Marijuana strains are divided into three types. Sativa strains, Indica strains, and finally, a hybrid of the two. The best hybrid strains are crossbred to various degrees of Indica and Sativa and deliver a combination of both flavors and effects. Hybrid strains are the best choice for recreational and medical purposes for chronic pain.
What Is A Hybrid Strain?
A hybrid strain contains the genetics of both Sativa and Indica strains. Popular hybrid strains are known to be either Sativa dominant hybrid, balanced, or Indica dominant hybrid. A hybrid strain produces both the effects of each marijuana strain. As a result, they exhibit the best characteristics of both parent strains. This has made them more potent.
Hybrid strains matter because they produce a well-balanced high. Not all cannabis strains have the same effect on human beings. For example, the Sativa strain of marijuana is more mentally stimulating and energizing, while the Indica strain is more body-focused and relaxing. If you prefer a mix of both strains, then hybrid strains are the way to go.
Generally, all hybrid strains are different. No two hybrids offer the same high or potency. Their appearance influences the potency of hybrids. There are more than 50 hybrid strains, and each has its features and benefits. Now that you know what a hybrid strain is let us analyze some of the best hybrids in existence.
Best Marijuana Strains
1) Godzilla Glue
Godzilla glue is one of the rarest hybrid strains. It is a cross between a Kona Gold American plant and a Gorilla glue number four. It is a well-balanced 50/50 split between both strains making it a perfect hybrid marijuana strain. Its earthy pine taste coupled with the sweet smell is guaranteed to give you a cerebral rush.
This strain has been shown to help patients suffering from mental medical conditions such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), depression, stress, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Once you smoke the Godzilla glue, you immediately get a heightened state of euphoria and happiness, but you are still aware of your surrounding.
The best part is that you won’t have couch lock, and you will stay in a mellow state throughout your high. For first-time growers, it is advised that you can germinate the seeds in a moist paper towel and later transfer them to the soil. During flowering time, it is advisable to add phosphorus and potassium to ensure optimum THC levels.
Pros:
- 17% THC level
- Powerful mental buzz
- High yield
- Long-lasting high
- Indoor and outdoor growing
- Fast turnover
- Feminized seeds for guaranteed results
- Unique hybrid
Cons:
- One of the hardest strains to grow
- Susceptible to pests
2) Platinum Girl Scout Cookies
Girl scout cookies variant is made of three different strains. Og Kush and Durban poison with another unknown. However, it has many medical benefits and is also perfect for recreational users. It is a great strain for treating chronic pain in cases such as arthritis. It is extremely potent and can help treat people who have insomnia, depression, muscle spasms, and stress.
Og Kush has both Indica and Sativa strains at different percentages. This makes girl scout cookies an Indica dominant hybrid that presents multiple benefits shocking even members of the medical marijuana community. However, its potency may be limiting because you can get mild to strong couch-lock as you come down the high.
In addition, it is an uplifting strain with a state of euphoria and a calm state of mind. Therefore, girl scout cookies are also suitable in a social setting. It is the best strain for activities that involve the mind and body. However, if consumed in large doses, it can induce an anxiety attack or paranoia. It is noteworthy that this strain has been used with other strains to develop other crossbreeds.
Pros:
- Grown indoors and outdoors
- 25% THC levels
- Resistant to disease
- Suited for Mediterranean conditions
- Sweet aroma
- Perfect for pain management
- High yield
- Well-balanced hybrid
Cons:
- Dry eyes and mouth
- Dizziness
3) Mandarin Sunset
This is one of the absolute best hybrid strains of marijuana. Mandarin sunset is an Indica dominant marijuana strain that is highly potent. This hybrid weed strain is a cross between herijuana and orange skunk. When you smoke it, you get a tint of diesel, spice, and a citrus flavor. Some users have termed it as a mild smell. However, if you smoke too much, you will be high for a long time.
Either way, smoking this wonderful mint green and purple bud will leave you feeling relaxed but focused at the same time. You could be relaxed and high while having the attention needed to play a highly competitive video game. It is best to consume this perfect hybrid strain in the afternoons and evenings. It is also socially friendly, and you will be able to keep up with friends even when high.
A few hits will help relieve neuropathic pain, chronic pain, nausea, cancer, muscle tension, lack of sleep, and deep pain. Mental relaxation is especially great to treat anxiety. The effects are immediate, and this is due to the high THC level in the dense buds. Because of this fact, it might be overwhelming to beginners.
Pros:
- Naturally flavored
- High yields
- Feminized for guaranteed results
- Easy to grow
- Indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse growing
- Medical benefits
- 25% THC levels
Cons:
- Not suitable for beginners
4) Super Blue Dream
Super silver haze Sativa and one of the top hybrid strains, blue dream hybrid, marijuana strains, were crossed to bring the super blue dream. Super blue dream features a sour blueberry aroma hence its name. This would be a great option in a social setting because it offers a well-balanced high, with no funny trips. However, it will not render you too relaxed to function.
