When you step into a dispensary, one of the first things you may notice about the cannabis products is that they are separated into three categories: indicas, sativas, and hybrid strains. But, what is the difference between indica and sativa strains?
From effects to the plant profiles themselves, we’re covering the ins and outs of these medical cannabis strains. This way, the next time you start shopping, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for out of your weed.
The History of Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa
Cannabis indica and cannabis sativa are actually two different species of plants in the cannabis family. However, the level of their difference is still a point of debate in the botanical and horticultural communities.
Cannabis indica first arrived in the U.S. in the late 1960s or early 1970s. However, it was originally cultivated in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the largest crops coming out of the Hindu Kush Mountains.
On the other hand, cannabis sativa originated from more equatorial climates and grew primarily in southern North America and Central America.
As cannabis spread across the globe, these two species began to merge with each other through crossbreeding, resulting in hybrid strains — which we’ll touch on later.
Today, most commercially available cannabis plant strains are hybrids, blending characteristics of both indica and sativa. However, pure indica and sativa strains can still be found and are highly sought after for their specific effects.
Speaking of, let’s talk about effects next.
The Difference Between Indica and Sativa: Effects
Most people know that indica strains tend to create more relaxing, sedative effects, while sativa strains tend to help more with creativity and mood. But, did you know that there’s a lot more to these cannabis strains than just relaxing and uplifting?
Below, we’ve broken down some of the most common effects of both indica and sativa strains of cannabis to help you determine which type is best for you.
Indica Strain Effects
In the great cannabis indica debate, most people will argue that every purple bud will make you sleepy. But that’s simply just not true.
Every indica strain is going to act — and look — slightly different depending on its genetics. The strain’s lineage and even terpene content will directly influence effects; however, here are some of the common results people find with indica-dominant strains.
Relaxation: Indica strains are known for their calming, full-body effects, making them popular for winding down after a long day.
Sedation: Many indica strains have sedative properties, which make them ideal for nighttime use or when trying to get rest.
Pain Relief: Due to their analgesic properties, indica strains are commonly used by people seeking relief from chronic pain.
Increased Appetite: Users often report an increase in hunger after using indica, making it beneficial for individuals with low appetite or undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.
Anxiety Reduction: Indica’s calming effects help reduce anxiety, making it a go-to for those experiencing high stress or anxiousness.
Muscle Relaxation: Muscle tension and spasms may be alleviated, making indica strains a popular choice for conditions like muscle pain or cramps.
Sleep Aid: Many people use indica strains to improve sleep quality due to their ability to promote deep relaxation and drowsiness.
Euphoria: While calming, these unique strains can still produce feelings of euphoria, providing mental relaxation alongside physical effects.
Sativa Strain Effects
Of course, pure sativa and sativa-dominant strains offer their own unique effect profiles. Again, they will vary largely from strain to strain, but here’s what you may be able to find in your favorite sativas.
Energizing: Sativas are known for their stimulating effects, providing an uplifting burst of energy and mental clarity. This makes them a popular choice for daytime use.
Enhanced Focus: Many users report increased focus and concentration, making these plants ideal for tasks requiring creativity, problem-solving, or artistic expression.
Mood Elevation: Sativas are often praised for their mood-enhancing properties, helping to reduce feelings of depression, stress, or lethargy. The uplifting cerebral high is perfect for improving overall well-being.
Increased Sociability: People frequently use sativas in social settings, as the stimulating effects can encourage conversation, creativity, and interaction with others.
Creativity Boost: These specific strains are popular among artists and creative professionals because they are known to inspire fresh ideas and imaginative thinking.
Reduced Fatigue: Sativas can help combat feelings of tiredness or sluggishness, making them ideal for users who need a pick-me-up or have physically demanding tasks.
Mild Pain Relief: Although not as strong as indicas in terms of pain relief, sativas can provide relief from mild discomfort while allowing the user to remain active.
Keeping Hybrid Strains In Mind
It’s important to keep in mind that balanced hybrid strains exist, too! While there is a stark difference between indica vs sativas, hybrids allow for a wonderful middle ground.
You can find indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or even 5/50 hybrid strains depending on what you like best.
If you’re someone who enjoys the benefits of indica strains but you don’t want to get too sleepy before tackling your to-do list, an indica-dominant hybrid strain may be your best bet!
These strains offer noticeable indica effects alongside mild sativa boosts.
