Even the people who do not smoke cannabis but are exposed to cannabis culture, in general, know that there exist two kinds of major marijuana strains – Indica and Sativa. Rarely would you find pure Indica or pure Sativa strains, and often they exist in hybrids. However, how do you decide which kind of strain you should go for? Among these three major types of strains (+autoflowering strains that carry the ruderalis genes), there are thousands of different marijuana plants to choose from – how do you make the best choice?
In this article, we take a closer look at all three of these strains – their individual characteristic features, what makes them special, and who they are really for. We also attempt to answer many different questions and resolve some myths around them over the course of this article.
At first, we take a look at all three of these strains individually and then compare them against each other to bring out their differences in a more clear manner. Towards the end, we answer some of the most common and frequently asked questions about these strains too, so keep an eye out for that. Let us begin:
Indica
Cannabis Indica strains are characterized by certain qualities. The strain gets its name because it was first found growing in India. As per taxonomical records dating back to the 1780s, the strain was usually short, cone-like, and had dense branches. This held true then, and this holds true today as well. These are some of the classic features of Cannabis Indica plants.
- Geographical Location
Geographical location is one of the most important distinguishing factors for Indica marijuana strains because they are quite literally named after the region where they grow – the Indian subcontinent and nearby areas.
You will find it growing all over India, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Pakistan regions. Nearby nations such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, and China also have quite a bit of Indica landrace strains growing. A large number of these plants also grow in the high and arid regions of the Hindu Kush mountains. Apart from these regions, you can also find some Indica strains growing in Turkey. However, these are largely the areas where they grow naturally.
- Height
Indica plants do not tend to grow very tall. These plants remain short in height and are often densely branched. These tend to remain bushier compared to Sativa strains. The height of Indica marijuana plants usually remains somewhere between 3ft to 5.5ft, with rare exceptions growing a little taller. This makes it an ideal plant for growing indoors, especially a good pick for people who want to grow them inside a grow tent, as they fit there really well. Smaller plants are also well suited for newer growers as they are easy to manage compared to taller ones.
- The Kind of High
This is another core differentiating factor when it comes to Indica strains – you get a much more relaxed and easy-going kind of high compared to the hyperactive high of Sativa plants. When you smoke Indica strains, you start feeling as if things around you are slowing down. It makes you feel relaxed and comforted and helps release all the stress and tensions of the day away.
This is also the kind of strain that gives you a ‘body high’ which has a strong numbing effect, and makes you feel quite light – as if you are floating in the clouds. This is the kind of weed that gets you stoned. When consumed in excess, Indica strains put you in a couch lock were getting off the couch becomes quite tiresome and you’d eventually fall asleep there.
- THC Content
This tends to vary depending upon the parent plants, and there typically is no connection between the kind of strain it is and the amount of THC level it carries. Indica and Marijuana strains both can carry a wide variety of THC levels. There are some strains that will give you as low as under 1% THC while there are others that provide a much higher THC level – sometimes going as high as 30% (or beyond that, in the rarest of cases). However, most marijuana strains that you find on seed banks that carry a fair bit of THC are usually in the 17 to 25% range.
- Leaf Structure
Another major differentiating factor between Cannabis Indica and Sativa is the leaf structure of these plants. Indica’s leaves are generally shorter and wider. The leaves are larger in breadth and shorter in height compared to Sativa plants. Besides that, the kinds of buds on Indica plants are also different. When you take a closer look at an Indica bud, you will generally find it to be dense, wide, and often pretty juicy. Leaves are a clear indicator of what kind of plant you are growing because an Indica dominant strain will always have short and wide leaves.
- Medical Properties
While medical properties are widely noticeable only in high-CBD marijuana strains, there are some basic characteristic features of all Indica plants. These plants all tend to be effective against pains and aches, especially when it comes to reducing inflammations and providing a numbing effect to an aching area. However, the efficacy of pain relief tends to differ from plant to plant and depending on the CBD concentration present in them. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the CBD content, the stronger the medical benefits of the plant.
- Side Effects
While most side-effects of this strain that you experience are pretty common and present across both, Indica and Sativa, what is unique to Indica is the fact that it can get you to feel as if your impulses are slowing down and just the world around you is coming to a gradual pause. It disrupts your reaction time to things and even makes you feel pretty lethargic, sleepy, and clumsy. We strongly recommend you consume Indica marijuana strains only when you have a lot of time and aren’t immediately supposed to do any task which can lead to injury. We recommend smoking this in a safe space with access to a bed.
- Light Requirement
Generally speaking, marijuana strains love light – and thrive on it, especially during the early phase of growth. However, studies do point out that Indica strains are considerably ok with getting lesser hours of lighting compared to Sativa plants. In the case of Indica strains, you can start reducing your lighting hours earlier to trigger an early flowering, but Sativa strains take longer and need more light. However, the difference between the two in terms of the requirement of light isn’t drastically different and the difference in this is very hard to notice. Nonetheless, a grower must understand their plant from all perspectives so we thought it was important to mention this here.
