Indica vs Sativa, what is the difference between them?

October 11, 2021

What is the difference between Sativa and Indica?

Indica VS Sativa: understanding the basics
Origin of Indica and Sativa
What is Indica?
What is Sativa?
Medical side effects

Indica VS Sativa: understanding the basics

Indica strains are physically overpowering, great for resting with a movie or as a nightcap before bed, while sativa strains are stimulating with uplifting body effects that match well with physical exercise, social gatherings, and creative projects, according to most cannabis consumers. Indica and sativa effects are considered to interact in hybrid strains.

However, indica does not always mean "in da couch," and sativa does not always mean "energized." It turns out that the chemical compounds in each strain the cannabinoids and terpenes in it determine the effects you'll feel, not whether it's an indica or sativa. As research expands and we learn more about the cannabis plant, it turns out that the chemical compounds in each strain the cannabinoids and terpenes in it determine the effects you'll feel. The roots of those two words, in fact, are founded in botany rather than effects.

The belief that indicas, sativas, and hybrids have different effects is still common in popular cannabis culture today. If you've ever visited a dispensary, you've probably heard a budtender start a recommendation by asking which of the three varieties you like.
Let's take a look at the origins of the phrases "indica," "sativa," and "hybrid," as well as how a cannabis strain's chemical profile interacts with your body to produce effects.

Origin of Indica and Sativa

In the 18th century, the terms "indica" and "sativa" were used to distinguish between two types of cannabis: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Hemp plants were grown for their fiber and seeds throughout Europe and western Eurasia, therefore the word "sativa." The intoxicating forms of Cannabis indica were found in India, where they were collected for their seeds, fiber, and hashish manufacturing.

Here's how words have evolved since they were first defined botanically:
The term "sativa" now refers to cannabis strains with tall, thin leaves that are considered to have stimulating qualities. These narrow-leaf drug (NLD) types, on the other hand, were originally Cannabis indica ssp. indica varieties.
The term "indica" has evolved to refer to thick, broad-leaved plants that are considered to have sedative qualities. Cannabis indica ssp. afghanica is the scientific name for these broad-leaf drug (BLD) types.
The industrial, non-intoxicating strains harvested mainly for fiber, seeds, and CBD are known as "hemp." Cannabis sativa was the initial name for this plant.

Despite the fact that the majority of the cannabis strains we consume come from Cannabis indica, both names are used to categorize the hundreds of strains on the market today, even if incorrectly.

What is Sativa?

While not all sativa marijuana strains will make you feel energized, most users will note that sativas do have tendency to create a "head high," or an uplifting, stimulating impact. Sativas are also frequently reported as being beneficial in reducing tension or anxiety, and many consumers appreciate sativas for their ability to sharpen attention and enhance creativity/motivation.

Sativa effects

Sativa strains are known for making people feel cheerful, uplifting, euphoric, and active. Sativas are commonly considered of as “daytime” strains, which are used to feel productive, creative, and focused, as well as to get things done around the house.

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Popular Sativa strains

You may try a variety of sativa strains, and you've probably heard of some of the most popular. Most dispensaries should have at least a few of these sativa marijuana strains, as they are typically popular.

Sour Diesel
Jack Herer
Green Crack
Durban Poison
Strawberry Cough
Amnesia Haze
Super Lemon Haze
Super Silver Haze

What is Indica?

Although not all indica strains will put you "in da couch," many consumers associate indicas with full-body sensations like as heavy limbs or tingling in the face. Indicas are also said to help with relaxation and sleeplessness, according to them.

Indica effects

Indica strains are known for making people feel calm, euphoric, joyful, and sleepy. Indica strains are frequently referred to as "nighttime" strains since they are taken to relax and unwind towards the end of the night.

Popular Indica strains

There are several indica strains to choose from, many of which you may already be familiar with. These popular indica marijuana strains may be found at your local dispensary.

Purple Punch
Granddaddy Purple
White Rhino
Bubba Kush
Northern Lights
Blueberry
Grape Ape
Blue Cheese

Medical side effects

Cannabis usage is frequently connected with possible advantages, but it can also have unfavorable side effects.

This includes:

dry mouth
dry eyes
dizziness
anxiety
paranoia
lethargy
increased heart rate
decreased blood pressure

THC, not CBD or other cannabinoids, is responsible for the majority of these effects. Any cannabis product, however, might cause negative side effects. The way you use it may also raise your chance of adverse effects.

Smoking or vaping cannabis, for example, might irritate your lungs and airways. Coughing and respiratory difficulties may result as a result of this.

Oral cannabis products, such as candies or cookies, are less likely to have an adverse effect on your respiratory health.

However, ingested cannabis, particularly THC, is more effective because it converts to 11-hydroxy-THC, which generates greater psychoactive effects that can last for hours or even days in some people.