Is blue dream indica or sativa? Strain information
Learn about Blue Dream and whether it’s an indica or sativa strain.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Caley Scott, ND
Anyone that has visited an online store or dispensary in the past few years has noticed the variety of different flower options has expanded greatly.
Not only has widespread legalization taken cannabis consumption out of the black and gray markets, but it has also propelled innovation to meet the diverse needs and expectations of cannabis consumers.
In this article, we take a look at what has made the Blue Dream strain so popular and why it’s a great strain to get started with therapeutic cannabis use.
What are cannabis strains?
Cannabis strains are different cultivars of the cannabis plant, subtypes of the species Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. They are the result of breeding and crossing different varieties of the plant to develop selective traits.
The effects of the cannabis plant on the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS) vary greatly from person to person. So it is only natural that people may have a preference towards certain strains while finding others less helpful in achieving their desired experience.*
To say that there is a great variety of strains is an understatement—experts suggest that there are currently over 700 different strains of cannabis. The Blue Dream marijuana strain is just one of the many to rise to the top of the cannabis world, with a distinctive look, feel, and effect.*
Strains are developed for a variety of reasons—potency, wellness benefits, psychoactive effects, cannabinoid profile, aroma, flavor, and appearance, all contributing to a tailored experience for the user. While some are great for all-around use, others are ideal for making concentrates, edibles, or tinctures with full-body wellness benefits.
For instance, the popular Super Lemon Haze was developed by crossing Lemon Haze with Super Silver Haze, two legendary strains in their own right. This marriage resulted in a high-yield strain that provides an energizing “head high” with a delicious citrus flavor profile and aroma.
The more you discover about cannabis strains, the more you’ll recognize which ones are best for your preferences and lifestyle.
What is blue dream?
Blue Dream is a cannabis strain with growing popularity since its development in California in the early 2000s. But, because of the gray legal status of the cannabis industry at that time, the origin is somewhat of a mystery.
It is unknown exactly who developed Blue Dream, but it is a cross of two well-known strains—DJ Short’s Blueberry and Haze. Marrying the “body high” and feelings of relaxation of the indica Blueberry strain with the “head high” and feelings of euphoria of the sativa Haze strain, Blue Dream is now one of the most sought-after strains on the market.*
Cannabis connoisseurs started paying attention to the strain when it became adopted by the medical cannabis industry for treating feelings of discomfort, addressing poor sleep quality, and soothing feelings of emotional tension.
Visually, the buds of the Blue Dream plant are dense and compact and loaded with resinous trichomes and red pistils. Its dark green leaves are elongated with pointed edges and blue hues. The phenotypes expressed by the Blue Dream cannabis strain are a sight to behold, leading many producers to buy Blue Dream as a staple source of cannabis.
While your favorite cannabis edibles or tinctures might not reflect the beauty of the blue dream plant, you’ll get the wellness benefits nonetheless!
History and genetics
The history of cannabis strain development is deeply rooted in the practice of crossbreeding and selective breeding, techniques that have been used for centuries to enhance desirable traits in plants.
By carefully selecting parent plants with specific characteristics, growers have been able to create strains that offer unique effects, flavors, and benefits. This meticulous process has led to the vast variety of cannabis strains available today, each with its own distinct profile.
Blue Dream is a relatively new creation in the long history of cannabis breeding, emerging in the early 2000s as a result of crossing the indica-dominant Blueberry strain with the sativa-dominant Haze. This genetic modification allowed for the relaxing effects of an indica along with the uplifting qualities of a sativa, resulting in aan appealing sativa-dominant hybrid.
This strain’s sweet berry aroma with fruity undertones is well-known for its balanced high, keeping it a favorite in the cannabis world. Blue Dream's success highlights the ongoing innovation in cannabis genetics, driven by a desire to meet users' diverse needs.
Is Blue Dream an indica or sativa strain?
Blue Dream is neither purely indica nor purely sativa, as it contains genetics from both plant lineages. It is now understood that most strains are a combination of both, and it is unlikely that there are still examples of pure sativa or pure indica strains.
However, Blue Dream is considered a sativa-dominant hybrid strain, with 70% of its genetics coming from Haze and 30% coming from Blueberry.
Depending on the grower, the exact genetic composition may vary slightly, but in terms of the effects, Blue Dream typically exhibits more sativa-like feelings. This means that when vaped or smoked, it provides the uplifting and energizing qualities associated with Cannabis sativa.*
What does it mean for a strain to be indica or sativa dominant?
When a strain is referred to as indica or sativa dominant, it means that the genetic influence of either the sativa or indica strain used in making the crossbred plant is more prominent.
This information is often included on dispensary menus and other online resources. Knowing what variety of cannabis a plant is more dominant in is an important part of choosing strains because the typical effects associated with each are distinct.
Indica-dominant strains tend to provide more relaxing and sedating effects, often associated with a "body high" conducive to nighttime use or during lower energy activities like reading and meditation.
Sativa-dominant strains, on the other hand, typically produce more uplifting, euphoric, and invigorating effects in what is known as the "head high." Unlike their indica counterparts, these strains can be energizing, making users more engaged in creative pursuits like painting or playing instruments.
