Indica vs. Sativa: The Key Differences Every Cannabis User Should Know
People who have never used medical or recreational cannabis probably do not know what Sativa and Indica are. Pot is pot, right? That assumption is false. Just as there are different species of roses, there are different strains of cannabis, and each can have different effects on the body.
This article points out all of those differences so that you can make an informed decision before buying marijuana.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to the Differences
- Physical Characteristics
- Marijuana for Medical Treatments
- The Effects of Hybrids
- Choosing the Right Strain
- Side Effects and Risks of Using Cannabis
- Is Cannabis Legal in America?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Closing Thoughts
Table of Contents
What’s the Difference Between Indica and Sativa?
There are two types of cannabis; Indica vs Sativa strains, and there are also hybrid plants that contain characteristics of both. Indica originates from northern and southern latitudes and is commonly grown in high elevation regions, such as the Hindu-Kush.
Sativa is grown in the equatorial regions between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn and is raised in places like the Caribbean and other countries with tropical climates.
There are two types of cannabis; Indica vs Sativa strains, and there are also hybrid plants that contain characteristics of both. Indica originates from northern and southern latitudes and is commonly grown in high elevation regions, such as the Hindu-Kush.
Sativa is grown in the equatorial regions between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn and is raised in places like the Caribbean and other countries with tropical climates.
Sativa vs. Indica Leaves
The geographical characteristics of the tropics and the more temperate places north and south of the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn affect the physical characteristics of these plants. Indica plants are short, stout, and leafy plants that resemble bushes to the untrained eye.
Their appearance is due to their adaptations to the harsh and, at times, the unpredictable climate of mountainous areas, which help them grow and thrive despite the wild weather.
On the other hand, Sativa plants are tall, have long leaves, and their buds are long, tube-like flowers. Some plants are known to grow more than 10 feet.
Sativa can take a very long time to mature, but given that the climate in the tropical regions is warm, these plants can afford to take as much time as they want to mature. On the other hand, indica must grow and mature quickly due to the Hindu Kush’s short growing season.
The geographical characteristics of the tropics and the more temperate places north and south of the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn affect the physical characteristics of these plants. Indica plants are short, stout, and leafy plants that resemble bushes to the untrained eye.
Their appearance is due to their adaptations to the harsh and, at times, the unpredictable climate of mountainous areas, which help them grow and thrive despite the wild weather.
On the other hand, Sativa plants are tall, have long leaves, and their buds are long, tube-like flowers. Some plants are known to grow more than 10 feet.
Sativa can take a very long time to mature, but given that the climate in the tropical regions is warm, these plants can afford to take as much time as they want to mature. On the other hand, indica must grow and mature quickly due to the Hindu Kush’s short growing season.
Indica vs Sativa: The Difference in Medical Efficacy
It is wrong to say that one species is more effective than the other. Each is suitable for different purposes, which is why users should know what they are buying before they go to a dispensary.
Regardless, though, these plants have shown themselves to be highly effective in helping people find alternatives to pharmaceutical medication, which is one of the reasons why more and more people are more accepting of cannabis.
It is wrong to say that one species is more effective than the other. Each is suitable for different purposes, which is why users should know what they are buying before they go to a dispensary.
Regardless, though, these plants have shown themselves to be highly effective in helping people find alternatives to pharmaceutical medication, which is one of the reasons why more and more people are more accepting of cannabis.
What Are the Effects of a Sativa vs Indica High?
Sativa creates a “head high,” which many users think is stimulative, helping them be more creative and productive. People who experience writer’s block or have trouble staying focused and on task should consider using it, as it could make them more productive.
Additionally, the head high can reduce anxiety, making people with this disorder feel more comfortable in social situations.
Indica is the opposite of Sativa, creating a relaxing, full-body effect. The full-body effect makes it effective for people dealing with chronic pain, the side effects of chemotherapy, or who have trouble falling asleep. It is also for people who simply want to unwind.
Sativa creates a “head high,” which many users think is stimulative, helping them be more creative and productive. People who experience writer’s block or have trouble staying focused and on task should consider using it, as it could make them more productive.
Additionally, the head high can reduce anxiety, making people with this disorder feel more comfortable in social situations.
Indica is the opposite of Sativa, creating a relaxing, full-body effect. The full-body effect makes it effective for people dealing with chronic pain, the side effects of chemotherapy, or who have trouble falling asleep. It is also for people who simply want to unwind.
Hybrid Effects and Usage
Hybrid plants are specimens of cannabis that possess the genes of both plants. The effects depend on the species dominant in the plant; for example, a Sativa-dominant hybrid is likely to produce a stimulative effect; whereas, an Indica-dominant hybrid is more likely to have a full-body effect.
The products at dispensaries have labels indicating whether it is Indica or Sativa dominant. They usually say something like, “80 percent Indica/20 percent Sativa.” Online dispensaries also have this information. Shoppers should always read the labels before making a purchase to avoid buying something they did not want in the first place.
Hybrid plants are specimens of cannabis that possess the genes of both plants. The effects depend on the species dominant in the plant; for example, a Sativa-dominant hybrid is likely to produce a stimulative effect; whereas, an Indica-dominant hybrid is more likely to have a full-body effect.
