MenuWhat is an Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid?
You most likely have come across cannabis strains labeled Indica, Hybrid, and Sativa. Well, these are the three main strains of cannabis. Both cannabis novices and veterans have all heard these terms, but that doesn’t mean that they necessarily know what they mean. In fact, there seems to be a lot of confusion as to these three terms. So we here at Da’ Kine Organics have decided to provide you with a guide to the properties and qualities of these varying types of cannabis.
Cannabis grows in many climates globally and there are many uses for it including rope, biofuel, paper, and, of course, medical and recreational uses. It is part of the Cannabaceae family, which, incidentally, also includes hops. It is also classified as Cannabis sativa L. Every part of the plant has a purpose, and being aware of its various parts can help increase your appreciation of it.
Where Do Indica and Sativa Come From?
Both indica and sativa have formed the foundation of the cannabis lexicon since around the mid-1700s. It was in 1753 that Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus labeled psychoactive cannabis plants as Cannabis sativa in his work, “Species Plantarium.”
You can’t fail to notice as you browse Cannalujah CBD Products that there are many strains of cannabis or cultivars. Of course, each of these has its own color, shape, aroma profile, and effects.
The terms indica and sativa are used by growers in order to categorize plants by their growing charachteristics and chemical profiles, which is a big aid to retailers when they market cannabis to their customers.
The Difference Between Indica and Sativa
The best-known effect of Indica is that it creates a heavy-body high. It is infamous for producing a level of sleepy tranquility known as “couch lock.” Along with this state, indica is also known to relieve physical discomfort and pain. Furthermore, indica is reputed to bring on what is referred to as “the munchies.” Many people enjoy using indica at bedtime to help them sleep.
Sativa, is known for triggering a “head high.” People use sativa to prevent depression, as well as to improve creativity and focus. Now here’s the thing. While some people use sativa to lessen their anxiety, there are other people who say that it increases their anxiety. Sativa is known for creating a general sense of contentment that is best experienced during the day.
Appearance of Indica
Indica is a cannabis plant that is normally shorter than its sativa counterpart, has wider leaves and tightly packed buds. Because indica plants create a more calming feeling along with a strong high for the body, its use is usually recommended when you are seeking relaxation, need to recover your appetite, need to get more sleep, or require relief from pain. It is recommended that you should primarily use indica strains at night.
Appearance of Sativa
This type of cannabis is taller and thinner, featuring long, thin leaves and “feathery” buds. It has a longer flowering cycle, and does better in warm climates with warm seasons. If you want a head high instead of a body high, sativa will be right for you. Besides the powerful high, sativa is also fantastic for making you feel more alert, giving you those uplifted and euphoric sensations, providing greater creativity, and also increasing your energy. Sativa is recommended for daytime use.
Hybrids
Hybrids are the offspring when indica and sativa plants are bred together. With hybrids, you usually get attributes of both the parent plants. The aim behind blending indicas and sativas can be traced back to an attempt to “cross” the properties from both into what would become a new and better strain that could be used for medical or specific ailments such as lupus, cancer, etc., or for recreational purposes.
Hemp
While hemp plants are considered part of the cannabis family, they are different from regular cannabis in that they create only slight amounts of THC, the cannabinoid which causes the intoxicating effects of the cannabis plant. It is also known, however, that hemp plants create many other important cannabinoids, most prominently cannabidiol (CBD), and their fibers are excellent for creating an array of textiles.
Cultivars
This is a botanical term used to describe plants that are grown to have specific characteristics. The true classification of the many types present in the species Cannabis sativa has been a topic for great debate for more than 500 years.
It was the French biologist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck who first suggested that Cannabis consisted of two specific types of species back in 1785. It was the division of Cannabis sativa, non-intoxicating hemp, from Cannabis indica, which does have intoxicating effects, was the first time this idea was given serious consideration. However, Jean-Baptiste did state that C. indica was a more powerful form of cannabis.
Sativa Effects Vs. Indica Effects
While it may be true that indica-dominant strains can cause a more body-heavy high, while sativa-dominated strains produce a more energetic, cerebral high, it isn’t always strictly the case. What actually determines the way a specific type will make you feel is the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid Cannabinoids and Terpenes
Although CBD and THC are the best-known cannabinoids, there are actually an amazing amount of cannabinoids in cannabis, plus loads of different terpenes. They unite and work together in what is called synergy in order to make sure every strain has its unique properties. This phenomenon is called “the entourage effect.”
Now don’t get frustrated and think that you’re going to be buried under a mountain of information that you don’t understand. It’s really rather simple. It isn’t necessary for you to be knowledgeable in every cannabinoid and terpene. All you have to do is pick up a few basics and all will be well.
