Sativa vs. Indica: Unveiling the Secrets of Cannabis Strains

Some people in the cannabis industry have moved away from the terms “indica,” “sativa,” and “hybrid,” instead classifying the different “strains” or, more correctly, “chemovars,” as:

• Type I: High THC
• Type II: THC/CBD combined
• Type III: High CBD

More and more, the cannabis industry is moving away from the term “strains” and using chemovars (chemical varieties), since the word “strain” is often used to refer to bacteria and viruses.

In other words, the category or type of cannabis may not be the greatest indicator of the effects you’ll experience.

Here’s how to find the right plant for your needs, strains to consider, potential side effects, and more.

The often-applied rule of thumb is that sativa is more invigorating and energizing, while indica is more relaxing and calming — but it’s not that simple.

Individual plants produce varying effects, even among the same type of cannabis. It all depends on the plant’s chemical composition and the growing technique.

Instead of looking at the type alone — sativa or indica — look at the description the grower and dispensary provide.

Cannabinoids

Cannabis plants contain dozens of chemical compounds called cannabinoids.

These naturally occurring components are responsible for producing many of the effects — both negative and positive — of cannabis use.

Researchers still don’t understand what all of the cannabinoids do, but they have identified two main ones: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Less common compounds include:

• Cannabinol (CBN): CBN is used to ease symptoms and side effects of some neurological conditions.
• Tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA): This is similar to THC but has no psychoactive effects.
• Cannabigerol (CBG): CBG is thought to help reduce anxiety and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression.

Terpenes

A great deal of attention is paid to the amount of THC and CBD in a given type of cannabis, but research Source suggests that terpenes may be just as impactful.

Terpenes are other naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant that may influence the effects that specific types produce.

• Origin: Cannabis sativa is found primarily in hot, dry climates with long sunny days. These include Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and Western Asia.
• Plant description: Sativa plants are tall and thin with finger-like leaves. They can grow to about 6 feet (ft) or 2 meters (m). They take longer to mature than some other types of cannabis.
• Typical CBD-to-THC ratio: Sativa often has lower doses of CBD and higher doses of THC, whereas indica tends to have less THC than CBD.
• Commonly associated effects of use: Sativa often produces a “mind high” or an energizing, anxiety-reducing effect.
• Daytime or nighttime use: Because of its stimulating effects, sativa is often used in the daytime.
• Popular strains: Various sativa strains may be used for different purposes.