Although marijuana use is still in its early stages, researchers are continually discovering new things about the plant. Because of this, there are many more questions than answers when it comes to marijuana research. The two distinct groups identified by cannabis users – indica and sativa – are a perfect illustration of this. There’s also ruderalis, which most cannabis consumers avoid due on their high THC levels.
In the past, many people thought that indica and sativa strains had exclusive effects. For example, indicas were linked with drowsiness and were typically viewed as a nighttime strain. On the other hand, sativas supposedly gave you more energy, making them ideal to consume first thing in the morning.
The cannabis plant is a mystery to us, despite its many chemical components. The effects you feel are more likely to be determined by the overall cannabinoid and terpene levels of a strain. Cannabis includes over 100 different cannabinoids as well as at least 100 terpenes.
Consequently, it is highly possible to locate a sativa plant that renders calming effects and an indica thats uplifting. This has been made easier due to the fact that breeders are more attuned to this preference, thus resulting in the creation of new strains. Nowadays, you’ll come across few if any pure indicas or sativas. Certain experts maintain the belief that neither exists currently.
Crossbreeding different strains of cannabis creates new and unique hybrids. These hybrid plants take on characteristics from both the indica and sativa side, depending on their lineage. With cannabinoids other than THC & CBD playing a role, as well as terpenes, it is easy to see how a sativa-dominant hybrid might have surprising effects.
Hybrid Strain: What Is It?
A hybrid is the ‘perfect combination’ of two or more types of cannabis, and it combines the benefits of sativa and indica in a single strain. They are made up of two or more strains of cannabis and are meant to provide you with the advantages of indica and sativa in one plant.
A combination of two strains could be used to treat chronic pain while still allowing you to work if, for example, you have arthritis but must go to work. Hybrids are utilized to cure the same diseases as Indica and Sativa strains.
What Medical Conditions Do Hybrid Strains Treat?
It is essential to remember that marijuana has been used medicinally for at least 3000 years, despite the controversy surrounding it. Recently, more states are beginning to sell medical marijuana (33 states plus D.C.), but the FDA refuses to legalize it due because they claim there is a lack of evidence supporting its medicinal benefits.
Since marijuana laws have relaxed in recent years, there has been an increase in research on the plant’s medical efficacy. According to a study by Atwal et al., THC can enhance the effectiveness of traditional neuropathic pain drugs. It is critical to note that neuropathic pain is one kind of chronic pain that often reduces patients’ quality of life.
A combination of gabapentin and THC was given to mice (experiencing neuropathic discomfort) in a study. It turned out that the combination reduced pain more than expected, suggesting that the two chemicals may have combined synergistically.
A pair of research papers, both published in 2018 by University of Mexico scientists, were released. One was published in Frontiers in Pharmacology and the other Medicine. Both revealed that medical marijuana provided prompt alleviation from a variety of medical problems with few negative effects.
Among the many potential benefits of hybrid marijuana strains are:
- Fibromyalgia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Migraines
- ALS
- PTSD
- Epilepsy
- Fatigue
The possible effects of each type of cannabis strain depend on the person smoking it. This is due to every person having a unique endocannabinoid system (ECS). With that in mind, here are five wonderful hybrid cannabis strains worth your time.
The 5 Best Popular Hybrid Strains
Cannatonic (The Anti-Anxiety Marijuana Strain)
Cannatonic is often considered the best high-CBD strain in the world, and it’s definitely one of the greatest combinations. It has a reputation for being a unique as far as its potency levels are concerned, with THC and CBD content that may reach up to 15% THC and 12%.
Users may not know what to anticipate from this strain as a 50/50 mix of G13 Haze and MK Ultra. We can tell you that it has a mellow high effect. While it doesn’t last as long as other well-known strains, it makes you feel peaceful and calm, as if the whole weight of the world has been removed from your shoulders.
Cannatonic is a powerful marijuana strain known for feelings of happiness and optimism. Unlike other strains, users don’t experience bursts of energy or couch lock. Rather, it provides pain relief from chronic conditions like muscle spasms, migraines, and cerebral palsy – making it a go-to medicine for many medical marijuana patients. Typically side effects are mild (i.e. headaches, dry eyes), but could also includedry mouth in some cases.”
If you want to grow it yourself, choose an indoor location. Cannatonic isn’t a good choice for beginners since it needes skill and experience. It is prone to mold and mildew, so keep humidity levels at a reasonable level. We generally advocate growing it indoors because it allows for greater climate control.
Three Blue Kings (The New Kid on the Block)
The indica-dominant hybrid, Three Blue Kings, is rapidly becoming popular among cannabis users. It was produced by Humboldt Seed Organization and is a feminized strain that is meant to be easy to cultivate. The name of the strain doesn’t take much thought to figure out as it’s simply a combination of its parent strains; Three Kings and Blue Dream.