- Heat and Humidity
Indica plants naturally grow in regions that aren’t humid and are considerably cooler, such as the Hindu Kush region or the Indian Himalayas, where these strains thrive. These climates are colder compared to the regular plains, and also provide the plants with somewhat more arid air rather than humid air. Indica plants, even when grown in controlled environments such as grow tents and grow rooms, prefer growing this way. The temperature needs to be on the cooler side (though not cold), and the humidity levels need to be low in order to get ideal yields. Sativas tend to prefer tropical climates and hotter temperatures.
- Taste and Flavor Profile
The taste and flavor profile is a very subtle differentiator which only the pros know. However, when you’ve smoked enough of these two plants, you will notice that Indica plants are generally sweeter – and tend to carry a fruity taste to it. These aren’t your typical dank-smelling plants and the smell that lingers around is rather fresh, fruity, and pleasant, compared to the strong and earthy smell that Sativa strains tend to carry. This, however, remains only a minute difference and isn’t necessarily correct every time you smoke an Indica.
- Grow Time and Yield
Marijuana plants of the Indica variety generally tend to mature faster compared to Sativa strains. These plants also tend to provide a larger yield. However, this again varies from plant to plant and depends upon which two parent strains were used to create them, but by and large, these metrics hold good. This also makes it a favorite among growers, especially first timers who don’t want to spend too much time growing a plant.
Sativa
Now that you have read in detail about Cannabis Indica plants, it is easy for you to understand what Sativa strains are like. Basically, it is the opposite of pretty much everything that you read about Sativa. These are taller, more energetic, and tend to have a very different kind of high compared to regular Indica strains. Sativa strains are consumed by people who want to have a good time – be it for sexual stimulation, or be it just enjoying a party and socializing with people. You can also hit one up in the morning for an added dose of energy.
Sativa strains are generally considered plants that help you boost your energy levels, and help you think out of the box as they give you a very strong mind-high. It opens up multiple avenues and alters the way you would normally think, giving you a bigger canvas to work on. Furthermore, when you smoke a Sativa plant, you feel more confident and can perform better on most fronts. Stage performers often take a hit of the same before they head out to perform.
Let us take a closer look at some of the classic features of Sativa plants:
- Geographical Location
Geographically speaking, Sativa strains are present in regions that are quite different compared to where Indica plants grow. These plants generally prefer a Mediterranean sort of climate or tropical weather. You can find them growing across South East Asia, the equatorial African regions, Latin America, and South America as well. The strain does pretty well in weather that isn’t too cool, and one where humidity levels are generally higher compared to other parts of the world.
- Height
Sativa plants nearly always tend to be pretty tall. These can grow almost twice the height of what Indica plants are like. Rarely will you ever see a Cannabis Sativa strain that is under 6 ft in height upon maturity? Most of these strains, especially when growing in an outdoor environment, will tend to grow pretty tall. In some rare cases, you can see Sativa-dominant marijuana plants hitting heights that go beyond 15 ft. Do keep an eye out for the height while growing these strains.
- The Kind of High
When you compare it with the Indica plants, these strains give you the exact opposite kind of high. While Indica makes you slow and comforted, Sativa strains give you quite a mind-high where you get a head rush instead of a body-numbing sensation. When you’re high on Sativa, you’re more energetic, more social, and typically tend to get thoughts that are more creative that you won’t really get if you weren’t on it. This is also a great option for a party strain as it can make you drop inhibitions, dance, and just have a good time. This is also a pretty good strain for those who wish to enhance sexual intimacy.
- THC Content
As we pointed out in this section in the Indica list, there’s no accurate way to call out whether a plant is going to have a higher or a lower level of THC content based on its Indica/Sativa genetics. You can find a wide range of Sativa strains – some as low as 1% while others as high as 30% – giving you different kinds of experiences. However, we do want to point out that if you are not an experienced or a regular stoner, start with Sativa strains that have a somewhat lower THC content because you can get high much faster on these strains.
- Leaf Structure
The leaves on a Sativa strain typically tend to be more slender and longer compared to what you will get on an Indica plant. This is one of the key visual identifiers that can tell you in an instant that a plant carries more Sativa DNA than Indica DNA. Indica leaves are usually broader and shorter in comparison. Even the bud that grows on Sativa plants tends to be more elongated and less bulbous compared to Indica plants.
- Medical Properties
As we pointed out in the Indica section, the medical properties of the marijuana plant rarely have got anything to do with the strain, but have more to do with the CBD content in it. However, if you are looking forward to smoking marijuana for mental health benefits, Sativa strains generally tend to do a better job compared to Indica strains. These plants help you deal with issues such as depression, PTSD, anxiety, and more as it is pretty uplifting and gives you a euphoric high, and makes you feel happier as well as more confident. People with social anxiety and high levels of stress also tend to prefer Sativa strains.
