When shopping for medical cannabis products, you might come across the terms indica, sativa, and hybrid. These terms are used to describe different strains of marijuana. Each group contains countless sub-strains and products.
So, what’s the difference between indica, sativa, and hybrid strains? While all three types come from the same plant, they affect your body differently. You might find that one type is more effective for you than the others, which can help you find the products that are the best fit. Here’s what you need to know about each strain.
What is Indica?
Indica is a strain of cannabis that originated in the Hindu Kush mountains. It is native to Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, and India. Indica plants are characterized by short and wide leaves. They are very bushy, and each plant produces several buds. These plants thrive in dry environments and can handle harsh conditions.
Indica strains are often associated with sleep and relaxation. Many people like to take them before bed as part of a soothing nighttime routine. These strains are also great for low-stress self-care activities like watching movies or listening to music. However, some indica strains could make you feel drowsy if taken during the daytime.
These strains typically produce a “body high” and can help relieve muscle soreness or tension. Some patients also find that they help keep nausea at bay and can even improve their appetite. In terms of cannabinoid makeup, many indica strains have relatively high levels of CBD compared to other strains. They also contain similar levels of THC to their sativa and hybrid counterparts.
What is Sativa?
While sativa and indica plants are both forms of cannabis, they have different physical characteristics and effects. Sativa thrives in hot, warm climates and is believed to have originated in southeast Asia. It is also native to parts of Africa, South America, and Central America.
Sativa has long, slender leaves that resemble fingers. They take longer to grow than indica plants and tend to produce fewer buds. The largest sativa plants can reach six feet in height.
Sativa is known for being very stimulating and energetic. Many people find that it creates a euphoric “head high.” It is ideal for use during the day and can help increase creativity and productivity. However, many people find it too stimulating to use at night. The specific effects you experience will depend on the exact strain you choose.
If you struggle with lethargy or depression, sativa strains could help provide a mood boost. Some patients also use sativa for treating PTSD and other mental health conditions. Like indica, sativa can also be helpful for boosting appetite and relieving nausea. In terms of cannabinoid makeup, sativa strains tend to have relatively low levels of CBD when compared to indica and hybrid strains and have higher levels of THC.
What is a Hybrid Strain?
Hybrid strains are cross-bred with both sativa and indica. Hybrid cannabis is grown in a greenhouse by professionals and does not grow in the wild on its own. Growers meticulously choose each parent strain to develop a very specific plant.
Hybrid plants vary in size, shape, and other physical characteristics, depending on their parent plants. Indica-dominant strains might have shorter and wider leaves, while sativa-dominant strains will be taller and thinner. Some hybrid plants are specifically bred to grow in certain climates.
When comparing the characteristics of hybrid vs. sativa and indica strains, it's essential to recognize that their THC and CBD levels can vary significantly. Some hybrid strains are bred specifically to be very high in CBD, while others are cultivated to have very high THC levels. The physical and psychoactive effects of hybrid strains can also vary significantly.
The difference between sativa and hybrid is that hybrid cannabis strains tend to be slightly less stimulating. This is because the indica balances out some sativa’s more energizing effects. On the other hand, a hybrid strain might be less sleep-inducing than an indica strain.
The effects of Hybrid strains can vary widely between products. When shopping for these strains, read the descriptions carefully and ask a professional for recommendations if you’re unsure which option will work best for you. Understanding the difference between sativa and indica and hybrid will make finding products that work well for your health needs and goals easier.
What’s the Difference between Sativa and Indica and Hybrid?
When comparing indica vs. sativa vs. hybrid cannabis, you’ll notice many key differences. These types of medical marijuanas have unique compositions and affect the body differently.
Appearance and Native Climate
Indica and sativa plants have different physical characteristics. As mentioned, indica plants are shorter and bushier with wide leaves. Sativa plants are tall with very slender leaves. They also grow at different rates. Indica plants reach maturity much faster than sativa plants. Hybrid plants can feature characteristics of both strains. All strains have green leaves and produce a pungent, earthy smell.
Different cannabis strains are native to different climates. Sativa plants are native to warm, humid climates, while indica plants thrive in much harsher, drier conditions. Since hybrid plants are professionally bred and grown, they are not native to a specific area. However, they may be designed to grow in a particular climate.
Cannabinoids
Cannabis plants contain two major cannabinoids: THC and CBD. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, and it is the psychoactive chemical that creates a “high” when you consume cannabis. CBD stands for cannabidiol. This chemical has some physical effects on the body–for example, early research suggests it may help manage pain and even control seizures. It can also have antidepressant effects. However, it is not psychoactive and will not create a “high.”
When comparing sativa vs. hybrid vs. indica, each strain has a different balance of cannabinoids. Sativa strains tend to be very high in THC and contain minimal CBD. Indica strains contain much higher levels of CBD and can still have high levels of THC as well. Hybrid strains are carefully cultivated to feature diverse cannabinoid profiles. For instance, certain hybrids are designed to contain high CBD and low THC concentrations or the opposite, catering to varied preferences and needs.
