Every marijuana dispensary is different, but the one thing that remains a constant in all of them is that one default question all budtenders ask: “Do you prefer indica or sativa?”
Though the answers to a question like this can be broad, it’s an easy starting point that helps budtenders figure out where you want your cannabis experience to take you, so it’s important to understand the differences between indica, sativa and hybrid cannabis strains.
Technically, all marijuana that gets you “high” can be considered a sativa strain because it all comes from the same genus, Cannabis Sativa L. Nevertheless, strains tend to be distinguished by the heritage of their genetics. Some strains are “indicas” and others “sativas” due to their land of origin, differing grow patterns and various physiological effects.
What is ‘cannabis indica’?
Indica cannabis strains originated in the Hindu Kush Mountain Range in Central Asia. Due to the short growing season, these strains have evolved to mature more quickly (albeit a bit smaller) than sativa strains. The resulting buds tend to be larger and denser than their sativa counterparts, with mild colors of pale to emerald green and a thick coating of dusty trichromes.
The effects of indica strains tend to be more sedating than sativas, due in large part to the terpene compounds it possesses. profile Terpenes are organic compounds produced by many plants (and some animals) and are commonly found in resins. Indica strains can produce the terpene, myrcene, with a musky, earthy flavor (which is prominent among many indica strains) that produces sedative effects along with its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Other common terpenes that give indica strains their relaxing, lethargic qualities include floral-flavored linalool and terpinolene.
Characteristics of sativa strains
Sativa cannabis strains evolved near the equatorial regions of the globe – Mexico, Thailand, Colombia – and they’ve adapted nicely to the warm, sunny climate. As a result, sativa strains grow larger but take longer to mature resulting in fluffy, “popcorn”-type buds. Sativa strains also tend to have more accessory pigment like deep purples and reds to help protect them from the harsh ultraviolet rays.
The effects of sativa strains are usually described as energizing, focusing, creative and uplifting, though some have been known to cause an increased heart rate as well. Common terpenes found in sativa plants include citrus-flavored limonene and valencene, which increase energy, and pinene which helps improve focus.
Hybrid cannabis strains
All cannabis lining dispensary shelves are indica/sativa hybrids. Hybrid strains all have some percentage mix of indica and sativa and are carefully bred for potency, flavor, appearance to create unique strains and experiences.
Cannabis breeders spend years and go through hundreds of generations of seeds, selecting those that produce the most favorable results to cross-pollinate with other strains. Today’s cannabis is stronger than the marijuana of even decades ago because of the diligent work of breeders meticulously growing and cross-breeding their best strains.
The cannabis industry offers countless options to choose from – edibles and concentrates — in addition to the familiar marijuana flower. Thanks to years of careful breeding, consumers can choose from thousands of different strains with unique flavors and cannabinoid profiles to customize their experience.
Of course, choosing the right strain can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re looking for, hence the importance of understanding the difference between indica, sativa, and hybrid strains.
Do you have a favorite cannabis strain type? Our readers would love to hear about it.
