Sativa and indica are two different types of cannabis. They are the two main strains used for medicinal and recreational purposes. Each one comes from a slightly different plant and has different effects on the body. By understanding the difference between sativa and indica, you can work out which strain is best suited for you. This post offers a brief guide on the differences between the two.
What is sativa?
Sativa plants are larger, more slow-growing and have a fibrous stalk. Their leaves have a thin appearance compared to that of an indica plant. They thrive in hot, dry climates and are mainly found in Central America, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa.
Due to a low CBD content and higher THC content, sativa is known for having an energizing effect and a more potent high. It is more appropriate for day time use because of its stimulating effects. Sativa is more effective at treating anxiety in some people, however for others it can be a cause of anxiety.
What is indica?
Indica plants are shorter, faster-growing and have a more woody stalk. They have much wider leaves than a sativa plant. While also thriving in a hot and dry climate, indica prefers to live in harsher and more mountainous regions. The plant is native to the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, as well as being found in certain areas of Turkey.
Indica has a higher CBD content and lower THC content. It is known for its more relaxing effects, as well as its pain relieving qualities. Indica can make people sleepy and so is best taken at night rather than during the day. Compared to sativa, indica is also more likely to cause the munchies as it has appetite-stimulating properties.
What are hybrid strains?
What happens if you combine sativa and indica? Growers have experimented combining the two for decades now leading to the creation of hybrid strains. These do not grow naturally around the world and are specially cultivated to produce certain effects.
Some hybrid strains are more indica-dominant such as Wedding Cake and Raspberry Glue. Others are more sativa-dominant such as Pineapple Express and Sour Diesel. And then there are some that offer a more even balance such as Northern Lights and Blue Dream. On top of providing a mix of indica and sativa effects, these hybrids may be grown in a way to enhance certain flavors, which can make them a popular choice.
Conclusion
Sativa is a more THC-heavy stimulating variant of cannabis that is best taken during the day. It can be used to treat anxiety and may reduce the munchies.
Indica is a more CBD-heavy relaxing variant of cannabis that is more preferable to take at night. It is effective at providing pain relief and may help some people to beat insomnia.
For a mixture of effects, try hybrid strains. Just remember that some may be more sativa-dominant and others may be more indica-dominant, so it’s important to consider which effects are more preferable.