For those who know anything about cannabis know there are two main types of strains that provide a different set of effects. They are known as indica and sativa strains.  There is also a third category referred to as hybrid strains. As the name suggests, hybrid cannabis is a mixture of both sativa and indica genetics. Let’s take a closer look at the Indica vs Sativa discussion.

A strain is a subspecies of a plant, and there are currently thousands of subspecies of strains within each sativa and indica plant. And different countries around the world have thousands of strains unique to their own location and environment. 

To make things better, each weed strain provides a unique set of therapeutic effects and benefits. But did you know that the lines between indica and sativa weed are beginning to blur?  

With more and more crossbreeding between strains species, true 100% sativa or indica genetics are becoming increasingly rare. 

Also the effects of sativa and indica strains can overlap due to many factors that are discussed in this article. In fact, it can be a mistake to base your decisions on whether or not a strain is sativa or indica. 

Let’s delve deeper into the indica versus sativa discussion and uncover the  difference between indica and sativa. 

First, A Brief Introduction to Cannabis

Cannabis is perhaps the most well-known psychoactive substance in the world. There are many names that refer to these plants and their flowers. Some of the most common include: marijuana, weed, pot, ganja, reefer, bud, greens, and marihuana. 

The cannabis plant has deep roots in human society. Research shows that cannabis was cultivated as early as one thousand years ago in parts of Southern Asia.  Over the past millennia, cannabis has found its way to hundreds of countries around the world. And in that time, new climates and environments forced the cannabis plants to learn to adapt. This furthers the differences between Indica vs Sativa weed strains.

This in turn led to today’s thousands of unique cannabis strains. With each strain possessing unique characteristics in appearance, aroma, taste and effects.

These plants can be broken down into two main categories: Hemp and Marijuana. Cannabis with less than 3% THC is categorized as hemp, whereas anything higher is marijuana.

Cannabis can be broken down even further into two types: Photoperiod and Ruderalis (or Autoflower) Strains.

Photoperiod Strains

Photoperiod strains grow depending on a specific light schedule. For an indoor grow, 12 hours of dark each day will induce the flowering process. Outdoor flowering typically starts during the end of the summer season and carries on into the Fall.

Autoflower Strain

A ruderalis strain (also known as an Autoflower Strain) is a cannabis plant that grows based upon a set time period.  If an autoflower strain has an expected 150 day period, it will finish in about 150 days regardless of the hours of light it receives. 

Autoflower and photoperiod strains can be broken down into even further.

Indica, Sativa and Hybrid Strains

Photoperiod and autoflowers can be broken down into 3 further categories known as indica, sativa, and hybrid strains. Hybrid strains contain genetics from both sativa and indica strains.  These hybrid weed strains blurs the lines in the Sativa vs Indica debate.

On top of that, there are thousands of different subspecies of each of these strains as well. 

Let’s take a look to see what makes them unique from one another and see what the fuss about indica vs sativa is.

First Off, What Exactly is an Indica Strain?

Cannabis Indica Strains

Indica Strain Origins

Before we begin let’s go back to the beginning and understand the cannabis indica origins. It is believed that indica cannabis is native to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Turkey. Many believe that these weed strains had their starts in the Hindu Kush mountains. 

This is where the popular “kush” term originates from. It is safe to assume that any cannabis that is a kush strain likely has indica-dominant features. Now that we know where indica weed came from, let’s learn exactly what they are all about.

Indica weed (genus Cannabis indica) is a subset of cannabis that is known best for its couch locking effects. Also commonly known as indica flower, it is often used for its deep relaxative sensations. This makes indica strains ideal for nighttime use and for those with problems with sleep.  However, make sure that the indica strain you choose has these sleep inducing effects, as some indica strains might not. 

Indica strains are commonly used for their medicinal properties to help ease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Also, indica weed is great for those seeking relief from aches, pains, spasms, or the inflammation associated. It is also extremely helpful in inducing appetite. Even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder sufferers have reported positive results when taking indica marijuana. 

However, when selecting a strain for a specific purpose you need to be mindful. It is wise to research the strain to make sure they are known to provide the desired effects. Just picking an indica strain because you think all indica strains are the same, you’d be mistaken.  In fact, many indica strain effects are so different that you wouldn’t think they were so closely related.

