Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid—it’s a popular way to classify cannabis. But what are the main differences among these cannabis species? In a previous post, we discussed these three cannabis plants. But in this post, we take a deeper dive into each plant and look at a different way to classify cannabis.
Sativa
Sativa cannabis grows in hot, dry climates and originated in Southeast Asia, Western Asia, Africa, and Central America. This cannabis species has narrower leaves than the Indica plant and grows to an average of 6 feet but may grow taller than 12 feet.
In terms of the THC to CBD ratio, it’s believed that Sativa has higher levels of THC than CBD. As a result, it produces a “mind high” with energizing effects that may help you be more focused and creative. It can also reduce anxiety and depression.
Indica
The Indica cannabis plant originated in the middle-east in countries like India, Pakistan, Turkey, and Afghanistan. It’s a bushy, stocky plant with broad leaves and grows about two to four feet. It has more buds than the Sativa plant and grows faster.
In general, Indica has a higher level of CBD than the typical Sativa. However, the level of THC isn’t necessarily less.
Indica is associated with its ability to relax the body and may also help reduce pain and increase appetite.
Hybrid
The Hybrid species, typically grown in greenhouses or farms, is a combination of Sativa and Indica. How they look and grow depends on their parent strains.
Hybrid plants have different effects on the body depending on the dominant parent strain. However, many growers produce hybrid plants to increase the THC content.
The Hybrid’s impact on the body ranges from reducing anxiety to energizing to easing symptoms of chemotherapy or radiation.
Another Way to Classify Cannabis
The Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid classification is a popular way to understand its effects on the body.
Science, however, is now showing that the cannabis species doesn’t necessarily determine the effects. Instead, this classification tells us more about the plants’ physical properties. For example, Sativa grows taller and more narrow-leafed than Indica. On the other hand, Indica is shorter and broad-leafed. Hybrids grow somewhere in the middle.
More experts now believe that the effects of Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid plants on the body depend on a few things. Like, how much you took, how you took it (for example, smoking, vaping, edibles), and your own individual biology and tolerance.
Cannabinoids and terpenes, chemical components in the cannabis plant, play a large role in the effects of a cannabis strain on your body.
The Botton Line
The Sativa vs Indica vs Hybrid classification is just one way to understand how marijuana affects your body. However, with the thousands of cannabis strains, it’s difficult to say how much THC and CBD each strain contains.
And the science is also showing that there are other factors, like dosage, form, and individual biology, that determine how you’ll react to a particular strain.
If you want to know more about the different Sativa, Indicia, and Hybrid strains we carry, come to our shop or reach out via phone or email. +1.226.568.2711; comforttreehealing@gmail.com
Resources
Holland, K. (22 March, 2021). Sativa vs. indica: What to expect across cannabis types and strains. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/sativa-vs-indica
Leafly. (n.d.). What’s the difference between indica vs sativa vs hybrid weed. https://youtu.be/Fp0HpEePio4