When you set foot into a dispensary, you know they have sativa strains and indica strains, but what about hybrid strains? How do you know when to buy hybrid cannabis instead of something else? In this guide, we’ll explain:

• What is Hybrid Cannabis?
• How is Hybrid Different from 
• What are the Popular Hybrid Strains?
• How do You Ingest Hybrids?
• Is Hybrid Cannabis Right for Me?

What is Hybrid Cannabis?

Hybrid cannabis strains are plants that have the combined characteristics of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica plants, depending on its genetic lineage. In fact, most cannabis today is a type of hybrid marked as either indica- or sativa-dominant, rather than pure indica or sativa. This is because “landrace strains,” or original cannabis strains that maintain their native characteristics, are hard to come by in today’s cross-breeding, global market. 

Today’s hybrid cannabis plants may be tall with bushier leaves, short with thin leaves, and have a variety of unique qualities that make it evident they are a more modern cultivar than a landrace strain.   

While we have been using indica, sativa, and hybrid classifications in the cannabis industry for a long time, we’ve come to realize that it’s actually not correct. This is because on a molecular level, indica and sativa are all part of the Cannabis sativa L. species. This means we cannot attribute any effects to indica or sativa, but rather, to the entourage effect that occurs with all strains of marijuana when they enter the human body. The entourage effect is the belief that cannabinoids (not just THC), terpenes, and flavonoids all work together to create a unique experience in each of us. 

So what does this mean for hybrid marijuana? It means that it’s really not all that different from indica or sativa. It is a mix of the two different strains and can have unique effects from person to person. 
 

Because the majority of the cannabis flower available in dispensaries is considered hybrid, there are many strains that could make this list. Somehow, we managed to cull it down to our top five favorite hybrid strains:

Hybrid

Cannatonic is a unique and popular hybrid strain for a reason: Its CBD content is higher than its THC content: 12% to 7% respectively. Cannatonic is a medicinal marijuana strain with an earthy smell but a surprising, citrus flavor.  

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

This hybrid has been popular since the 1990s when it first entered Dutch coffee shops. Now, it continues to be popular for consumers and growers. It has helped produce other popular hybrid strains including White Russian, White Rhino and Blue Widow.  

Indica-Dominant Hybrid

This hybrid is a good example of an indica-dominant strain. It has a sweet, tangy flavor to it, likely in part due to its rich limonene terpene profile, and it has won awards, including the Leafly Strain of the Year in 2019. One thing to note: This flower has high THC content at around 25% so make sure to dose carefully.  

Hybrid

Cross Zkittlez and Gelato, and you get this fruity-sweet hybrid. Like Wedding Cake, this strain won Leafly Strain of the Year but in 2020. The buds are rich in resin and the actual flower comes in multiple shades that range from purple to lime green.  

Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

This hybrid is a good example of a sativa-dominant strain. It was created by crossing Trainwreck with Hawaiian and became famous when a movie by the same name was released in 2008. Pineapple Express tastes citrusy sweet with pineapple undertones.  

The availability of each strain depends on a variety of factors, so don’t be afraid to visit your local cannabis dispensaries and ask about a couple of different hybrid marijuana strains on the list. The cannabis experts there can help you find a few different strains to try.

Prepare for your first dispensary visit with our how-to guide.   

You can ingest cannabis hybrid strains the way you ingest any type of marijuana. You can vape, smoke, eat, or drink your hybrid product. Because hybrid marijuana includes both sativa and indica genetics, it’s a little easier to find a variety of product types that offer a hybrid experience. These include things like marijuana drinks and even premium cannabis flower. Ultimately, it’s important to decide how you want to experience marijuana first, and from there, decide on the products you want to try. And if you need help along the way, we’re here. 

Want to try marijuana flower but aren’t sure where to start? Check out our guide to cannabis flower.  

Only you know the answer to this question. Cannabis is an entirely personal experience, and while you can research strains online to see how other consumers experience them, only you can know how the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in a strain will affect you when you try them. That’s why we recommend visiting your licensed dispensary and talking to a cannabis expert. They can help you find budget-friendly options that allow you to try strains before investing too much into them. 

As always, start slow and with a low dose. This will ensure you have the best experience with your cannabis product.