When browsing or growing cannabis strains, you may notice they are commonly broken up into three groups: indica, sativa, and hybrid. Many cannabis enthusiasts have used these three weed “types” as a gauge for predicting the possible effects. But what does indica and sativa really mean? What are the differences between them?
What does “indica” and “sativa” mean?
When cannabis enthusiasts think of indica vs. sativa strains, it’s generally thought that indica strains are physically sedating and provide “whole-body” elevation. Sativa strains are thought to be energizing, with uplifting cerebral effects. However, indica does not always mean sedative and sativa doesn’t always mean energizing. As researchers learn more about the cannabis plant, it turns out that the chemical compounds in each strain – the cannabinoids and terpenes – play a huge role in determining the effects felt, not necessarily whether it’s an indica or sativa strain. In fact, the two names are rooted in botany, according to Leafly, not effects.
Origins of indica and sativa
The words “indica” and “sativa” were introduced in the 18th century and used to describe different species of cannabis. Cannabis sativa was the term that described hemp plants found in Europe and western Eurasia. The hemp was cultivated for its fiber and seeds. Cannabis indica refers to the physically and mentally stimulating varieties of cannabis discovered in India. These varieties were harvested for seeds, fiber, and hashish production.
Since their earliest botanical definitions, the terms indica and sativa have shifted. Today, “sativa” most frequently refers to the tall, narrow-leaf varieties of cannabis plants. As mentioned earlier, these varieties are thought to induce energizing effects in enthusiasts. The term “indica” has come to describe the stout, broad-leaf cannabis plants thought to induce sedating effects. The term “hemp” most often refers to the industrial, non-intoxicating varieties of cannabis harvested for seeds, fibers, and CBD.
The cannabis varieties that are most largely consumed by enthusiasts stem from Cannabis indica, even though both terms are used to organize thousands of strains on the market.
| Popular Sativa Strains | Popular Indica Strains |
| Sour Diesel Jack Herer Green Crack Durban Poison Strawberry Cough Amnesia Haze Super Lemon Haze Super Silver Haze | Purple Punch Granddaddy Purple White Rhino Bubba Kush Northern Lights Blueberry Grape Ape Blue Cheese |
What about hybrid strains?
Hybrid strains are thought to have a mix of indica and sativa effects; they are bred from both indica- and sativa-descended plants. There is a long history of cross breeding cannabis strains to create new plants that feature the best qualities of its parent plants. Strains that have pure indica or pure sativa lineages are actually rare, according to Leafly. In fact, most strains referred to as “indica” or “sativa” or have a type of dominance in either category are likely hybrids, with genetics, and often effects, inherited from both subspecies.
To glean a better sense of the kinds of effects hybrid strains will have, it’s best to examine the parent strains. For example, if a hybrid strain has more indica in its lineage – it is likely to have more effects associated with those types of strains.
Some popular hybrid strains include Wedding Cake, OG Kush, Blue Dream, White Widow, and Pineapple Express.
So, what impacts the strain effects?
As mentioned before, the terms indica and sativa aren’t really the best predictors of effects. Strain effects depend on a number of different factors, but most commonly known are the terpenes and cannabinoids—the chemical compounds found in cannabis. Cannabis plants are composed of hundreds of chemical compounds.
Terpenes Make the Strain—Not the THC
Every strain of cannabis has a unique terpene profile. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds produced by plants and fruits, and they can also be found in lavender flowers, oranges, hops, and pepper. In cannabis, terpenes are secreted by the same glands that ooze THC and CBD, and they are what makes cannabis smell like cheese, citrus or pine or even fuel.
Terpenes also play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains. Some terpenes might promote relaxation and stress-relief, while others potentially promote focus and acuity. This directly challenges the standard beliefs held about indica vs. sativa strains. But still, even more research needs to be conducted to understand how and to what extent terpenes impact a strain’s effects.
There are more than a hundred different known types of terpenes found in cannabis, but some of the most common are myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, and terpinolene. In the case of a strain that has myrcene in its terpene profile, it will exhibit a primarily herbal scent, or even smell like hops or lemongrass. This specific terpene profile is believed to help relax consumers. For a strain with pinene in its profile, the cannabis will smell like pine, or rosemary, dill, and basil. This terpene strain is said to help boost energy in enthusiasts.
But knowing the possible effects of a specific terpene does not mean that’s always the case. The effect profile of any given terpene may change when in the presence of other compounds. This phenomenon is known as the “Entourage Effect.” Some research has been done to better understand each terpene’s effect when used in conjunction with other compounds, but more is still needed.
THC & CBD
The two most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD and those are considered the main drivers of cannabis’ effects. THC is the psychoactive chemical in cannabis, and CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical, which basically means THC helps give a feeling of elevation, and CBD does not. THC is said to make enthusiasts feel hungry and relieve symptoms related to pain and nausea. CBD is said to alleviate anxiety, pain, inflammation, and similar conditions.
Strains can be THC-dominant or CBD-dominant, which means they will present more of either cannabinoid and it’s intended effects.
It’s a personal preference
Cannabis and how you select the right strain for yourself is a personal experience. Understanding its nuances, including the differences between indica and sativa, can help you decide which qualities you prefer in a particular strain. Some cannabis enthusiasts can enjoy any strain, any time. For others, approach strain selection with process and precision is key to having a positive experience.