Whether you buy marijuana online or visit your local cannabis store, you’ll notice that the selection of strains available is huge. Marijuana isn’t just one plant- it’s a whole range of different types and breeds and each strain has a unique taste and aroma as well as different effects. But while every strain is different, it helps to know the difference between sativa and indica marijuana.
Sativa and indica are the two main types of cannabis plants that produce marijuana. These two types of plants vary in numerous ways. For instance, cannabis sativa plants are lengthy with narrow leaves while cannabis indica plants are short and bushy. Likewise, marijuana harvested from each of these types of plants has different effects. Indica strains are known for being more relaxing whereas sativa strains are more stimulating.
Knowing how indica and sativa marijuana differ can help in many ways. Growers often have to choose whether to grow indica plants or sativa plants based on various factors. Consumers can choose indica strains or sativa strains depending on the kind of effects they prefer. Things can get even more confusing when you consider hybrid strains. Here’s a guide to the difference between sativa and indica marijuana.
What Is Sativa Marijuana?
There are three main types of cannabis plants- cannabis sativa, cannabis indica, and cannabis ruderalis. While cannabis ruderalis is a fast-growing plant that doesn’t produce THC, cannabis indica and sativa are the two main types of the cannabis plant known for growing potent marijuana buds. Out of the two of these, sativa marijuana is the more mentally stimulating.
Sativa marijuana plants are tall and narrow, often growing as high as 20 feet tall. They’re suited to warmer climates and often grown outdoors. They’re recognizable from their narrow leaves and narrow, foxtail-shaped buds. Although they take longer to grow, many users prefer to grow sativa strains due to the sensational mental effects they produce.
While indica strains generally take around 8-12 weeks, sativa plants often take a month or two longer to grow. Some sativa strains can even take up to six months to grow. This often makes them difficult to grow for home growers- their tall stature makes them hard to grow indoors and you need to rely on favorable weather conditions if you grow them outdoors.
Those who take on the challenge of growing sativa strains are often impressed by the yields. Since these plants grow so high, they often produce many buds. What’s more, these buds are often higher in THC, making them ideal for those who want to experience powerful cerebral effects and mental benefits.
What Is Indica Marijuana?
Cannabis indica is the other main type of cannabis plant known for producing marijuana. While sativa marijuana is known for being mentally stimulating and energizing, indica strains are the opposite. Indica marijuana is associated with relaxing and sedating effects, as well as being useful for relieving physical issues.
Indica marijuana plants are shorter and bushier than sativa plants. While sativa plants can grow as tall as 20 feet, indica plants usually only grow to around 3-6 feet. Their leaves are wider and they also grow densely-packed buds, making it easy to produce good yields of marijuana pretty quickly.
Since indica plants generally have a shorter flowering time than sativa plants, they’re often preferred by beginner growers. It also helps that their smaller size makes it very easy to grow indica plants indoors even with limited space. This also means that growers can control the growing conditions to help them grow quickly and successfully.
Indica strains usually have higher CBD counts than sativa strains, although many are still extremely high in THC. These strains are known for producing a more body-focused high and can be particularly helpful for relieving physical conditions. The fact they’re easy to grow makes them very common and you can find many popular indica strains.
Effects Of Sativa Strains
When you’re looking for uplifting and stimulating effects, sativa strains are the best option for you. Sativa strains are high in THC and usually produce a largely head-focused high that can boost your senses, your mood, and your creativity within a few puffs.
Smoking sativa strains will usually give you a sharp burst of cerebral energy. Your mind will race with creative thoughts and you’ll also likely feel more energized and motivated. Many users enjoy using sativa strains for social situations when they want to be more happy, social, and talkative. They can also be great for using at home when you need more mental focus for creative tasks.
While the mental effects of sativa strains are the most prominent, they can still give you enjoyable physical effects. Many users find that sativa strains are energizing while still helping soothe issues such as pains, aches, and strains. They can also help counteract fatigue, although you may also experience the munchies.
Sativa strains are often used to counteract mental issues. Their mood-boosting effects are particularly helpful for counteracting symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. They can also be great to use as wake-and-bake strains to give you a burst of energy and motivation first thing in the morning.
Effects Of Indica Strains
If you’re in the mood for a soothing and relaxing high, indica strains are the best choice for you. While sativa strains are renowned for delivering a stimulating head high, the effects of indica strains are much more mellow and body-focused. As such, they’re usually recommended for evening or nighttime use.
When you smoke indica strains, you’ll swiftly experience relaxing waves all over your body. Users often report feeling soothed, pain-free, and locked to the couch. Indica strains can make it especially easy to get to sleep, making them helpful for users who suffer from insomnia or other sleep problems.
Although the effects are largely body-focused, indica strains can also help calm your mind. If you’re feeling stressed or worried, using a strong indica strain can put your mind at ease swiftly. As such, they can help counteract chronic stress and related issues. However, medical marijuana users mostly use indica strains for relieving pain, inflammation, nausea, headaches, and other forms of physical tension.
If you’re simply looking to kick back, relax, and take in some shows or movies, smoking an indica strain can enhance the experience. They’re also ideal for medical users looking to counteract symptoms of pain, stress, and insomnia. Since the effects are so relaxing and sedating, it’s best to avoid indica strains during the daytime- especially if you plan to be productive.
