What is Hybrid Weed?
In the marijuana world today, cannabis is generally classified into three categories: indica, sativa, or hybrid. And these days, most strains are considered hybrid strains – which is when the cannabis plant is cross-bred with different parent strains, using both sativa and indica genetics. Of course, you can also create hybrids of indica x indica and sativa x sativa, although it is less common. Hybrids are the most popular in part to the balance of effects – no longer does an Indica have to knock you out, it can be paired with an uplifting sativa to give you mental clarity and the sedation effect you are looking for. Sativas are generally higher in THC, which is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the “high” uplifting, cerebral feeling and Indicas are higher in CBD – which is non-impairing but provides benefits like pain relief and sleep aids. The countless combinations when it comes to creating hybrids allows for users to find the varieties that provide the exact effects they are seeking – with new varieties coming out all the time, it’s no wonder why hybrids are in such high demand.
What Does Hybrid Weed Do?
It depends on the hybrid strain: is it Indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or 50/50? What are the parent strains? What effects are you looking for? There are many important factors to consider.
As mentioned above, the effects of hybrid cannabis will depend on the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and how they work with your own unique endocannabinoid system. Every body’s system is different, so how one strain affects you may be completely different than how it affects your friend. Do your research, experiment, and get to know which ones best help you achieve your desired effects. We offer some of the best hybrid strains Canada has to offer, with many varieties to choose from.
Let’s break down the different cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are a group of chemicals found in cannabis that engage with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body (which are located in your brain and nervous system), which allows them to produce their effects. In other words, they regulate how the cells in your body communicate and process messages – for example, the cannabinoid CBD will tell your body to reduce inflammation, and so on. We know that the dominant cannabinoids in cannabis are THC and CBD, but there are other ones that also dictate the effects of each strain.
Another main cannabinoid is called CBN, which is similar to CBD in the way that it is good for pain relief, and it also can be used to treat neurological conditions. Research is showing its benefits in easing symptoms of epilepsy, seizures and fibromyalgia.
A further cannabinoid is called Tetrahydrocannabinol Acid (THCA). This possesses similar characteristics to THC, but without the psychoactive effects. Research is showing that is can reduce inflammation, especially in consumers with arthritis or other autoimmune diseases
Finally, if you are looking to help reduce anxiety, depression, PTSD or OCD, you can try finding strains that contain a cannabinoid called Cannabigerol (CBG), which is said to help reduce symptoms and treat such conditions.
In addition to cannabinoids, you also need to consider the terpene profile. Terpenes are botanical compounds that have recently been shown to improve the physiological benefits of cannabis. They provide the aroma and the taste, as well as flavonoids. It’s believed that they behave in a similar way to aromatherapy – have you ever heard of anyone putting lavender in the bath to relax, or putting peppermint on temples for a headache? The same principles apply to cannabis.
What is the strongest hybrid strain?
Famously, there is a strain called Chiquita Banana that always tops the list. This strain crosses OG Kush with banana, and has a THC level of up to 33%, and not a drop of CBD. Novices, beware!
If you’ve been using cannabis for a while, there is no doubt you have heard of Gorilla Glue. This strain always makes the list of best hybrid weed strains. The THC content in our Gorilla Glue #4 strain is up to 32% – a classic and one of the strongest.
Users also like Wedding Cake, which also tops the list of high THC content at up to 27%! Some users report this strain being not only a good sleep aid, but also good for arousal, should you and your sweetie be using marijuana together – it’s always a safe bet when you are buying weed online in BC.
Is Most Weed Hybrid?
