The cannabis plant is really known to have been in use for many years for medical, psychoactive and religious purposes. In the current world where the use of cannabis is being legalized in various countries and regions, it has become crucial for patients and patients to know the distinctions between various strains of cannabis. There are two major types of cannabis; Sativa and Indica. Different strains have different properties and impacts; thus, their utilization and enjoyment vary. This article will try to find the main distinctions between Sativa vs Indica: the place of their origin, the characteristics of their physical appearance, the effects that they produce and the purposes for their use.
Origins and Botany
Sativa: Consumption of Cannabis Sativa is said to have started in the equatorial areas of the world including Central and South America, Southeast Asia and Africa. These plants are generally rather large and can grow to a height of 20 feet when grown outdoors. Sativa plants are tall and have narrow leaves while Indica has broader leaves with a darker shade of green. They also grow slower and may take up to 10-16 weeks to flower.
Indica: Cannabis Indica is believed to have been grown in the mountainous regions of Central Asia, particularly in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Indica plants are smaller and dense, the height ranges from 3 to 6 feet. These plants have broader leaves which are dark green and they take approximately 6-8 weeks to flower. The physical characteristics that were discussed above place the Indica plants in a better position to grow indoors.
Effects and Uses
Sativa strains are popular for making patients feel more active and cheerful. It is said that they are linked with heightened creativity, concentration and interaction with people. This is why Sativa strains are used mostly during the day and for activities that demand the mind to be fully awake and active. Some common effects include:
- Enhanced mood and euphoria
- Increased energy and motivation
- Heightened creativity and focus
As a result of these effects, Sativa strains are usually suggested for use in the treatment of ailments like depression, fatigue and ADHD. It is also useful for the patient with a requirement to move around and occupy themselves during the day.
Indica strains are Cannabis strains for anxiety, popular for their sedative effects and are mostly preferred for use, especially in the evening or at night. It is commonly employed to calm down and reduce stress, anxiety and pain as well as to induce sleep. Some typical effects include:
- Deep relaxation and sedation
- Pain relief
- Improved sleep quality
Due to such effects, Indica strains are usually suggested for use in treating ailments such as insomnia, chronic pain, muscle spasms and anxiety. They are also common among patients who want to wind up their day having spent a lot of time at work.
Cannabinoid and Terpene Profiles
Sativa strains usually contain a higher amount of THC and a lower amount of CBD than the indica strains. THC is considered the main psychoactive element of marijuana that causes the feeling of being ‘high’. The terpene profile of Sativa strains contains limonene, pinene and terpinolene which can cause the energizing and uplifting effect.
Indica strains are the most balanced between the rates of THC and CBD when compared to other strains. Other compounds that do not cause the high but are used for treatment include CBD that is used for inflammation and anxiety. Indica stresses have myrcene linalool and caryophyllene as the terpenes that cause the relaxing and sleepy effect.
Hybrid Strains
Besides the Sativa and Indica strains, there are hybrid strains that contain characteristics of both types. Hybrids are developed to create specific effects from the combination of the characteristics of Sativa and Indica strains. These strains are either Sativa or Indica dominant or are hybrid and give a specific high depending on the user’s requirement.
Choosing the Right Strain
The choice of the strain of cannabis depends on personal preference and the intended outcome. Here are some considerations to help guide your choice:
Purpose
Identify the main goal of consuming cannabis. If you have to work or study during the day and do not want to feel drowsy, a Sativa or a hybrid with a predominance of Sativa will help. For leisure, selecting a strain that will help one to relax and ease stress or Indonesians are for sleep, an Indica or Indica dominant hybrid will be a better choice.
Medical Conditions
Think about any illnesses that you treat with the help of cannabis. For instance, people with chronic pain or sleep disorder may find Indica strain to be more helpful while those with depression or fatigue may get better results with Sativa.
Personal Tolerance
Be cautious of your THC and CBD limits. Higher THC might be too much for beginners or those who may feel the psychoactive effects easily, therefore, CBD Indica strain or hybrid strains that have an equal ratio of CBD and THC will be suitable.
One has to have a comparison between the two strains Sativa and Indica so that one may be able to determine which one to use at a certain time. Sativa species is advised to be taken during the day and for activities that require the solving of problems and decision-making due to the positive effects it brings. However, Indica strains are ideal for use in the evening and at night since they create a body high and also relieve pain. Hybrid strains enable the patient to select particular features that they would like to medicate; Sativa or Indica.
