Hybrid vigor, also known as heterosis or hybrid vigour, is a phenomenon observed in plant breeding and genetics where the offspring of genetically diverse parents exhibit enhanced traits and overall superiority compared to their parents. It is particularly relevant in the context of hybrid plant breeding, including hybrid cannabis strains.

When two genetically distinct parent strains are crossbred to create a hybrid strain, the resulting offspring can benefit from hybrid vigor. This phenomenon occurs due to a phenomenon called “complementary gene action” or “gene dominance.” It involves the interaction of different genetic traits from the parent strains, resulting in an improved expression of certain desirable characteristics in the hybrid offspring.