As we explained above, most weed in today’s world is hybrid, bred with purpose to get the best results and effects. But there is more to it than that. Indica plants are much easier to grow than sativa plants. They tend to grow 3-6 feet tall, stockier and bushier than the sativa plant, and can be easily grown indoors. It takes 6-8 weeks for indica to flower, and they produce much more dense buds. Sativa plants, on the other hand, can grow up to 20 feet tall and require high temperatures and light for best results. This, combined with more flowery buds and a 10-16 week flowering time, can make sativa much more difficult to grow. To tame the height of the plants and shorten the flowering cycle, breeding sativa and indica plants provide the perfect middle ground. So are all weed strains hybrid? Not all, but most.
Secret Smokes Top Hybrid Strains of 2023
The Gelato Strain – The Calming One
Gelato is renowned for hitting consumers fast, often even before they can even exhale that creamy and earthy gelato taste. The most notable result is a perspective shift that makes smokers adjust to their freshly enhanced environment. This brain rush is followed by an extremely tangible body buzz that making some tasks a little more difficult. Some people claim that Gelato has mild psychedelic effects including time dilation and hearing sensitivity that are marginally increased. This strain is excellent for use during the day or in the early evening because it gives users a floating sensation that transcends into a casual “everything is all good” experience.
Gelato has importance in medicine because of its capacity to relieve chronic pain thanks to its profound numbing properties. Some people also take it as a headache and migraine medication. This can be a great strain for people that buy weed online in Ontario that struggle with headaches brought on by cold dry winters.
Gorilla Glue #4 Strain – The Creative but Heavy One
GG4 typically contains 18 to 25% THC, but certain can create the right environment in addition to the right feed schedule that can result in a THC level up to 32% THC. The CBD content is quite low, varying from 0.05 to 0.1 percent.
Both medical and non-medical users that buy the Gorilla Glue 4 strain report feeling extremely relaxed and the it almost never enhances a user’s paranoia due to its Sativa like properties. Despite the sativa dominance, the terpene profile and the THC/CBD ratio, the cannabinoids’ synergistic effect produces a slight euphoric body high that is exceptionally well balanced. Expect the uplifting, cerebral benefits you would expect from all the other Gorilla Glue phenotypes including creative thoughts. The terpene profile almost mirrors a Pink Kush, so dont get fooled when you are buying GG! This strain is great for the day; however, the slight heaviness and potency could benefit the novice smoker in the evenings.
The Mac 1 Strain – The Mood Booster
If you’ve ever smoked MAC, think of MAC 1 as the dramatically enhanced version of the older phenotype. Users illustrate that this strain packs a potent one-two punch of both physical and mental effects, making it the perfect for a smoke session in the late afternoon or early evening. Since just a few puffs are believed to put users in the happiest mental state they’ve had in a while, many people initially describe their experience as being profoundly euphoric. Some people may experience a brief surge in creativity and concentration before the Indica side invariably takes over. Depending on your tolerance, MAC 1 may cause you to feel physically relaxed or it may cause you to get glued to the couch until you pass out.
The Peanut Butter Breath Strain – The Munchies One
Prepare yourself for peak relaxation, because many smokers have discovered that Peanut Butter Breath greatly relieves their anxiety, despair, and PTSD with just a few puffs, after which you’ll typically wind up with a serious case of the munchies, so prepare food in advance.
The Mimosa Strain – The Focused One
The Mimosa strain is renowned for its ability to reduce stress and stabilize your mood. Many people with ADD and ADHD enjoy smoking Mimosa to relax and improve their attention on daily duties. A Mimosa puff is said to be effective in treating depression, headaches, and loss of appetite. You’ll be able to think more clearly and work more intently (if dosed properly) as you inhale the woodsy champagne notes combined with a strong citrus exhale. We advise you toke Mimosa in the morning as it can be used an awesome pick-me-up!
The Wedding Cake Strain – The Anti-Anxiety One
For users who want to control their anxiety or jitters the wedding cake strain is made just for you! It’s a strain that is branded primarily for benefits related to “neuromuscular modulation,” which means that Wedding Cake can help people manage their depression and lessen fibromyalgia and muscular sclerosis symptoms.
