What is the difference between indica and sativa strains

If so, that's a good indication your body may respond well to the dominant terpenes. As always, knowledge comes with experience. Everyone's body reacts differently to external influences. All it takes is experience and the right information to know what works for you. Ultimately, you are your own best resource for determining which cannabis products will deliver the effects you seek.

Bottom line: learn what cannabinoid and terpene profiles work best for you through trial and error. To make the process more efficient, keep a record of what you've tried and enjoyed or didn't enjoy. Sativas are often described as cerebral, heady, uplifting, and energizing while indicas are described as relaxing, sedating, full-bodied, and stoney.

However, this does not mean flower labeled as sativa is guaranteed to leave you feeling energized and uplifted. Physically, yes. These terms were created to help botanists classify plants on the basis of physical characteristics.

That does not directly translate into distinct effects on the human body, however. That depends on a host of factors. The truth is, you can't always rely on your body to experience indica- or sativa-like effects from indica or sativa flower. You and your friend might smoke the exact same bud and have two very different experiences. In addition, it's unlikely that the indica strains you find in dispensaries today are true indicas. Technically all modern cultivars are hybrids, which are the crossbreeds of indicas and sativas designed to produce specific qualities and effects.

Hybrids are cultivated to have specialized effects, flavors, and aromas, so it's worth talking to your budtender about what you're looking to experience. That's like asking which movie will make you laugh the most — it depends on the person. That said, the Weedmaps strains catalog lets you filter thousands of strains by the effects users have reported. Giggly is one of them. Related: Browse strains on Weedmaps. Reviewed by Dr. Adie Rae, Ph. By checking this box you consent to Weedmaps' collection of your email address for the limited purpose of subscribing to Weedmaps' email communications.

The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. This page was last updated on March 4, Home Order Online New.

Skip to content The terms indica and sativa are both widely used and hotly contested. Each cannabis strain, or cultivar, has its own shape, color, aroma profile, and potential effects. Image lightbox. Was this article helpful? Give Feedback. Link copied to clipboard. Stay highly informed. Get weekly cannabis news right to your inbox. With hybrids, you can expect some or all effects from both types.

Take our Oregon Guava , for example. Our Blue Orchid , on the other hand, is a Sativa-dominant hybrid. It can potentially exhibit the opposite effects in comparison. Canna Tsu , alternatively, is a good middle-of-the-road CBD bud.

It comes down to a matter of plant biology rather than what an Indica versus a Sativa can do to you. In reality, Sativa-dominant strains have taller, lighter green leaves than their Indica counterparts, which are typically shorter and have thicker stems.

Indicas have broader, dark green leaves, while Sativas are often more narrow. The two are different, so how far a strain leans towards one dominant side or the other will help determine how fast it grows, the amount of sunlight and heat required, and every other variable in between.

Indica strains are usually able to absorb more heat and sunlight, making them the preferable strain to grow in colder climates and months. While Sativas do grow narrower and taller, with bright green leaves, they offer their own pros to growing. Ideal for a longer growing season, they thrive in warmer climates or controlled environments like indoors.

Common effects associated with indica strains include feeling relaxed, euphoric, happy, and sleepy. There are many indica strains to try, many of which you may be familiar.

Check your local dispensary for these popular indica weed strains. Hybrid strains are bred from both indica- and sativa-descended plants. Due to the long history of crossbreeding cannabis strains—much of it was historically done underground to evade authorities—strains that have pure indica or pure sativa lineages are rare.

Since hybrid weed strains derive genetics from indicas and sativas, their ensuing effects can also pull from both indica and sativa strains. Choosing the right cannabis product or strain for you can seem intimidating, but if you keep the following suggestions in mind, you should be able to find something that works for you:.

Although there are plenty of resources for learning about the differences between cannabis types, sometimes you just want to know the basics. Below are answers to some common questions about indica and sativa marijuana. Sativa strains used for medicinal purposes are believed to treat conditions related to depression, anxiety and pain. While there is no scientific evidence that sativas give you energy, they are believed to be uplifting and euphoric.

Sativa may provide a cerebral head and body high, although more research is needed on this topic. Sativa strains may help stimulate your appetite and give you the munchies, but it depends on your body chemistry.