Cannabis 101: What is Hybrid Weed?

Shopping in a cannabis dispensary can be confusing, especially for the uninitiated. Many first-time patients may wonder about the way cannabis is marketed, including weed strains that are labeled “indica,” “sativa,” or “hybrid.”

What is Hybrid Weed, Anyway?

Hybrid weed refers to strains of cannabis created by intentionally crossbreeding the indica and afghanica varieties of Cannabis sativa L. plants. These varieties each have specific traits, such as aroma, cannabinoid content and ratio, terpene profiles, growth characteristics, and others, that breeders aim to express in hybrid strains with a novel combination of desirable traits.¹

A Brief History of Hybrids

The creation and popularity of hybrid strains is a relatively recent phenomenon compared to the long history of cannabis culture. In the 1980s, the terms indica and sativa became popular ways to describe cannabis plants based on their geographical origin and growth pattern. Under this classification system, indicas are botanically classified as Cannabis sativa L. subsp indica var afghanica, while sativas are botanically classified as Cannabis sativa L. subsp indica var indica.

Indica strains of cannabis generally have a shorter, bushier growth habit and produce dense flowers. Sativas, on the other hand, have a taller, more conical growth habit and produce looser, less dense flowers.² 

In the 1970s, cannabis breeders began crossing indicas and sativas to produce new hybrid varieties of weed. This led to the first popular hybrid, Skunk No. 1, ushering in a new era in cannabis agriculture. Breeders began creating new crosses combining indica and afghanica traits, leading to novel combinations of aroma, growth habit, cannabinoids, and terpenes in new hybrid strains.

Classifying Hybrid Weed

As the terms “indica” and “sativa” became accepted by the cannabis community, they also took on meanings related to the psychoactive and intoxicating effects of the plant. 

• In general, indicas were thought to impart a relaxing or sedating body high.
• Meanwhile, sativas were believed to produce an energizing or focusing head buzz. 

This system isn’t always accurate, however, and better ways to choose cannabis strains based on their expected effects have become popular with many producers and consumers.

Hybrid Weed Today

Today, most commercially available cannabis strains are hybrids that breeders have selected and developed for traits that consumers and growers find desirable. Hybrid strains express a wide range of characteristics, including varying types and amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes. In general, however, strains of hybrid weed share some general characteristics, such as:

• Effects: Hybrid strains often produce a balanced mix of so-called indica and sativa effects that can promote both relaxation and focus. Others express sativa-dominant or indica-dominant traits with effects that can be more mental or physical, respectively.
• Growth habit: Hybrid weed strains often express a growth pattern somewhere between the shorter, bushier habit of indicas and the taller, more conical shape of sativas.
• High Yields: Hybrids often produce high yields of resin-rich flowers, making them popular with both commercial and home growers.

Are There Advantages to Hybrid Strains?

Hybrid weed strains often have advantages over their genetic parents. Some of these advantages include:

Tailored Effects

By performing multiple genetic crosses over time, cannabis breeders can produce strains with novel combinations of traits, including cannabinoid content and terpene profiles. 

Breeders can then choose the crosses with the most desirable traits for further breeding, allowing them to develop hybrid strains for specific effects, such as relaxation, pain relief, enhancing focus, or euphoria.

Improved Genetics

Hybrid weed strains are bred to combine the best traits of the parent strains, resulting in new cultivars with enhanced genetics that maximize desirable traits while breeding out undesirable characteristics.

Medical Utility

Hybrid strains are particularly sought after for their potential medical benefits. By crossing different parent strains, breeders aim to create hybrids with specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles that cater to individuals managing various medical conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, or nausea. 

This versatility allows patients to choose cultivars that best address their symptoms and provide relief with less risk of unwanted side effects.

Diverse Flavor Profiles

Hybridizing cannabis allows breeders to create new flavors by combining the unique terpene profiles of different parent strains. Hybrids offer a wide range of tastes and aromas, such as fruity, earthy, gassy, citrusy, or spicy, that enhance the overall cannabis experience for consumers.

Enhanced Growth Habit

Hybrid strains are bred to optimize desirable cultivation traits. Whether it is their adaptability to different lighting and nutrient regimens or their ability to resist common pests and diseases, hybrids may provide growers with flexibility and reliability in producing high-quality cannabis crops.

What Are the Disadvantages of Hybrid Weed?

While hybrid weed strains often offer advantages over other cultivars, they also have potential drawbacks to consider when choosing the strain best suited to a particular desired effect.

• Preference for Specific Effects: Some patients prefer well-known landrace strains that offer predictable effects. The popularity of hybrid strains, however, can make pure landrace strains like Afghani Kush or Durban Poison difficult to find at many retail outlets.

• Oversaturation and “Trendy” Genetics: The commercial popularity of hybrids has led to an overwhelming number of strains. It can be hard to know what’s actually high-quality, particularly when some breeders focus on creating the next catchy strain name instead of focusing on balanced effects or unique terpene profiles. Some cannabis enthusiasts feel certain strains (like Gelato and its many crosses, for example) are overdone and lack distinctive qualities.

