Sativa and Indica – these are two words you may have come across about cannabis, but what are the real differences? Well, it’s not just about the shape of the leaves or the origin of the variety. Check this out online weed dispensary
These two types of cannabis can take you on totally different journeys, from an intense head high to feeling lazy and heavy in the body.
Having used both sativa and indica, I can say that for someone who is using cannabis for the first time, understanding its types makes a huge difference.
Cannabis Strains:
Cannabis has transformed from just getting high to getting a variety of strains. All these strains can be broadly classified as sativa, indica, and hybrids. In what was to be the split of thought, Richard Evans Schultes suggested in 1974 that cannabis be classified into two major groups. He stated that Sativas provide a head high while Indicas induce from the head to the rest of the body. However, Sativa and Indica, in their pure forms, are available across the globe as extensive interbreeding has occurred resulting in the dominance of hybrids.
What is Sativa?
Sativas are thin-stemmed plants growing as tall as 12 feet that are found in warm regions. Their leaves are elongated and slim and their trees flower later than indicas. Sativas do not flower well without adequate exposure to sun and warm climates which are typical in countries such as Central America and South East Asia.
The Consumer Experience with sativas: Sativas are the most recommended for energy and focus. They have uplifting and psychotropic sativa effects. Sativas are also good for creativity and motivation making them suitable for daytime use. Most users have energy and motivation increases which is similar to pre-workout energy without jitters.
Indica strains unveiled:
Indicas are the most preferred strain for relaxation. Indicas are short and bushy with a couch lock. They are best for after long tiring days. They also have hypnosis for sleep and nausea and they are well known for munchies so, they are good for appetite increase.
The rise of hybrid cannabis varieties: Hybrid strains are created by combining sativas and indicas with certain desired characteristics through selective breeding. Growers make designed hybrids that provide the uplifting feel of sativa and a calming sensation from the indica. Hybrids are the most popular strain among the majority of strains available in the market. Some hybrids are more indica dominant whilst others are more sativa dominant.
Geographic origins of cannabis strains:
Cannabis is a global plant and so are many of its strains. Many have adapted to their environment over the years and so have their genetics. While all of the hybrids are modernized, the geographic exodus of strain genetics is still useful knowledge.
For instance, sativas are tall, lanky plants with long leaves that flourish in hot, humid climates. They are native to warm tropical regions like Thailand, Colombia, and Southeast Asia. Originating in the arid, chilly highlands of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkey, indicas produce shorter, bushier plants with broad leaves that are ideal for a variety of climates.
Ruderalis is a tiny, fast-flowering plant that grows in arid regions like Russia and Central Europe. These characteristics are useful for producing strains that bloom on their own. Cannabinoid and terpene profiles are also influenced by environmental stresses. For example, excessive THC production in Afghan indicas may be a response to strong UV radiation, whereas complex terpenes in tropical sativas may be a result of a variety of plant life and pests. Understanding the regional origins of cannabis emphasizes its diversity and flexibility, even though modern strains frequently include DNA from several different places.