Indica Plant Characteristics

Indica weed strains are often identified by having fat and wide leaves and by being short and bushy plants. It is usually their stocky stature and broad leaves that make them easy to identify.  In addition, it is common for indica leaves to have less tips than sativa leaves. However, this is not always the case. 

In addition, indica cannabis plants are known to flower much quicker than most sativa strains. The average indica flower duration is between 8 to 9 weeks, with some exceptions. This makes sense when remembering that indica cannabis got its start in the harsh and cold environment of the Hindu Kush Mountains. 

This makes Indica cannabis ideal for cooler environments with short summers.  It is during the colder and wetter months that mold becomes a problem. Mold is one of the biggest threats to a cannabis plant, and every grower is always mindful of it. Having the luxury of less flowering time will help keep harvests mold-free when the weather gets  cold and wet. 

The buds of cannabis indica are often mid-sized, round, and dense when compared to sativa buds. But perhaps the most common physical feature of many indica nuggets is the density (at least when grown properly). The advantage to smaller buds is that there is more room for more of them. It is common for indica plants to produce more buds on average than a sativa strain. 

In addition, many indica strains contain higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC. This is when comparing them to their sativa counterparts. However, this is not always the case as there are many exceptions.  

The physical features of the indica plant and buds are the main difference between sativa and indica weed.  However, there are many instances where the untrained eye would not be able to tell whether a plant was indica or sativa.  For instance, if you grow a mystery cannabis seed, it’s hard to tell what type of plant it is sometimes. 

Effects Commonly Associated With Indica Weed

As previously mentioned, the effects associated with indica strains are often wide ranging and can overlap with known sativa effects. However, this information can still be used as a guideline since many indica strains possess many of these effects.

Below are some of the most common effects that users report experiencing when taking indica marijuana: 

• Relaxation of the mind, body, and soul
• Euphoria throughout the body
• Couchlocking Effects
• Sedation of the mind and body
• Hunger (munchies)

Common Medical Uses of Indica Weed

It is always good to be careful when dealing with desired effects for a particular medical purpose. You should pick a strain that is known to provide the desired effects. However, there are many medical uses of indica strains that can be a good starting point. 

Here is a list of some of the best uses of many indica strains:

Remember, there is little scientific research to back many of these claims, as many effects are dependent on other factors. Whatever the case, there are actually thousands of indica cannabis strains found throughout the world. This leads to the problem of not knowing which ones are worth trying. This is a problem, but it is a positive problem to be faced with.

Best Indica Strains

Luckily for you, we have made up an indica flower list for your convenience. Here are links to some of the best indica strains on the market in Canada.

Sativa Strain Origins

Sativa weed (genus Cannabis Sativa) is a subset of cannabis that is commonly used for its uplifting, creative, and energetic effects. This uplifting nature is what makes sativa marijuana ideal for daytime use. In fact, some sativa strains actually make some people want to be more socially active. However, it should be noted that some sativa strains can actually cause effects normally associated with indica marijuana. This 

Unlike cannabis indica, cannabis sativa had its origins in hot and dry climates with long summers. Locations closer to the equator are common areas where sativa strains do their best. This includes Southeast Asia, Africa and Central America. Each of these countries have a long and rich history with cannabis. 

Sativa Plant Characteristics

Much like indica buds, sativa weed helps people with signs of anxiety, stress, and depression. Also, it helps stir up an appetite and helps ease aches and pains. It also reduces inflammation. Where sativa strains differ from Indica is that some are ideal for those who lack focus, creativity, and/or energy.

Sativa strains are commonly identified as being tall and lanky plants with long and thin leaves. Many sativa cannabis plants have leaves that have more points than indica plants. However, this is not always the case. 

In addition, they are known to take a much longer time to finish flowering than their indica cousins. Many sativa strains usually take about 10 weeks to flower, where some can even go on for much longer. 

The flowers of Sativa cannabis are commonly big and shaped like a cone. They are normally not as dense as indica nuggets, but this is not always the case.  Sometimes the Indica vs Sativa lines become a bit fuzzy.

Effects Commonly Associated With Sativa Weed

As previously mentioned, the effects associated with many strains are often wide ranging and can overlap. However, this information can still be used as a guideline since many sativa strains commonly induce the same effects.

Below is a list of some of the most reported effects experienced by marijuana users:

As you might have noticed, some of the medical uses of sativa strains is the same as indica strains. This makes sense now that we know just how wide ranging the effects of cannabis strains can be.

