Indica Vs Sativa (Debunking Myths & Understanding Effects)

When I started smoking weed back in the 90s, no one talked about indica vs sativa.

Few people even knew there were different types of cannabis.

Let alone what the differences were.

My dealer just sold me baggies of weed.

Even if I had thought to ask what strain it was, I would not have gotten an answer.

Things sure have changed.

But with all the additional knowledge we now have comes a ton of misinformation.

We’re going to clear some of that up today. In doing so, you’ll realize that the whole indica versus sativa argument doesn’t even make much sense anymore.

 

Indica Vs Sativa Myths

We’re going to begin by tackling some of the biggest myths surrounding the differences between sativa and indica strains. We will focus on the differences for consumers, not growers.

For growers, indica strains are a good way to keep cannabis plants small, for when you only have limited growing space.

 

Myth 1: Sativa Is For Head Highs While Indica Is For Body Highs

This adage needs some clarification. Yes, this differentiation may help people distinguish between cannabis products in dispensaries and edible stores. However, it does not give one the complete picture.

Cannabis comes in various strains and hybrids. Each one will produce a different effect and there are no hard and fast rules. Moreover, the effects can also vary based on the amount you use and your tolerance.

In general, Indica strains are known for their relaxing and sedative ‘bodily’ effects. Sativa strains, on the other hand, produce ‘energizing and uplifting the mind’ effects that may be suitable for daytime use. Hybrids of the two types can produce mixed effects.

 

Myth 2: All Modern-Day Cannabis Strains Are Either Indica Or Sativa

This is no longer true. These days, it is best to identify cannabis plants based on their appearance and not on their effects.

Understand that almost every strain produced today is a hybrid. A pure indica or a true sativa are no longer possible. Before the 20th century, you might have found landrace strains that were as close as possible to pure strains. But not anymore.

These days, with all the hybrid breeding, all cannabis strains are hybrids. Sure, they may be more indica-dominant or sativa-dominant and may produce effects accordingly, but understand that these effects will vary based on their cannabinoid and terpene content and also your tolerance for them.

 

Myth 3: Indica Sedates You While Sativa Lifts You Up

We can say that indica and sativa refer to the biology of the cannabis plant, not the effects they produce. You can distinguish them on the basis of their appearance.

Indica leaves tend to be broader, darker, and wider, and the bush is shorter and bushier. Sativa leaves, on the other hand, are narrower, skinnier, and lighter in color, and the bush is taller and slimmer.

As mentioned earlier, all cannabis plants are hybrids these days. They can have characteristics of both plants and these characteristics may not always match. When you talk about indica, sativa, or hybrid, you are discussing the plant’s phenotype and physical differences.

When considering effects, we simply cannot pinpoint them. This is because the genotype, cannabinoid, and terpene content are bound to vary widely, even within a single cultivar.

 

Myth 4: Indica Strains Have More THC Than Sativa Strains

Indica has a higher CBD content than THC and Sativa has a higher THC content than CBD. When comparing THC in indica and sativa, we must first understand that these days, there are no pure sativa or indica strains.

What we always have is hybrids. Therefore, we cannot pinpoint whether a strain will have higher THC or CBD.

In any case, the combination of CBD and THC is not the only factor affecting how the strain affects us. The effects also depend on terpenes and other cannabinoids.

We also need to account for the entourage effect. This is the effect of terpenes, which are believed to be more responsible for producing the psychoactive variability effects than CBD or THC alone.

Moreover, CBD is like the babysitter of THC. It works in harmony with THC and is even responsible for lowering THC’s negative effects.

Therefore, instead of looking for high THC strains, you may want to go for balanced strains that can prevent anxiety and produce a more balanced effect – especially if you are a beginner.

 

Myth 5: Indica And Sativa Strains Produce Consistent Effects For Everyone

Almost all cannabis strains today are hybrids. They may be either indica dominant or sativa dominant. Even within a single cultivar, you will have plants with different percentages of sativa/indica characteristics.

This implies that the effects of every strain will vary based on the chemicals it contains. Each strain, even within a single cultivar, is bound to contain varying levels of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other psychoactive/non-psychoactive compounds. Furthermore, they work synergistically to produce different effects.

Understand that CBD and THC are not the only cannabinoids in cannabis plants. There are over a hundred cannabinoids that have been identified. This article goes over some of the lesser-known cannabinoids.

THC is the main psychoactive compound responsible for euphoria, relaxation, increased appetite, etc. CBD is non-psychoactive and mainly responsible for pain relief, reduced anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties.

But different strains contain different levels and ratios of THC to CBD. As explained before, CBD acts as THC’s babysitter. Some strains may have a higher THC-to-CBD ratio and that can result in a more intense psychoactive experience.

Others may have a balanced ratio of THC and CBD, which may result in a milder effect. These chemicals, combined with your own tolerance and sensitivity, will produce different effects for everyone.

 

What is Better For You: Indica Or Sativa Or Hybrid?

This is a common question. And a good one, though it is not one with a simple answer. In the end, the answer is our old favorite: it depends.

 

Identify Your Personal Goals And Desired Effects

The first step in knowing which strain is right for you is to identify your personal goals. What do you want to achieve by using cannabis?

Perhaps you just want to unwind at the end of the day, wish to sleep better (learn about the marijuana benefits for sleep) or get rid of some chronic pain. Maybe you want to focus and concentrate better.

Once you identify what you are looking for, you can choose a strain accordingly. Here are some of the best strains for specific issues:

• Stress relief and relaxation: Granddaddy Purple, OG Kush, and Bubba Kush.
• Insomnia: Northern Lights, Granddaddy Purple, Girl Scout Cookies, and Hindu Kush.
• Energy and focus: Jack Herer, Sour Diesel, Durban Poison, Harlequin, AC/DC, and Pineapple Express.
• Uplift mood: Kush, Blue Dream, Lemon Haze, Pineapple Express, and Strawberry Cough.

 

Time Of Day

The time of day and your routine and activities will also help you decide the right strain for you. Go for indica-dominant strains at night to relax and unwind. Examples include Granddaddy Purple and OG Kush.

For focus and productivity at work, go for a strain like Green Crack or Jack Herer.

 

Your Tolerance Level

It is best to experiment privately with a strain that suits you and your sensitivity and tolerance levels. If you are a beginner to cannabis, opt for a well-balanced strain such as Blue Dream or Harlequin. These have THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio. They are ideal for beginners and known for their gentle, uplifting, and invigorating effects.

 

Comparing Sativa And Indica: Final Thoughts

The distinctions between Indica and Sativa strains are more nuanced than commonly believed. While traditional wisdom suggests that Indica strains are for relaxation and Sativa strains are for stimulation, the reality is far more complex.

Modern cannabis strains are predominantly hybrids, blending characteristics of both Indica and Sativa plants. This hybrid nature means that the effects of any given strain can vary widely based on its unique cannabinoid and terpene profile, as well as individual user tolerance and sensitivity.

Understanding the effects of cannabis involves more than just labeling a strain as Indica or Sativa. It requires a deeper look into the specific chemical makeup of the strain, including THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, as well as the terpenes that contribute to the entourage effect.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which strain is right for you is to consider your personal goals, desired effects, and tolerance level. Whether you are seeking stress relief, improved focus, or a better night’s sleep, there is likely a strain that can help you achieve your objectives. Experimentation and mindful consumption are key to finding the right balance that works for you.