Cannabis Indica, Sativa, Hybrid: What's the Difference?

Dispensaries want to give a similar experience, and they might as well. But to get as much juice out of your visit you're going to have to be able to answer the million-dollar question: "Sativa, hybrid or indica?"

For anyone with experience in the subject, the question is so common that it would never occur to them to enter a dispensary without knowing the answer. But for novice people eager to explore, it can be more complicated. So here's going to teach you everything you need to know about how to identify and confidently communicate what you want every time you take a look at what a dispensary has to offer.

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What is a sativa, a hybrid or an indica?

Cannabis Sativa

This type of marijuana strain will produce a more "up" effect, cheerful and energizing, with stimulating brain effects.

It goes well with: meetings and creative activities.

Cannabis Indica

This variety produces a more calming sensation; it's great for lounging and relaxing.

It goes well with: movie night, free time.

Cannabis Hybrid

This mixture of strains produces a whole range of sensations, strongly associated with the original varieties, indica or sativa.

It goes well with: getting out of bed... or not.

Regardless of the method you choose to consume, the product probably belongs to one of these three categories. Usually this classification is used to indicate the type of cannabis plant from which the strain comes and the effects it can have on the person who is going to consume it.

While these terms have been used for years to classify the types of cannabis and their effects, the scientific community is quickly discovering that it's not all that simple. There are many factors that can contribute to the characteristics of a cannabis strain, such as the content of cannabinoids and terpenes, in addition to the particular biochemistry of the individual who consumes it.

Scientists are constantly reevaluating how to classify cannabis, and they are only now beginning to receive the resources they need to study every aspect of the plant.

And, while they are testing more precise ways to identify differences between types of cannabis, the classic classification of sativa, hybrid or indica (known as SHI) has not yet been replaced.

These three categories seem to be fundamental pillars and understanding them will help you figure out what variety is for you (and make your experience at a dispensary as enjoyable as possible).

Sativa-Dominant: fruit, floral, cerebral marijuana

While the SHI system usually refers to the typical effects of a variety, in reality the terms are based on the genetics of plants.

The indica and sativa strains come from two types of cannabis plants: Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica.

Native to Europe and Eurasia, the Cannabis Sativa plant is tall, with thin leaves and longer flowering cycles. It grows best in hot climates with long seasons. The taste and aroma of the flower itself tends to be lighter, fruitier and sweeter than indicas (usually, although there are always exceptions).

You may hear about varieties that produce "up" or "down" effects. While the question is much more complicated, it can be assumed that the plant "up" refers to a predominantly sativa variety.

These are for those who are looking for an energetic, euphoric and cerebral effect that inspires and delights. It is said to be more "mental".

Thanks to their stimulating and energizing effect, sativas are more likely to relieve depression and ADHD, and to help creativity. Sativa is the creative genius of the group.

Popular varieties of sativa:

Green Crack
Jack Herer
Lemon Haze
Super Silver Haze
Strawberry Cough
Chocolope

Indica-Dominants: serene and calm marijuana

The indica strain comes from the Cannabis Indica plant, originally from India.

The plant is short and more shrub-like, with large leaves and faster flowering cycles than sativas. Its growth is better adapted to colder climates with short seasons. The taste and aroma of the flower are often considered more "natural" than fruity and sweet Cannabis Sativas, which adds an earthy level of umami to the experience.

The "Netflix chill" of cannabis, the indica strain produces relaxing effects that can relieve insomnia, anxiety and chronic pain. The effect is considered more "bodily", and even a small dose can envelop you with an intense calm.

The effects of Cannabis indica are probably the most associated with cannabis culture. Indicas, for example, are the most likely to generate post-consumer slump or hunger, which can help people with eating disorders. The variety can also have a calming effect that contributes to those who consume it feeling perfectly at ease staying motionless in one place, preferably an armchair.

For these reasons, this strain is enjoyed more as an aid to going to sleep or during a day off with zero responsibilities.

Popular strains of indica:

Bubba Kush
OG Kush
Platinum OG
Grand Daddy Purple
Northern Lights

Cannabis Hybrids: the truth behind the SHI system

Gregor Mendel published his book "Experiments in Plant Hybridization" in 1865, showing his work with Cannabis Hybrid peas and establishing himself as the father of modern genetics, as well as being at the forefront of advances in horticultural techniques.

Cannabis is no exception.

Recently there has been a change in the way cannabis experts and publications refer to "sativa" and "indica".

Instead of being governed by the normal binary of "it's one or the other," they now refer to varieties as "sativa dominant" or "indica-dominant."

This is because, already with years of a thriving cannabis industry, hybridization (in an attempt to find a unique and marketable variety for each grower) resulted in most varieties possessing, to a greater or lesser degree, elements of both types.

There are no specifications as to characterizing the "Cannabis Hybrid" plant, as these varieties are varied genetic combinations of indica and Cannabis Sativa plants. Their taste and aroma depend on the mother varieties.

Despite this, the three classifications remain the most popular way to determine which one is right for each person, with hybrids coming closest to a 50/50 ratio. The effects you can expect are a mixture of the benefits of the other two strains.

It is more suitable for those who want to feel both mental and body effects, without the extremes of any category, such as anxiety or sloppiness. For those just starting out and don't know what they're looking for, a low-power Cannabis Hybrid is a good start.

Popular hybrid varietals:

Blue Dream
Girl Scout Cookies
Chemdawg
Headband
Lemon Kush
Sunset Sherbert

As we already mentioned, scientists are finding more accurate ways to predict the effects of each strain through the content of cannabinoids and terpenes. Even so, the sativa, hybrid, and indica categories remain the most widely used way to distinguish cannabis strains in popular culture.

For this reason it is better to think of these categories as cultural definitions rather than scientific truths. While this terminology may help, the truth is that, when it comes to cannabis, the effects of each varietal are as varied as the people who use them.

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It is also very important to take into account the doses, since the amount you ingest will affect what you feel, whatever the variety of cannabis you consume.

If you are a beginner in the world of cannabis, start small. If you have more experience, try exploring other ways to incorporate cannabis into your life. You can try new methods that exist for cooking, for making wines and beers, and ways to rethink parties and social gatherings so that the benefits of this flower permeate your daily life.