Hybrid

Hybrid refers to the offspring resulting from cross-pollination of two genetically distinct cannabis parents — typically between a "Sativa"-labeled and "Indica"-labeled lineage, between a hemp and drug type, or between any two differentiated cultivars. The term derives from Latin hybrida ("mongrel, offspring of a tame sow and wild boar"). In commercial cannabis marketing, "Hybrid" is a third tier alongside Sativa and Indica, often subdivided into "Sativa-dominant," "Indica-dominant," or "balanced." Botanically, virtually all modern drug-type cannabis is hybridized; Sawler et al. (2015) and Schwabe et al. (2021) found that strains sold as "Hybrid" frequently lack distinct genetic signatures separating them from Sativa- or Indica-labeled cultivars. Clarke & Merlin (2013) note that post-1970s North American breeding collapsed previously separated NLD and BLD gene pools into a largely admixed hybrid swarm. F1 hybrids may exhibit hybrid vigor (heterosis); subsequent generations segregate according to Mendelian ratios. → See also: F1, F2, Polyhybrid, Strain (Industry/Slang).