When selecting a cannabis product, the exact ratio of CBD to THC will be labeled on the package. This will give you a clearer look at exactly which cannabinoids are present.
Terpenes
Terpenes are smaller compounds in cannabis plants that are responsible for their unique aroma. Terpenes can also affect how cannabis affects your body.
Sativa, indica, and hybrid plants each have a different mix of terpenes. For example, indica strains tend to have high levels of myrcene, a terpene that can be highly sedative. Limonene is a mood-boosting terpene that is more common in sativa strains.
These are just two of the hundreds of terpenes present in cannabis. Many terpenes are present in both sativa and indica strains. Different sub-strains can also have very different terpene profiles. For example, two indica strains might affect the body differently due to their diverse mix of terpenes. Many hybrid strains are also bred with specific terpenes in mind.
When you find a strain of cannabis that works well for you, it’s helpful to take note of the most prominent terpenes in that strain. This can help you find other strains that are effective for your needs.
Effects
When exploring and comparing sativa vs. indica vs. hybrid effects, you’ll find that each strain works differently. Each strain has pros and cons, so you’ll need to choose the one that works best for you.
In terms of psychoactive effects, sativa produces a much stronger head high. These strains can leave you feeling energized and motivated. They can also stimulate you for creative tasks. This can be very helpful for patients struggling with mental health conditions like depression and PTSD. Sativa can also be beneficial for those who experience fatigue as a result of chronic health conditions. However, some people find that sativa can cause paranoia in high doses, so it’s essential to start with a small amount and increase gradually to determine the proper usage.
Alternatively, indica is much less stimulating and is more relaxing. It is known for being very soothing and can be helpful for those who struggle with insomnia. Indica also affects the body much more than sativa does, so it can be beneficial for those who struggle with muscle cramps and chronic pain. Indica also tends to be more helpful for treating nausea and appetite issues. However, indica can also cause drowsiness, so it’s not ideal for those looking for something to use during the day.
The effects of hybrid strains vary widely depending on their composition. Sativa-dominant strains can be stimulating, while indica-dominant strains tend to be relaxing, but the exact experience will vary. Some strains are bred to treat specific symptoms or create a particular effect.
How to Pick the Right Strain for You
With so many strains to choose from, selecting the right option for your needs can be difficult. Knowing the difference between sativa and indica and hybrid will help you narrow your choices. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and recommendations while shopping if you’re unsure where to start. Dispensary professionals can help you learn how to smoke weed correctly or use other cannabis products. Here’s what to consider when selecting a cannabis strain.
Usage
When selecting a strain, consider how you’d like to use it in your daily routine. Different strains will be more effective for different scenarios. Compare the sativa vs. indica vs. hybrid high to see what makes sense for your lifestyle.
For example, if you’re looking to use cannabis during the day to manage symptoms of a chronic condition, small doses of sativa may be more effective than indica. This is because sativa tends to be more stimulating. However, if you’re looking to unwind with cannabis at the end of the day, indica strains will likely be more effective. If you’re looking for something more versatile, a hybrid option might be your best choice.
Desired Effect
You’ll also need to consider how you want to feel while consuming cannabis. For example, if you’re struggling with anxiety, an indica strain might help you unwind, while a stimulating sativa strain might help you if you’re feeling tired and need a boost.
Indica strains can also be helpful if you want to relax your body and potentially drift off to sleep. For example, if you’ve had a hard workout or a physically strenuous day, an Indica strain can help ease any discomfort. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a bit of motivation for a creative project or social situation, sativa may be a better choice.
Medical Conditions
Cannabis can be beneficial for treating certain medical conditions. When using cannabis as a medical treatment, it’s helpful to work with your doctor to find a strain that makes sense for your needs.
For example, while many different types of cannabis can be effective for treating nausea, Indica strains tend to be the most effective. Indica can also be very effective for treating insomnia. Sativa is helpful for treating a variety of mental health conditions, most notably depression and PTSD. CBD has shown effectiveness in treating epilepsy, so a CBD-dominant hybrid strain may be helpful in this case.
Marijuana vs. Hemp
When shopping for cannabis products, you might find that some products are derived from marijuana while others are derived from hemp. Hemp products contain less than 0.3% THC, while marijuana products contain higher levels of THC. Most sativa and indica products are made from marijuana, but you may find CBD-dominant hybrid strains that are derived from hemp. Delta-8 gummies are another popular cannabis product that typically originates from hemp.
Get a Medical Marijuana Card from Texas 420 Doctors
Sativa, indica, and hybrid cannabis strains can each offer benefits in treating specific medical conditions. If you’re curious about how to get a medical marijuana card in Texas, we can help! With Texas’s Compassionate Use Program, patients with qualifying medical conditions can now access marijuana products. If you’re a qualified patient, Texas 420 Doctors will connect you with board-certified Texas medical marijuana doctors to help you sign up for or renew your medical card. Book an appointment today to get started.
Contributed and published by: Texas 420 Doctors
Published Date: March 14, 2024
