What Is Hybrid Weed?

So you’ve probably heard of Sativa and Indica strains, but what about hybrid weed strains?

Hybrid cannabis is a mix of the two, with some strains leaning sativa dominant and others indica dominant.

These days most of the weed available are hybrid strains.

Keep reading to learn all about hybrid cannabis and the best strains out there.

Key Takeaways: Hybrid Weed

• Hybrid strains are crafted from crossing sativa and indica strains together.
• Hybrids offer a balanced high, with effects that are both cerebral and relaxing.
• Hybrid cannabis has many potential therapeutic benefits.
• Most weed and edibles on the market have hybrid genetics.

What Is Hybrid Cannabis?

Hybrids contain a mix of indica and sativa genetics. 

They’re made from cultivars, which is short for “cultivated variety.” These are cannabis plants that have been selected for specific traits and improved upon by humans. 

To create hybrid cannabis strains, an indica is bred with a sativa. The offspring retains qualities from both parent plants.

What Does Hybrid Weed Do?

Indica dominant strains are known for producing a body high that is relaxing and sedating. 

Sativa dominant strains are known for causing a euphoric head high with uplifting and energizing effects. 

No matter the cannabis strain, if it has a high THC content you will get blazed.

Hybrid cannabis strains share similar characteristics of both strains and tend to offer a balanced high. 

If the hybrid strain is sativa dominant it will cause cerebral effects, but if a hybrid strain is indica dominant it will cause physical effects.

Hybrid Edibles Effects

Hybrid edibles offer the best of both worlds. Edibles made from hybrids will contain both sativa and indica qualities. 

Hybrid edibles are similar to other marijuana products in that the effects come on slower than other consumption methods. That said, one of the unique effects of edibles is their powerfully strong high. 

In a perfectly balanced 50/50 edible, expect the effects to be a perfectly balanced indica/sativa combo. 

Edibles that lean more toward sativa genetics will be more energizing and uplifting, while edibles made from stronger indica genetics will offer a more relaxing body high.

Related Read: Sativa VS Indica Edibles

Hybrid Weed

PROS (+)

• Contains several potential therapeutic benefits.
• Offers a balanced buzz.
• Can positively affect both body and mind.
• Easy to cultivate.

CONS (-)

• Hybrid cannabis plants may cause unpredictable effects.

Top Hybrid Marijuana Strains In 2024

Here’s a list of the most popular hybrid strains. 

1. Gorilla Glue

G.G. (Gorilla Glue) is a 60/40 indica-sativa strain with a piney, sour aroma. 

The predominant terpene is caryophyllene, followed by myrcene and limonene.

2. OG Kush

This hybrid is a 70/30 indica-sativa with an earthy, skunky flavor profile. 

The dominant terpenes are myrcene, caryophyllene and limonene.

3. Wedding Cake

Wedding cake is an indica-dominant hybrid with a sweet and spicy aroma. 

The terpene profile consists of humulene, caryophyllene, and linalool.

4. Runtz

This hybrid cannabis is mostly indica and has aromatics reminiscent of sweet and sour citrus candies. 

Its dominant terpenes are limonene, caryophyllene and humulene.

5. Gelato

Another indica heavy hybrid with Cookies genetics, Gelato has a sugary citrus aroma with hints of earthiness. 

The major terps are limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene and linalool.

6. Blue Dream

One of the OG sativa strains, Blue dream produces mostly sativa effects and has strong aromas of blueberry and pine. 

The terpene profile consists of myrcene, pinene and caryophyllene.

7. Gary Payton

A lesser known strain in the cannabis industry, Gary Payton is a balanced 50/50 hybrid with floral notes and hints of sweet pine. 

Its dominant terpenes are caryophyllene, humulene and linalool.

Girl Scout Cookies

One the most popular hybrid strains, Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) is a hybrid strain with predominantly indica effects and a pungent scent of sugar and pine. 

The major terps are caryophyllene, humulene, linalool, pinene and limonene.

Frequently Asked Questions: Hybrid Pot

How Does Hybrid Weed Make You Feel?

It all depends. 

Weed with a higher percentage of cannabis sativa genetics will generally produce feelings of euphoria, happiness, creativity and cause a boost in energy and mood. 

Weed that contains a higher percentage of indica genetics will typically produce feelings of tranquility, euphoria and relaxation.

Is Hybrid Weed Good?

Absolutely. In fact, most weed you see today is hybrid. Pure indica or sativa is hard to come by. 

If you’re looking for an energetic daytime strain, opt for a sativa dominant hybrid. 

If you’re after a nighttime strain that promotes relaxation, try an indica dominant hybrid. 

You can also look up specific genetics to find the desired effects to get the ideal strain for you.

Is Hybrid Weed Upper Or Downer?

It depends on the genes and terpenes. 

Indica dominant cannabis such as GSC or Purple punch will cause a calming and sedating high, which could be considered a downer. 

A sativa dominant strain like Pineapple Express or Green Crack will produce a creative and energizing high, and could be considered an upper.

Certain terpene profiles also cause certain effects. 

For example, hybrids high in myrcene and beta-pinene have been shown to increase sedation. Hybrids high in limonene and humulene show to have energizing effects.

What Is A Hybrid Cart?

To fully answer this question let’s first define cannabis cartridges. They are small glass devices that contain cannabis oil. 

Hybrid carts are vape cartridges that are pre-filled with hybrid cannabis oil. 

Some hybrid carts are strain specific while others are a blend of hybrid strains with unspecified genetics.