Hybrid

Definition: A hybrid is a cannabis strain bred by crossing parent plants from different genetic lines, traditionally indica and sativa types. Because of decades of crossbreeding, almost all cannabis sold today is technically a hybrid. Dispensaries often label hybrids as “indica-dominant,” “sativa-dominant,” or “balanced,” but those labels are a loose guide at best.

How Are Hybrid Strains Made?

Breeders cross two parent plants, then select offspring with the traits they want, such as a certain aroma, higher yield, faster flowering, or a specific cannabinoid ratio. Over several generations, they stabilize those traits. Popular strains are often then kept consistent by growing clones from a single mother plant.

What Do Indica-Dominant and Sativa-Dominant Mean?

These labels suggest whether a hybrid’s ancestry or effects lean toward the relaxing image of indica or the energizing image of sativa. In practice, a 2022 study in PLOS ONE found that indica, sativa, and hybrid labels didn’t reliably match distinct chemical profiles across nearly 90,000 lab-tested samples. Two “hybrids” can feel completely different.

What Actually Predicts How a Hybrid Will Feel?

• THC and CBD levels: higher THC means stronger effects; CBD can soften them for some people
• Terpene profile: dominant terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene
• Dose and method: how much you take and whether you smoke, vape, or eat it

A knowledgeable budtender can help you compare lab results between products.

Related terms: Indica, Sativa, Strains, Clone

Sources: Smith CJ et al., “The phytochemical diversity of commercial Cannabis in the United States,” PLOS ONE, 2022.