Today we are still making discoveries about cannabis that are changing what we think we know. Since the mid-2000’s botanists have been arguing that it’s possible that sativa and indica subspecies may be older than is believed, perhaps even predating human intervention.
It’s wise to remember that the terms sativa, indica, and hybrid were invented for the benefit of botanists and not those who dispense cannabis. Botanists enlist these various terms to classify plants based on the characteristics which they share, not on how they affect the human body.
So rather than focusing your thinking solely on the terms Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid when it comes to a certain strain, think about THC-CBD instead. Because these are the two main cannabis compounds behind the lion’s share of the effects caused by cannabis.
THC–Dominant
THC is the chemical that brings on that “high” produced by cannabis. So what it comes down to is the more THC, the more commanding the intoxicating feeling. The problem with this is that when dealing with high THC types, you also have the risk of getting hit by more and harsher side effects like extreme anxiousness.
However, because everyone’s physiology is different, the same strain can easily have a different effect on one person from another. If you are a novice in cannabis use, it’s better, to begin with, lower or more moderate THC strains so that you can gradually learn your tolerance level and preferences.
CBD–Dominant
The popularity of CBD has soared over the past several years, due in large part to its ability to deliver many healing and soothing benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. These types of strains are frequently used by people who don’t want to get high, or who happen to be vulnerable to anxiety.
A Balanced Approach
There are a great many people who feel that a more balanced strain of THC-CBD is the way to go to meet their needs. After all, it can still give you a psychoactive event that’s less intense than THC-dominant strains. CBD is also referred to as “the babysitter” of THC and can reduce its ability to create anxiety. Together they work in a perfect form of synergy to give you a really pleasurable experience with less possibility of negative side effects.
Once you figure out the precise amount of THC and CBD that is right for you, and that you enjoy using, it’s rather fun to begin thinking about terpenes and how they affect your experience. There are literally dozens of terpenes that all supply a wide array of healing and soothing properties and give each strain its unique aroma.
The next time you purchase cannabis, ask for some terpene recommendations based on what type of effects you personally want to achieve. You should be able to make some interesting new discoveries this way.
Biology, Dosing and Method of Consumption of Cannabis
Moreover, your ability to tolerate cannabis, the dosage you consume, and the way in which you consume it will also influence the effect a particular strain has on you. Here are some questions for you to keep in mind when searching Cannalujah CBD Products for the correct strain or product for you.
. Exactly how experienced are you in the use of cannabis? If your tolerance level is low, then perhaps you need to use a low-THC strain taken in low doses.
. Just how vulnerable are you to the onset of anxiety or other side effects caused by THC? If this is an issue for you, then you should use a strain that is high in CBD.
. Is it your aim to have the effects last for a long time? If so, then maybe edibles are right for you, (starting with a low dose, of course). On the other hand, if you merely want the effects to be short-term, use a tincture or inhalation methods.
A great many things need to be considered when selecting a strain of cannabis that will be ideal for you, but if you one that consistently provides the positive escape you are seeking, then you should certainly continue to use it. But if you’re still uncertain, then it’s important to keep these considerations in mind.
Problem With Hybrids
Hybrids do not come with a label that clearly states the effects that can be expected from a cultivar. This is all the more obvious as we come to see the difference in how our bodies react to cannabis. You simply can’t depend on your body to reliably receive indica or sativa-like effects from a sativa or indica flower.
Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid, How Do Indicas and Sativas Change a High?
The effects you feel from a certain strain of cannabis are directly reliant upon a set of compounds, cannabinoids and terpenes, and your experience of them as an individual. Remember that THC, which is the main cannabis ingredient is merely one of a variety of cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. Each cultivar is an individual with its own makeup and effect. When it comes to adult-use, the strains which have achieved the highest level of popularity are those with some of the highest levels of THC. Terpenes have a powerful influence on the type of effect a cannabis plant will create, as well as the possible medicinal benefits. The labels indica and sativa were created long before we learned how essential terpenes were to the overall character of a certain cultivar.
Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid Conclusion
Being aware of the difference between indica or sativa effects is an excellent starting point in selecting which cannabis products you want to use, but learning more about cannabinoids and terpenes, educating yourself, in general, will enable you to make much better decisions. Make a mental note of the aromas of cultivars that really agree with you. Often it is the nose that knows best. The bottom line, however, is that knowledge comes from experience. All that’s involved is a little trial and error to gather the correct information as to what works best for you. So what it comes down to is that you are your own best judgment when it comes to finding out which cannabis products will provide the effects that meet your requirements.
Research has not yet managed to catch up to the tremendous variety of cannabis available nowadays. Terpenes and cannabinoid profiles are being featured more notably in marketing and on packaging as your basic cannabis user becomes more informed about the hitherto unappreciated complex nature of the cannabis plant. The result of this has been a deeper understanding and better valuing of this seemingly simple, yet rather complicated plant.
