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What Is the Difference Between Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid Strains?
Learn more about cannabis strains and its affects
Cannabis—whether bought for recreational or medical reasons—is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. It is composed of over a hundred chemical compounds referred to as cannabinoids, of which the two primary ones are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Research has shown that cannabis helps with several disorders, be it chronic pain, glaucoma, or managing chemotherapy effects. Is it thus surprising that cannabis is being legalized across America?
Would it amaze you to learn that the number of marijuana smokers in the US is almost the same as cigarette smokers?
Ever been to a dispensary to purchase cannabis and found yourself unsure of what strain you need?
You’re not alone! Many consumers often wonder, what is the difference between Sativa and Indica and hybrid strains?
Here is a run-through of how these three strains differ. Knowing how to tell the difference between Sativa and Indica will help you understand which is best for you and your condition.
Research has shown that cannabis helps with several disorders, be it chronic pain, glaucoma, or managing chemotherapy effects. Is it thus surprising that cannabis is being legalized across America?
Would it amaze you to learn that the number of marijuana smokers in the US is almost the same as cigarette smokers?
Ever been to a dispensary to purchase cannabis and found yourself unsure of what strain you need?
You’re not alone! Many consumers often wonder, what is the difference between Sativa and Indica and hybrid strains?
Here is a run-through of how these three strains differ. Knowing how to tell the difference between Sativa and Indica will help you understand which is best for you and your condition.
What Is Sativa?
This kind of cannabis grows in warmer areas and thrives in high humidity places like Central and South America and Southeast Asia.
Sativa strains are slender and taller plants with thin, light green leaves. Most users have reported that they feel more focused or energized and alive after use. This effect is primarily due to its high THC content and low CBD dose.
Sativa strains are best recommended for daytime use.
Wondering how Sativa helps? Here’s why it is prescribed:
This kind of cannabis grows in warmer areas and thrives in high humidity places like Central and South America and Southeast Asia.
Sativa strains are slender and taller plants with thin, light green leaves. Most users have reported that they feel more focused or energized and alive after use. This effect is primarily due to its high THC content and low CBD dose.
Sativa strains are best recommended for daytime use.
Wondering how Sativa helps? Here’s why it is prescribed:
- It eases depression symptoms and headaches
- It decreases nausea
- It helps fight appetite loss
What Is Indica?
This strain grows in harsher and drier climates like in the Middle East. A quick examination of Sativa vs. Indica leaves will tell you how different they are. Indica is described to have bushy, broad, short, and dark green leaves. The buds are also denser in Indica strains than in Sativa plants. Another way to differentiate the plants is by their stems—Indica plants are woodier than Sativa.
The effects of Indica are centered on the body, thus earning the reputation of "body high." People who use this strain are often so relaxed that it’s practically impossible to get much done. Perhaps this is why Indica is recommended for nighttime use. The body effects are attributed to its higher CBD levels as compared to Sativa.
Wondering what other effects the Indica strain has on the body? Here’s our list!
This strain grows in harsher and drier climates like in the Middle East. A quick examination of Sativa vs. Indica leaves will tell you how different they are. Indica is described to have bushy, broad, short, and dark green leaves. The buds are also denser in Indica strains than in Sativa plants. Another way to differentiate the plants is by their stems—Indica plants are woodier than Sativa.
The effects of Indica are centered on the body, thus earning the reputation of "body high." People who use this strain are often so relaxed that it’s practically impossible to get much done. Perhaps this is why Indica is recommended for nighttime use. The body effects are attributed to its higher CBD levels as compared to Sativa.
Wondering what other effects the Indica strain has on the body? Here’s our list!
- Eases muscle pain
- Improves appetite
- Helps with insomnia
What Is Hybrid?
As the name suggests, when two or more strains are crossbred, you get a hybrid.
Hybrids can be Sativa-dominant or Indica-dominant. Some hybrids are bred to have an equal combination of both strains. The effects of the Hybrid depend on which strain was largely used.
Users opt for Hybrid when they feel that the "head high" or the "body high" is not as potent as they want it to be.
The most popular strains include Pineapple Express, Blue Dream, and Fir OG.
As the name suggests, when two or more strains are crossbred, you get a hybrid.
Hybrids can be Sativa-dominant or Indica-dominant. Some hybrids are bred to have an equal combination of both strains. The effects of the Hybrid depend on which strain was largely used.
Users opt for Hybrid when they feel that the "head high" or the "body high" is not as potent as they want it to be.
The most popular strains include Pineapple Express, Blue Dream, and Fir OG.
Quick Facts About Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid
- To feel more invigorated during the day, use Sativa.
- If you need help relaxing after a stressful and busy day, use Indica.
- When you want a balance between relaxation and focus, Hybrid is your best choice.
Conclusion
When used correctly and with a specific purpose in mind, cannabis can be a powerful natural ally.
However, before consuming anything, even a natural product, consult a medical practitioner. Sure, cannabis is a plant, but there are always potential risks and side effects that you need to understand. Speaking with your medical professional will help you find the right option and strain without the bad trip.
When used correctly and with a specific purpose in mind, cannabis can be a powerful natural ally.
However, before consuming anything, even a natural product, consult a medical practitioner. Sure, cannabis is a plant, but there are always potential risks and side effects that you need to understand. Speaking with your medical professional will help you find the right option and strain without the bad trip.
Choosing the Right Form
Cannabis can be consumed in any form—capsules, powder, patches, tincture, smoking, topicals, etc. With so many options, it is indeed easy to get confused.
When debating over Sativa vs. Indica edibles or other Sativa vs. Hybrid options, always reflect on “purpose” and “result.” For instance, if you require long-lasting effects, an edible is recommended. If there are concerns about lung health or precise dosage, go with pills or topicals. If, however, short-term effects are the need of the hour, pick the smokeable kind.
Aside from results and purpose, you also have to keep in mind your tolerance level. If you haven’t taken too well to cannabis before, get the relief you need with a low THC strain.
Cannabis can be consumed in any form—capsules, powder, patches, tincture, smoking, topicals, etc. With so many options, it is indeed easy to get confused.
When debating over Sativa vs. Indica edibles or other Sativa vs. Hybrid options, always reflect on “purpose” and “result.” For instance, if you require long-lasting effects, an edible is recommended. If there are concerns about lung health or precise dosage, go with pills or topicals. If, however, short-term effects are the need of the hour, pick the smokeable kind.
Aside from results and purpose, you also have to keep in mind your tolerance level. If you haven’t taken too well to cannabis before, get the relief you need with a low THC strain.
