What is Hybrid Weed? Top Strains & Usage Guide

What is hybrid cannabis?

The term “hybrid cannabis” refers to any cross-bred strain that combines sativa and indica plants. These products can be a great choice if you like rich flavors and balanced effects. To find the perfect hybrid cannabis for your PAX Plus or another vaporizer, here's what you need to know.

Exploring hybrid cannabis: what you should know

The cannabis plant family includes two separate species, Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. While the shorter, bushier indica plant comes from India and is known for its calming effects, the taller, thinner sativa plant comes from Eastern Asia and is popular for its invigorating effects.

These two plants can pollinate each other and make a brand-new cannabis strain that provides the best of both worlds. Hybrids inherit features from both of their parents, so you get a blend of sativa and indica sensations. Furthermore, the unique cross-breeding methods result in all sorts of unique flavors and aromas. In modern times, the majority of popular cannabis strains are some type of hybrid that contains genetics from both indica and sativa plants.

What does hybrid cannabis feel like?

The answer to this question depends on the hybrid cannabis strain you try. Hybrids come in an infinite variety of styles. Some hybrids are indica-dominant hybrids that feel similar to traditional indica plants. Other hybrids are sativa-dominant hybrids that remind people of classic sativa plants.

However, hybrids often feel like a blend of both plants. These hybrids are often called balanced hybrids, true hybrids, or 50/50 hybrids. Some users report that hybrids combine the full-body sensations of indica with the mental stimulation of sativa. Other people say that certain hybrids tend to feel like a modulated version of their preferred species. For example, people often state that hybrids feel invigorating like a sativa yet don't cause anxiety, or they say that hybrids feel relaxing like an indica without making them sleepy.

The effects of hybrid cannabis

As you can see, hybrids have a broad range of effects. Almost any effect you find in traditional cannabis is also present in hybrids. It's impossible to precisely predict what effects you'll feel until you try a hybrid for yourself. Since hybrids come in so many styles, it's easy to find one for every mood and situation.

How is hybrid different from indica or sativa?

If you try a 50/50 hybrid strain, you'll notice that it often has sensations not found in a classic indica or sativa strain. You get access to a broader range of effects, and they may combine in unexpectedly enjoyable ways. Though some hybrids feel very similar to traditional indicas and sativas, others may have hybrid THC levels that are higher or lower than normal.

Popular hybrid strains in 2023

Ready to try some types of hybrid cannabis? Here are some of the most popular options in 2023.

Guava Gelato

Guava Gelato has a tropical, fruity aroma and a balanced blend of mental and physical effects. This strain is part of the Gelato cannabis series which is known for its sweet, creamy flavor. Many people who try it report that it helps them relax while still staying focused.

Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express's creators made it by crossing a sativa plant with a hybrid plant to create a sativa-dominant strain. Pineapple Express has high THC levels and a pineapple flavor. Reviews of the strain often mention that it makes them feel energized with a mildly calming full-body sensation.

Mochi Cookies

Mochi Cookies is an indica-dominant hybrid that prioritizes flavor. It has a sweet, dessert-like aroma with hints of herbs and spices. Users often say that this strain makes them feel relaxed, euphoric, and alert.

How is hybrid cannabis made?

Hybrid cannabis is made while pollinating cannabis plants. A breeder puts the pollen from one strain into the bud of another strain. The seeds that the female plant produces then contain genes from both the parent strains. When these seeds are planted and grow into a new plant, you have hybrid cannabis.

How do you ingest hybrids?

Hybrid cannabis is incredibly versatile. After harvesting it and curing it, you can smoke or vaporize the pure cannabis flowers. Hybrids are also a popular choice for making cannabis extracts and edibles. Depending on the product you select, you can vaporize it, eat it, place it in a bong, or use it in a dab rig.

Frequently asked questions about hybrid cannabis

Here are some other helpful details to know about hybrid cannabis.

Does hybrid cannabis make you sleepy?

Some people do find themselves feeling sleepy after certain strains of hybrid cannabis. However, others report that the sativa heritage in hybrids helps them to feel more alert.

Is hybrid cannabis right for me?

If you like being able to customize your cannabis experience to suit your personal preferences, hybrid cannabis is a great choice. It comes in so many variants that you can easily find the perfect option for whatever adventure you're planning.

Can I mix different hybrid strains to create my own blend?

Despite what the name implies, hybrid cannabis isn't made by mixing together ready-to-vaporize cannabis. However, there's no harm in trying this concept if you're interested. Some people like the unique aromas and effects they get by blending together multiple strains in a single vaporizer oven.

Is hybrid relaxing or energizing?

This will depend on the hybrid strain you pick and how your body reacts to the cannabis. Some strains tend to make people feel calm and laid back while others make people feel alert and focused. Some people even report that certain strains provide a balanced mix of the two sensations.

As you can see, hybrids are one of the most fascinating types of cannabis strains. With their ability to combine multiple features into a single strain, hybrids are an easy way to get the precise cannabis traits that you enjoy.