenery and broad, dark green leaves. They grow faster and produce more flowers (buds) than Sativa-dominant hybrids.

Cannabis Indica Hybrid strain commonly has a higher CBD level, though THC content varies. They lead to relaxing and sedating experiences like muscle pain, which works as an anxiety and sleep aid. In high doses, it can lead to a couch lock sensation.

Some popular Indica dominant hybrids include Van Helsing and Ice Cream Cake.

• Van Helsing is a crossbreed of GMO and Purple Punch
• Ice Cream Cake is a crossbreed of Gelato 33 and Wedding Cake

3. Balanced Hybrids

Breeders create balanced hybrid cannabis strains by crossbreeding both parent Sativa and Indica plants, which results in equal genetic contributions from both. Hybrid weed strain offers various benefits that are good for medical marijuana patients. 

Apple Fritter and Pink Runtz are some of the best-balanced selections online. Apple Fritter is a blend of Sour Apple and Animal Cookies. Pink Runtz is created by crossing Zkittles with Gelato.

How Does Best Hybrid Strain Feel Like?

The experience of hybrid weed strains depends on the genetic makeup of the two plants it combines. Hybrid sativa strains provide uplifting and energetic sensations, while Indicas tend to provide a more pronounced body-centric, sedative experience. A well-crafted hybridized cultivar offers balanced effects with mood elevation and bodily relaxation.

Not all achieve this balance effect. Some lean more toward the characteristics of one-parent strains. Sativa dominant hybrid strains deliver uplifting and euphoric sensations with a subtle undercurrent of bodily relaxation. An Indica-dominant prioritizes the calming experience while still offering a touch of euphoria. 

These options will cater to those seeking a boost in mood alongside mild relaxation or those prioritizing sedation with a hint of euphoria.

THC Guideline in the Cannabis Industry

Select the right THC dosage for the hybrid bud that suits you. Check out this guideline.

Notes:

• Begin with a small dose and increase gradually to gauge your tolerance to the specific strain of weed.
• Be mindful of the strain’s THC levels, as potent strains can cause stronger results.
• Experiment with various ratios to find what suits you best.
• Seek advice from a qualified budtender or healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

How to Buy Weed Online

The process of buying weed online has never been simpler. Here’s a clear guide to help you purchase this particular strain.

1. Seek dispensaries with positive reviews and secure, discreet packaging. Ensure the website is safe for your privacy, such as GetLoud Cannabis dispensary.
2. Browse our selections by filtering them by type, potency, and experiences. Use detailed product descriptions and customer reviews to find the right strain.
3. Add chosen products to your cart and proceed to checkout. Provide the required shipping and payment details to complete your purchase.
4. Relax as we process and ship your order discreetly. Track your package for delivery updates.
5. Follow dosage guidelines upon receiving your order.

Purchase The Most Popular Hybrid Strains Online

The hybridized flower combines the distinctive potential benefits  of both plants. By blending these two, you can experience their impacts harmoniously and avoid the overwhelming aspects. 

GetLoud Cannabis online dispensary provides diverse products tailored to your preferences. We offer selections where you can choose the THC you need, the flavor you want, or the results you desire. Our convenient online platform and payment options ensure direct delivery of your favorite flower to your doorstep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should use hybrids?

Determining who should use this type of flower is challenging as everyone’s body chemistry reacts differently. The genetics of the weed can be beneficial for those seeking a balance of energy and relaxation.Some users may turn to this variety if pure buds are too intense. This highlights the importance of reading the description of a product or asking the budtender.

We provide comprehensive details about our dried flower to help you distinguish the genetics of a product.

Should I smoke an Indica-dominant strain for anxiety?

While it causes relaxation, there’s little evidence to attribute this solely to their type. The key factors for predicting the outcome of anxiety are the plant compounds, cannabinoids, and terpene profile. If you seek anxiety relief, consult an expert to assist in finding a treatment with the appropriate cannabinoids and dominant terpenes tailored to your symptoms.

What are the benefits of  hybridization?

 Hybridization offers several advantages:

• The technique allows breeders to create varieties with specific benefits. This customization caters to various needs, including focus, relaxation, or pain relief.
• Due to their parent plant blend, they commonly boast many aromas and flavor profiles. This diverse range enhances the overall enjoyment of consuming weed.
• Hybridization allows breeders to introduce desired traits like potency, disease resistance, or yield improvement into offspring, which advances genetic diversity and enhances  cultivation overall.

Can you mix the best hybrid strains together?

Mixing these marijuana cultivarscan be a fun way to experiment with different flavors, aromas, and effects.  

1. Effects. Combining different varieties can create unique effects that blend the characteristics of each flower. For example, mixing Indica strains with a Sativa dominant might provide a balanced experience that combines relaxation with a slight energy boost.
2. Flavor and Aroma. Mixing can also create interesting flavor profiles. Some combinations may complement each other, while others might create a complex taste experience.
3. Potency. Be mindful of the potency of each strain when mixing. Some  may be more potent than others, so adjusting the ratio can help you achieve the desired effects without becoming too overwhelming.
4. Personal Preference. Experimentation is key when mixing buds. Start with small amounts and adjust as needed based on how the combination affects you personally.

Are there pure weed flower in the market today?

Modern weed plants are rarely pure due to extensive hybridization. You can examine the plant’s genetics if you’re seeking specific effects, such as strong sedation or energizing effects. Some may be 90% Indica and 10% Sativa, or vice versa. 

Most available flower combine both plants, which can be advantageous as they address multiple needs in one use. For instance, a balanced weed can help you relax while staying focused. Checking the terpene profile can also guide you in selecting the desired results. For example, high levels of myrcene indicate a more sedating bud.

Consider the cannabinoid content and dosage. High doses of THC can be sedating but might also cause anxiety, especially for those who are inexperienced. CBD has relaxing properties and an anxiolytic effect. Balancing THC and CBD levels allows you to experience both the relaxing and anxiolytic impact of the cannabinoids. It can also lead to a better experience, especially if you are a first-time user.