If you are searching for cannabis strains online or in a dispensary, you will discover that cannabis is divided into three categories, including, sativa, indica, and hybrid strains. The two most popular categories of strains are indica and sativa. It is believed that each category provides different effects, taste, medical benefits, and characteristics.
Most of the prevalent differences between sativa and indica are the effects it can provide. Indica strains are widely popular for its sedating and relaxing effects while sativa strains are craved for it’s energizing and uplifting effects. Also, the impact of indica focuses more on the body while the sativa strains focus on the cerebral part. However, the difference between indica and sativa is only a few of the many distinguishing characteristics, impacts, benefits, and components.
Difference Between Indica And Sativa
According to Origin
The origin of indica strains came from Afghanistan, Turkey, India, and Pakistan. They are adapted to the intense environmental conditions and can manage dry climate, especially in the mountains of Hindu Kush. Whereas the sativa strains are originally located and thriving in areas where the temperature is hot and there is a lengthy period of sunny days. These places where it is initially from are West Asia, Southeast Asia, Central America, and Africa.
According to Characteristics
The difference between indica and sativa strains are apparent and obvious in terms of characteristics. Usually, they are characterized by short size and bushy appearance. The leaves appear to be chunky and grow broad and wide. The growth and development of an indica are much faster and the product more plenty of buds. Most of the indica strains are comprised of a low level of THC and a high amount of CBD and typically suggested to consume during nighttime.
While on the other hand, sativa strains grow tall that could reach up to twelve feet utmost and have thin leaves. The green color of the sativa strain is lighter in hue compared to indica. Also, the cultivation process of this strain may take up longer, as they mature and thrive slowly than indica. That is why many cultivators may opt for indica strains or an indica dominant cannabis as they produce more products and harvest are highly bigger in amount. The level of THC compounds present in the sativa strain is higher, and the CBD amount is practically lower. Hence, they are often utilized during the daytime.
According to Smell and Flavor
There is a noticeable difference between indica and sativa strains when it comes to the terpene it emits. The majority of indica strains are classified as the main producer of skunk, earthy, and musty aromas. The taste is also in the same category as the aroma.
Whereas the sativa strains, they are usually known to emit spicy, fruity and sweet fragrance, and taste like a combination of sweetness and fruitiness. These differences in scent and flavors can be explained by the molecular components of cannabis. Although these molecules emit odor, they are primarily responsible for the capacity of plants to provide medicinal value.
According to Effects
An apparent difference between indica and sativa strains in terms of its effects vary tremendously. The indica strain, they are usually associated with the couchlocking effect. This means that when a consumer takes in indica strain into his system, he may experience a feeling of not being able to get up from the couch and locked on it, hence the term couch-locked was invented. During the evening, indica strains are generally favored more than sativa as it can deliver relaxation, soothing and blissful mind impact.
While the sativa can deliver powerful minds high, meaning it focuses mostly on its effect on the cerebral. It typically produces an intense high on the mind, giving off heady, energizing, and uplifting effects. Hence, it is highly recommended to be used during the daytime.
According to Medical Benefits
The difference between indica and sativa strains in terms of medical benefits differ greatly. First off, indica strains are used to alleviate pain and provide relaxation of the muscles. Also, it can help in achieving a relaxing mental state while the body is in a calming condition. When taken, the indica strain can trigger hunger and thus very effective when trying to increase appetite or dealing with serious eating disorders. People with a medical condition like arthritis, cancer, and fibromyalgia can get medical benefits from indica strain as well.
Moreover, it can help people undergoing chemotherapy because it can reduce the side effects of therapy like nausea and vomiting. During the night, the strain can help in promoting sleepiness, and effective means for those suffering from sleeplessness or insomnia.
On the other hand, the difference between indica and sativa strains, favors most on sativa, as this strain help in reducing anxiety and depression level, and eventually, with the right amount and duration can help in the elimination. Due to the cerebral high, it can provide, it is widely used to promote creativity, learning, and focus. It is also popular in the therapeutic application for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Final Words
Understanding and learning the difference between indica and sativa strains is essential knowledge to have and would be a great tool when attempting to decide which strain of cannabis is best to grow and utilize for any specific objective. Nonetheless, the effects of the strains pointed out above will vary according to how a human body takes the strain inside the system.
Furthermore, learning such difference between indica and sativa strains gives you a more educated decision and allow you to pay close attention to minute details, like terpenoids and cannabinoids of particular strains, and use this in cultivation and crossbreeding process.
Being able to effortlessly differentiate between sativa and indica may need additional period and effort, and the experience is worthy as you can utilize your knowledge and resources for the appropriate determination of cannabis types that will suit a particular purpose, including growing, recreational purposes, medicinal value, and many others.
