When purchasing marijuana at a dispensary, you may notice strains are usually broken up into two distinctive types: Indica and Sativa. It is believed that Sativa strains are more uplifting, while Indica is perfect for relaxation. The budtender in the shop will ask you if you prefer to be more energetic or would like to knock yourself out completely. However, studies have shown there is little evidence to suggest both types of cannabis plants exhibit consistent chemical profiles. What we do know though is that both plants look different and grow differently.
Origin of the Terms Indica and Sativa
The words were introduced back in the 18th century to describe different species of hemp: Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa. Cannabis Indica was named by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, who describes the psychoactive varieties of the plant discovered in India. Cannabis Sativa was named by Carl Linnaeus, who describes the plants cultivated for fiber and seeds in Europe and Eurasia.
What we call “Indica” refers to a stout, broad-leaf plant thought to deliver a sedating effect. It’s also known as Cannabis Indica ssp Afghanica. On the other hand, we have the Sativa. These plants with tapered leaves grow tall and thin. They are thought to induce energizing effects. Their original name is Cannabis Indica ssp Indica. Today, “hemp” refers to the industrial varieties harvested primarily for CBD, fiber, and seeds. They are known as Cannabis Sativa. It’s all very confusing, isn’t it? With the mass commercialization of marijuana, the distinctions between the species and subspecies got turned on its head.
How the Plants Look
Typically, Cannabis Sativa plants grow tall and thin with small leaves. They are generally a lighter shade of green compared to the Indica plant. The strains take longer to grow, mature and require more light. Cannabis Indica plants are the opposite of Sativa. They are short, bushy plants with wide leaves. They grow faster and have a higher yield than the Sativa variety.
Medicinal Benefits: Sativa vs Indica
- Indica
All the products available from dispensaries these days are produced from Cannabis Indica plants with lower THC counts. The Indica strains or CBD infused edibles you get have all the following qualities: decreased nausea, decreased acute pain, increased mental relaxation, increased appetite, increased dopamine and provides muscle relaxation. It’s suggested you use this strain at night.
- Sativa
Some of the major qualities of the Sativa strains are increased focus and creativity, increased serotonin, alleviates chronic pain, works as an antidepressant, used to treat anxiety, and a lot more. It’s recommended for daytime use.
Sativa vs Indica: What Strain Should You Choose?
Marijuana is uniquely versatile, in that it can be enjoyed in different ways, offering the consumer a countless variety of experiences with each combination. Whether you want to use the strains to wake up and motivate yourself or to unwind and enjoy a movie, there are many combinations to try out. For starting out your day, budtenders recommend pure Sativa strains. For people who do not usually smoke but want to relax to the max, Indica is the right choice. However, there is a third option – hybrids. This strain falls between the Indica-Sativa spectrum, depending on the traits inherited from the parent plants.
Strain Names
sativa vs indica, It can be confusing when you go to the shop and see all the different varieties of strains. So how can you tell the difference between Indica and Sativa? It’s pretty easy, actually. Sativa dominant strains have the word “haze” in their name while Indica comes with a kush in the name (the species originates from the Hindu Kush mountains). Some of the popular Indica strains are Purple Punch, Grandaddy Purple, and Larry OG. For Sativa, Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, Green Crack, and Strawberry Cough are the top-selling varieties.
We hope we have given answers to some of the most common questions asked when people come to think of Sativa vs Indica. With this information, it will be easier for you to make an informed choice when purchasing plants or CBD-infused products.
