What is a Hybrid Strain?
As you can probably guess, a hybrid is the ‘best of both worlds’ in the sense that it offers both Sativa and Indica. They are a combination of two or more forms of cannabis, and they are designed to allow you to get the benefits of Indica and sativa in a single strain. hybrid strain marijuana
For example, if you have chronic pain from arthritis but have to go to work, you could use a hybrid strain to alleviate the pain while still remaining alert. Hybrids are used to treat the same illnesses as Indica or Sativa strains. hybrid strain marijuana
What Medical Conditions Do Hybrid Strains Treat?
For all the controversy about marijuana, it is worth remembering that it has been used for medicinal purposes for at least 3,000 years, and possibly for longer. While the number of states where it is possible to buy medical marijuana is growing (33 states plus D.C at the last count), the FDA refuses to legalize it across the board due to a supposed lack of evidence supporting its medical benefits.
While there have been studies on marijuana’s medicinal value for decades, it is only in the last few years that relaxed legislation has allowed for a veritable explosion of research. A study by Atwal et al., published in Neuropharmacology in January 2019, found that THC helped boost the efficacy of traditional neuropathic pain medication. For the record, neuropathic pain is a common type of chronic pain that can severely reduce a person’s quality of life.
The study involved providing mice (suffering from neuropathic pain) with a combination of gabapentin and THC. It turned out that the combination reduced pain more than what was predicted from their individual effects; a suggestion that the two drugs may have combined synergistically.
A pair of studies, both published in 2018, were completed by researchers at the University of Mexico. One was published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, while the other was published in Medicines. Both studies discovered that medical marijuana provided immediate relief from a variety of medical symptoms with minimal side effects.
The list of symptoms that hybrid marijuana strains potentially treat includes, but is not limited to:
- Fibromyalgia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Migraines
- ALS
- PTSD
- Epilepsy
- Fatigue
Of course, the possible effects of each strain vary according to the individual, thanks to the unique nature of our endocannabinoid system (ECS). In any case, here are five great hybrid cannabis strains worth considering:
The 5 Best Popular Hybrid Strains on the Market
1 – Cannatonic (The Anti-Anxiety Marijuana Strain)
Cannatonic is often regarded as the #1 high-CBD marijuana strain in the world, and it is unquestionably one of the finest hybrids. It is known for being a rarity insofar as it has relatively high levels of THC and CBD. Cuts of Cannatonic can have up to 15% THC and 12% CBD.
It is a cross of G13 Haze and MK Ultra and is a balanced hybrid. This means it is 50% sativa, 50% indica. As such, first-time users may not know what to expect. We can tell you that it tends to provide a mellow high. While it doesn’t last as long as other well-known strains, it makes you feel happy and relaxed, as if the entire weight of the world has been taken off your shoulders.
Typically, Cannatonic results in users feeling optimistic and happy. There is no boost of energy, but you don’t need to concern yourself with couch lock either. It is a big name in the medical marijuana field and is valued for its analgesic effects. As such, it is recommended for the treatment of chronic pain such as muscle spasms, migraines, and cerebral palsy. Side effects are minimal but could include mild headaches, dry eyes, and dry mouth.
If you fancy growing it yourself, it is best if you grow it indoors. Cannatonic is also not a great option for first-time growers because it requires skill and experience. It is susceptible to mold and mildew, so keep humidity levels on the low side of average. In general, we recommend growing it indoors as it allows you to maintain better control of the climate conditions.
2 – Three Blue Kings (The New Kid on the Block)
This is an indica-dominant hybrid that is taking the market by storm. It was created by Humboldt Seed Organization and is a feminized strain designed to be easy to grow. Three Blue Kings is a cross of Three Kings and Blue Dream; so, it isn’t hard to figure out where it gets its name!
As you probably know, Blue Dream is one of the biggest selling strains ever, so it is interesting to see such a hyped hybrid come from its lineage. Three Blue Kings is an extremely potent strain with a THC level of up to 24%! It hits you with a potent body high that helps ease stress and keeps your muscles nice and relaxed.
