Indica vs Sativa. These are the two superstar strains of cannabis. Both indica and sativa loved strain types. They are the Rolling Stones vs. the Beatles. They are Friends vs. Seinfeld. They are the ocean vs. the stars.
Take these metaphors as you will, but here’s the TL;DR for you: Indica tends to give you a warm, relaxing body high, while sativa tends toward an energizing head high.
And while this is a helpful rule of thumb, it’s also worth noting that these descriptions are by no means universal truths. The truth, as it turns out, is far more complicated.
Understanding Indica Strains vs Sativa Strains
To start moving past the binary indica/sativa dichotomy, it’s time to dig into what actually gives a plant its unique effects.
Even plants in the same strain can have subtle differences in their chemical profiles that produce differences in effects. The plant’s chemical composition, the growing technique used to cultivate it, and the breed are the most important factors.
Dispensaries and growers often provide information on the “chemovar,” or chemical variant, at hand. Within this description, you’ll often find valuable information on the cannabinoids and terpenes that give the strain its unique journey. In other words, don’t go by the name alone.
Cannabinoids, by the way, are those natural components of the cannabis flower that create its many effects. THC, CBD, and CBN are examples of cannabinoids. Terpenes are those parts that give a strain its unique smell and flavor, but they are also influential in its effects. Some common terpenes are:
- Bisabolol: With a scent like tea tree oil, this terpene may have pain- and inflammation-reducing effects.
- Myrcene: This is the most common of all terpenes. Myrcene has an earthy smell and may help with anxiety and insomnia.
- Ocimene: This fruity, herbal-smelling terpene could potentially have helpful effects on congestion and bacterial infections.
Indica
Our deep dive into indica strains starts with the origins of this plant. Cannabis indica comes from a geographic area reaching from the near Middle East to South Asia. Cannabis indica plants are acclimated to high, arid places such as the high mountains of Kashmir.
Perhaps due to the harsh climate they’ve adapted to, indica plants tend to be hardier. They are stocky, short, and chunky, with broad leaves that soak up plenty of sunlight. Faster-growing than sativa plants, indica plants are also more productive in terms of buds.
Indica plants tend to produce a higher ratio of CBD to THC, though they can still pack a solid punch in terms of THC content. The result is generally a highly relaxing experience. Medically, indica may be beneficial in reducing pain, nausea, and low appetite.
This plant is the botanical equivalent of a chill pill. Depending on how you react to it, it’s probably best to enjoy it at night so that you can transition into a deep sleep afterward.
Some examples of indica strains include:
When you need some weed that’ll pulverize pain, squash stress, decimate depressive feelings, and get you primed for an excellent night’s sleep, reach for the …
With a scent that blends sweet roses and pungent skunk, Bubba OG is a bit of a contradiction. It’s a hybrid weed strain that is about 80% indica and …
Designed to make you feel like you’re melting from the head down, this cannabis strain is great for the end of the day. Blackwater is a 90% indica …
Want to feel like you’re being swallowed by quicksand while you’re relaxing on the couch? Grab the Biochem cannabis strain, which is known for being a …
Wanna try some fantastic flower with phenomenal genetics? Then pick up an eighth of the White Diesel strain and let it blow your mind. This slightly …
No need to be concerned about this cannabis strain making you feel anxious or paranoid. With a moderate THC level of around 17%, this indica variety was named …
How Indica Strains Make You Feel
Indica strains can make you feel like you are “In da couch”. Meaning it has a calming sleepy effect. This is perfect for if you want to take it easy and relax.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indica Strains
Can indica strains give you a body high?
Some indica strains can give you body highs.
Do indica strains make you sleepy?
Indica strains help you relax and can make you sleepy. Never use indica strains and use heavy machinery or drive.
Will indica strains turn my eyes red?
Indica strains can turn your eyes red.
Will indica weed make me feel paranoid?
This really depends on your headspace. If you are prone to anxiety and paranoia then it can. Indica’s usually don’t but it depends on your body type.
Sativa Strains
Whereas indica is a relaxing experience, sativa strains tend to provide a heady, exhilarating, energizing effect. Think of it as a mental high — you experience lots of thoughts very intensely, and whether you pour your efforts into creativity or other tasks, your productivity may go up. What you probably won’t feel is sleepy.
Cannabis sativa is from different parts of the world than indica. It can be found growing anywhere with long, hot, dry days with lots of sunshine. Think Africa, Southeast and Western Asia, and Central America.
With a gentler climate comes a gentler plant. Sativa grows tall and skinny, with slender leaves and a height that can exceed 12 feet. You can expect sativa plants to take longer to reach maturity than other plants.
The magic of sativa comes partly from its THC content. Whereas indica has higher doses of CBD in relation to THC, sativa contains just the opposite. The high THC content is what produces its stimulating mental effects.
Sativa is no sedative, and therefore can be used both in the daytime and at night. Of course, enjoy it responsibly whenever you do choose to do so.
