What’s the Difference Between Indica and Sativa?

There are many differences between Indica and Sativa strains of cannabis. Indica strains are well known for being a physical sedative one might use while relaxing to watch TV or just before going to sleep. Sativas, on the other hand, tend to be more uplifting and offer cerebral effects that pair well with being more physically active.

Cannabis users who prefer sativa strains tend to smoke at social gatherings and during creative projects involving art and music. The differences between Indica and Sativa also have implications for the medical benefits they each provide. If a patient has depression or fatigue, for example, their doctor will most likely prescribe a Sativa strain. If the patient suffers from insomnia, however, an Indica strain might be more effective as it could quickly relax them.

Speaking broadly, the major qualities of indica strains include increased mental relaxation, decreased nausea, muscle relaxation, increased appetite, decreased pain, increased dopamine, and it is best used at night. The medical qualities of Sativa include anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, heals chronic pain, increases focus and creativity, increases serotonin, and it is best used during the day.

Scientists first began distinguishing the differences between Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa in the 18th century, noting diversions in their respective structures and resin production. Hybrid categories began to develop as growers started to mix plant genes from different countries. Cannabis users can note the physical differences of Indica and Sativa by looking at the plants themselves. While Indica plants are short, bushy and grown best in indoor gardens, sativa plants are tall, thin and more suitable for outdoor growth.

The plants differ in other ways as well. In terms of flowering time, Indica plants have a shorter maturation cycle than Sativa plants, and Indicas also tend to produce heavier yields. This makes Indicas advantageous from a grower’s perspective.

Another way the two strains differ greatly is in their THC and CBD content. On average, Sativa strains tend to contain higher levels of CBD to THC. This makes them a far more effective painkiller from a medicinal perspective. Indica strains oppositely have more THC to CBD. Since CBD is non-psychoactive, many patients who suffer from chronic pain can be prescribed a Sativa that soothes their body ailments without giving them the feeling of “being high.” This makes it easier to consume cannabis and still be able to carry out one’s day-to-day responsibilities.

From a mental health perspective, THC can make certain users feel paranoid and anxious. For these users, Indica strains would be a bad idea compared to CBD-rich sativas that actually soothe anxiety. Finally, Indica and Sativa strains differ in their flavour, with Indica strains tasting sweet compared to sativa strains which are earthy. For users looking to note the difference between Indicas and Sativas, some popular indica strains include White Rhino, Master Kush, G-13, Northern Lights and Grandaddy Purple. Well-known Sativa strains are Panama Red, Thai, Hawaiian, Harlequin, and Sour Diesel.