Hybrid Marijuana Strains: The Best of Both Worlds, Especially for Growing

We use the word “hybrid” to describe a type of marijuana that has both indica and sativa traits. There are three classifications for hybrids: indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, and 50/50 (balanced).

Hybrids have grown in popularity among marijuana enthusiasts because of their unique blend of flavors and effects. This is why cannabis connoisseurs look for the best hybrid strains to either grow or try out for themselves. If you happen to be one of these people, then look no further than this list of award-winning hybrid strains.

Pure indica plants, although amazing to grow, given how fast they flower, are very vulnerable to diseases and mold. For sativa strains, choosing a hybrid sativas is ideal since they’re popular among cannabis users because they’re a much milder stimulant. Pure sativas often have an overwhelming boost and are generally considered not the best strain for beginners to use.

Why do we have hybrids?

Before we get into our hybrid strains list, let’s first answer why we even have hybrids in the first place. Depending on who you ask, you’ll get a different response. If you talk to a grower, they would say that hybrid strains developed so that indica plants would gain more resistance to mold and common marijuana diseases. 

Now that we’ve covered why hybrids grow better, we’ll get into how to produce better-tasting buds. The only way to create new flavors of marijuana is by blending both strains. A great example of this is NYC Diesel. It has the citrusy flavor and scent that sativa buds are known for, but it also has the same pungent, skunky odor of indica buds.

In terms of effects, it has a strong mind high that slowly leads to a full-body high. That’s another great thing about a lot of the best hybrid strains out there; they have the head high of sativas and the full-body high of indicas. The potency of a hybrid’s effect, though, is different with each blend. Sativa-dominant strains commonly have pronounced citrusy flavors and a mild energizing effect that helps you focus. On the other hand, indica-dominant strains have a more relaxing effect that many seek for help with their chronic pain or insomnia. Want to know what the six best hybrid weed strains to grow are? Just continue reading.

What defines the best hybrid strains?

It depends on whether you’re growing this for yourself, for a friend, or for commercial use. If it’s for yourself, choose the strain you prefer depending on how easy it is to grow and the effect the buds provide. If it’s for a friend, choose the one that they love. And if it’s for commercial use, choose the popular strain in your particular state.

How popular are hybrid strains?

Very popular. Cannabis reproduction makes it easy to develop new and exciting hybrid strains. Simplifying Cannabis reproduction is why hybrids even exist in the first place. Growers can blend popular strains to produce hybrids with brand-new flavors and effects – increasing their popularity.

Gorilla Glue (also known as GG4)

Gorilla Glue got its name because of how it will leave you glued to your couch once it takes effect. This is no surprise, though, since this potent hybrid has a THC content of up to 26%.

GG4 feminized seeds

ILGM's GG4 strain is a great grow for everyone, beginner and expert alike. They provide a great and easy grow that produces bud you love without a ton of extra effort.

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And although it’s a balanced strain, it mostly has the body-high that indica buds are known to give. Gorilla Glue is known for being one of the best 50/50 hybrid strains. It won the 2015 World Cannabis Cup as the best hybrid flower and took 2nd place in the 2016 Colorado Cannabis Cup for best hybrid flower.

Gorilla Glue, also known as GG4, will leave you deeply relaxed – blanketed by a heavy full-body high. It also offers some head high by bringing out euphoric feelings that will make you happy and uplifted as you lull to sleep.

Growing GG4 in your cannabis garden is an excellent introduction to indica plants. This fantastic, balanced hybrid has developed resistance to diseases. Additionally, it’s also one of the best hybrid strains because of its heavy yield. You’re guaranteed to have 16 to 18 ounces in a 3x3ft area.

GG4 cultivar profile

LSD

If you’re looking for fast-growing cannabis plants, LSD is one of the best hybrid strains that ILGM can offer. Although it flowers around 8 weeks, which is the standard for weed, by adjusting the amount of light it receives, LSD can flower faster.

LSD feminized seeds

The LSD marijuana strain delivers a light-minded, heavy-body high. Its smoke will move you to sit yourself down and intensely enjoy the feelings of euphoria that it brings.

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LSD is photoperiod cannabis, a trait causing it to flower in response to changes in light exposure. The best way to utilize this indica dominant strain is to grow it indoors, which is easy due to how compact it is. This cannabis plant grows only up to 3ft in length. Don’t be fooled, though. Despite how short the plant is, it has a hefty yield of 14 to 17 ounces per plant.

LSD lives up to its name by delivering a strong head high that will draw out strong euphoric feelings in you, making you happy and invigorated. However, you’ll find doing any kind of house chore a bit difficult to do. Following the powerful head high, a heavy body high will hit you and leave you couch-locked. This potent sedative blend of effects is what makes LSD one of the best hybrid weed strains, especially for those looking to use it to help with their chronic pain or muscle spasms.

LSD cultivar profile

AK 47

Contrary to its name, AK-47 is the best sativa-dominant hybrid strain that offers a mellow buzz that will help you focus on day-to-day tasks. It’s not as overwhelming as pure sativas, and it doesn’t end in a crash once the head high dies down. It’s a perfect morning strain for those looking to start their morning feeling energized after waking up tired and lethargic.