The products at dispensaries have labels indicating whether it is Indica or Sativa dominant. They usually say something like, “80 percent Indica/20 percent Sativa.” Online dispensaries also have this information. Shoppers should always read the labels before making a purchase to avoid buying something they did not want in the first place.
Indica vs. Sativa: How to Choose Strains
Indica and Sativa come in different strains, which are specific groups of cannabis plants. The strains have names like “Afghan Kush strain” or “Panama Red.” The primary way to be sure of choosing the right strains is to know which species of plant they are.
Additionally, each strain has a unique scent and flavor caused by the different terpenes inside it. The chart below indicates the characteristics of different terpenes.
Indica and Sativa come in different strains, which are specific groups of cannabis plants. The strains have names like “Afghan Kush strain” or “Panama Red.” The primary way to be sure of choosing the right strains is to know which species of plant they are.
Additionally, each strain has a unique scent and flavor caused by the different terpenes inside it. The chart below indicates the characteristics of different terpenes.
Indica vs. Sativa: Side Effects and Risks
Cannabis is generally safe, but there are potential risks and side effects. The most common are:
- Dry Mouth and Eyes
- Dizziness
- Anxiety, Paranoia, and Lethargy
- Accelerated Heart Rate
- Diarrhea and Indigestion
- Low Blood Pressure
- Coughing
Smoking or vaping cannabis is most likely to induce coughing, while ingested cannabis can produce powerful psychoactive effects that can last hours to days, depending on the user’s body chemistry. Also, people who suffer from mental health disorders are more likely to experience paranoia and anxiety.
Before using marijuana, consult with a doctor to make sure it is the best treatment option. There may be more suitable options available.
There are various news reports about people becoming ill from vaping oil. To avoid this happening to you, avoid buying products without a label, hybrid or otherwise, especially if it is something like cannabis oil, shatter, or edible.
Additionally, always buy cannabis that is grown, harvested, and processed domestically or in Canada. Cannabis products made outside of the United States and the British settler nations, namely China, typically use substandard cultivation and processing methods, resulting in contaminants getting into the final product.
This is not to say that there are not reputable growers outside of the US and the British settler nations, but you are more likely to get a better overall product buying domestically.
Cannabis is generally safe, but there are potential risks and side effects. The most common are:
- Dry Mouth and Eyes
- Dizziness
- Anxiety, Paranoia, and Lethargy
- Accelerated Heart Rate
- Diarrhea and Indigestion
- Low Blood Pressure
- Coughing
Smoking or vaping cannabis is most likely to induce coughing, while ingested cannabis can produce powerful psychoactive effects that can last hours to days, depending on the user’s body chemistry. Also, people who suffer from mental health disorders are more likely to experience paranoia and anxiety.
Before using marijuana, consult with a doctor to make sure it is the best treatment option. There may be more suitable options available.
There are various news reports about people becoming ill from vaping oil. To avoid this happening to you, avoid buying products without a label, hybrid or otherwise, especially if it is something like cannabis oil, shatter, or edible.
Additionally, always buy cannabis that is grown, harvested, and processed domestically or in Canada. Cannabis products made outside of the United States and the British settler nations, namely China, typically use substandard cultivation and processing methods, resulting in contaminants getting into the final product.
This is not to say that there are not reputable growers outside of the US and the British settler nations, but you are more likely to get a better overall product buying domestically.
The Legality of Indica vs Sativa
Marijuana with THC is a Schedule One controlled substance and illegal under federal law; however, CBD has been legalized. Each state has different laws regarding the sale and use of cannabis, and it is important to know the law in your jurisdiction before selling or purchasing any kind of cannabis.
Medical marijuana is legal in most states, except for Idaho, but many of these states require cannabis to have less than one percent THC.
Recreational marijuana is more controversial, which is reflected in the varying differences in state law, and it is either a felony or misdemeanor in:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Delaware (Civil Infraction)
- Florida
- Hawaii (Decriminalized)
- Louisiana (Decriminalized up to 14 ounces)
- Maryland (Decriminalized up to 10 grams)
- Minnesota (Decriminalized)
- Missouri (Decriminalized)
- Nebraska (First Offense Only Decriminalized)
- New Hampshire (Decriminalized up to 21 grams)
- North Carolina (Decriminalized up to 42 grams)
- North Dakota (Decriminalized up to 14 grams)
- Ohio (Civil Infraction)
- Oklahoma (Illegal)
- Pennsylvania (Illegal)
- Rhode Island (Illegal)
- South Dakota (Misdemeanor)
- Utah (Misdemeanor)
- West Virginia (Misdemeanor)
Recreational marijuana is also illegal in American Samoa and Puerto Rico. It has been decriminalized in the US Virgin Islands.
Anyone who lives in a state where marijuana is illegal but a city in the state refuses to enforce the law, should still refrain from using it. State police can still arrest you, or the city could start enforcing the law again.
