When shopping for marijuana, you will find there are various strains available. For instance, you will have to choose between indica vs sativa vs hybrid. So what’s the difference between the three?
This article will lay it out for you so you can decide which strain is best suited to your needs.
Indica vs Sativa vs Hybrid
Sativa
Determining India vs sativa vs hybrid strains starts by understanding what each strain has to offer.
Sativa is a type of cannabis that grows in hot, dry climates. It is commonly found in Africa, Central America, and parts of Asia.
It is a tall, thin plant with long, skinny leaves. It can grow to be 12 feet or more. It takes longer to mature than other types of cannabis.
The strain typically contains lower doses of CBD and a high THC content. It is known to stimulate the mind and provide an anti-anxiety effect. People that use it will feel productive and creative. They will feel relaxed but not lethargic.
Since sativa is stimulating, it is recommended for daytime use.
Indica
The next step in the indica vs sativa vs hybrid journey involves reflecting on indica.
Indica grows in the harsh, dry climates of the Hindu Kush mountains in regions of India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Afghanistan. It is a stocky, broad plant with chunky leaves and lush greenery. It grows faster than sativa and produces more buds.
The strain has higher levels of CBD than sativa, but its THC content may be equal.
It is known for enhancing relaxation which makes it best for nighttime dosing. It also reduces nausea and pain and increases appetite.
Hybrids
Hybrid is the last strain in discussing indica vs sativa vs hybrid.
As you might guess from the name, hybrids have features of both sativas and indicas. They are typically grown on farms or in greenhouses using a combination of both strains. Their appearance will depend on how much of each strain they contain.
The THC to CBD ratio in a hybrid plant will vary. Most growers will focus on enhancing the THC content. But different growers may have different goals.
Because hybrids are formulated differently, different types will have different impacts. Most will indicate whether they are Sativa or Indica dominant on the packaging. The label will give you some idea of what to expect.
A high indica strain will provide relaxation and is best taken at night. A high sativa strain increases productivity and is recommended for daytime use.
Hybrid strains are also recommended for reducing anxiety and relieving symptoms of chemotherapy.
What are Chemovars?
There has been a recent shift in the cannabis industry. People are moving away from the indica vs sativa vs hybrid formulas. Now they are using chemovars to categorize their weed and its effects.
The term chemovars stand for “chemical varieties”. It is categorized as follows:
- Type I: High THC
- Type II: THC/CBD combined
- Type III: High CBD
How Do I Know How Weed Will Affect Me?
Indica vs sativa vs hybrid labels will give you some idea of how weed will affect you. But other components may be more important. These include:
Cannabinoid Content
Cannabinoid content may be just as important as indica vs sativa vs hybrid.
Cannabis is made up of hundreds of cannabinoids. CBD and THC are the most well-known and the most abundantly found in the plant. But there are also minor cannabinoids that enhance how the weed will affect you.
Here are the various cannabinoids and their effects.
- THC: THC is the psychoactive component in the cannabis plant. It is responsible for providing a ‘high’ which is often associated with states of euphoria. However, THC can also cause anxiety and paranoia in some people.
- CBD: CBD is non-psychoactive. It does not produce a high. Rather it’s associated with numerous health benefits. It is known to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It may also be beneficial for more serious conditions like epilepsy and cancer.
- CBN (cannabinol): This cannabinoid has anti-inflammatory characteristics. It is also an appetite stimulant and an antibacterial agent.
- CBG (cannabigerol): Known as the ‘mother of all cannabinoids, cannabigerol reduces pain and inflammation. Some research suggests it may suppress cancer cell growth.
- CBC (cannabichromene): CBC is one of the more abundant minor cannabinoids found in the plant. It has anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties.
- THCA: This acidic form of THC is non-psychoactive but can be heated to become THC. It decreases inflammation and may reduce nausea and vomiting.
Terpenes
Terpenes play a major role in the indica vs sativa vs hybrid decision. They are another naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant which changes marijuana’s effects. Here are some of the more common terpenes you will encounter.
- Bisabolol: This terpene contains chamomile and tea tree oil. It reduces pain, inflammation, and irritation. It may also have microbial properties.
- Carophyllene: Carophyllene is a spicy compound that is beneficial to mood and may help treat ulcers.
- Eucalyptol: This compound contains hints of eucalyptus and tea tree oil. It has invigorating effects. It offers anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial benefits.
- Humulene: Humulene is an earthy terpene that reduces inflammation.
- Limonene: Limonene has an invigorating effect. It improves mood and reduces stress.
- Myrcene: Myrcene is the most common terpene. It reduces anxiety and insomnia.
- Terpinolene: This apple-scented terpene has sedative effects. It also offers antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- Ocimene: Ocimene has hints of parsley and basil. It reduces congestion and boosts immunity.
- Pinene: Pinene is so-called thanks to its piney aroma. It may improve memory and reduce pain. It also counters some unpleasant symptoms of THC like nausea and coordination issues.
Now that you know the indica vs sativa vs hybrid differences, which do you feel is best suited to your needs?
