By: Sakura Yamamoto-Tarpin
Two of the most commonly consumed subspecies of cannabis are Indica and Sativa, with thousands of variants and hybrids in-between.
Each strand contains a unique profile with distinctive medicinal and physiological properties. As ease of use and access to marijuana become more commonplace, it can be incredibly useful to know the differences between the two so that you can make an informed decision when shopping for the strain of your choice.
In this article we’ll be exploring the basic differences between Indica vs. Sativa and how these two popular cannabis strains compare.
Indica vs. Sativa: The Effects
Indica
- Full-body effects
- Deep physical relaxation
- Mental relaxation
- “Couch-lock”
- Pain relief
- Eases nausea
- Stimulates Appetite
- Sleep Aid
Sativa
- Mental or head-high
- Cerebral
- Stimulating
- Increased alertness
- Enhanced creativity
- Anti-anxiety
- Anti-depressant
- Euphoria
Is There Really a Difference Between Indica and Sativa?
Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa are botanical classifications based on physical characteristics.
Medically and scientifically there are no discernable differences between the two, so it’s important to note that as far as perceived effects go, any distinctions are anecdotal generalizations that vary greatly from one strain to another and with individual responses.
Because of this, some scientists feel that it’s inaccurate to assign distinctive characteristics to each subspecies.
That being said, until a scientific classification system is developed, these generalizations persist in the world of cannabis marketing for a reason, and they can be helpful for the beginner to get an idea of what to expect from different strains.
Sativa strains are known for having a higher THC to CBD ratio, while Indica strains usually contain more CBD than THC. These differences also contribute to the variations in effects that each subspecies is known for having when ingested.
Both Sativa and Indica have characteristic scents that are associated with each strain. This is due to differences in terpenes, the aromatic oil compounds secreted by the cannabis plant.
Sativa strains tend to smell fruity, spicy or sweet, while Indica strains are known for having a deep, earthy, even “skunky” aroma. Terpene content contributes greatly to different effects, and can be an excellent next step for the intermediary consumer to look for when researching different strains and their benefits.
What is the High Like With an Indica Strain?
Cannabis Indica strains are typically associated with deeply relaxing full-body highs which may stimulate the appetite and provide relief from physical symptoms such as pain and nausea.
Many budtenders tell customers that Indica strains will put you “in-da-couch”, an easy mnemonic device for associating this particular subspecies with its sometimes sedative-like effects that might render the user unable to get up from their seat. Because it can be used as a sleep aid, Indica strains are recommended for nighttime use.
What is the High Like With a Sativa Strain?
On the other hand, Cannabis Sativa strains are generally believed to produce energetic, productive, and mentally expansive highs.
They are associated with euphoric and uplifting feelings, which may lead to a decrease in social anxiety, depression, and other psychological ailments, and they may allow the user to zero in on specific tasks and help enhance focus and creativity. As such, they are suitable for daytime use.
Popular Indica Strains
Northern Lights: One of the most famous strains on the market, Northern Lights is a pure Indica with notes of pine and musk that delivers a potent, euphoric and deeply calming high.
Blueberry: Known for its deep blue hue, lush berry smell and euphoric effect, this hybrid contains an 80:20 Indica to Sativa ratio and has secured its place as a cannabis legend since it won the spot for Best Indica in the 2000 High Times Cannabis Cup.
Hindu Kush: Another pure Indica strain, Hindu Kush hails from an ancient lineage native to the mountainous regions of South-Central Asia. It has a rich, earthy, herbal fragrance and higher levels of THC for a unique, mellow high and smooth flavor.
Popular Sativa Strains
Sour Diesel: This classic strain gets its name from its pungent smell of gasoline and citrus and is known for its highly energizing effects, perfect for getting the mind going without slowing down the body.
Jack Herer: Named after the legendary American cannabis rights activist, this spicy Sativa-dominant hybrid originates in California and delivers an invigorating, happy, psychedelic mind-body high recommended for the treatment of mental and neurological disorders.
Super Lemon Haze: Like a glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade in the summer, this award-winning blend of Super Silver Haze and Lemon Skunk offers an intensely upbeat, creative and productive high with sweet, zesty, citrus-forward notes.
FAQs
Is Indica an upper or a downer?
Because these are informal terms used to classify street drugs, there is no definitive answer to this question. Due to the sedative or deeply relaxing properties typically associated with Indicas, some believe they could be classified as downers, but there is great variance among different strains as well as individual responses.
How does Indica make you feel?
With its higher CBD content, it is generally believed that a potent Indica strain can offer a physically and mentally relaxing high, which is why it is recommended for pain relief, unwinding, and promoting restful sleep. However as discussed, each strain affects individual users in different ways.
How do you tell the difference between Indica and Sativa?
Physically, the two plants are easy to distinguish. Cannabis Sativa plants are tall and slim, growing up to 20 feet in height. They have long, slender leaves, and thrive in warm, humid, climates such as those found in Central and South America and in Southeast Asia. They typically take between 10 and 16 weeks to flower and their buds are airy and fibrous.
On the other hand, Cannabis Indica plants are short and bushy with dense, thick buds and wide, dark green leaves.
They are native to Central Asia and the Middle East, and typically reach 3 to 6 feet in height which makes them suitable for growing indoors. They take much less time to flower than Sativa plants, maturing at 6-8 weeks.
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Sakura Yamamoto-Tarpin is a writer who focuses on wellness, spirituality and personal development.