Cannabis has several different varieties, each bringing its own unique effects and benefits to the table. Weed strains are often broken down into categories based on their genetics and cannabinoid profiles.
The effects of different strains may be difficult to predict because everyone reacts differently and there are factors like a person’s age, weight, metabolism, or tolerance to THC to be considered when trying to figure them out. The method of consumption also affects how you feel after consuming a certain variety.
You’ve probably heard that indica strains tend to make you sleepy while sativa flowers are better to kickstart the day and keep yourself productive during that time. But what about cannabis hybrids? What can you expect from hybrid strains?
Continue reading to find out.
Basic Classification of Cannabis Strains
Cannabis strains can be broken down into three main categories:
- Indica
- Sativa
- Hybrids
There’s also a fourth type of cannabis — ruderalis — but this strain is mostly used for crossbreeding different plants and pass its autoflowering effect on them. Other than that, it has no commercial uses — at least not yet.
Below you’ll find a brief overview of each strain.
Indica Cannabis Strains
Indica strains are most commonly linked to relaxing, almost body-melting effects known as the “body high”. These effects are often accompanied by a boost of appetite and stress-relieving euphoria. These strains are better for evening use or before going to bed as they tend to make people feel sedated and enjoy the world from the couch perspective.
Sativa Cannabis Strains
Pure sativa strains are more likely to produce more uplifting, invigorating effects that are focused in the head and often promote productivity, creativity, and chattiness. Cannabis consumers consider sativa varieties to be more energizing and thus better suited for morning or daytime use. Many people who prefer sativas to indicas have this opinion that sativa strains make them enjoy outdoor activities, yard work, exercise, and creative tasks.
What Are Hybrid Strains?
As the name suggests, hybrid strains offer the best of both worlds. If you’re looking for a mixture of both indica and sativa effects in different ratios, hybrids are your best bet.
Here’s a fun fact: most strains today fall somewhere into the hybrid spectrum. Pure strains are actually something rare nowadays.
Most people love this type of cannabis because hybrid strains help them remain alert and physically active even when their heads are in the clouds. Or, on the contrary, to be able to stay focused, productive, and in a positive mood while melting away physical tension.
As we learn about the ratios between cannabinoids and the importance of terpenes when it comes to predicting the effects of cannabis, we’re starting to get a better grasp of how different hybrid strains affect us.
Types of Cannabis Hybrids
There are a few different types of cannabis hybrids, but the main classification takes into account the ratio between indica and sativa genetics in these flowers.
Hybrid varieties include:
- Indica-dominant strains
- Sativa-dominant strains
- 50/50 strains
What To Expect from Hybrid Strains?
Depending on the indica/sativa ratio, as well as their final cannabinoid profile, hybrid strains may produce different effects.
On a general note, indica-dominant hybrids will give you most of the parent strain’s indica nature with some hint of sativa effects.
Sativa-dominant flowers are generally more energizing but the contribution of some indica genetics prevents these strains from becoming overwhelming.
Finally, 50/50 hybrids are the best when you want to experience the effects of both varieties in complete harmony.
Classification of Hybrids By Genetics
As mentioned, there are several types of hybrid strains based on their breeding history and genetic profile. In this section, we’ll tell you what to expect from each variety when it comes to their effects.
1. Indica-Dominant Hybrids
Indica-dominant hybrids tend to bring a significant body high that sends away physical tension, pain, and fatigue while increasing your appetite. The effects are less focused on the head, but they still bring some of the sativa high to the table, resulting in an elevated mood, enhanced creativity, and reduced lethargy.
2. Sativa-Dominant Hybrids
Sativa-dominant strains are great if you want to stay productive throughout the day but there’s some physical discomfort that prevents you from keeping focus and takes away your energy. They are a good option to consider for people who like the sativa-driven energizing effects but tend to get overwhelmed by them when consuming their herbs in larger quantities.
3. 50/50 Hybrids
These are strains that you can use throughout the day, no matter the time. 50/50 hybrids provide a well-rounded set of effects that give you some traits typical to both indica and sativa varieties. They’re also the recommended first-pick for beginners.
Classification of Hybrids By Cannabinoid Content
Cannabis hybrids can have different ratios of THC and CBD, which is the second way of categorizing such strains. Here’s what to expect from different cannabinoid profiles:
1. THC-Dominant Hybrids
THC-dominant strains produce noticeable psychoactive effects accompanied by symptom relief. They work well with people who can manage the cannabis high well, and for those who seek the appetite-stimulating, painkilling, and inflammation-relieving properties in their weed.
2. CBD-Dominant Hybrids
As the name suggests, these strains have higher levels of CBD and lower concentrations of THC. Depending on the THC content in your strain, the psychoactive effects can range from low to moderate when it comes to their potency. Users usually feel calmer and more alert after consuming a high-CBD strain. CBD-dominant hybrids are better for people who are sensitive to the effects of THC.
3. Balanced Hybrids
True to their name, balanced hybrids have equal ratios of THC and CBD, meaning they provide significant symptom relief accompanied by moderate psychoactive effects. If you’re a first-time user and want to experience the marijuana high but without getting too stoned, balanced hybrids are the way to go.
Final Thoughts on Cannabis Hybrid Strains and Their Effects
The effects of cannabis hybrids may depend on the type of strain, ratios of cannabinoids, and whether they lean more towards the indica or sativa spectrum. Being knowledgeable on these details will help you get the best experience with cannabis possible because you can choose your next strain according to your preferences.
It’s just a good step towards a pleasurable experience with this plant.
What type of cannabis hybrids do you like the most? What effects do you expect from your weed?