Indica vs Sativa: Is there a Difference Really?

When it comes to buying marijuana, one of the main choices every user faces is indica vs sativa. These two different kinds of strains come from different kinds of marijuana plants. Indica and sativa grow differently and often have different attributes. There are also hybrid strains, which have a mix between both sativa and indica genetics.

The choice between the two can depend on many factors. Indica strains are said to be more relaxing whereas sativa strains can give you more energy and mental stimulation. One way to put it is that indica will give you a body high whereas sativa will give you more of a head high. However, both have effects for both the body and mind.

There can also be differences when it comes to things like the terpenoid and THC content of each strain. For instance, indica-dominant strains usually have higher levels of CBD than sativa strains. Many users wonder about indica vs sativa: is there a difference really? Here’s a guide to examine how they differ.

What is Indica

Cannabis indica is a type of plant in the cannabis family. Indica plants are generally shorter and bushier than sativa plants. They’re also usually faster to grow. When it comes to buying marijuana, people usually buy indica for more relaxing effects.

Indica strains usually make users feel more relaxed, euphoric, and stress-free. They’re often used as medical marijuana strains as they can be very powerful for pain relief. Indicas are known to give users more of a body high which can leave you feeling sedated and locked to the couch.

They can also relax you mentally. Indicas can be useful for stress and anxiety as they will relieve your mind and make you feel more at ease. As such, they can help with a range of symptoms medically and also come in handy for recreational usage.

Indica plants usually flower between 45 to 60 days. Many growers choose to opt for indica strains as they grow faster than sativa plants on average.

What is Sativa

Cannabis sativa is another type of plant in the cannabis family which is generally longer and narrower. Despite its appearance, sativa plants can create huge yields. Sativa strains are known for giving you more of a stimulating head high. They can also give you some extra energy.

Sativa strains often make users feel more happy, social, and creative. They will give you more of a head high which can enhance your senses and make various activities seem more fun. Those who want to feel the more mentally stimulating effects of marijuana often opt for sativa strains and products.

Sativa strains also have good effects on the body. Although they may not deliver as strong of a body high as indica strains, they can relieve pain and tension in the body. Many users report feeling more physically energetic when using sativa strains. They can often make you feel more productive and motivated.

Although sativa plants generally take a little longer to grow, they can still be an attractive option. They usually take between 60 to 90 days to grow fully, a little longer than indica plants. However, they can grow to up to 300% of their normal plant and give you a huge yield of marijuana.

Benefits of Indica Strains

Indica strains can be beneficial for both recreational and medical purposes. Those who want a more soothing and sedating high will usually opt for these strains. They can be particularly useful for certain conditions and symptoms.

Many patients use indica marijuana to treat pain and inflammation. Studies suggest that most medical marijuana patients use it for pain. Indica strains deliver some very relaxing physical effects, which can be especially useful for pain relief. The high CBD content can also help reduce inflammation and help with recovery.

They can also help some users with anxiety and depression. Research shows that users can often treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic stress with just a few puffs of marijuana. Indica can relax the mind and make you feel happier.

Indica strains are also considered the best for sleep. Many users who suffer from insomnia and other sleep issues will find both the physically and mentally relaxing effects of indica very useful. It can often have a strong sedative effect which makes it easy for users to fall asleep and get a deeper sleep.

They can also help boost your appetite, reduce nausea and migraines, and more. Additionally, many recreational users will enjoy the effects of indica strains if they wish to unwind. They’re often seen as nighttime strains which can help you wind down and get to sleep.

Benefits of Sativa Strains

Sativa strains can give you many of the same effects of indica strains, although they may be more useful than indica strains for certain conditions. The uplifting and motivating effects can be particularly powerful and make them a treat for both medical and recreational use.

The high given by sativa strains can make users feel more energetic, happy, and creative. They are often seen as the best strains for depression as they can make you more productive and instantly induce a better mood. However, sufferers of severe anxiety may find the mentally stimulating effects more uncomfortable.

While many patients opt for indica strains to treat pain, sativa strains can still be useful. They give you a more energetic physical high, but can still soothe your body and relieve pain. With that said, it’s best to avoid sativa strains before bedtime as they are less effective for sedation.

Sativa strains can also help with migraines, headaches, nausea, and appetite. Sativa strains are seen as more of a daytime strain which can make you high without making you feel tired. As such, they’re also very useful for fatigue. Of course, the recreational effects are also very enjoyable and some people even use sativa strains first thing in the morning to start their day.

Indica vs Sativa: Which Should I Use?

Which kind of strain or product you choose to buy should depend on what effects you’re looking for.

