Indica, Sativa and Hybrid. What’s the difference between these three distinct weed groups?
When browsing through cannabis strains, you may notice that these strains are broken up into three groups: indica, sativa, and hybrid. However, most consumers do not know the difference between these groups. That’s why we’re here!
Understanding the basics of Indica and Sativa
When consumers think of aspects that separate indica and sativa, their mind normally wonders about indica being physically sedating and perfect for relaxation while sativa is energising and uplifting, going well with physical activity and social gatherings. A hybrid is thought to be a mix between the two strains.
However, indica does not always give that relaxing effect while Sativa doesn’t necessarily mean energy. When you look closely at the two strains, you will realise that the cannabinoids and terpenes in the strains are what determine your effect when consuming weed and not whether you are consuming one group over the other. In fact, the origins of Indica and Sativa are rooted in botany, not in terms of their effects.
However, even after all this research, it is still deeply rooted that indicas, sativas, and hybrids deliver distinct effects.
Where Indica and Sativa Came From
The terms ‘indica’ and ‘Sativa’ come from the 18th century to describe different cannabis species. Sativa described hemp plants found in Europe and western Eurasia and indica referred to intoxicating cannabis varieties found in India.
However, today sativa refers to tall and narrow-leaf varieties of cannabis while indica describe stout, broad-lead plants. Although most of the cannabis varieties that we consume come from indica, both terms are used in the market today.
So, what has an impact on strain effects?
The effect of cannabis strains depends on a variety of factors, mainly cannabinoids and terpenes, or the chemical compounds in it.
Cannabinoids
THC and CBD are the two most common cannabinoids, and they are the main drivers of the recreational and therapeutic effects that cannabis might have on individuals.
- THC – makes you feel hungry and high, and might relieve symptoms like nausea and pain.
- CBD – might alleviate pain, inflammation, anxiety, and other medical ailments.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are commonly produced by plants and fruit. They can be found in lavender, oranges, pepper, and of course, weed. There are many terpenes found in cannabis such as myrcene, limonene, terpinolene, and more. If you’re interested to know more about terpenes, we have a whole blog about it! Read more here.
Sativa and Popular Sativa Strains
While it is true that not all sativa will energise you, most consumers experience a ‘head high’ and/or an uplifting effect. Sativas can be helpful with anxiety and managing stress. Some consumers also enjoy sativa to boost their creativity and motivation. Popular sativa strains include:
- Sour Diesel
- Jack Herer
- Green Crack
- Strawberry Cough
- Amnesia Haze
- Super Lemon Haze
Indica and Popular Indica Strains
Indica will not always give you that relaxing feeling, but most consumers associate indica with a full-body effect and it helps them with relaxation and insomnia. Popular indica strains include:
- Purple Punch
- White Rhino
- Northern Lights
- Blueberry
- Grape Ape
Hybrid Strains
Hybrid strains are a mix of indica and sativa. The common effect when consuming hybrid strains include happiness, uplifting, energetics, relaxing – it all depends on which type of hybrid you consume and what effects its ‘parent’ strain has.
This might help you out…
| Strain Name | Strain Type | THC | CBD | Helps with |
| Sour Diesel | sativa | 18% | less than 1% | creativity, depression, anxiety |
| Green Crack | sativa | 17% | less than 1% | energy, stress, euphoria |
| Lemon Haze | sativa | 18% | less than 1% | happiness, fatigue, pain |
| Charlotte’s Web | sativa | less than 1% | 13% | pain, stress, anxiety |
| Candyland | sativa | 18% | less than 1% | socializing, relaxation, energy |
| Purple Punch | indica | 19% | less than 1% | relaxation, stress, euphoria |
| Pennywise | indica | 8% | 8% | relaxation, anxiety, pain |
| Northern Lights | indica | 16% | less than 1% | stress, pain, anxiety |
| GMO Cookies | indica | 25% | less than 1% | pain, insomnia, relaxation |
| Bubba Kush | indica | 17% | less than 1% | appetite, pain, insomnia |
| GG4 | hybrid | 20% | less than 1% | relaxation, happiness, stress |
| Sour Tsunami | hybrid | less than 1% | 12% | pain, stress, anxiety |
| Sherbert | hybrid | 18% | less than 1% | happiness, creativity, relaxation |
| Cannatonic | hybrid | 5% | 10% | pain, focus, stress |
| Blue Dream | hybrid | 18% | less than 1% | relaxation, euphoria, happiness |
Conclusion
If you’re interested in learning how cannabis might be able to benefit you, consult a physician or other qualified member of the medical community.
They can help you find a solution that meets your needs and talk to you about its possible consequences on your personal health, both positive and bad. After that, you can start looking into your possibilities. It could take a while to find the best choice for you.