For individuals who can manage the THC level, Wedding Cake is highly recommended due of these medical benefits. Although it doesn’t have as powerful or distinctive of a flavour as new users might anticipate, it really depends on each phenotype. Some can smell like Pink Kush and some can actually smell like a standard McCain sprinkle birthday cake with earthy undertones.
Is Hybrid Weed an Upper or a Downer?
Hybrid weed can be either an upper or a downer- it depends on the strain, what its parent strains are, and of course its cannabinoid profile. If it’s sativa-dominant, it will be more uplifting, and if it’s indica-dominant, it will be more sedating, however a hybrid strain will relax you without knocking you out. Researching which terpenes possess the affects you are after will help you figure out what strains are best for you.
Some common indica terpenes are camphene, which is said to have antibiotic and anti-inflammatory characteristics; myrcene, which is said to work as a sedative and muscle relaxer; and linalool, which helps with motor skills and is said to be anticonvulsant and antiepileptic.
Common sativa terpenes are caryophyllene, which can help with anxiety and depression; limonene, which has antimicrobial effects, and is said to ward off fungus and bacteria, as well as being used for cancer or bronchitis treatment. Strains that have ‘lemon’ or ‘sour’ in their name often contain higher levels of limonene. And last, alpha-pinene, which is anti-inflammatory, an energy booster, and aids memory and cognition.
What Hybrid is Best for Sleep?
We are proud to say we offer some of the best hybrid weed strains. When it comes to sleep, an indica-dominant strain is important. Indica’s have a reputation of putting one ‘in da couch’ and helping with conditions like insomnia. A high THC content is imperative when it comes to a good night’s sleep. Any strain with at least 20% THC should help you ease into sleep peacefully.
In addition, terpenes such as geraniol, terpineol, and humulene have been shown to be relaxing and sleep inducing. Try our Runtz Strain for sleep- the THC content is up to 29%! If you want to buy cheap weed online in Canada, you are in the right place. Another good strain for sleep is our McFlurry strain – at almost 25% THC, it guarantees a good night sleep but you will experience an uplifting and euphoric high before dozing off into dreamland.
How Do You Ingest Hybrids?
You ingest hybrid weed the same way you ingest other weed strain – however you want! Smoking is very popular, but you can also vape, dab, use tinctures, or of course, consume it with an edible.
The important thing to remember with edibles, however, is that THC is metabolized in a different way – so less is more, especially if you are new to eating cannabis. Once the cannabis gets in your mouth, your saliva will start to break down the THC. It will travel through your stomach and into your liver, which is where it gets converted to 11-hydroxy-THC- which, simply put, is a stronger version of the THC molecule. When we smoke cannabis, THC enters your bloodstream through the alveoli in the lungs – ingesting this way means the effects come on quicker, are less intense, and have a shorter duration.
Edibles come in all different shapes and sizes, from chocolates to gummies to cookies, and it’s important to know how much is in your edible – many people have had negative experiences. Explore your options in our edible candy section – you may wish to see how your body reacts to edibles before you attempt to make your own! A good rule of thumb is that a beginner should ingest around 5mg, a slightly more experienced user between 6 and 10mg, and an experienced user between 11 and 25mg.
Is Hybrid Cannabis Right for Me?
This is a question only you can answer, and you may have to do some research and experiment with some different strains before you find your answer. The first thing to consider is what are you trying to achieve? Are you treating an ailment, or do you want to use it in a social setting? The first step is narrowing down your options. Another thing is to consider your tolerance. Are you a beginner, or are you an experienced cannabis user? How do you prefer to consume it- smoking, vaping, or eating it? Start small and work your way up and use caution when it comes to edibles because the effects take longer to hit, it can be more intense and last longer. Do you have a medical history that might impact the way marijuana affects you? Be discerning when making decisions about cannabis and buy weed online from a reputable source like Secret Smoke. All of these variables will help you figure out if hybrid cannabis is right for you.