For instance, those who need relaxation, physical relief, and sedative effects will likely find indica strains more useful. Meanwhile, the uplifting effects of sativa strains are more beneficial if you want a happy and productive high.

Medical users may also base their choice on what they need to treat. Indica strains are preferred for pain, inflammation, and insomnia. Sativa strains can be particularly beneficial for depression and fatigue.

Of course, you can always try out multiple strains. Many users use both indica and sativa strains depending on their mood or the time of day. There’s also the third option of hybrid strains, which can give you a combination of both indica and sativa effects.

Indica vs Sativa: Is there a Difference Really?

Cannabis users are well-accustomed to the differing qualities of indica and sativa strains. However, since both have many overlapping effects, many users wonder is there really a difference between indica and sativa?

Of course, there’s no debate when it comes to the plants. Indica and sativa plants are physically and genetically different, and this can also be seen in the differences while growing them. However, there is much debate on how much the effects between each strain differ.

There are also other factors which come into play. Some researchers suggest that when it comes to effects, the unique cannabinoid and terpenoid levels account more for differences than the basic distinction between indica vs sativa.

Strains often have different levels of various cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG. They also contain different terpenoids- chemical components which give strains their smell as well as certain unique effects.

However, the distinction can still be important. While cannabinoid and THC content may have more of an impact on effects, this can also be seen as a matter of the differences between the types of plants.

Popular Indica Strains

Indica strains are often used by those who want relaxing recreational effects and relief for pain and anxiety. You can also use indica edibles and concentrates if you prefer. Here are some popular indica strains.

Master Kush is a cross between two indica strains to create a more potent and relaxing product. Users will feel an instant wave of euphoria, relaxation, and happiness. It has a musky, earthy scent which can linger for a while. The effects will also linger, giving you a strong indica high.

Afghani is one of the most well-known indica strains. It’s known for its sticky resin and full body effects. Afghani can instantly put you in a relaxing trance which will soothe your body and your senses. It can help a lot when it comes to relieving stress and sleeping better.

Blue Lights is an indica-dominant strain with very calming effects. It will relieve physical and mental tension while also making you happy and euphoric. Its pungent blueberry flavor is another perk which makes it a pleasure to smoke or vape.

 

Popular Sativa Strains

Sativa strains make for the ideal wake-and-bake or daytime strain. Many users find the effects can make them feel happier, more productive, and give them a burst of energy and motivation. Here are some popular sativa strains you should try for yourself.

Strawberry Cough is a strain many users love for the delicious, fruity taste. However, it also delivers some invigorating effects. You’ll get a sharp boost of mental and physical energy which will make you more social, productive, and creative.

Red Congo is a pure sativa that’s ideal for energy. It will give you a euphoric head high that will make you more focused and creative. It’s perfect as a morning strain to relieve any tension and give yourself a burst of energy and motivation.

Bruce Banner shares its name with the popular Marvel superhero, and some users may argue you’ll feel like the Hulk when you smoke it. Bruce Banner gives you a sharp energetic buzz. Not only will your body get a burst of energy, but you’ll also feel more creative and focused. This strain can benefit users at any time of the day.

What About Hybrid Strains?

Hybrid strains also provide an interesting third option to the indica vs sativa debate. Hybrid strains come from plants which cross the genetics of both indica and sativa plants. As such, the plants have attributes of both indica and sativa, and the strains which come from them also provide both indica and sativa effects.

Many users love hybrid strains as they can combine the powerful body high of indica strains with the stimulating cerebral effects of sativa strains. They’re often useful for all-day use and can also help with a wide range of medical symptoms.

Hybrid strains can come in indica-dominant or sativa-dominant form based on the ratio of indica and sativa. You can also find balanced-hybrids which have an approximately 50/50 ratio between both.

There are many popular hybrid strains. For instance, BC Big Bud is a Canadian hybrid which leans towards sativa and provides a smooth body and head high. Wedding Cake is a popular hybrid strain that tastes delicious while also giving you both physically relaxing and mentally stimulating effects.

Many users opt for hybrid strains so they can get a full range of cannabis effects. You can also find 50/50 tinctures and edibles which also offer a hybrid high.

Conclusion

Are indica and sativa really so different? Both can help with both mental and physical health symptoms. They can also both provide a very enjoyable recreational high. Some suggest that the differences in effects may come down to the differences in cannabinoid and terpenoid content. There are also now more hybrid strains than ever which mix genetics of both indica and sativa.

However, users often make their decisions on what kind of effects they want, and there does seem to be a difference. Buying marijuana online allows you to see the effects and attributes of specific strains, which can make the choice a lot easier. Whether you need an uplifting sativa, a relaxing indica or a balanced hybrid, there’s a lot to choose from.