Here’s The Difference Between Sativa and Indica!
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Knowing the difference between Sativa and Indica is critical when buying weed!
Cannabis is a flowering herb categorized into three subspecies: Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis.
Ruderalis plants are small and produce less potent buds, which is generally unappealing to patients.
As a result, breeders and cultivators typically avoid Ruderalis strains, with the medical cannabis community focusing on Indica and Sativa.
Table of Contents
What Is Stronger Sativa Or Indica?
Aside from their physiological effects, Sativa and Indica plants differ in appearance as well.
In addition to Sativa and Indica, there are also Hybrid strains.
These strains are a blend of Sativa and Indica, giving you a mix of effects.
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Differences in height, branching patterns, and leaf shape are used to differentiate between plant strains.
This is how terms like “Indica” and “Sativa” came to be.
Indica plants have a shorter height and a stalk that is woody, rather than fibrous.
Indica leaves are thick and dark green.
On the other hand, Sativa plants tend to grow slower but higher, in the end producing more flowers.
Sativa is characterized by slim leaves that are light in color.
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While the root cause of these differences is debatable, some researchers suggest that human cultivation has played a role in creating different varieties.
Others believe that a combination of evolving adaptations and geographic isolation may be responsible.
What is the true cause of these physical changes?
We still don’t know for sure.
Sativa produces a stimulating and energizing “high,” while Indica strains provide a more sedating effect.
It’s believed that Indica strains are favored for medicinal use, while Sativa strains are preferred for recreational use.
People often rely on the Internet, friends, or dispensary staff to determine how a particular Sativa or Indica-based product may affect them.
However, keep in mind that individual experiences can be very different.
Dosage, tolerance, method of use, and added ingredients can also influence the effects.
The CBD-to-THC ratio in a product may also impact your experience. Typically, products with high THC give a stronger high.
Higher CBD ratios provide more of a body high, perfect for relaxation.
To better understand the difference let’s break down each sub-species into separate categories.
Let’s discuss the characteristics and effects of each category.
Sativa Strains
Cannabis sativa originated from warmer parts of the world.
It was originally found in Southeast Asia and both South and Central America.
These plants typically have long, slender branches with dense, compact buds.
The leaves are similar in structure to palm trees and are found primarily at the beginning and end of the long branches.
This is to prevent the accumulation of moisture and the growth of pathogens, as well as to provide adequate airflow during hot periods.
Flowering
Compared to Indica strains, Sativa plants require a longer vegetative phase and take approximately 10 to 16 weeks to reach full maturity during the flowering period.
Sativa Effects
Sativa strains are best known for their “head high” effects.
These effects induce feelings of energy, invigoration, and focus, which is why they tend to be used during the daytime.
Sativa Terpene Profile
Sativa strains typically contain higher levels of terpenes such as pinene or limonene, which can create a euphoric and energizing effect.
Sativa strains tend to have lower levels of myrcene, a terpene commonly found in Indica strains that are believed to produce sedative effects.
It should be noted that there can be exceptions to this pattern, and varying phenotypes of the same strain may have different terpene concentrations.
Indica Strains
Indica cannabis strains can be commonly found in the Middle East.
It’s believed that the indica strain got its name from the Indus River, close to the mountain range of the Himalayas.
Indica Strain Characteristics
Indica leaves are typically dark green, although some specimens may exhibit purple or blue hues.
The leaves are characterized by shorter and wider blades, which are adapted to minimize water loss during perspiration.
Indica strains often produce more side branches than Sativa varieties, resulting in a denser, bushier appearance reminiscent of a small fir tree.
The flowers of Indica strains cluster around the nodes.
These buds are typically denser and more compact than those of comparable size in Sativa strains, resulting in a heavier overall weight.
Indica Strain Flowering
Indica plants have a shorter vegetative period compared to Sativa.
Indica strains are also well-suited for indoor cultivation as they do not grow as tall as Sativa strains.
They are ideal for regions with high moisture and colder weather conditions that arrive earlier in the season.
The flowering period of Indica strains usually lasts approximately 6 to 8 weeks.
Indica Effects
Indica strains are highly valued for their deeply relaxing effects.
They also have the potential to alleviate nausea and pain.
As a result, Indica strains are often preferred for relaxing evenings at home or with friends.
Due to the “couch-locking effects,” they are considered nighttime strains. Aiding in sleep.
However, Indica strains can also have other beneficial uses.
They have been found to be effective in treating chronic pain and can be a replacement for opioid painkillers.
Terpene Profiles
Indica cannabis strains can exhibit a wide range of terpene profiles.
They offer aromas and flavors that can include musk, grape, berry, or other wild fruits.
Generally, Indicas tend to have more earthy and damp aromas compared to the sweeter, fruitier, citrusy, or spicy aromas that are often associated with Sativa strains.
Indica strains also produce higher concentrations of other terpenes such as humulene and caryophyllene, resulting in a strong and dense aroma.
Indica and Sativa are two distinct species of Cannabis that produce varying effects.
However, even if two plants belong to the same species, the chemical composition within each plant can differ, resulting in different effects.
Due to their unique terpene profile and different cannabinoid composition, they offer a wide range of medical benefits.
Indica can alleviate pain, reduce nausea and improve sleep.
Indica plants are shorter and bushier, and fast-growing, making them a good growing choice for indoor growers.
Sativa strains are taller with more branches. They take a longer time to produce nice, dense flowers.
Now that you know the most important Sativa and indica effects, you can make a wiser choice at the dispensary.
Remember to start with low doses when trying new sativa and indica strains!
