Sativa vs Indica: What’s the Difference?

How much do you know about sativa vs. indica?

Predictability is essential when you want to achieve specific benefits from cannabis. The sativa and indica classification system has been a fundamental tool for many consumers as a result. It’s a simple way to set expectations for the smoking experience.

But if you choose strains based on that categorization alone, the effects could catch you off guard.

What you’ll find is that there is a difference between sativa and indica. But the distinction between strains is more complex than most people realize. We’ll help you make better buying decisions by comparing sativa and indica and exploring the best ways to predict results.

Popular Conceptions About Indica and Sativa

It’s common to find products sold as indica, sativa, or hybrids to give consumers a rough idea of the effects.

The history of sativa and indica began in the 1700s when biologist Jean Baptiste Lamark noted differences in their physical appearance. The two different types of marijuana eventually became known for having distinct effects. These strains became widely accepted identifiers to help consumers feel more comfortable with the plant and make it easier to market.

Physical Differences

A sativa plant is commonly identified as tall with long, thin leaves. These light green marijuana strains can grow over 10 feet tall.

Indica is a shorter, bushier plant. Although they’re smaller than sativa plants, indica leaves are thicker and darker, giving them a fuller appearance.

Home growers like indica for its fast growth cycle, which can be as short as eight weeks. Compared to sativa, the yield is generally higher from indica plants as well. 

Origin and Uses

Indica originates from central Asia and the Middle East. It’s considered to be more sedating and relaxing, ideal right before bed or hanging out on the couch. Many consumers choose it for its supposed effectiveness in relieving pain, stress, nausea, and insomnia.

Sativa hails from Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Unlike indica, sativa is said to offer more of a head high that energizes and inspires. It’s an ideal daytime high, one that lets you stay productive and focused while boosting your creativity.

Hybrid plants are sativa and indica combinations, falling somewhere in the middle in terms of appearance and effects. Growers often select parent plants based on desired mental and physical effects of the hybrid plant.

Sativa vs. Indica: What Makes the Difference?

The traditional uses and understanding of the effects of marijuana strains persist to this day.

But is there an actual difference between sativa and indica?

Experts agree, and research suggests, that a sativa/indica/hybrid classification system is too simple. It doesn’t accurately capture the biochemical differences between different types of marijuana.

There is no way to tell how a certain kind of marijuana will impact you based on its physical characteristics. When broken down to granular levels, the molecular composition of marijuana doesn’t entail any true difference between sativa vs. indica. Many experts even consider there to be only one basic marijuana strain, cannabis sativa L.

The strain isn’t the important factor in the biochemical makeup of a marijuana plant. Sour diesel grown in New York could have a completely different composition than sour diesel grown in Florida, and it could appear as a sativa strain as easily as it could an indica strain. The chemical makeup and subsequent effects of a plant instead stem mainly from environmental factors where it’s grown, such as:

• Water quality
• Temperature
• Soil composition
• Amount of sunlight

Due to the huge spectrum of marijuana variations that have arisen from cross-breeding, it’s harder to estimate the effects of a given marijuana plant.

So if sativa and indica aren’t the most reliable definitions, what’s a better classification system?

According to experts, the best method is to look at the cannabinoid and terpenoid makeup. Distinguishing “chemovars”, the specific types of marijuana, based on these markers is a more rigorous process.

Cannabinoids

Sativa and indica are imperfect, but it is nice to predict how a cannabis strain will feel with a simple categorization. That’s one reason that many now look at cannabinoid levels instead. The main focus is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

There are dozens of cannabinoids, all of which have different bodily effects, but THC and CBD are critical to most consumers. THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana that produces the “high” feeling, but it can also help with insomnia, depression, and pain. Most growers breed their plants to increase their THC levels and create even more powerful feelings of euphoria.

CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has become popular recently thanks to its mental and physical benefits. It not only manages the high and reduces anxiety from THC but also acts as an anti-inflammatory that eases pain, upset stomach, and migraines.

Terpenes

Terpenes are the aromatic components of marijuana that add to a plant’s flavor and smell. These natural compounds are beneficial to many plants. Specific terpenes may ward off predators, attract pollinators, or boost immunity.

Cannabis terpenes interact with the body to affect the sensation as well as the taste. For example, the earthy terpene myrcene will relax users while pinene boosts short-term memory and eases nausea. There are hundreds of terpenes in various combinations that impact flavors and effects.

What Strain Should I Smoke?

More growers and experts in the medical community are moving toward accurate chemical markers, but there’s still a ways to go. In many cases, your best bet may be to do as much research as possible and do trial-and-error to find the right product for you. Researching the top cannabis sites by Cannibros is a great starting point to find reliable suppliers.

Don’t Let Labels Fool You

The marijuana industry is still evolving. Until regulations and research catch up, it’s up to you to approach every purchase with knowledge and the right questions to ask.

Don’t let labels fool you. The sativa vs. indica debate isn’t as important as the chemical breakdown, and you deserve to know the science of the product you’re buying. Take a discerning perspective with you to the dispensary, and don’t be afraid to demand the experience you want.

There’s a lot to learn in the world of cannabis. If you’re looking for more marijuana insights, be sure to follow us for frequent news, updates, and advice!

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