Cannabis Indica Sativa Hybrids

As the cannabis industry continues to “Grow”, consumers are always wanting something new to try. This of course is typical of our consumer based society regardless of the industry.

We are always looking for the next new thing, whether it’s better or not is debatable, however in the case of cannabis…it’s all good !

This drive for new products is definitely part of the motivation when it comes to hybrids. Botanists and cannabis growers are always playing with genetics and cross breeding strains to come up with the next new strain for cannabis connoisseurs around the world to enjoy.

Hybrid cannabis strains are created by crossing the Sativa and Indica strains to try and get the best of both worlds when it comes to the effect on the mind and body.

Generally speaking there are 3 types of Cannabis Hybrids.

1. 50% Blends are Hybrids that are roughly 50% Indica and 50% Sativa in genetic composition. The Rogue Thunder strain is a good example of these evenly balanced strains. The plant when growing has characteristics of both Sativa and Indica as well as producing effects that combine both strains. Perfect for appetite and pain relief with a complete body buzz as well as producing a euphoric, cerebral high, while still maintaining coherency. The strain is easy to grow for both indoor and outdoor gardens.

2. Indica Hybrids as the name implies are primarily indica based , usually anywhere from 60%-80% indica with the rest being sativa or ruderalis genetics. A great example would be the well-known Blueberry strain, a cannabis cup winner and favorite for growers and cannabis lovers alike. This strain is 80% indica, with a good balance of THC and CBD to create the desired effects for pain relief, stress relief while still producing a relaxing euphoria.

3. The same rule of thumb as above applies to Sativa Hybrids. Of course anyone familiar with cannabis strains has heard of the strain “Sour Diesel” perhaps one of the most famous hybrid strains in the world. Sour Diesel goes straight to the head with an energetic high and dreamy cerebral effects that have pushed Sour Diesel to its legendary status. Also good for stress and pain relief with a good THC/CBD ration to ensure the desired effect.

[bsa_pro_ad_space id=2]

Cannabis Sativa Strains

Cannabis Sativa is the term given to all cannabis plants legally and scientifically. However in the main stream this plant species has been divided into two categories Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa.

While genetically there is no difference between the two, there are attributes that are unique to each plant that show just how remarkable cannabis is in it’s ability to adapt to a wide range of different environments.

One theory based on geographic origin is that a common cannabis species originated in central Asia before separating into distinct sativa and indica gene pools, with sativas generally originating in the equatorial regions such as Thailand, southern India, Jamaica, Mexico etc.

However since all branches of the cannabis family tree can interbreed freely (including industrial hemp and Cannabis ruderalis), botanists consider all forms of the plant to be members of a single polymorphic species.

For us non scientists that are in the cannabis industry or simply enjoy this amazing and beautiful species of plant, we are perfectly happy with the categorization of this plant into two categories with all its variations of strains, phenotypes and hybrids.

Traditionally sativa strains have not been as popular for growers, as the bud density and weight is much lower than indica strains.  From a business perspective weight is very important.

However as the public becomes more educated and the cannabis industry more sophisticated we are starting to see this change, with more pure sativa strains showing up in dispensaries around the world.

There are many unique characteristics of the Sativa plant, some very obvious and some a bit more subtle.

1. The plant itself has very thin leaves compared to it’s indica counterpart and are taller and less dense in foliage.
2. Sativa buds typically grow larger than indica buds, as they run along the length of a branch instead of clustering around the nodes. Although they weigh less than indica buds due to their lower density.
3. The pure sativa high is quite different from the (stoned, couch locked ) indica high, and can be characterized as cerebral, energetic, creative, giggly or even psychedelic.
4. Sativa strains also tend to have a less striking odor, with more of a fresh citrus aroma during flowering and after being cured.

 

[bsa_pro_ad_space id=2]

Cannabis Indica Strains

When we talk about marijuana, pot or weed these days it’s inspiring to hear the term “Cannabis” being used more frequently among the general population as the propaganda from the past gradually fades away.

As a society we are becoming re-educated about this incredible plant that has served us for thousands of years as a medicinal and recreational herb, a plant that seems to be tailor made for humanity !

When we talk about “Cannabis Indica ” we are specifically referring to the genotype or landrace that originated in the middle east in the mountains of Afghanistan. We are all familiar with the potent “Hashish” that the locals make.  In fact entire cultures and lifestyles in these regions are based on the cannabis concentrates industry.

There are many well know strains of Cannabis Indica being grown and enjoyed worldwide such as Afghan Kush, Hindu Kush, Northern Lights and Blueberry Kush just to name a few.

Using these very potent Indica strains growers all over the world have developed many of the hybrids like “Blue Dream” which is a cross between the Indica Blueberry Kush and the Sativa Haze.

Each year growers are enhancing the technology being used in grow rooms allowing them to produce new strains and phenotypes with higher potency yields in both THC and CDB cannabinoids.

Cannabis Indica of course has its own unique characteristics when compared to Cannabis Sativa.

1. Cannabis Indica has broader leaves with the plants being generally shorter and more bushy.
2. The buds or flowers are more dense, which is one reason growers like to grow Indica strains as weight is an important factor when you’re selling a product by the ounce or pound.
3. The high is different from Sativa strains , being characterized as more of a “couch lock” effect , more relaxed, more sedated and usually best enjoyed in the evening or at night to unwind and slow down.
4. Cannabis Indica strains are typically higher in CDB ( Cannabidiol ) making them ideal for medicinal use when patients want to relieve pain, increase appetite and need more restful sleep,  all part of the healing process.

 

[bsa_pro_ad_space id=2]