Blowing Up the Big Myths About Indica vs. Sativa Strains

When you buy marijuana, you’re far from limited in your choices. There are tons of different strains of marijuana, each of which differs in various ways. Strains have different tastes, different appearances, and even different levels of cannabinoids that can have an impact on the effects they give you. However, when most consumers make their choice, they usually look for which breed of cannabis the strain is- indica or sativa.

The choice between indica v. sativa strains is an incredibly common one, and usually far too oversimplified. People usually opt for indica strains when they’re looking for relaxing, body-focused effects and look for sativa strains when they want a stimulating head-focused high. But while these types of strains are known for these kinds of effects, there are many other contributing factors to a strain’s effects.

Although many people choose based on whether a strain comes from indica or sativa cannabis plants, research suggests indica and sativa strains may not be all that different after all. There are also other important contributing factors to consider, such as a strain’s THC and CBD levels and terpenoid profile. Here’s a guide to the big myths about indica vs. sativa strains and how much truth they hold.

What Is Indica Cannabis?

While there’s still some debate on how much the effects of indica and sativa strains differ, there’s no denying that they come from different breeds of plants. When compared to their sativa counterparts, indica cannabis plants are usually shorter and bushier with narrower leaves.

Indica plants are often preferred by indoor growers as their small stature means they can grow well even in small spaces. Indica plants are also considered easier to grow and often grow faster than sativa plants, especially when grown using indoor growing equipment. They can also adapt to cold climates and don’t require summer weather to grow.

Many growers choose to grow indica plants over sativa plants as they can mature in as little as 8 weeks. You’ll notice that indica strains are much easier to find than sativa strains as they’re easy to grow and there are many popular indica strains to choose from.

What Is Sativa Cannabis?

Indica cannabis and sativa cannabis are the two most common breeds of cannabis plants. However, sativa plants have some distinct differences to indica plants in their appearance and the way they grow.

While indica plants are known for their short, bushy stature, sativa plants are tall and thin with narrow leaves. They often produce thin, cone-like buds. However, due to how tall they can grow, they often produce impressive yields if the grower is willing to put the time and effort in.

Sativa plants generally take longer to grow than indica plants, with some taking up to 16 weeks to mature after flowering. Sativa plants are well-suited to growing in hot climates and can grow up to 20 feet tall, making them ideal for outdoor growing.

Although sativa plants can also be grown indoors, it’s usually more of a challenge than growing indica plants. Since they can grow so tall, you need a lot of space to grow sativa plants indoors. They also require more time and care to grow than indica plants, although the results are often worth it. Most people choose to grow sativa plants outdoors, especially in the summer when they can often grow well without much special care.

What Are Indica Strains Known For?

Indica and sativa plants have many different attributes when it comes to their appearance and how they grow. However, the buds grown by these plants are also known for different effects. Many people make their choice between indica and sativa strains based on the kind of effects they’re looking for, with indica strains being known as the more relaxing of the two.

For the most part, indica strains are known for delivering an intensely relaxing and sedating high. People choose indica strains when they want something to help them kick back and relax. They’re usually used in the evening or at nighttime for when you need a relaxing high to help you take away stress and tension.

As far as medical use goes, indica strains are usually preferred by users who need something stronger to help relieve any physical or mental tension. For instance, users with chronic or severe often find indica strains to be the most helpful. They’re also known for being more sedating, making them a top choice for sufferers of insomnia and sleep problems.

They’re also seen as helpful for issues such as nausea, migraines, stress, and anxiety as they help relax the body and mind. Each indica strain is different and some are more potent than others, but they’re generally seen as relaxing, sedating strains that are best for late-day use.

What Are Sativa Strains Known For?

Much like indica strains, sativa strains are known for delivering a particular set of effects. However, in contrast to indica strains, which are known for being relaxing and helping users sleep, sativa strains are considered much more stimulating and energizing.

People often choose sativa strains when they want an uplifting high with mind-focused effects. They’re known to make users feel much more mentally focused, alert, and creative. They’re also used to counteract fatigue. People often use sativa strains as wake-and-bake strains to help perk them up in the morning.

Since they’re seen as mentally uplifting strains, medical users also choose sativa strains when they want to counteract issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety. However, they can also provide soothing effects for the body and help counteract issues such as nausea and headaches.

Sativa strains are popular for daytime use and also for social situations where users want to feel more social and alert. Since they’re generally seen as more mind-focused, they’re also useful for users who want a burst of creativity or mental clarity.

Blowing Up the Big Myths About Indica v. Sativa Strains

While indica and sativa cannabis plants are genetically different and have different physical properties, there has been much debate about how different the effects of indica strains and sativa strains are.

The effects of indica strains are commonly known to be more relaxing and body-focused whereas sativa strains are known for giving more uplifting, cerebrally-stimulating effects. However, many of these strains have overlapping qualities. For instance, some indica strains still have mind-stimulating effects and sativa strains can still be relaxing.