AK-47 feminized seeds

AK-47 may sound aggressive, but it is a really mellow, chilled-out strain. AK-47 seeds grow a feminized, sativa-dominant plant with a long-lasting, steady buzz.

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With a THC content of up to 20%, the buds from AK-47 will still pack quite the punch, but it won’t blind you. Instead, this happy-inducing strain gives you a clear-headed buzz to bring out the best in you. Furthermore, the buzz and the euphoric feelings it gives you last fairly long, which is why AK-47 is such a great morning marijuana strain. Because of its uplifting effects, this sativa-dominant hybrid is great for those who wake up feeling like they’re not their best self. Its mood-boosting effects also help in reducing stress levels.

Growing this particular hybrid strain is a bit of a challenge for those who don’t have a hydroponic setup in their indoor garden. Since AK-47 requires a lot of nutrients, and it can be a bit difficult to deliver this in soil.

AK-47 cultivar profile

Big Bud

Big Bud, as its name suggests, is a high-yielding hybrid strain. It produces a whopping 25 ounces of weed per plant, and due to its massive yield, Big Bud is one of the best indica hybrid strains for commercial use. Big Bud’s simple and friendly name helps with its commercial image. But the other reason why this particular indica hybrid sells well is because of how perfect it is for first-time users.

Big Bud feminized seeds

Big Bud remains popular for all kinds of growers due to its high yields. Staying true to its lineage as an indica strain, Big Bud delivers deep full-body effects that will highly motivate you to relax.

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With an average THC content of up to 16%, Big Bud will provide a moderate head high and relaxing body high. The head high that Big Bud delivers brings out happy and uplifting feelings. This effect will then spread to your body where you’ll then experience a kind of deep relaxation that’s perfect for those sleepless nights. That’s why it’s a good idea to use Big Bug as an end-of-day strain.

The head high that Big Bud delivers brings out happy and uplifting feelings. This effect will then spread to your body where you’ll then experience a kind of deep relaxation that’s perfect for those sleepless nights. That’s why it’s a good idea to use Big Bug as an end-of-day strain.

Big Bud is a great commercial strain, but its large buds can be so heavy that they cause their branches to snap. It is an actual concern, but it is the only concern you’ll worry about when growing this strain.

Big Bud cultivar profile

Runtz

Buds from Runtz have a unique purple color with strings of orange combined with a sweet and fruity flavor. And just like the candy, it was named after (where its color tells you what flavor it is), Runtz has a sweet and berry-like taste similar to grapes. It also has hints of orange mixed in. Its unique blend of flavors and effect was made through crossing Zkittlez and Gelato, two of the best hybrid weed strains with a dedicated following and plenty of awards.

Runtz feminized seeds

The Runtz strain of marijuana has THC levels averaging between 19% and 29% and is a powerful blend of potency and flavor. Runtz made its debut at the Santa Rosa Emerald Cup in 2017. It's been racking up awards ever since.

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The resulting 50/50 hybrid somehow fused the long-lasting and potent buzz that Gelato is known for with the balanced and calming effects of Zkittlez. Runtz is the perfect blend for those looking for a full head high that gives you an intense buzz throughout the day that ends in a comfortable, relaxing body high.

Growers choose to grow Runtz partly because of its high THC content (between 19% to 29%). Other than that, Runtz is a hardy cannabis plant that’s easy to grow since it can thrive in most climates so long as it’s provided with enough sunlight to properly veg.

Runtz cultivar profile

Bergman’s Gold Leaf

Growing in New England’s continental climate is a challenge for any cannabis grower, but with Bergman’s strain, Gold Leaf, you won’t have to worry about the harsh climates that the Northeast is known for. Gold Leaf is a tall cannabis plant that can grow over 7ft tall and produce around 16 to a whopping 23 ounces per 3x3ft.

Gold Leaf feminized seeds

When Robert Bergman created the Gold Leaf Strain, he combined multiple plants to produce a refined, sativa style height plant with indica traits users love.

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And with THC levels of up to 21%, the buds from Gold Leaf will surely pack a wallop. Its blend of 60% indica and 40% sativa resulted in buds with a predominantly (and pungent) earthy smell and flavor. It does, however, have hints of spiciness and sweetness to it complemented by an herbal taste.

Paired with its unique blend of flavors is its effect. Gold Leaf will leave you with euphoric feelings by providing you with a moderate but instant head high that will help boost your mood. Gold Leaf draws out your happiness and creativity, letting its effects carry you through a hard day.

Growing Gold Leaf is easy and it can be made even easier with the autoflower version.

Gold Leaf cultivar profile

Conclusion

When choosing the best hybrid weed strains, always consider where you are in the U.S. and what kind of setup you’re working with. If you have an indoor setup, then autoflowers or smaller cannabis plants (like LSD) are your best choice.

If you’re using hydroponics, you can produce potent buds and high yields with Big Bud and AK-47. You can grow these and other strains such as Jack Herer and Blue Dream by buying the seeds in ILGM’s online store.