Best Sativa Marijuana Strains To Buy
Whether you’re looking for an uplifting wake-and-bake strain, something to give you motivation during the day, or a strain to help counteract symptoms of anxiety or depression, there are many great sativa strains to choose from. Here are some of the most popular choices that you can buy online right now.
Jamaica Dream – Jamaica Dream is a sensational sativa strain that can stimulate your mind in many ways. Users of this strain report experiencing a strong wave of euphoria followed by feelings of motivation and optimism. It’s also great for dealing with mood disorders, especially as it’ll put you in a good mood so quickly.
Lamb’s Bread – Lamb’s Bread is a renowned strain that contains almost purely sativa genetics. This strain was a favorite of musical legend Bob Marley thanks to its ability to heighten your mood and your senses and deliver a creative boost. If you need a strain that’ll give you a great high at any time of the day, Lamb’s Bread is always a solid choice.
Love Potion #1 – Love Potion #1 is a top strain for sativa lovers, especially as its effects are so euphoric and uplifting. This strain will boost your energy, heighten your senses, and even make you feel affectionate and aroused. While it’s fantastic for recreational users, it can also help alleviate stress, depression, nausea, and pain.
Tutankhamon – Tutankhamon, also known as King Tut, is a powerful sativa-dominant strain known for boasting extra-high THC levels. If you’re looking for a potent psychoactive high, then this strain will suit you. It makes you feel happy, energetic, social, and creative, making it useful for all kinds of situations.
Pineapple Express – Although it’s a hybrid strain, Pineapple Express leans slightly more towards sativa genetics and induces a sensationally uplifting high. Pineapple Express can boost your mental alertness and creativity while simultaneously relieving your body of any stress or tension. The sweet, tropical taste makes it even easier to enjoy.
Best Indica Marijuana Strains To Buy
If you’re looking for a strain that can relieve all kinds of pain and stress, then you’ll want to use an indica strain. These strains are ideal for evening or nighttime use when you just want to relax and fall asleep. Here are some of the best indica marijuana strains to buy.
9 Pound Hammer – 9 Pound Hammer is an indica-dominant strain that’ll hit you like a hammer. If you’re looking for deep relaxation and relief for all kinds of medical symptoms, then this strain is perfect for you. While the high is uplifting at first, you’ll soon find yourself feeling exceptionally soothed and tired.
Blackberry Platinum – Blackberry Platinum is a cross between Blackberry Kush and Platinum OG Kush. The result is an indica-dominant strain with a rich berry taste and amazing effects. Smoking this strain will make you feel intensely relaxed and sedated, making it perfect for those who need a sleep aid. It can also help relieve pain, migraines, and stress.
Bubba Kush – Bubba Kush is a powerful indica strain with extra high THC levels. It’s a favorite for many users thanks to its sweet yet earthy taste and its ability to help even with severe symptoms of pain, stress, and insomnia. The high is strong and sedating, making it best to use during the evening or at night when you’re ready to sleep.
Forbidden Fruit – Forbidden Fruit is another fruity indica strain that’s just as relaxing as it is delicious. Smoking this strain will give you an uplifting head high followed by intensely soothing physical effects. Soon enough, you’ll feel incredibly relaxed, relieved, and sedated. If you need something to take away aches and pains or help you sleep, Forbidden Fruit is a good choice.
Black Gorilla – Black Gorilla is a hybrid strain, although it leans more towards indica effects. If you need a long-lasting high that’ll help you feel relaxed and stress-free, then this strain is a great choice. It gives you a dreamy and sedating high that’s great for dealing with a range of medical issues.
What Is Hybrid Marijuana?
While indica and sativa are the two main types of cannabis plants known for producing marijuana, there’s also another option- hybrid marijuana. Hybrid strains are created by crossbreeding an indica strain with a sativa strain. The result is a brand new strain that carries properties of both parents.
Hybrid plants possess qualities of both indica and sativa plants. For instance, they could be short and bushy like indica plants yet have longer growing times like sativa plants or vice versa. More importantly, marijuana harvested from these plants can give you a mix of indica and sativa effects.
Some hybrid strains are indica-dominant, meaning they lean more towards indica genetics and relaxing effects. Some are sativa-dominant, meaning you can expect a more mentally stimulating high from them. Some have an almost even balance of indica and sativa genetics, making them highly versatile and useful for handling a range of physical and mental symptoms.
Hybrid strains are becoming increasingly common, especially as more are bred all the time. Some popular examples include God’s Green Crack, Megalodon, and Purple Candy. However, many strains nowadays contain both indica and sativa genetics.
Conclusion
Sativa and indica marijuana are the two main types of marijuana you’ll encounter. Sativa and indica plants grow differently, with indica plants being shorter and easier to grow. Sativa strains and indica strains also produce different effects, with sativa strains being more mentally stimulating and indica strains being more physically relaxing.
It’s worth trying out a range of both indica and sativa strains. Indica strains are generally better for late-night relaxation whereas sativa strains are ideal for morning and daytime use. You can also consider hybrid strains that give you a mix of indica and sativa effects. No matter what kind of strain you’re looking to try, you can find everything you need at CanadaCannabisDispensary.