Some popular Sativa strains are:
If you’re looking for a strain that can help you have a pleasurable and productive day, keep an eye out for Candy Jack. This award-winning, slightly …
When you’re on the hunt for some fruity, mouthwatering marijuana, reach for the Strawberry strain. No one really knows whether this hybrid strain leans more …
If you’re a fan of splendid sativas, the Sour Jack strain is well worth keeping an eye out for. This mood-lifting, sativa-leaning hybrid of the Sour Diesel …
If you need some weed that’ll help you smash your day, keep an eye out for the Incredible Hulk strain. This sativa-dominant hybrid of the legendary Green …
When you need some weed that’ll activate your mind as it loosens up and soothes your body, keep an eye out for the Cannalope Haze strain. This …
It might not be hugely popular these days, but back in the 1960s, the Panama Red strain was a world-famous favorite. This …
How Sativa Strains Make You Feel
Sativa strains make you feel energetic and give you a head high.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sativa Strains
Do sativa strains give you energy?
Sativa strains make you feel uplifted. They don’t necessarily give you energy.
Does sativa weed give you the munchies?
Sativa strains can make you hungry and give you the munchies. It depends on your body chemistry.
Will sativa strains keep you up at night?
Sativa strains tend to be uplifting so they may keep you up. It really depends on your body chemistry.
Do sativas give you a body high?
Sativas normally give you a head and body high. It varies person to person
Hybrid Strains: A Bit of Both
Breeders grow more adventurous and push new boundaries every year, and the possibilities for what you can enjoy as a result grows and grows. Hybrids combine sativa and indica strains, carefully selected for their desired traits and cultivated to create unique effects.
The appearance of hybrid strains is as diverse as the possibilities. When breeders target certain effects, they may also target a certain look (like certain color buds, for instance). Mostly, though, breeders work to either increase the percentage of THC or optimize the ratio of THC to CBD in the plant.
Farmers may also try to create new strains to help certain disorders like anxiety, insomnia, depression, and stress. Many are also working to develop strains that help those undergoing radiation treatment or chemotherapy.
Hybrids may be ideal for either daytime or nighttime use, depending on the type of hybrid. A good clue as to when you should try it is the type of strain. Growers will label their hybrids indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or balanced.
You can find an infinite number of hybrids out there. However, some are especially popular, including:
When you need some weed that’ll get you giggling before it sticks you to your couch, reach for the Glueball strain. This hard-hitting, indica-dominant cross …
Golden Ticket might be just the ticket for you to solve problems with stress, chronic pain, or insomnia. It’s a balanced hybrid named after the Charlie and …
A sweet strain that will lull you off to sleep, there’s nothing to fear from the Blue Widow. It’s sometimes used to make CBD products because it has a lower …
Blue Haze has famous cannabis strains in its lineage, yet many connoisseurs have never heard of it. This well-balanced strain combines both indica and sativa …
If you love frosty, funky-tasting flower and need some bud that’ll relax your body and soothe your brain, reach for the Blue Frost strain. This slightly …
Looking for an indica that will help you forget your worries and drop the stress at the end of each day? Afternoon Delight might just become your new …
Which Strain Is Right for You? Indica or Sativa
Determining whether sativa or indica is your jam depends on many things:
- How do you react to each? Everyone reacts different to cannabis plants. You can try a low dose of indica and sativa strains to see how they make you feel. Then go from there.
- What effects are you looking for? You should determine what kind of high or feeling you are looking for. If you want to be uplifted go with sativa plants if you want to relax then go with pure indica plants.
- What time of day will you be enjoying it? Sativa would be best during the day and indica at night.
- What’s your medical history? Know your medical history before trying different strains.
- What’s your tolerance level? Always start with a low dose when testing to see what you like best. If you are prone to anxiety taking too much sativa can make you really paranoid and ruin your experience.
- What’s your body composition? Weight and how much fat you have in your body effects how you will respond to either strain.
- Usage environment? Where you use cannabis will effect your ability to relax or get paranoid.
Obviously, you don’t want to smoke an energizing sativa right before you head off to bed. You also don’t want to start your day off in a lethargic slump from smoking an indica. Whatever type of strain you choose, be sure to read the description to figure out exactly what’s happening in it.
Explore your options and have fun!
Indica vs. sativa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about indica and sativa marijuana.
Does indica or sativa actually make a difference?
Yes, the effects of sativa and indica strains are different. Usually, indica strains are calming and sativa strains make you energetic.
Which are stronger indica or sativa strains?
Indica and sativa plants both have cannabis strains that vary in strength.
How to remember indica vs sativa
The trick to remembering the difference between the effects of Indica vs sativa is simple. Indica is calming and will keep you In-da-couch.
[…] make sure to consult with your doctor first, as marijuana may not be right for everyone. Also, as Flavor Fix professionals note, make sure to differentiate between strains to get the desired effects. […]