What Are Hybrid Gummies?
Hybrid gummies are made from hybrid strains of cannabis. As the name suggests, the strains are a combination of multiple parents, which could have indica or sativa lineage, thereby producing a “hybrid” effect. In the case of cannabis flower, hybrid strains are typically listed as three types:
- Balanced hybrid – 50/50 indica and sativa)
- Indica-dominant – the indica element is dominant, usually a 60/40 ratio, varies
- Sativa-dominant – the sativa element is dominant, usually a 60.40 ratio, varies
This happens by mixing strains in one of four ways:
- Sativa x Sativa (sativa-dominant)
- Sativa x Indica (sativa-dominant, balanced)
- Indica x Sativa (indica-dominant, balanced)
- Indica x Indica (indica-dominant)
Of course, like any cannabis product, the effects that you feel will vary based on the exact strain, the terpenes and cannabinoids, and your personal tolerance.
Let’s take a look at hybrid gummies, specifically, including the benefits, effects, and other questions you may have regarding how and when to enjoy these cannabis treats.
How do hybrid gummies differ from other types of gummies?
Hybrid gummies are a unique blend because they combine multiple strains of indica and sativa marijuana. Hybrids were created to encompass the benefits of both strains in one product, and they have since become one of the most popular choices for casual daytime users.
Hybrid gummies are more evenly-balanced than a straight indica or sativa. For example, the gummy you choose may be relaxing, but not so much so that you get couchlock. Or, it might be uplifting to help you get things done, but not enough to make you anxious. Balance is the keyword with these gummies (and other hybrid marijuana products).
Some of the most popular strains on the market today are hybrids, appreciated because of the unique effects they create:
- Blue Dream
- Sherbet
- Pineapple Express
- Gorilla Glue
- Bruce Banner
- Cherry Pie
- Runtz
- Wedding Cake
- Strawberry Banana
- MAC & Cheese
Don’t worry—your MAC & Cheese edibles won’t actually taste like macaroni and cheese—that’s just the name of the strain, a hybrid cross between Miracle Alien Cookies (MAC) and Alien Cheese.
Furthermore, most edibles won’t be strain-specific but rather focus on whether you’re getting an indica, hybrid, or sativa. Because you’re consuming the marijuana instead of smoking it, the different strain effects aren’t as important as the overall indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid classification.
What are the benefits of consuming hybrid gummies?
Hybrid strains offer balance, as suggested, which is probably the most popular benefit that people find from these gummies. They offer body relaxation, energy, and an uplifted mood at once, without making anyone feel too “up” or causing them to feel sleepy or fall asleep.
Hybrids are also great for beginners and those new to edibles who want a lesser high but still want to get a good experience. Sometimes, straight indica or sativa can be too much in edible form for first-timers. That’s why hybrids are a good choice. If you want to maximize the benefits that you get from hybrid gummies and other marijuana products, let the experienced budtenders at Verts Dispensary help you select the best gummies for your needs!
Effects of hybrid gummies
As mentioned, hybrid gummies can have any number of different effects, depending on whether it’s a balanced hybrid, an indica-hybrid, or a sativa hybrid. However, commonly reported effects include:
- Happy and uplifted
- Euphoric effects
- Relaxation
- Body calming
- Pain relief
- Increased appetite*
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Creativity and focus
- Nausea relief
*An important note about gummies and eating: The munchies are great and all, but if you’re new to edibles, you should know they work differently than smoking. When you smoke marijuana, you can usually eat to bring down the high. With gummies and edibles, however, eating increases your metabolism, thereby further enhancing the high. If you feel like you’ve taken too much of a gummy, drink water and wait it out.
What is the ideal dosage of hybrid gummies for a beginner?
With gummies, there is no going back. Therefore, it’s always best to start with a small dose and work your way up. Most experts recommend starting at a 5mg dose, although that can be too much for those who are highly sensitive to THC. If you want, buy some 2mg gummies, and then you can take another if the dose isn’t strong enough.
You should definitely not start at anything above 15mg unless you have:
- Poor absorption in your GI tract
- High tolerance to THC
- Cancer, inflammatory disorders, and other conditions that require a higher dose
If you’re not sure, get a consult at your local dispensary to get a better idea of exactly what your body needs.
As a bonus, check out this handy Edibles Dosing Chart from Leafly:
Are hybrid gummies suitable for both daytime and nighttime use?
Perhaps one of the best things about hybrid gummies is that they’re great at any time. You can take one in the afternoon, in the evening, or even as a morning boost to get your day started when you struggle with getting out of bed.
Remember that hybrids come in indica- and sativa-dominant forms, so they might be better suited for morning or nighttime use. You may also have to try the different options to see what you like best based on how they react in your body.
Today, some brands are even mixing CBD, CBG, CBN, and other cannabinoids with their THC edibles to create more specific day or night effects. If you find a hybrid strain that has one of these, make sure that it’s going to give you the right effects for when you want to use them.
How long does it typically take for the effects of hybrid gummies to kick in?
Edibles probably have one of the longest latency times in terms of kicking in. That’s because, unlike smoking, which is directly absorbed into the mucous membranes of the body, gummies have to be digested. Typical activation times range from 30 minutes up to two hours, depending on the person, the dose, and other factors.
Most people will start to experience the effects within the first 60 minutes, and it will usually kick in sooner if you’ve eaten recently or if you take the gummy with food. It’s best to wait 30-60 minutes before increasing your dose just to make sure that it’s not a late starter so that you don’t overdo it.
How long do hybrid gummies last?
Typically, hybrid gummies will provide a high that lasts from two to four hours. Again, this depends on how much you take and your body’s metabolism, but generally, this is a good window to expect. During this time, you shouldn’t drive or do anything dangerous because you will still be under the effects of the gummy. If you find the high isn’t lasting as long as you like, take another or consider upping the dose next time.
Why should you consider taking hybrid gummies?
For all the reasons above, and because gummies are an affordable, convenient way to enjoy cannabis, they should be on your list. Hybrid gummies, especially, are great for everyday use when you just want something to help you chill and focus, but don’t need the extreme one-way nature of an indica or sativa.
For the best hybrid gummies and other cannabis products, head to your local Verts Dispensary today!