Common Medical Uses of Indica Weed

Many sativa strains are used for their uplifting, energetic and creative properties. However, as we know cannabis effects can be wide ranging. It should be noted that many sativa strains often have effects that they are known for. 

This makes sativa strains great for a wide range of conditions. On top of that, sativa strains with energetic properties are great for use throughout the day. This is a big help to many medical marijuana users who require many doses, but who want to remain productive. 

Here are some of the main medical uses of sativa strains:

Best Sativa Strains

So enough of the boring stuff. Let’s take a look at some cannabis sativa strains.  

Here you can find a list of the most popular and best sativa strains on the market.

Cannabis Hybrid Strains

So now that we know what indica and sativa strains are, what happens if you combine them together? And is that even possible to do? Let’s find out what happens when crossbreeding sativa and indica cannabis plants. We are sure to learn more about the Indica vs Sativa similarities. 

Hybrid Strain Origins

The byproduct of crossbreeding indica and sativa strains together is  Hybrid weed. Hybrid cannabis is the result of mixing together indica and sativa genetics. This is done by extracting the pollen from a male cannabis plant and using it to pollinate a female. 

Basically, female cannabis plants are the ones that produce the buds that we smoke. In contrast, male cannabis plants do not produce buds and instead produce pollen. 

Once the female is pollinated it will stop producing flowers and will instead produce cannabis seeds. These weed seeds will now possess genetics from both father and mother. 

Master cannabis farmers and breeders have been cross breeding cannabis for ages.  Over this time practices have been perfected and the most favourable traits are continually bred into each strain. In fact, many of the top hybrid strains were not created by just mixing one plant with another. It takes time and many cycles of breeding to achieve the desired characteristics.  However, this type of cannabis breeding is on a very high level and a certain level of expertise and patience is required.

This results in the many hybrid strains that we all get to enjoy in modern times.  

To sum it up, hybrid cannabis are strains that induce a balanced set of sativa and indica effects. Maybe the largest benefit of hybrid strains is the wide variety of beneficial effects. This makes many hybrid strains great to use throughout the day. However, the effects can vary widely, so it’s recommended to conduct strain research before buying.

Hybrid Plant Characteristics

Hybrid cannabis can grow in a number of ways depending on many factors. The biggest factor (other than the environment) is what specific strain it is. 

Cannabis Hybrid strains can look, smell, taste and have the effects that span the entire spectrum. This is due to the thousands of hybrid strains available with far reaching effects. 

Much like a baby, a hybrid plant can possess genes resembling more of the mother. In addition, the second child of the same family may be more similar to the father. This is the same for cannabis seeds from the same mother plant.

Basically, 10 cannabis seeds from the same mother plant can potentially have different characteristics. However, much like human families, they will all share a large portion of similar traits.

The same can be said for the flowers of hybrid strains. Some can resemble sativa weed, whereas others can look like indica buds. 

In addition, the percentage of indica or sativa genes can potentially have a large effect on the bud’s make-up as well. For instance, some hybrids can have a higher percentage of indica genetics than sativa. 

Now it’s time to look at some of the top hybrid weed strains available to order now.

Best Hybrid Strains

Below are some of the most sought after and best hybrid strains on the market.

Sativa vs Indica: A Summary

So, What Does the Research Say?

As previously mentioned, the effects of indica and sativa strains can often overlap. This can lead to confusion when trying to find a particular weed strain with a specific set of effects.  

For example, someone might say they want only sativas so they can use it throughout the day. If they selected a heavy sativa with heavy couch locking properties, they will be in for a surprise.  The same goes for indica strains that have effects common to sativa strains. 

Imagine buying an indica strain because you thought all indica strains make people sleepy. Then imagine finding out that marijuana strain gives you a boost of energy and keeps your mind active.  Good luck sleeping on that. 

This is just one of the examples why it is best to pick a strain for its properties. Try to avoid making decisions solely based on whether or not a strain is an indica or sativa. So maybe looking at it as Indica vs Sativa is not always the best idea.

So What Are the Main Factors That Contribute to Effects Then?

Instead of thinking that indica strains provide one set of effects and sativa strains induce another, we should look at other factors. For instance, the cannabinoids and terpenes play a large role in what effects are felt. In addition, the frequency of use, body makeup of the user, and method of consumption all play a factor. 

