Indica vs Sativa Cannabis Strains

Indica, Sativa, Hybrid: The difference between these marijuana strains.

The two major types of cannabis plants are the Sativa and Indica strains. Each strain of marijuana has its own specific range of effects and medical benefits. Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa first began in the 18^th century, when the differences between their structure and resin production were first noted.

Indica plants generally grew in colder climates where they developed thick coats of resin. This was to protect itself against the harsh climates and conditions in these regions. Sativa strains on the other hand, tend to thrive in areas that are closer to the equator, in warmer regions that are temperate and have more variable weather patterns.

When we hear about the hybrid category of marijuana, this was a result of growers mixing genetics from various countries around the world.

Characteristics

People generally assign more meaning to the Indica and Sativa categories and these categories are based on various characteristics. These traits are based on geographical origins or history, the amount of bud a plant can yield, the flowering time of the plants, the effects, morphology and even flavours and smell. These traits have been so instilled within cannabis culture today; people may even base their purchases on the various strain categories alone.

Cannabis Indica is short and bushy, ideal for growing indoors. Sativa plants on the other hand can grow quite tall and thin making them ideal plants for growing outdoors. Your Indica strains prefer to be grown in colder regions and the “high” produced from smoking this strain tends to be more sedating and relaxing with full-body effects. Granddaddy Purple is an example of an Indica strain. Sativa strains prefer to be grown in warmer regions and the “high” that accompanies Sativa strains tends to be quite uplifting, with cerebral effects and high levels of creativity. So Indica is a body high, whereas Sativa is a mind or head high.

From a medical perspective, the symptom relief expected from an Indica strain are to relieve anxiety, to help with insomnia, pain and muscle spasms. Sativa strains are used more for relieving symptoms of depression, fatigue, ADD and mood disorders. Varying combinations of the two strains creates an entirely new strain of cannabis, the hybrid strain. Hybrids are generally thought of as a balance of effects, mixing and matching in order to deliver a little of what each strain has to offer.

Hybrid Strains

There is an extensive range of marijuana strains in between Sativa and Indica. These are your hybrid strains of cannabis. There are three categories that hybrids are broken into, the Sativa-dominant, the Indica-dominant and the Even Hybrids. Sativa-dominant hybrids produce a cerebral high with a relaxing body effect; it basically provides both physical and mental relief. Marijuana that is an Indica-dominant hybrid strain provides an entire full-body relaxation with a soothing head high. Even hybrids are ideal strains for people  looking for the perfect balance of both head high and body high.

Marijuana is a multifaceted plant with limitless possible strain combinations that are nearly impossible to classify. We try to do our best but it is evident that cannabis is more complex than simply categorising strains as a Sativa plant or Indica plant. Yet, we hope that this guide will help offer some insight into the topic and allow you to be able to see the differences in the buds that you are medicating with.