Indica and Sativa: Do Strains Matter?

When you purchase cannabis products, what questions do you ask? Do you ask if the cannabis product is a gummy, a vape pen, or cannabis flower? Are you curious about the potency of the product? Maybe you wonder about the type of cannabis plant in the product? Many people always ask, “is this Indica or Sativa?” Many cannabis users swear by Indica or Sativa strains and predominantly use one or the other. What makes the distinction between Indica and Sativa so essential to countless cannabis aficionados?

We will critically examine the difference between the Indica and Sativa strains of cannabis. Should you always know what type of strain you purchase, or is it unnecessary? Once we learn more about cannabis strains, we can apply that knowledge to other cannabinoids. Popular legal cannabinoids like Delta 8, HHC, and THC-O are not Indicas or Sativas. However, the distinction between strains is still helpful in describing the high. We will describe the common interpretation of cannabinoid highs and see if they are more like an Indica or a Sativa. The comparison will make it easier for people unfamiliar with alternative cannabinoids to understand how they feel. Without further adieu, let’s jump into the world of Indica and Sativa.

What are Indica and Sativa?

Cannabis indica and cannabis sativa are the scientific names for different species of cannabis. The cannabis plant originated as a single species, but after thousands of years, cannabis evolved into two different species. The cannabis plant diverged due to selective breeding and geographical differences.

Indica plants are short and have wooden stalks. They produce bushy, dark green leaves. Also, Indica plants grow faster than Sativa plants. Indica originated in the Middle East, predominantly in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tibet. The harsher northern climates created a stocky, easy-to-grow species of cannabis.Indica and Sativa: What's the Difference?

Sativa plants are tall and have fibrous stalks. They produce long, thin, bright green leaves. Furthermore, Sativa plants grow slower than Indica plants but produce higher yields. Sativa plants thrive in South and Central America. The warmer climates make for a more temperamental plant that prefers stable climates.

Moreover, there are also “Hybrid” plants. These plants are a cross between Indica plants and Sativa plants. Farmers created Hybrid plants to maximize short growth times and higher yields. Therefore, Hybrids have qualities of both Indica plants and Sativa plants.

Although the physical differences in these plants are fascinating, the main interest lies in the flowers they produce. Since they are different species, the natural chemical makeup in the flower is slightly different.

Cannabinoids in Indica and Sativa

All cannabis flower forms from natural chemical compounds called cannabinoids. There are over 200 of these cannabinoids. You likely already know the two most famous cannabinoids, THC and CBD. THC is responsible for the marijuana high, whereas CBD relaxes your muscles and reduces anxiety. The amount of THC and CBD in every strain is different. Therefore, the high of each plant is slightly different.

Indica plants typically have high concentrations of CBD. The THC to CBD ratio is usually around 1:1 in Indica flower. Due to the similar concentration of THC and CBD, many people find that Indica puts you “In-da-couch.” Indica relaxes your body and can help remove nausea and headaches. The high CBD concentrations give you a “body high” that can help you chill out in the evening.

Sativa plants have lower concentrations of CBD than Indica plants. Therefore, even though the THC concentration may be identical to an Indica strain, it will feel different. People typically associate Sativas with energy and focus. Sativa gives you a “mind high” and will not make you sluggish like an Indica. The Sativa strains make for a lovely daytime high or an energetic buzz before an activity.

Although many people swear by these differences, new research points to little difference between Indica and Sativa strains. So, if cannabis is just cannabis to you, no matter the strain, you may side with this camp. Furthermore, people experience unique highs. One person may feel the typical Indica effects, but others may feel energized by an Indica. However, the traditional distinctions between Indica and Sativa help describe the highs of alternative cannabinoids.

Alternative Cannabinoids: Indica or Sativa?

Alternative cannabinoids are cannabinoids other than THC and CBD. These natural chemicals occur in cannabis but in much smaller quantities than THC or CBD. Cannabinoids like Delta 8, HHC, and THC-O are all “alternative cannabinoids.”Indica and Sativa: Delta 8 & 10 Gummies

Although some may find the distinction between Indica and Sativa essentially meaningless, there is a stark difference between alternative cannabinoids. It is difficult to describe a cannabinoid product to a first-time user. However, the Indica and Sativa labels help when describing these alternative cannabinoid highs. Here is a list of alternative cannabinoids and if they are more like an Indica or a Sativa.

Delta 8: Sativa

Delta 8 is more similar to a Sativa than an Indica. Delta 8 is less potent than THC but is otherwise almost identical. Like a Sativa, the Delta 8 high is a “mind high” and will not make you sluggish. For sativa lovers, take a higher dose of Delta 8 to experience a similar high.

HHC: Indica

HHC is like an Indica on steroids. The cannabinoid HHC is famous for its relaxing qualities. If you have sore muscles, want a good night’s sleep, or need help relaxing for a few hours, HHC is ideal. HHC is strange to some since it does not produce much of a “mind high.” However, like a Sativa, it reduces anxiety and causes little to no paranoia.

Delta 10: SativaIndica and Sativa: THC-O Flower

Delta 10 is one of the rarest cannabinoids. Therefore, manufacturers commonly combine Delta 10 products with Delta 8. The Delta 8 and 10 combo makes for a potent energizer. These Sativa-like cannabinoids are great before a night out or a pickup sports game in the park.

THC-O: Hybrid

THC-O does not have many hallmarks of either Indicas or Sativas. It provides more of a “mind high,” but it is much different than THC. THC-O is known as the “psychedelic cannabinoid” and is a more psychoactive experience than a THC high. Think of THC-O as a wild Hybrid that comes out feeling not much like either strain.