Because Blue Dream offers a mix of indica and sativa in its lineage, users get the best of both worlds and can enjoy the versatility in many different use cases.
What are hybrid strains?
Hybrid strains contain the genetics of both cannabis sativa and cannabis indica. It is believed that all strains currently available are technically hybrid strains because of the long history of human cultivation. Depending on their genetic ratios, hybrid strains can be sativa-dominant, indica-dominant, or balanced.
Blue Dream itself is a hybrid coming from its parent plants: Blueberry and Haze.
By selecting parent plants with certain genetic properties, growers can design strains for certain effects, flavors, aromas, and potencies or curate a specific combination of terpenes and cannabinoids.
How does Blue Dream work with the ECS?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in maintaining balance within the body, and Blue Dream interacts with this system in unique ways.
The ECS consists of CB1 and CB2 receptors, which respond to cannabinoids like THC and CBD. THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain, leading to the psychoactive, cerebral effects associated with strains like Blue Dream. This is why users often experience a mental uplift and enhanced focus.
Blue Dream's sativa-dominant nature ensures that its effects on the ECS are both invigorating and soothing, making it a versatile choice for daytime or evening use. The blend of THC and other cannabinoids in Blue Dream — like CBN and CBG — works well with the ECS, offering a balanced experience that caters to both mind and body.
How does Blue Dream make you feel?
Among the reasons that Blue Dream has become such a well-known strain is its effects. This sativa-dominant hybrid offers the benefits of its parent plants, Blueberry and Haze.
Users often report a fast onset of a cerebral “head high” combined with a feeling of increased energy. As the duration of the high continues, these feelings can fade into a strong, relaxing body high.*
Since our bodies all process the unique ratios of cannabinoids and terpenes differently, experiences will vary, with some people experiencing more indica-like effects despite Blue Dream’s sativa-dominance.
Adopted by the medical cannabis industry soon after its cultivation, this strain is believed to help reduce feelings of tension and discomfort.*
What does Blue Dream smell like?
Although many growers focus on developing increasingly potent strains, this is just one aspect of the experience of the cannabis plant. More attention is being paid to the terpene profile—a major contributor to the desirable aromas and effects of the cannabis strain.
Blue Dream is prized for its scent reminiscent of berries, with some describing its aroma as freshly baked blueberry pie. It also has refreshing notes of zesty citrus with an underlying earthiness.
What does Blue Dream taste like?
Connoisseurs and novices alike have come to appreciate Blue Dream for its distinctive flavor profile. Whether smoked or vaped, it provides the palette with a complex set of flavors, including lingering notes of sweet fresh berries and citrus.
Much like the aroma, the flavor of cannabis strains is due to its terpene content as well as another set of naturally occurring compounds—flavonoids. The most abundant terpene in Blue Dream is myrcene, followed by limonene and caryophyllene.
Do different strains of cannabis have varying aromas and flavors?
The cannabis plant is much more complex than meets the eye. THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are generally given the most attention when choosing a strain, but they are just one part of the equation. Terpenes and flavonoids are increasingly becoming an important part of the conversation.
The prevalence of these two sets of compounds can vary greatly from strain to strain accounting for the wide differences in flavor and aroma.
For instance, Sour Diesel is abundant in caryophyllene, which accounts for its sour, skunky, and diesel-like flavor, whereas Northern Lights is abundant in myrcene, providing its piney taste.
Terpenes and flavonoids are not only responsible for producing desirable flavors and aromas but are also believed to be an important part of the entourage effect. This describes the synergy of compounds in the cannabis plant working together in a sum greater than its parts.*
Is blue dream high in THC content?
When selecting a new cannabis strain, psychoactive effects via THC content is often a top consideration; all dispensaries list this information for that exact reason.
When we are talking about the potency of cannabis flower, there is a wide range. The strongest flower currently available can contain up to 35% THC with milder examples containing as little as 3%. Blue Dream typically contains an 18% THC content, with some types occasionally reaching as high as 21%. This puts Blue Dream firmly in the high THC category.*
The best way to fully experience cannabis is through experimenting with different strains. You’ll find that you respond better to certain THC levels and strain effects that help you discover your favorites over time.
As with any cannabis product, starting with a lower dose and waiting to see how it affects you will yield the best results, increasing the chance of better outcomes and preventing a potentially overwhelming experience.
The bottom line
More research is needed to fully understand the complex interactions between our ECS and naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant. Every marijuana strain has something unique to offer, and the choice is far from one-size-fits-all. Blue Dream may very well be your ideal weed strain.
Sunmed offers a variety of high-quality hemp products that harness the power of Cannabis sativa.
Our full spectrum Beyond Sativa Water Soluble is a convenient way to reap the energizing benefits of sativa. For a soothing and relaxing experience, try our Beyond Indica 2:1 Gummies.*
Keep your eyes open for Blue Dream and enjoy a classic strain that continues to dazzle cannabis veterans and newcomers alike.
Sources:
What's in your weed? You might be surprised | Phys.org
History of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system | NIH
FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD) | FDA
Cannabis, a complex plant: different compounds and different effects on individuals | NIH