Cannabis strains: Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid

If you’re new to the scene and aren’t 100% sure you know the ropes of the 3 different main types of cannabis, you might want to read this before you get your hands on something completely different from what you expected. 

Knowing basic differences between two main types of cannabis strains can help an awful lot to tailor your vaping experience to something that fits you, and can help you avoid feeling how you wouldn’t want to.

Let’s get into the differences of these strain types, how to identify each from a quick study using your senses, and also which would be best suited in aiding certain medical conditions. 

Indica Vs Sativa: The History

Indica and sativa strains are the two main types of cannabis, and while both belong to the same big cannabis family, their effects differ substantially from one another. 

Both plants create a high and have an array of medical benefits of their own, and can be identified through a few classic features such as their smell, appearance and of course, their taste. 

The term “Sativa” stems from a Latin adjective meaning “cultivated”. Sativa strains were first domesticated in East Asia during the neolithic times and have since travelled to become a favourite among many cannabis connoisseurs all over the world.

“Indica” originates from – India, Afghanistan, Nepal and Northern Pakistan. “Indica” is the Latin term for “India”.

Cannabis Indica strains were particularly common in the Hindi Kush mountain range in Central and South Asia, to the west of the Himalayas. As time passed and more people began to take interest in the plant, it was exploited and grown in greenhouses all over the world.

What Are The Differences? 

On a chemical level, Indica strains tend to have stronger CBD profiles, whereas Sativa strains have stronger THC profiles. 

CBD is responsible for an array of medical benefits without the psychoactive effect, and is used to cure many ailments such as:

• Dry skin
• Anxiety
• Anti-seizure
• Pain relief
• Anti-acne

THC, on the other hand, also has its own set of medical benefits, with the only “con” being its psychoactive effects. THC can help in aiding:

• Inflammation
• Pain relief
• Psychosis or mental disorders
• Nausea
• Depression

But that’s not all, there are also different terpenes and flavonoids in each plant creating different tastes, smells and effects. 

Effects: 

Not all classic side effects are consistent throughout all marijuana strains, some effects are also more prominent in certain strains than others. 

Indica strains provide a mellow, “stoned” body high, with other common side effects such as “the munchies”. Indica strains also increase dopamine, which is responsible for bringing on a wave of true peace. 

Sativa strains, on the other hand, are known for their uplifting, energetic and sometimes creative effects – the “mind high”. Many people report being able to socialise comfortably with a clear mind rather than the foggy feeling that comes with Indica strains, which in many cases are consumed to relieve anxiety in social scenarios.  

In simple terms, Indica is what you’ll want for winters or laid back activities such as movies, listening to your favourite music, scenic viewing or enjoying some down-time to unwind after a long week’s work. 

Sativa is a good option if you need to be active or interact with other people; communicating, moving, retaining cognitive ability, creativity etc. are all common side effects associated with Sativa strains that people have come to love so much. 

Appearance:

For appearance right off the bat, Indica plant leaves are shorter and fatter in comparison to Sativa leaves, which are longer and thinner. Sativa plants grow tall with large, fluffy buds and thin, delicate leaves. They’re also generally lighter in colour and have a tropical smell to it. Harvested Sativa buds are likely to be light green in colour and will have significantly more trichomes than Indica buds on average. Indica plants grow larger, heavier buds with shorter, wider leaves. 

Smell:

Indica strains tend to smell musky and earthy, a popular description also being a “skunky” smell, although not nearly as pungent as the real thing! It can also smell sweet when travelling through the air. 

Sativa strains are known for their zesty, exotic and fruity smells, mostly due to the terpenes “limonene” and “myrcene” that are commonly found in many Sativa strains. 

Medical Benefits

As mentioned above, Indica strains generally have higher CBD profiles than Sativa strains, and Sativa strains commonly have higher THC levels. Both cannabinoids offer their own unique medical benefits, however THC remains psychoactive. 

Indica

High CBD Indica strains can aid in a variety of ailments, such as:

• Decreasing nausea
• Easy relaxation
• Treats acute pain
• Relieves inflammation
• Reduces anxiety
• Help combat seizures, 
• Aids in treating lupus
• Aids in multiple sclerosis

Sativa

As a strain that is generally potent in THC content, THC has been proved to relieve and aid in the following ailments:

• It works to help combat chronic pain 
• Aids in easing and treating anxiety
• Eases depression symptoms
• Some even enjoy sativa before physical activity

Sativa strains provide a boost in serotonin, which regulates learning, mood, sleep, anxiety, and appetite.

Hybrid

Hybrid cannabis strains contain characteristics of both Indica and Sativa strains, depending on its genetic lineage. Most of the cannabis available today is, in fact, hybrid plants which are either THC or CBD dominant, rather than the supposed pure Indica or Sativa. With regard to appearance, hybrid plant leaves really are a “meet me halfway” of the Indica & Sativa leaves, closely resembling a mixture of both. 

What Effect Does Hybrid Weed Have?

Depending on what it’s grown for, it can have many outcomes. For example, the mellow effects of Indica can be slightly uplifted by the effects of a Sativa strain, but not as much and as overwhelming as Sativa on its own. Or, a Sativa dominant hybrid that has some Indica properties that will have you at ease while feeling energised enough for whatever may lie ahead.

The possibilities really are endless if you can pinpoint the effects of different cannabis plants and combine them with other strains that have a mutually beneficial quality. And that’s the power of hybrid strains – they can basically be tailored to suit your best needs, or have been before!  

When Should You Consider A Hybrid Strain? 

Many times, the effects of either Indica or Sativa strains on their own are quite prominent, and can be overwhelming and unwanted for some. Getting your hands on a hybrid strain would be a good option if you want qualities found in different plants, together, or dislike some side effects that come with consuming certain strains. 

Speak to a professional with regard to your medical conditions and the best recommended cannabis products for them would be your best bet on getting a hybrid strain that is optimal for you.