Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid: What exactly is the difference?
Cannabis and its terminology can be quite confusing for patients who are not well versed in the lexicon. Let's break down Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and hybrid strains of cannabis.
Understanding Sativas
When people think of cannabis, they often think of the strain that produces intense cerebral effects. The most commonly known species of Cannabis is accurately known as Cannabis Sativa. The Cannabis Sativa species is of Asian origin. This class of cannabis was identified as Sativa around the mid-1700s. Regardless of the timeline, Cannabis Sativa has been utilized as early as 1600 B.C. in medications as well as tinctures. This species of Cannabis is also known for its ability to be transformed into hemp (the industrial form of the cannabis plant.) The Cannabis Sativa plants grow tall and lanky in height with loose leaves.
The Effects of Cannabis Sativa
Cannabis Sativa is often enjoyed for its psychoactive effects. This means that Cannabis Sativa will more than likely get consumers high. Upon ingesting Cannabis Sativa, the effects are almost immediate. Cannabis Sativa provides patients with cerebral effects. Sativa provides euphoria, mild to moderate visual hallucinations, and uplifting effects. Most patients tend to enjoy Cannabis Sativa during the daytime due to its ability to promote creativity and ingenuity.
Popular Cannabis Sativa Strains
Since Cannabis Sativa is undoubtedly the most popular form of cannabis to consume, cultivators have crafted 1000s of Sativa strains. Some of the Cannabis Sativa strains that are often enjoyed include:
Neville's Haze - A purebred Cannabis Sativa strain that debuted more than a decade ago. Neville's Haze is the product of Northern Lights #5 and Original Haze. The result is a strain that contains anywhere from 20% to 30% THC.
Chocolope - A pure Sativa strain that has been around for more than 20 years. Chocolope is the result of Chocolate Thai OG and Cannalope Haze. The amount of THC found in this strain on average surpasses 24%.
Jamaican Dream - Another popular Cannabis Sativa strain. This strain is a phenotype of the Sativa strain known as Jamaican. The result is a strain that contains approximately 17% to 20% of THC.
Understanding Cannabis Indica
The other side of the cannabis coin is a species known as Cannabis Indica. This species of Cannabis is native to Middle East countries. More specifically, Indica is native to the Hindu Kush Mountains. This is where the popular term 'Kush' originates from. Cannabis Indica tends to grow in a bushy and stout fashion. This species of Cannabis will often produce a broadleaf pattern versus the leaf pattern associated with Cannabis Sativa. Moreover, most Cannabis Indica strains can produce indigo-like buds considering the climate it is accustomed to growing in.
The Effects of Cannabis Indica
Cannabis Indica is often praised for its ultra body-relaxing effects. Most Cannabis Strains can produce Couchlock, which refers to the weighted body effects attached to Indica. This is a clear dichotomy compared to Sativa's common cerebral effects. Additionally, most Cannabis Indica strains have more CBD than Sativa strains. This could be the reason why body effects are prevalent in Indica strains.
Popular Cannabis Indica Strains
Critical Kush - An Indica Strain that is the product of OG Kush and Critical Mass. The result is a strain that contains 20% to 25% THC as well as up to a hefty 2% of CBD.
LA Confidential - A popular Cannabis Indica strain that has been around for more than 3 decades. This strain is a fusion of Afghani and OG LA Affie. LA Confidential hosts ridiculously high amounts of THC per bud.
Hybrid Strains of Cannabis
It is a fact that not all buds are created equal. When cannabis genetics are crossed, there is a chance that the offspring can be a pure Sativa or Indica. However, there is a higher chance that the resulting bud will be a hybrid. Hybrids are simply cannabis strains with unique Sativa-Indica splits. These splits can be 50-50, 60-40, 75-25, and so forth. These strains can embody unique effects depending on the genetics of the parents as well as genetics embodied by the hybrid buds.