Indica and Sativa: What’s the Difference?
The right time for the right strain. What to look out for when you need to choose the right cannabis strain.
For the first time user, it’s easy to experience confusion with Indica and Sativa effects. While Indica will have a sedating effect, Sativa is said to be energizing. So when your plans for the night involve just lying on the couch and watching movies, Indica is the perfect accompaniment. If you are looking to go out and have fun with friends, then Sativa is the right choice for you.
Indica and Sativa strains have a long history. Going back all the way to the 18th Century when Carl Linnaeus and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck studied the psychoactive effects when they stumbled upon the plants. Linnaeus found Sativa-dominant strains in Europe and Western Eurasia while Lamarck found his in India.
However, much has changed since the time of Linnaeus and Lamarck. Sativa today refers to the narrow-leaf and tall plants, while Indica refers to the broad-leaf and stout plants.
Those who have been consuming cannabis for quite some time can readily identify the strain through the aroma. Indica gives off that sweet to fruity aroma while Sativa is much more pungent. Think earthy and piney undertones laced with diesel fuel.
The aroma, by the way, is produced by what is known as terpenes. In addition to the aroma, these hydrocarbons can actually enhance the flavor of the product.
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There are three basic strains, hybrids, Sativa and Indica.
Indica-dominant – If sleep is a problem, this strain is right for you. This is best recommended before you go to bed. This works great in enabling you to enjoy a pain-free and relaxing sleep. This is also recommended for those suffering from depression and auto-immune diseases.
Examples: SFV OG, Purple Urkle, Girl Scout Cookies, Tahoe OG, Kosher Kush and Skywalker OG
Sativa-dominant – These are supposed to provide mental and physical relief. Expect some high and relaxing cerebral effects. Try it when you are about to embark on a project that requires creativity, or if heading to a social gathering or event.
Examples: Mars OG, Headband, J1, Neptune OG, Sour Diesel, Purple Trainwreck and Juicy Fruit
Hybrids – If you are looking for an ideal balance on the effects of the head and body, then these products are for you.
Examples: White Widow, Cheese, Blue Widow, Blue Dream, Super Silver Haze and Purple Diesel
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With that said, there’s really little distinction in the effects unless you are a cannabis connoisseur. The biggest problem is the consistency. You can buy an Indica-dominant hybrid from one brand and get a dreamless sleep. Another brand could possibly result in a fitful sleep. The strains are specifically meant to provide a distinction to the cultivators, instead of the consumers.
In terms of illnesses, Sativa is perfect for those suffering from Glaucoma, Alzheimer’s Disease, HIV/AIDS, and ADHD. Indica, meanwhile, can be used for Multiple Sclerosis, cancer, Lupus, sleep apnea, Parkinson’s, arthritis, and Crohn’s Disease.
It’s recommended that you should educate yourself on the different strains and their effects if you are serious about the effects of different cannabis strains. The next step would be to experiment with Indica and Sativa—along with its long line of products—to determine which one is right for you.
If you’re looking for a few recommended Indica-Dominant and Hybrid Strains, We’d like to refer you to one of the most recently added strains to our product inventory list. The Autumn Brands Indica-Dominant flowers are ideal for some of the purposes mentioned in this article. Visit our Autumn Brands product page and check out the multiple variations of strain we have provided you.