Because it is a balanced hybrid, it is perfect for day smoking. However, if you are just beginning your marijuana-growing journey, you might need some experience to grow this particular strain. It requires specific conditions met with diligence to grow it. However, with the right conditions, the buds are big and very sticky.
It is a perfect 50/50 blend of Indica and Sativa genetics. It has a cerebral head buzz which escalates to strong feelings of relaxation and euphoria. Basically, a nice high. However, you might want to keep some food near you as the potency of this strain can make you very hungry. It is also prescribed for stress, depression, pain, and lack of appetite.
pros:
- Easy to grow
- 21% THC levels
- Well balanced
- Medical benefits
- Reduced flowering time
- Indoor and outdoor growing
- High yield
Cons:
- Mild headaches
- Paranoia
- Dry mouth
5) Cookies And Cream
Cookies and cream are one of the most tasty strains of cannabis plants. It grows in a moderate climate and can provide long-lasting relief from patients with chronic pain levels. It is a crossbreed from two strains, one being starfighter and the other is unknown. While not much is known about it, you can stay productive all day while high.
Its unusual name is because of the vanilla taste these buds have. It is a favorite for beginners who want to grow their marijuana. It is a strain that can be used every day without any adverse effects. However, it is not easy to grow it in the sense that it needs a lot of care, from temperature adjustments to maintaining the right weather.
On a lighter note, you will never get couch lock from using this strain. It is a euphoric feeling which lasts for many hours. The general feeling of relaxation and happiness is popular with this strain. It is therefore suitable for treating depression, stress, and pain.
Pros:
- 26% THC levels
- Indoor and outdoor growing
- Available as cannabis seeds
- Potent
- Wonderful taste
- Nice smell
Cons:
- Can induce anxiety
Benefits of Medical Marijuana Hybrid Strains
a) Pain Relief and Management
The THC levels found in hybrid cannabis strains are known to reduce pain. This is because they dampen the body’s natural response to pain. This is one of the greatest features because it helps with patients who are in constant chronic pain. Diseases like arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and cancer become unbearable at some point.
Traditional pain-relieving treatments are known to cause liver and kidney damage. In addition, they are more expensive than many cannabis strains. However, this has appealed to patients all over the world who have to manage chronic pain.
b) Mental and Neurological Disorders
The effect of cannabis on the limbic system helps relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia, among others. In addition, cannabis induces a state of relaxation and cerebral high, which will calm down patients with mental ailments. It makes you mellow, and some people have reported being more pleasant with the use of cannabis.
Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis come with excruciating pain. The pain presents all over the body and at times localized areas such as the joints or back. Cannabis relaxes the muscles and can relieve pain in these patients for many hours. This is a positive thing as patients don’t have to suffer through bouts of debilitating pain.
c) Sleep Management
If you have had chronic insomnia, then cannabis might be the only way you can catch a good night’s rest. We don’t have to tell you the advantages of a good night’s sleep. In addition, your body heals itself while asleep. If you cannot sleep, then your body struggles with performance or function. Cannabis might just calm your nerves down enough to let you sleep.
The best thing about cannabis is that just a few hits can last you for hours before you have to do it again. In addition, the side effects of marijuana usage are limited and pose no imminent danger to your health. Most can be managed by hydration and controlling your breathing.
d) Manage Inflammation
Some diseases have no cure. Others come and go. At the same time, others stay with you for life. Inflammation because of these diseases is not uncommon. Traditional pain medication may not work as well as cannabis does for Inflammation. Irritable bowel movements can be eased with less hits of a blunt. Marijuana can be taken in many ways. The most common is smoking.
How Do I Pick The Right Marijuana Strain?
Depending on your experience, budget, and overall ability, choosing the right cannabis strain requires patience. However, if you want to pick your own strain, then here are some tips that come in handy.
i) Medical or Recreational Use
Unfortunately, you may be in excruciating pain. In that case, the best hybrid strain for you would be a Sativa dominant strain. While all cannabis strains have pain-relieving properties, Sativa strains are more potent and helpful for chronic pain. They also have higher THC levels which are helpful in this case.
On the other hand, if your use is purely recreational, you can indulge in any hybrid strain, Indica or Sativa. Thus, you will be getting the best of both worlds. With the cannabis strains getting better every day, most people are tolerant of the idea of recreational marijuana.
ii) Relax or Get Active
If you would like to sink into your sofa and stay there for a while, then an Indica dominant strain will help you do that. Indica promotes total relaxation. They also have a sedative effect. Once you medicate on some Indica strains, you mustn’t have a meeting in a few days. However, it is a quick-acting drug.
If you have things to do, but you still want to get medicated, Sativa dominant strains are for you. They are more energetic and mentally stimulating. For example, if you need to do house chores, doing it stoned on Sativa dominant strain makes you enjoy it more. This is also the best strain when you are out in public.
Bottom Line
Finding your go-to strain is a simple game of trial and error. First, you have to try a few strains to settle on the strain you like the best. Apart from the buds you smoke, cannabis can also be taken in different forms, such as edibles. The flavor and effect will also help you to make a decision.