Cannabis is a popular plant known for its medicinal and recreational uses, and its popularity has led to the creation of many different strains.
Understanding the differences between these strains is important for choosing the right one for your specific needs.
The three main types of cannabis strains are sativa, indica, and hybrid.
Origins of Indica
Indica strains originated in colder, mountainous climates (think Afghanistan and northern India). Indica plants tend to be short, squat, and bushy. The indica vs sativa leaves are plump and the foliage is dense. These are plants adapted to harsh environments like those found in the Hindu Kush mountain range.
Indica vs sativa plants are also excellent producers of hash, and that’s no accident. They were undoubtedly bred that way, as hashish is the preferred method of cannabis consumption in much of the area from which they sprang.
Indica vs sativa plants don’t mess around when flowering; they get it done in six to eight weeks. This is almost certainly due to their mountain-born genetic programming; they want to produce the next generation’s genetics before frost hits. Indoor growers love the speediness with which indica vs sativa flowers bloom and flatten.
Origins of Sativa
Sativas, on the other hand, originated in sweltering equatorial zones. Sativas tend to be tall and gangly, with skinnier leaves. Originating in the sunny climates of Southeast Asia, Central America, and Mexico, these plants are sun-worshippers. They regularly grow between eight and 12 feet tall, but in optimal conditions outdoors, 18-foot monsters aren’t unheard of.
These equatorial strains take their time when flowering. In contrast to the six-to-eight-week flowering time of indicas, sativa flowering can stretch past 12 weeks, making impatient growers crazy. The difference in lighting cost for indoor growers means that indoor sativas are sometimes more expensive in the shops.
What are Hybrids?
With the rise of modern cannabis breeding and the discovery that genetics are important to marijuana potency, thousands of hybrid strains have also come onto the scene. These hybrids combine the effects of indicas and sativas. And in the modern world, we now distinguish between indica vs sativa vs hybrid strains.
Hybrids can be broken down into three basic groups:
- Sativa-dominant hybrids combine sativa’s cerebral high with indica’s relaxing body effect. Headband, Alien Girl, Juicy Fruit, Sour Diesel, and Purple Trainwreck are a few examples.
- Indica-dominant hybrids provide pain relief with a soothing head high. Afgooey, Girl Scout Cookies, Tahoe OG, Skywalker OG, and Purple Urkle are examples. Our favourite: Aurora Temple flowers.
- Balanced hybrids combine the best of both worlds into one smoke with 50/50 indica/sativa genetics. Examples include White Widow, Blue Dream, Purple Diesel, and Super Silver Haze.
What is the Difference in Effects?
Indica
Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative effects. They are often used for pain relief and to help with sleep. Indicas are shorter and bushier plants, with wider leaves.
They are typically used in the evening or before bed.
Sativa
Sativa strains are known for their uplifting and energizing effects, making them a popular choice for daytime use. Sativas are said to enhance creativity and focus and are often used to treat depression, fatigue, and anxiety.
The plants themselves are tall and thin, with long and narrow leaves.
When choosing a cannabis strain, it’s important to consider your specific needs and desired effects. Talking to a knowledgeable budtender or researching different strains can also help in finding the right one for you.