- Side Effects
There aren’t many specific side effects associated with the Sativa strain, but you can get most of the other common effects that weed has. For instance, red eyes, feeling hungry, feeling disoriented, etc. This last bit has a somewhat amplified effect on those who smoke Sativa compared to those who smoke Indica because, with Sativa strains, the feeling of disorientation or the feeling of getting overly ‘high’ is pretty common. People also tend to get high faster on Sativa than on Indica and the mind-rush here can give a distinctly different feeling than what you’d get when you smoke Indica strains that have a body high.
- Light Requirement
Not that big of a differentiator, but typically, Sativa strains tend to have a higher light requirement compared to Indica strains. It really won’t make much of a difference if you give them the same amount of light, but Sativa strains generally tend to perform better across all phases of growth when they get longer lighting hours. This has been proven by multiple studies but when you actually get growing, this is only a minor difference that you probably won’t even notice.
- Grow Time and Yield
Sativa strains tend to take longer a longer grow time compared to Indica plants. These strains also tend to grow taller, often up to heights of 12 to 15 feet which makes it a difficult growing option for indoor growers. Sativa strains also provide a lesser yield in comparison to Indica plants. However, this difference is not significant, but quantitatively it is true. Growing Sativa plants requires not only some level of experience but also a fair amount of patience.
- Heat and Humidity
As opposed to the Indica strains, which majorly grow in cool and dry areas, Sativa strains require hotter climates, which are also humid. When we say hot, we don’t really mean burning hot, but just something that is warmer than what Indica strains typically grow in. Most Indica strains also tend to thrive in humid conditions – such as those found in tropical regions and rainforests. Many Sativa plants also tend to be rot and pest-resistant, which is pretty good for the kind of environment they prefer to grow in.
- Taste and Flavor Profile
The taste of the two strains also differs when you look at them from a broader lens. Sativa marijuana plants are usually more earthy and herbal in taste compared to Indica dominant marijuana strains, which usually tend to be sweeter and often tend to carry the taste of fruits in them.
Hybrids
Last on our list but not least, hybrid marijuana strains are also very important. We say this because you will rarely find a plant that is 100% Indica dominant, and almost never will you find a plant that is 100% Sativa dominant. Most marijuana strains that exist are hybrids. Yes, there’s a good chance that you will find a plant that is up to 90% Indica or 90% Sativa dominant, which means that the effects of the other strain are as good as none in it. It is based on the composition of the dominant strain that different marijuana plants carry different kinds of effects on those who consume them.
Here’s a closer look at some factors via which you can understand hybrid marijuana strains in a better manner:
- Geographical Location
Hybrid strains can grow pretty much in any part of the world, provided you give them the right growing environment. Especially if grown in a controlled setup such as a grow tent or a grow room, they tend to thrive.
- Height
The height of these plants depends upon whichever the dominant strain is. Indica-dominant hybrids are typically shorter and Sativa-dominant hybrids are typically taller in height.
- The Kind of High
Whether you get a mind high or a body high depends upon whichever is the dominant strain in your chosen hybrid. In the case of an Indica-dominant hybrid, you are likely to experience more of a body high than a mind high, and the reverse of this is true for Sativa-dominant hybrid plants, where you are likely to experience more of a mind high than a body high. There are some balanced strains that provide a fair bit of both these experiences.
- THC Content
The THC content of the plant depends mostly upon the parent strains, as well as the environmental factors that they are growing up in, and the nutrients that are being provided to the plant. Being Indica or Sativa dominant typically does not have anything to do with the THC levels.
- Leaf Structure
The leaf structure of hybrid strains can be quite mid-way – neither too thin nor too broad depending upon whichever the dominant marijuana strain in it is. Each strain carries a different kind of leaf structure.
- Medical Properties
You can get the usual medical benefits such as pain relief, and relief against mental health issues while consuming these hybrid strains. However, depending on how high the CBD levels in your strain are, you might experience some other benefits as well.
- Side Effects
Typically, you will get the same side effects from smoking hybrids as you’d get when you smoke any other type of weed. This includes red eyes, an increased appetite, and losing the ability to comprehend things for a while. Weed can also cause short-term memory loss. However, there are no specific effects that can be attributed to the hybrids.
- Grow Time and Yield
The time that it takes to grow these strains and the kind of yield you get out of them actually depends upon the kind of strain that you are growing. If you are growing an Indica-dominant hybrid, chances are that it will grow quicker and with higher yields, while strains that are Sativa dominant tend to grow slower, offer lesser yields, and tend to be longer.
- Heat and Humidity
The heat and humidity levels generally tend to differ from plant to plant based on the kind of dominant hybrid. If the strain is Indica-dominant, you can get it to grow better in an arid and cool environment, while Sativa-dominant hybrids can thrive in areas that are typically hot and humid.
Conclusion
We hope that by the time you reach this final section with our concluding remarks, you have a fair bit of an idea about what Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid strains exactly our. We intend to provide our readers with an accurate description of each of these strains – and we hope that the distinction between the three is clearer than ever before. If there are any more doubts or if there’s something about which you want to know more, feel free to drop us a mail or let us know in the comments below, and we shall get back to you as soon as we can. Until then…
…Happy Growing! 🙂