It’s no secret that Blue Dream is one of the most popular strains, so it comes as no surprise that its lineage would give rise to another potent hybrid. With a THC level up to 24%, Three Blue Kings certainly packs a punch! If you’re looking for a strain to help ease stress and relax your muscles, look no further – this is the right choice for you.
Finally, this strain offers hefty buds with a pleasant fruit scent that sets the stage for a delicious tasting cannabis. Users remark on a fruity and sweet fragrance with zesty undertones, while the taste is petrol with lemon, pine, and fuel accents.
Three Blue Kings doesn’t just reach its potential when grown outdoors–it thrives. If you’re growing it indoors, you could get a yield of 20 ounces per square meter planted. However, outdoor growers are the ones who see this plant’s true power with reports of it reaching 13 feet tall with an whopping 60 ounce yield!
Larry Bird Kush (The Perfect Hybrid Strain)
Hybrid marijuana strains are a cross of two different types of cannabis, and the ‘perfect’ one is a mix of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbet. It was named after a very famous basketball player from the Boston Celtics – as fans would expect! This hybrid has a THC content that could reach up to 26%, but only around 1% CBD.
Sweet grapes have a strong aroma, to put it lightly, while the smoke is smooth and has a flowery and minty flavor. You’ll understand why Larry Bird Kush is so popular after you try it. It provides a pleasant cerebral high followed by an indescribable tingling sensation. All it takes is a few hits of Larry Bird Kush to put a big grin on your face.
The growers of this strain will be pleasantly surprised by its appearance. Its sugar leaves can turn a deep purple, and the dense buds are covered in sticky trichomes, an indicant of high potency. When grown indoors, it has a flowering time of 8-10 weeks with a potential yield of up to 25 ounces per square meter. Outdoors, it can grow taller than 6 feet , is ready for harvest by early October, and offers around 28 ounces per plant on average.
White Widow (The Amsterdam Staple Marijuana Strain)
White Widow is a “classic” hybrid, yet few contemporary strains can compete with it. It was one of the first European exports to achieve great popularity in the United States when it arrived from the Netherlands in the 1990s. It’s made up of South American sativa and South Indian indica strains, with a THC concentration ranging from 18% to 25%.
The White Widow strain is famous for creating a reliable, smooth high. Not only does it manage to be uplifting and relaxing simultaneously, but it’s perfect if you’re a creative individual seeking inspiration. It makes for an excellent “social” strain, easing conversation; however, when its effects take hold, it provides such deep body relaxation that you might flop on the couch and not get up!
Dipped in sugar? That’s how it looks with the myriad of trichomes. With a pungent, spicy and earthy aroma, you might not think there’d be much sweetness to this strain–but there is. You get hints of wood and pine with an underlying current of sugar that really makes this weed stand out from the rest.
CBD offers a wide range of therapeutic benefits for people with a variety of medical issues including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. It’s possible to grow White Widow indoors or outside, but it’s best to do so inside. When grown outside, it is ready for harvesting near the end of October and produces up to 21 ounces per plant. Its flowering period is 8-9 weeks long when grown indoors, with an average yield of 18 ounces per square meter.
AK-47 (The Marijuana Strain That’s a Misnomer)
Out of all the marijuana strains, AK-47 is one of the more unique names. It derives from an instrument commonly associated with mass destruction and killing. Nevertheless, this strain is quite mild in comparison to its name suggests. The genetic makeup consists of an Afghani indica crossed with a South American sativa.
The AK-47 is a Dutch cannabis strain that most likely dates back to the 1990s. It has won over a dozen prizes and has a THC concentration of 13% to 20%. Users report feeling a sensation of clearheaded relaxation followed by an increase in their mood. AK-47 is great for tackling sadness or tension.
AK-47 is a potent strain that usually produces long-lasting highs. You may also experience uncontrolled laughter and improved mood while under its effects. This hybrid has an initial sour smell mixed with earthiness, which becomes more nuanced when tasted. Some users say it tastes floral with spicy and woody notes. Beyond its great flavor, AK-47 is often used to soothe anxiety, chronic pain, and stimulate appetite..
If you choose to grow AK-47 outdoors, please be mindful that it is susceptible to mold and rotting. Additionally, the potent smell will likely travel if your house isn’t properly sealed. When grown outside, this strain generally matures in October and offers a yield of over 14 ounces per plant. However, growing indoors allows you more control over humidity and lighting conditions which reduces the chances of disease affecting your plants. Generally speaking,AK-47 reaches full flower 7-9 weeks after planting when grown indoors with an expected yield around 14 ounces per square meter..
Final Thoughts
Cannabis growers are constantly creating new hybrid strains of cannabis that are seriously strong. The best part about Indica and Sativa blends is you can relax without being sleepy and still benefit from pain relief, but without the side effects.
With the recent legalization of weed in several states and Canada, there are now hundreds of new hybrid strains being created each year. In this guide, we’ve outlined a mixture of old and new versions for you to try. Let us know which one is your favorite!