Ultimately, this strain features heavy buds, and a delightful fruity smell paves the way for a delicious tasting strain. Users report a fruity and sweet aroma with zesty overtones while the flavor is a combination of petrol, lemon, pine, and fuel.
Although you can grow this strain indoors, Three Blue Kings fulfills its potential when grown outdoors. Indoors, you could get around 20 ounces per square meter planted. However, it is outdoor growers that are astounded by the yield. We have heard reports of this plant growing to 13 feet tall with a yield of over 60 ounces per plant!
3 – Larry Bird Kush (The Perfect Hybrid Strain)
This marijuana strain has been heralded as the ‘perfect’ hybrid. That’s quite a claim! It is a cross of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbet. As basketball fans can guess, it is named after the legendary Boston Celtics player. It is a balanced hybrid with a THC content that can reach 26%, against around 1% CBD. hybrid strain marijuana
The aroma of sweet grapes is tempting, to say the least, while the smoke is smooth and provides users with a flowery and minty taste. Once you use Larry Bird Kush, you’ll understand the hype. It provides a pleasant cerebral high, followed by a tingling feeling that is almost indescribable. All it takes is a few hits of Larry Bird Kush to put a huge smile on your face.
Growers of this strain are in for a visual treat. Its sugar leaves can develop gorgeous shades of deep purple, and the dense, tightly-packed buds are covered in sticky trichomes, a clear sign of its potency. When grown indoors, the flowering time is 8-10 weeks with a yield of up to 25 ounces per square meter. Outdoors, it can grow to over 6 feet tall, is ready for harvest by early October, and offers around 28 ounces per plant.
4 – White Widow (The Amsterdam Staple Marijuana Strain)
It is an ‘old’ hybrid by marijuana standards, but few modern-era strains can match White Widow. It was one of the first imports from Europe to make it big in the United States when it first traveled overseas from the Netherlands in the 1990s. It is a cross of South American sativa and a South Indian indica, with a THC content ranging from 18% to 25%.
White Widow is known for producing a smooth and reliable high. It manages to be uplifting and relaxing at the same time; perfect if you are a creative individual seeking inspiration. It is an excellent ‘social’ strain, but when it takes hold, it provides a deep body relaxation that could cause you to flop on a couch and not get up!
This strain looks like it has been dipped in sugar, such is the number of trichomes it possesses. It has a pungent aroma with spicy and earthy hints. As well as giving a strong earthy taste, White Widow provides you with hints of wood and pine, but the slight taste of sugar that lingers is what really gets you. hybrid strain marijuana
It is used to treat an array of medical conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. While you can grow White Widow indoors or outside, it is best to cultivate it inside. When grown outdoors, it is ready for harvest near the end of October and offers a yield of up to 21 ounces per plant. Indoors, its flowering time is 8-9 weeks, with around 18 ounces of bud per square meter.
5 – AK-47 (The Marijuana Strain That’s a Misnomer)
Not every marijuana strain name makes sense, and that is certainly the case with AK-47. It is named after an instrument of death capable of producing rapid amounts of bullets. However, the AK-47 marijuana strain is a mild and gentle one. It is a cross of an Afghani indica and a South American sativa. hybrid strain marijuana
AK-47 was probably first grown in the Netherlands in the 1990s and has won over a dozen awards. Its THC content ranges from a reasonable 13% to a strong 20%. Users report feeling a sensation of clear-headed relaxation followed by a boost in their mood. It is an uplifting strain, ideal for dealing with depression or stress.
The high often lasts longer than average, and you may find yourself giggling uncontrollably. It has an initial sour aroma coupled with a smell of earth. If you dig a little deeper, you may also get hints of sugar. AK-47 has a floral taste with earthiness and spiciness thrown in. It is often used to treat anxiety, chronic pain, and lack of appetite.
You can grow AK-47 outdoors, but please note it is sensitive to mold and rotting. It also provides a very strong smell that your neighbors will pick up. When grown outside, this strain is ready for harvest in October and offers a yield of 14+ ounces per plant. When grown indoors, you can control humidity and reduce the likelihood of disease creeping in. AK-47’s flowering time is 7-9 weeks indoors, and it produces around 14 ounces per square meter.