Let’s move on in this Indica vs Sativa guide and take an indepth look at what these all are and why they matter so much.

Cannabinoids

What Are Cannabinoids?

A cannabis plant is known to have over 480 natural components. Of these 480 compounds, 66 have been classified as cannabinoids. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most well known and is the reason for the intoxicating effects associated with taking marijuana. 

The levels of each cannabinoid found in the particular strain will largely determine the effects. Cannabinoid percentages can be used in conjunction with what we know about indica and sativa strains to make more informed decisions.

Furthermore, research has shown that many of the other cannabinoids help moderate the effects of THC. Cannabinoids interact with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce the range of marijuana effects. Simply put, some cannabinoids (e.g. THC) attach to the brain’s receptors initiating responses throughout the body. Other cannabinoids such as CBD moderate the interactions THC has with the body’s receptors.

Most Common Cannabinoids Found in Cannabis:

You probably have heard people talk about THC vs CBD. But which one is better, CBD or THC? Or can this question not be answered so clearly? Do these different cannabinoids actually work in unison to provide the ideal level of effects? 

Whatever the case, it is a good idea to understand the difference between CBD and THC so you can determine what type of weed oil is ideal.

Let’s take a look at what each is and what they have to offer.

What is THC?

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary compound in cannabis that induces psychoactive effects. That is, THC is the main reason why people get high off of weed.  THC is the most researched and known cannabinoid found in cannabis.  

However, don’t get THC confused with THCA.  Basically, THCA is a cannabinoid found in freshly cut marijuana buds. THCA is not psychoactive, so it doesn’t cause intoxication.  It is for this reason that anyone who has tried to eat a raw bud likely did not feel much effects. 

In order for THCA to be able to get a user high, it needs to be converted into THC. This is done by a process called decarboxylation. Basically, heat and/or light can induce a chemical reaction that breaks down THCA into THC. 

In general, sativa strains are believed to be higher in THC ratios than most indica strains.  This is believed to be the main reason that many sativa strains are more of a heady high. 

Studies show that tetrahydrocannabinol is a lipid-soluble chemical that binds to fat in the body. The intoxicating effects are felt once the THC binds to brain receptors.  Once attached, the THC effects are sent throughout the user’s body. This results in the euphoric sensations that are normally associated with smoking weed. THC plays a factor in the Sativa vs Indica comparisons as well.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound that is found in marijuana and hemp plants. CBD is perhaps the second most known (and researched) cannabinoid.  Differing from THC, CBD does not cause intoxication in the traditional sense. It does, however, moderate other cannabinoids and how they react with the body.

As previously mentioned, CBD acts as a moderator of THC and controls how it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Basically, cannabidiol will limit the opportunity for negative effects as a result of THC use. For example, CBD is reported to be effective in reducing inflammation caused by THC.

Furthermore, CBD can be taken on its own but is known to work best together with THC. However, CBD is perfect for people who do not want to get high. It is important to note that the effects will not be those that are normally associated with THC-intoxication.

As mentioned earlier, indica strains are believed to contain a higher level of CBD than most sativa strains.  This is only a general rule as this is not always the case. However, this can show some of the differences when looking at Indica vs Sativa strains.

What is CBN?

Cannabinol (CBN) is another non-psychoactive chemical compound found in weed. It is best known as the cannabinoid produced as THC degrades over time. Basically, THC breaks down into CBN when exposed to a certain level of heat and/or light. 

Current research hints that this cannabinoid may only be 1/4th the potency of THC. Although, do not be fooled about strains with high CBN being not potent. In fact, high CBN strains can produce heavy couchlocking effects and can feel quite potent indeed. 

CBN is perhaps best known for its sleep-inducing properties. This is why many weed growers who are seeking couch-locking effects tend to let their plants flower for longer. This provides a longer duration for the THC to break down into CBN, giving it that indica-like effect.

Final Word on Cannabinoids

Research has shown that THC and CBD work in harmony to provide a nice balanced set of therapeutic effects. For instance, CBD moderates the levels of THC the body interacts with. This means a lower chance of unpleasant effects normally experienced with overconsumption. Another example is that studies have shown that CBD prevents THC induced inflammation. The beneficial effects that CBD and THC have on each other should put to close the notion of a CBD vs THC relationship. However, the Sativa vs Indica debate cannot be solved by only looking at cannabinoids.

