Cannabis enthusiasts commonly categorize cannabis strains as being Indica, Sativa, or hybrids. When you visit a dispensary and see various types of marijuana labeled by these designations it can be difficult to know what effects each strain will have on your mental state.
For example, Indica might make one feel more relaxed while others may lead them into sleepier states of mind; so which type is best suited for any given use-case? Read more below as we tackle some of the differences between Indica and Sativa strains of cannabis.
Indica Vs Sativa Effects
Cannabis plants produce trichomes that contain terpenes, with these and cannabinoids the cannabis plant provides an “entourage effect.” While the THC in marijuana is the main star of the show, without the other compounds such as terpenes and cannabinoids, your high could last a short time or not at all.
Indica-dominant Effects
- Produces a heavy body high
- Promotes sedation and sometimes “couchlock”
- Boosts appetite (e.g. gives you the “munchies”)
- Relaxes the mind and body
- Alleviates nausea or vomiting
- Relieves physical pains and aches
- Promotes sleep
- Reduces inflammation
- Relieves spasms and seizures
- Best for nighttime use
Sativa-dominant Effects
- Produces a stimulating cerebral “head high”
- Alleviates depression
- Reduces anxiety (although in some users it can actually increase anxiety)
- Boosts focus, and creativity
- Promotes an overall sense of well-being
- Can subdue appetite (depending, of course, on the cannabinoid and terpene profile)
- May relieve headaches and migraines
- Appropriate for daytime use
Appearance: Indica Vs Sativa
Indicas Are Short And Stocky
Indicas are a type of cannabis plant that can be cultivated in areas with hot, dry, and arid soil or climate. Indica plants tend to be short and wide like those found growing on the edge of an open desert where there is little rainfall for months at a time but plenty of sunlight during each day’s hours.
They have thick leaves because they need all the space available when grown under these conditions so as not to compete against each other by only scarce resources such as water or nutrients-a situation likely why the Indica mature much faster than the Sativa do while also producing higher yields!
Sativas Are Tall And Thin
The Sativa strain is derived from Southeast Asian regions and Latin America (e.g., Colombia or Mexico). It thrives in humid climates near the equator, as it has a high tolerance for heat exposure due to its origins there.
Sativa is known for its slender leaves. They also grow much taller than the Indica strain, which is due to evolving in humid conditions.
The Sativa strain can also reach extraordinary heights of 20 feet or more. Their tall stature helps protect them from becoming infected with mold when grown outside where it’s not so warm all year round.
Sativas are a lot more difficult to grow than Indicas, taking up to 10-18 weeks before maturity. They also need bright light in order for their plants’ resin glands (called trichomes) will produce the cannabinoids that make them psychoactive and enjoyable.
