The conversation around cannabis has been on the rise in recent years.
In fact, with the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana, more and more consumers are interested in exploring the several benefits they have to offer.
With so many products on the market, it is essential to have a complete understanding of the different types of cannabis strains and how each produces its own unique effect.
Knowing this will enable you to select the right product based on your needs and preferences.
However, selecting the right product can be challenging, especially if you are a first time user and find it difficult to understand all of the different strains.
When it comes to them, you should know that cannabis has three categories, sativa, indica, and a hybrid combination of both.
There is often confusion when indica vs sativa is discussed but knowing how to differentiate the two is crucial if you want to have an optimal cannabis experience.
If you want to learn more about the differences between them, read on, as this article will cover everything you need to know in order to select the right strain for yourself.
Physical Differences
While indica and sativa are different types of the cannabis plant, they can primarily be distinguished based on their physical characteristics.
While this information is particularly helpful to growers, consumers should be able to identify the differences if they are on the lookout for raw leaves.
Cannabis sativa strains have been grown for 12,000 years in warm and humid areas like Southeast Asia, Central, and South America.
The plants are tall and thin and can grow up to 18 feet in height.
Their leaves are identified as narrow, light green in color, and grow by spreading wide and towards the sky.
They also have a longer flowering cycle, which means that the sativa strains take a longer time to grow in general.
Cannabis indica strains are adaptable to cold weather, which is why they are native to the Himalayan Hindu Kush range.
Indica plants are distinguishable as being shorter than sativa with thick stems. Their leaves are also much wider and of deep green color.
Because of the harsh weather they grow in, indica plants have the ability to produce thick resin filled with cannabinoids.
They also have a shorter flowering cycle and are ideal for short seasons.
Chemical Composition
To identify a strain that produces the effect you desire, you need to understand its chemistry and the different compounds found in it.
A cannabis plant contains several compounds that are called cannabinoids and terpenes.
Both are responsible for producing different effects on the mind and body, so it is important to understand what they do.
While there are several cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, the two main categories are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC is a psychoactive compound that has mind-altering properties, 55whereas CBD does not.
Terpenes are another natural compound found in the cannabis plant, responsible for creating different aromas for different strains.
If you look at the chemical composition of both strains, cannabis sativa has a higher amount of THC content as compared to CBD.
When it comes to aroma, the terpene molecules found in sativa give the strain a sweet floral or spicy aroma.
Cannabis indica, on the other hand, has higher CBD content and lower THC content.
They are associated with a musky, earthy scent because of the terpene molecules present in the plant.
In the U.S, products with high CBD and low THC are considered legal on a state level, which is why you need to know the chemical composition and choose a safe product.
Common Effects
Once you understand each strain’s chemical composition, you need to know the different effects produced by indica and sativa strains.
Sativa strains are associated with producing a “head high,” which means that it primarily causes a cerebral, uplifting effect on the body, causing the consumer to feel energized and alert.
Using sativa products can help you feel productive and creative because it awakens the mind.
Because of this reason, it is best to consume sativa products during the day or for social gatherings where you desire more energy.
Indica strains are known for the “body high” effect that is much more relaxing.
They are not associated with the usual psychological feeling of being high but with an intense feeling of calmness and relaxation that is not limited to the brain.
Because it causes a relaxing effect, indica products are best consumed at night.
Common Uses
Both indica and sativa plants are lauded for their benefits that are not just restricted to being recreational.
They are both used for medical reasons as well and benefit the body in their unique way.
Because sativa strains have a higher THC content than CBD, they offer particular medical benefits to users.
Cannabis sativa products are commonly used by patients suffering from depression, PTSD, and anxiety because of the strain’s uplifting properties.
They are also consumed as a solution for headaches and nausea in order to alleviate symptoms.
Sativa is also helpful in improving focus and concentration as well as providing energy for physical activities.
Indica, however, is associated with its calming properties and is used by people who need to experience that calmness.
Indica is used medicinally to combat chronic pain and inflammation, which is why it is particularly helpful in patients who suffer from illnesses such as arthritis and cancer.
They are also used by patients suffering from insomnia and anxiety and can even help improve appetite loss.
Final Thoughts
As cannabis continues to become more and more popular, it is important to understand the difference in species like indica and sativa in order to know the different effects they produce.
From knowing how to identify the plants to knowing the chemical constituents, effects, and usage, you will be better equipped to walk into a dispensary and pick out the right strain.
This is important because the right product will give you the desired cannabis experience that you seek.
Are you a cannabis consumer? Which of the two strains do you prefer? Let us know in the comment section below.