Indica vs Sativa

 In the CBD and cannabis world, the words “Sativa” and “Indica” are thrown around a lot, and although people may be aware that there are different types of cannabis plants, it can get confusing at times hearing this vocabulary and not knowing what it means. Not all cannabis strains are the same, and the strain is what is used to differentiate between Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. The strain refers to the breed of the individual plant, although throughout the years certain familial strains have branched into definitive subsections. Though strains may share a lineage, the differences between them are numerous.

Cannabis sativa and Cannabis Indica are two types of cannabis that are very similar in certain features, however, also have obvious differences between the two. There has been a lot of anecdotal evidence claiming that indica has a calming effect in comparison to sativa which is said to have an energising effect, although some experts claim that these generalisations can be misleading. Experts advise that there are several factors involved in producing the recreational and medical effects of cannabis than strain alone.

The names “indica” and “sativa” come from the physical differences including the variations in the shape of the leaves, the height of the plant, and branching patterns- these characteristics are how botanists identify the different strains of the cannabis plant.

Some key features of these two strains are as follows:

Indica Strains

• Anecdotally noted to have a relaxing effect
• Indica strain cannabis plants are usually bushy and can grow between three and six feet tall and can be grown indoors.
• They are shorter and bushier plants, with shorter and broader dark-green leaves, they also have a woody stalk instead of a fibrous one.
• Indica plants grow more quickly than sativa plants
• Higher yields and shorter flowering periods- can produce flowers within 8 weeks
• Popular strains include:
  • Skywalker OG
  • Bubba Kush
  • Northern Lights
  • Herojuana
• The cannabis indica plant originated in the Middle East, in places such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tibet.
• Known to have a higher CBD content

Sativa Strains

• Anecdotally noted to have an uplifting effect
• Known to create the “high” associated with cannabis
• Sativa strains grow tall and thin- the plant is known to grow up to 10 feet in an outside garden.
• Taller and less dense plants, with longer and more narrow light-green leaves
• Popular strains include:
  • Cherry AK
  • Amnesia Haze
  • Green Crack
  • Sour Diesel
• The cannabis sativa plant comes from warmer climates with mild winters and longer summers, such as Southeast Asia and Central and South America.
• Generally, the perception of sativa is that it provides a more energising and creative high, although in some users it can prompt anxiety.
• Known to have a higher THC level

Hybrid Strains

• Out of the approximately 779 strains, more than 50% of them are hybrids.
• Hybrid strains offer a blend of effects, combining the traits inherited from their parent strains.
• Popular hybrid strains:
  • Pineapple Express
  • Girl Scout Cookies
  • Blue Dream
  • Headband
• Hybrid strains of cannabis sativa and cannabis indica have been produced by both growers and nature. People began to breed hybrids for certain characteristics such as to make plants grow more quickly, improve the yield, and/or balance out energising and calming effects.