Most importantly, always stay up to date on local ordinances and the activities of the state legislatures. The laws change, and ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Marijuana with THC is a Schedule One controlled substance and illegal under federal law; however, CBD has been legalized. Each state has different laws regarding the sale and use of cannabis, and it is important to know the law in your jurisdiction before selling or purchasing any kind of cannabis.
Medical marijuana is legal in most states, except for Idaho, but many of these states require cannabis to have less than one percent THC.
Recreational marijuana is more controversial, which is reflected in the varying differences in state law, and it is either a felony or misdemeanor in:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Delaware (Civil Infraction)
- Florida
- Hawaii (Decriminalized)
- Louisiana (Decriminalized up to 14 ounces)
- Maryland (Decriminalized up to 10 grams)
- Minnesota (Decriminalized)
- Missouri (Decriminalized)
- Nebraska (First Offense Only Decriminalized)
- New Hampshire (Decriminalized up to 21 grams)
- North Carolina (Decriminalized up to 42 grams)
- North Dakota (Decriminalized up to 14 grams)
- Ohio (Civil Infraction)
- Oklahoma (Illegal)
- Pennsylvania (Illegal)
- Rhode Island (Illegal)
- South Dakota (Misdemeanor)
- Utah (Misdemeanor)
- West Virginia (Misdemeanor)
Recreational marijuana is also illegal in American Samoa and Puerto Rico. It has been decriminalized in the US Virgin Islands.
Anyone who lives in a state where marijuana is illegal but a city in the state refuses to enforce the law, should still refrain from using it. State police can still arrest you, or the city could start enforcing the law again.
Most importantly, always stay up to date on local ordinances and the activities of the state legislatures. The laws change, and ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indica vs. Sativa
Is Indica an Upper or Downer?
Indica strains and Indica-dominant hybrids are downers, meaning that they help people who use them relax. Sativa strains are uppers, and so are their hybrid variants, which means using them will have a stimulative effect.
Which Strain Gets You Higher: Indica vs. Sativa?
It is impossible to say which gets a person higher because every specimen has varying levels of THC. However, as a rule of thumb, the more THC something has, the more likely it will generate a psychoactive effect.
The effects also depend on how the cannabis is consumed. Someone who smokes or vapes will get more of the THC delivered to their system in most cases. vs
Does Sativa or Indica Make You Hungry?
Most of the strains that stimulate the appetite are Indica-dominant. This feature is not bad, as there are people afflicted with certain disorders who need their appetites stimulated, such as those with cancer or HIV/AIDs.
People with these diseases often lose weight rapidly, which can have a negative impact on their health. Indica strains can help cancer and HIV/AIDs patients maintain a healthy weight.
What Makes You Lazy: Sativa vs. Indica?
Indica is the plant people associate with laziness, but it is wrong to say marijuana makes a person lazy; people make themselves lazy. It is more accurate to say it helps people to relax.
Does Indica or Sativa Make You Laugh?
Sativa is more likely to make people laugh because of its stimulative effect, which makes it more useful for people who want to be more outgoing in social situations.
Is Indica an Upper or Downer?
Indica strains and Indica-dominant hybrids are downers, meaning that they help people who use them relax. Sativa strains are uppers, and so are their hybrid variants, which means using them will have a stimulative effect.
Which Strain Gets You Higher: Indica vs. Sativa?
It is impossible to say which gets a person higher because every specimen has varying levels of THC. However, as a rule of thumb, the more THC something has, the more likely it will generate a psychoactive effect.
The effects also depend on how the cannabis is consumed. Someone who smokes or vapes will get more of the THC delivered to their system in most cases. vs
Does Sativa or Indica Make You Hungry?
Most of the strains that stimulate the appetite are Indica-dominant. This feature is not bad, as there are people afflicted with certain disorders who need their appetites stimulated, such as those with cancer or HIV/AIDs.
People with these diseases often lose weight rapidly, which can have a negative impact on their health. Indica strains can help cancer and HIV/AIDs patients maintain a healthy weight.
What Makes You Lazy: Sativa vs. Indica?
Indica is the plant people associate with laziness, but it is wrong to say marijuana makes a person lazy; people make themselves lazy. It is more accurate to say it helps people to relax.
Does Indica or Sativa Make You Laugh?
Sativa is more likely to make people laugh because of its stimulative effect, which makes it more useful for people who want to be more outgoing in social situations.
Closing Thoughts About Indica vs. Sativa
It is important to remember that Sativa has a stimulative effect and that Indica has a relaxing effect. Always keep this in mind before buying weed, whether it is the flower, pre-rolled joints, or shatter.
Also, be sure to follow all laws regulating cannabis sale and usage, and always buy from domestic companies that buy their products locally.
Do you prefer to use Sativa or Indica? Please let us know which you prefer to use and why by leaving a comment below.
It is important to remember that Sativa has a stimulative effect and that Indica has a relaxing effect. Always keep this in mind before buying weed, whether it is the flower, pre-rolled joints, or shatter.
Also, be sure to follow all laws regulating cannabis sale and usage, and always buy from domestic companies that buy their products locally.
Do you prefer to use Sativa or Indica? Please let us know which you prefer to use and why by leaving a comment below.
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