Indica. Sativa. Hybrid. What are they, aside from pretty sounding words?
Cannabis strains have been grouped into two categories for decades – Indica and Sativa – and Hybrid is a combination of the two.
Although at first glance this article might look like a standard definition of terms that you’ve known since before you rolled your first joint, we deep dive into the science behind the types of cannabis and whether the classification system actually holds any meaning, so keep reading to get to the juicy stuff! Our community is made up of cannabis connoisseurs, but we still try to get the basic stuff out of the way so that we can make sure everyone who finds their way to the Dabstract blog will be on the same page.
To get started, here is a brief overview of each type and their most commonly assigned effects:
Indica – Considered to have sedative effects. People often pick Indica strains to help with sleep, relaxation, anxiety, or for lazy Sundays on the couch
Sativa – Considered to bring an energetic high to users’ “high.” People often pick Sativa strains for creativity boosts, social events, or that upbeat cerebral experience
Hybrid – Considered to blend the effects of Indica and Sativa strains, offering (depending on what experience a user is seeking) the best of both worlds
Despite the fact that the Indica/Sativa/Hybrid classification is used at every cannabis store around the globe, scientific proof that the classification descriptions above are 100% accurate is… well, underwhelming, to say the least. But before we get into that, let’s look at the types from an agricultural perspective.
Sativa
Sativa plants feature the iconic leaf image that comes to mind when you think of weed
Taller plants than their Indica relative
Narrow leaves (again, picture the leaf that has achieved global cult status)
Thrives in warm climates with long growing seasons
Flowering cycles last longer than Indica’s
Indica
The leaves are wider and more filled out
Shorter than Sativa plants
Thrives in colder climates with shorter growing seasons
Shorter flowering cycles
Hybrid
A combination of Sativa and Indica plants that are bred together
Marijuana strains have a history of crossbreeding that outlives us all, and because of this strains that are either 100% pure Indica or Sativa are highly uncommon. So when you walk into a store and see a strain labeled as “Sativa” or “Indica,” it’s likely a hybrid with a lineage from both types.
Do Sativa and Indica cannabis plants look different? Yes. But do they have different effects? Here’s where it becomes less clear. To get a deeper understanding of this, we’re going to take a look at cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabinoids and terpenes create the chemical compounds in the cannabis plant that cause the effect or “high” in the human body.
Cannabinoids
If you’ve been around cannabis for awhile, you’ve likely heard of cannabinoids. And if not, you’ve probably heard of THC and CBD: these are both cannabinoids. THC is responsible for painting the portrait of the stereotypical “stoner” – hungry, red-eyed, and high. It can also relieve nausea, insomnia, and other pain. CBD, on the other hand, has no psychoactive effects and may be beneficial for reducing symptoms of inflammation, anxiety, etc.
While every cannabis strain has both THC and CBD, different strains have different percentages. Some strains are THC-dominant, some strains are CBD-dominant, and other strains feature balanced percentages of THC and CBD. Because of these important differences, it might be more useful for cannabis users to look at a strain’s THC and CBD profiles rather than the classic Indica/Sativa distinction. For example, a cannabis user who struggles with anxiety might have the best experience with a CBD-dominant strain. If they walk into a store and simply ask for an Indica, however, they could be given a THC-dominant Indica strain that might end up making their anxiety worse.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants. They give fruits and flowers (…as well as aromatic oils) their scents. The same part of the cannabis plant responsible for generating CBD and THC produces the various scents associated with cannabis strains, whether that scent is skunky or fruity.
There are over 120 distinct terpenes that have been identified in cannabis, and they each have unique medicinal benefits and effects. Some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis are:Myrcene PineneLimoneneLinaloolBeta-Caryophyllene EucalyptolIn gaining a better understanding of the actual effects of certain cannabis strains, it might be helpful for users to notice the terpene profiles of strains they love (or don’t love) so that this can guide future strain choices.
Wrapping it Up
Rather than absolute rules, it might be wiser to look at the Indica/Sativa classifications as suggestions. The Indica/Sativa/Hybrid classification is convenient for organizational and recognizable purposes, particularly for newcomers to the cannabis world who might be easily overwhelmed upon their first step through a dispensary doorway. But beyond that, it’s perhaps more useful to pay attention to cannabinoids and terpenes, as strains that have similar profiles tend to produce similar effects. And most importantly, notice how various strains and terpene profiles affect YOUR body’s distinct chemical makeup.