On the other hand, pure sativa strains may induce some anxiety in those with already high-stress levels. Hybrid sativas, though, offer the same creative stimulation, but with a nice relaxing element, too.
Indica vs. Sativa Plants
Everyone knows that indicas and sativas have different effects; but what do the actual plants look like, and how do they differ?
Let’s take a closer look at what indica and sativa plants look like — especially if you’re planning on growing some in the future.
Cannabis Indica Plant Profiles
Generally, indica plants are typically shorter and bushier with broad, dark green leaves.
These cannabis plants are well-suited to cooler climates and tend to have shorter flowering periods, making them a popular choice for indoor cultivation.
Indica plants also tend to have high resin production and dense buds, making them some pretty flowers once it comes time to harvest.
Finally, you should keep in mind that THC levels in indica plants are typically moderate to high, while some strains may also have higher CBD content, enhancing their therapeutic benefits without causing too much mental stimulation.
Cannabis Sativa Plant Profiles
Sativa plants, in contrast, are known for their tall, slender structures and narrow leaves. These plants thrive in warmer climates with longer growing seasons and can grow up to 20 feet outdoors.
So, if you’re planning on being an outdoor grower, sativa plants may be the way to go.
You should keep in mind that this type of cannabis plant is slower to flower compared to indicas; but, sativa plants tend to produce larger yields.
While sativas usually boast a high THC content, their CBD levels are often lower, resulting in a more mentally focused high than the physically relaxing effects of indicas.
Popular Indica and Sativa Strains for Medical Cardholders
Before we let you pick out your ideal cannabis strain, let’s break down some of the most popular options in the medical cannabis world right now. This way, you know which options may work best for you and your needs.
Classic Indica Strains
Strain | Profile | Medical Conditions |
A classic strain known for its potent relaxation and calming effects, with earthy, piney, and sweet notes. | Medical marijuana and chronic pain, cannabis for insomnia, marijuana for anxiety relief | |
Granddaddy Purple | Known for its deep purple hues and strong sedative effects, with grape and berry flavors. | Medical marijuana and muscle spasms, cannabis for sleep disorders, marijuana for stress relief |
Bubba Kush | Popular for its strong tranquilizing effects, featuring coffee, chocolate, and earthy flavors. | Medical marijuana and stress relief, cannabis for chronic pain, marijuana for PTSD symptoms |
Famed for its sweet, fruity flavors, delivering a soothing and relaxing body high. | Medical marijuana and anxiety, cannabis for depression relief, marijuana for nausea | |
Purple Kush | An extremely potent strain with powerful sedative effects and an earthy, sweet taste. | Medical marijuana and sleep disorders, cannabis for pain relief, marijuana for anxiety |
Afghan Kush | A landrace strain known for its high resin production and strong body high, with spicy, herbal flavors. | Medical marijuana and insomnia, cannabis for appetite stimulation, marijuana for pain management |
Popular Sativa Strains
Strain | Profile | Medical Conditions |
Known for its energizing effects and pungent, diesel-like aroma with citrus undertones. | Medical marijuana and fatigue, cannabis for depression relief, marijuana for stress management | |
A well-balanced sativa offering clear-headed, creative effects with earthy and piney flavors. | Medical marijuana and ADHD, cannabis for focus, marijuana for mood elevation | |
Green Crack | Famous for its strong, invigorating mental buzz and tropical, fruity flavors. | Medical marijuana and fatigue, cannabis for anxiety relief, marijuana for stress |
Durban Poison | A pure sativa with uplifting and energetic effects, featuring sweet, earthy, and piney flavors. | Medical marijuana and attention deficit disorders, cannabis for creativity, marijuana for productivity |
Super Lemon Haze | Known for its citrusy, lemon flavor and uplifting, euphoric effects. | Medical marijuana and depression, cannabis for social anxiety, marijuana for focus |
Amnesia Haze | Provides a burst of energy and creative flow with citrusy, earthy flavors. | Medical marijuana and PTSD, cannabis for anxiety, marijuana for depression management |
Finding the Perfect Strain For You
If you’ve been to a dispensary near you, you’ve already seen dozens on dozens of different strains, each with varying potency and effects.
But, above all, simply being able to understand the difference between sativa and indica cannabis strains will go a long way toward helping you find the product that will best treat your specific symptoms.
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