Terpenes

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are compounds in cannabis responsible for the scents that are commonly attributed to  indica and sativa strains. There are over 100 identified terpenes that work in conjunction with cannabinoids to induce a variety of effects. This is known as the entourage effect. Let’s take a look at the main type of terpenes and their properties.

Main Terpenes Found in Cannabis

Myrcene

The most abundant terpene found in weed. Nearly every strain can be found with a large amount of myrcene. This terpene is said to have a fruity and musky aroma. Myrcene is said to potentially induce relaxing and sedating effects.

Limonene

The second most plentiful terpene found in cannabis. This terpene is found in citrus fruits, just as the name hints at. Also, limonene is the reason why certain strains have such a strong citrusy scent and flavour. This terpene is said to provide an increase in mood and reduction in stress.

Pinene

As the name suggests, these terpenes are commonly found in pine trees. It’s what gives them that sharp piney smell we all know. This terpene is said to increase alertness and memory retention.

Caryophyllene

This terpene is what gives certain marijuana flowers its peppery and spicy undertones. Caryophyllene is abundant in cinnamon, basil, cloves, and rosemary. This terpene is the only one that serves many of the same purposes as a cannabinoid. The most common use of caryophyllene is for stress relief.

Linalool

When you think of the aromas of weed, it is likely linalool you are thinking of. It is the smell that lets people know there is weed closeby. This terpene has a floral scent and is used for its sedative and mood-enhancing effects.

Terpinolene

This terpene is commonly found in things such as nutmegs and lilacs. It emits a fruity aroma and is known to induce energizing and uplifting effects.

Bisabolol

Yet another floral smelling terpene is bisabolol. This terpene is commonly used in cosmetics and perfumes due to its pleasant scents. Bisabolol possesses strong analgesic properties and is useful when treating wounds and infections.

A Final Note on Terpenes

It is believed that different terpenes provide different sets of effects. This makes certain terpenes mixed with certain levels of cannabinoids give indica and sativa strains different effects. Knowing what terpenes are present in a specific strain will provide a good idea of what effects to expect.

Frequency of Use

The frequency that an individual uses indica and sativa cannabis will largely affect the effects felt. For instance, a heavy daily marijuana patient will experience a different level of effects than a first-time user.  

This is because their tolerance levels are much higher than most. It is therefore important to understand that you may not experience the same level of effects as another.

Body Chemistry

Perhaps one of the biggest influencers of cannabis effects is the specific body of the user. Marijuana can affect people differently because everyone’s body is different.

For instance, a 300 pound individual will likely have different effects than someone a third of their body weight. The larger person would likely need more indica or sativa product to reach the same effects. 

In addition, a person’s metabolic rate will largely affect what effects are felt and for how long.  Someone with a higher metabolism will break down cannabinoids quicker and have a more intense set of effects.  This also means that the cannabinoids will likely leave the body quicker resulting in a shorter high.

Method of Consumption

The method of consumption is a variable to consider. For example, smoking or vaping weed causes THC to enter and leave the system faster than taking edibles. 

Weed edibles take much longer to break down and therefore take much longer to metabolize. Also, pot edibles interact with the body differently and are known to provide a more intense set of effects. In fact, many weed users report that edibles provide heavy couch-locking effects that are indicative of many indica strains.

Indica vs Sativa: In Conclusion

It is still helpful to use the indica vs sativa guidelines when making decisions about your cannabis and its effects. However, it is important to keep in mind all the other influencing factors that contribute to the effects. It is for this reason that the indica vs sativa debate is often a bit misleading.

It is best to take into account strain type, cannabinoids, terpenes, tolerance, body chemistry, and consumption method. Considering all these factors will help ensure you are making the best decision on what indica or sativa strain to buy.  However, using the sativa versus indica guidelines is still helpful in many aspects.

So, What is the Best Place to
Buy Weed Online in Canada?

The best place to buy weed online is at Daily Marijuana, the best online dispensary Canada. DailyMarijuana offers a wide selection of some of your favourite sativa and indica strains. They also offer a large variety of hybrid strains with a nice set of balanced effects. On top of that, a wide range of bud quality is available to choose from. This includes many of Canada’s popular weed strains. So order now and battle it out between Indica vs Sativa strains and see which ones you like best.

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