Some researchers believe that the difference between indica and sativa strains has been greatly exaggerated. For instance, neurologist and psychopharmacologist Ethan Russo claims in an interview that while each cannabis strain is different, the indica/sativa distinction may not be as important as other factors.

A study on cannabis strains also found that some indica and sativa cannabis strains are genetically similar to one another, suggesting that the difference between these two breeds of cannabis may not be as important as consumers think.

With that said, many researchers still disagree on whether the distinction between indica and sativa strains is as important as its made out to be. Nonetheless, there are still many differences between cannabis strains that may act as deciding factors for consumers.

How To Pick The Right Cannabis Strain

When you’re trying to pick the right cannabis strain for your needs, the choice between indica or sativa strains isn’t necessarily the most important decision. There are many other factors that you can consider when it comes to picking the best strain for you.

For instance, strains often differ in their levels of cannabinoids. THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for getting you high. As such, high-THC cannabis strains will give you more powerful psychoactive effects whereas low-THC strains will most likely give you a milder and more manageable high.

While THC may be the most prominent chemical in cannabis, there are still other cannabinoids that can contribute to the effects a strain gives you. For instance, CBD is a popular non-psychoactive cannabinoid said to have many health benefits. Other cannabinoids such as THCV, CBN, and CBG can also potentially help medical users.

Strains also differ in their terpenoid profiles. Terpenes are essential oils found in cannabis that contribute to the strain’s aroma and taste. This is why some strains have a more fruity or citrusy taste whereas some are more dank and earthy with hints of pine or flowers.

Terpenes don’t only contribute to the taste and smell of a strain. They can also have an impact on the effects it gives you. For instance, limonene is a common terpene known for its citrusy aroma. However, research suggests limonene also helps elevate your mood. As such, users looking for a strain to help counteract anxiety and depression may want to choose one high in limonene.

With so many different strains out there, it can be hard to pick the right one. However, buying weed online helps. Not only is it easy and convenient, but buying online also allows you to browse through product descriptions and customer reviews so you know exactly what to expect from each strain.

What Are The Best Indica Strains To Buy?

If you’re interested in trying some indica strains for yourself, you won’t have a hard time finding them. You can buy indica strains online in many forms, each with product descriptions and reviews so you know exactly what you’re getting. Here are some of the best indica strains to buy.

Chemo – Chemo, also known as UBC Chemo, is a strain originally bred at The University of British Columbia as a hard-hitting indica to help with the effects of chemotherapy. It’s great for relieving chronic pain, inflammation, stress, and nausea as well as bringing on a calm and relaxing recreational high.

Tuna Kush – Tuna Kush is known for its particularly pungent smell. With hints of diesel and skunk, some users might be turned off by its strong aroma. However, Tuna Kush also gives you a powerful high that’ll make you feel happy, euphoric, and deeply relaxed. It’s great for counteracting stress, pain, and insomnia.

Death Bubba – Death Bubba is a popular indica strain with extra-high THC levels. As such, you can rely on this strain to give you an intense high every time. Death Bubba helps you relieve pain and tension while putting you in a tranquil, physically soothed state.

King Louis XIII – King Louis XIII is a strong, indica-dominant strain with an earthy, piney smell. It brings on a powerful physical high that gives you full-body relaxation, relieving all pain and physical tension in your body. It can also help counteract stress, stimulate your appetite, and help you sleep better.

What Are The Best Sativa Strains To Buy?

Although sativa strains are a little rarer than indica strains, there are still tons of choices available. You can buy sativa strains online and there are many popular options to try out. Here are some of the best sativa strains to buy.

Jack Herer – Jack Herer is one of the most popular cannabis strains you can find. It’s a strong sativa strain known to make users feel happy, creative, and mentally focused. It’s also great for counteracting stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s perfect to use as a daytime strain.

Durban Poison – Durban Poison is a pure sativa strain with potent, long-lasting effects. Durban Poison makes users feel happy, energetic, and social. It’s a great strain to smoke with friends or to use whenever you need something to boost your mood.

Love Potion – Love Potion is one of the most interesting cannabis strains out there. This skunky, citrus strain gives you all of the usual effects you’d expect from a sativa strain, making you feel happy, focused and stress-free. However, it’s also notorious for making users feel aroused and affectionate, hence its name.

Mango Haze – Mango Haze is a sativa-dominant strain with a delicious tropical flavor. Mango Haze brings on a stimulating high that boosts creativity and focus. It’s best to avoid using too much due to its high THC levels. However, in moderation, it’ll give you a sensational uplifting high.

Conclusion

No matter where you buy marijuana, you’ll most likely find strains split into categories of indica and sativa. Indica strains are considered to be more relaxing whereas sativa strains are generally more uplifting. 

Some researchers argue that the difference between indica and sativa strains isn’t that extreme and other factors such as THC and CBD levels matter more. The best way to decide which strain you want is to browse strains online where you can see product descriptions and reviews. You can find all kinds of cannabis strains online at TopDispensary.ca.