Indica Sativa Hybrid vs Sativa Indica Hybrid: Does “Dominant” Matter?

Many hybrid strains are marketed as “indica-dominant” or “sativa-dominant” to help patients understand their expected effects. Indicas and indica-dominant strains were thought to produce a more sedating body high, while sativas and sativa-dominant cultivars were expected to impart a more cerebral and energizing buzz. However, many growers and patients have learned that there are more accurate ways to predict a particular strain’s effects.

A Better Way to Choose Strains

In addition to the designations “indica,” “sativa,” and “hybrid,” many consumers consider cannabinoid content, particularly THC percentage, when choosing which strain of cannabis to buy. However, when a detailed certificate of analysis (COA) is available, understanding terpene profiles and the entourage effect may help you decide which strain is right for you.

Terpene Profiles

Terpenes, aromatic compounds found in cannabis, play a significant role in shaping the plant’s effects and therapeutic potential. A 2022 study found that, unlike THC potency, pleasant aroma is predictive of pleasant subjective effects. By simply smelling the available options, consumers were often able to choose cannabis with effects that were subjectively pleasant.³

Terpene Combinations and Effects

Myrcene and Terpinolene

• Effects: Myrcene, commonly found in indica strains, is associated with sedation and relaxation.⁴ Terpinolene, often prevalent in strains labeled as “sativa,” may offer uplifting and mood-enhancing effects.⁵
• Strains: Purple Haze, Tangie, and Fruity Pebbles OG.

Caryophyllene and Linalool

• Effects: Caryophyllene exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, while linalool may provide a calming effect, making it ideal for stress relief.^6,7
• Strains: Biscotti, Blue Cheese, Dosidos, Gelato, and Mimosa.

Primary Cannabinoids and Effects

In addition to terpenes, the cannabinoids THC and CBD (and others) play critical roles in the overall effects of cannabis. Choosing strains based on cannabinoid ratios can further personalize the experience.

• THC-Dominant Strains: These are often preferred for their euphoric, intoxicating effects, which may be suitable for managing pain and insomnia or for enhancing creativity.

• CBD-Dominant Strains: Ideal for those seeking relief without the intoxicating high, CBD-dominant strains offer therapeutic benefits such as pain relief, anxiety reduction, and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is crucial for patients to remember that every individual is unique. While the expected effects of cannabinoids described above are commonly experienced by a wide range of users, some people may not react the same way. Many people, for example, find that THC, especially in high doses, can induce anxiety. Using cannabis mindfully can help you understand what products, terpene profiles, and cannabinoid combinations may best suit your needs.

The Entourage Effect

Other research reveals the importance of the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes known as the entourage effect.  Due to this phenomenon, the combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis may be more effective than any one compound on its own. They may offer unique profiles with unique effects that enhance the overall therapeutic effects of cannabis.

Choosing the Best Cannabis Strain

Using information about terpene profiles and cannabinoid content, when it’s available, can help patients choose weed strains likely to have the effects they desire. In the absence of a COA, however, using your nose may be the best way to select a strain of cannabis that’s right for you.

References

1. Barcaccia G, Palumbo F, Scariolo F, Vannozzi A, Borin M, Bona S. Potentials and Challenges of Genomics for Breeding Cannabis Cultivars. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2020;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.573299 ↩︎
2. McPartland JM, Small E. A classification of endangered high-THC cannabis (Cannabis sativa subsp. indica) domesticates and their wild relatives. PhytoKeys. 2020;144:81-112. doi:https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.144.4670breeders have chosen0 ↩︎
3. Plumb J, Demirel S, Sackett JL, Russo EB, Wilson-Poe AR. The Nose Knows: Aroma, but Not THC Mediates the Subjective Effects of Smoked and Vaporized Cannabis Flower. Psychoactives. 2022; 1(2):70-86. https://doi.org/10.3390/psychoactives1020008 ↩︎
4. Surendran S, Qassadi F, Surendran G, Lilley D, Heinrich M. Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? Frontiers in Nutrition. 2021;8. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666 ↩︎
5. Lewis MA, Russo EB, Smith KM. Pharmacological Foundations of Cannabis Chemovars. Planta Medica. 2017;84(04):225-233. doi:10.1055/s-0043-122240 ↩︎
6. Sommano SR, Chittasupho C, Ruksiriwanich W, Jantrawut P. The Cannabis Terpenes. Molecules. 2020;25(24):5792. Published 2020 Dec 8. doi:10.3390/molecules25245792 ↩︎
7. Cui J, Li M, Wei Y, et al. Inhalation Aromatherapy via Brain-Targeted Nasal Delivery: Natural Volatiles or Essential Oils on Mood Disorders. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2022;13. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.860043 ↩︎

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.