Indica, Sativa, hybrid … When it comes to cannabis, there are different “species.” Their properties, effects, and flavors vary, which is what makes this wonderful diversity so appealing. But what are the real differences between Indica and Sativa, the two main families of cannabis?
Because, no, there isn’t just one type of cannabis—there are actually many different kinds. Indica and Sativa are the main categories, not to mention Hybrids. These top three categories are then divided into subvarieties with names that are more or less well-known, such as the Indica Northern Lights, the Sativa Haze, or the Hybrid AK-47.
We'll explain everything to you.
Different geographical origins
Of course, the first thing to know is that Indica and Sativa do not share the same origins. And by "origins," we mean geographic origins.
For its part, Sativa is known as a type of cannabis originating from countries near the equator, such as Colombia, Mexico, or—surprisingly— Thailand.
Indica has origins that are completely opposite—that is, it is imported from countries characterized by high altitudes, such as Morocco, Turkey, and even Nepal.
Both are thus naturally occurring cannabis species, each developed under its own climatic conditions. It’s important to note that today, certain cannabis compounds are synthesized in laboratories. This is particularly true of HHC, which is produced by hydrogenating the THC molecule known as delta-9-THC.
Indica, Sativa: Each Has Its Own Appearance
Given their very different origins, it is inevitable that their appearance would also be unique to each. This is entirely due to their flowering conditions and evolutionary history.
With long, slender buds that can grow up to 1.80 meters, Sativa is the most impressive type of cannabis. Indica, on the other hand, does not grow taller than 90 centimeters and is characterized by fairly dense, bush-like buds.
Woody or fruity aromas—take your pick
Another notable difference between Indica and Sativa is their aromas.
The flavor simply shifts from woody to fruity, which more than justifies the need to understand the differences between them. If you’re looking for light, fruity aromas, then Sativa will be right up your alley. On the other hand, if you prefer something more woody and intense, you’ll want to go with Indica.
Indica and Sativa are still general cannabis strains, but they are divided into many subvarieties, each one more unique than the next. And the same goes for their aromas. Skunk, White Widow, Amnesia, Northern Lights, or even OG Kush—the choice is vast.
It’s important to know that CBD strains closely resemble the aromatic characteristics typical of Indica and Sativa. Feel free to ask the sales staff in stores questions to find the product that best matches what you’re looking for.
Get energized with Sativa, or unwind with Indica
The well-known Indica and Sativa strains aren’t distinguished solely by their appearance or aroma. Their differences run much deeper than that, extending all the way to the effects they have on users. Let’s take a closer look.
Sativa is primarily prized for its ability to stimulate us by increasing our blood adrenaline levels and boosting our endurance.
Indica is sought after for completely opposite effects—ones that are more about relaxation. Whether it’s to relieve stress, pain, or even to improve sleep quality, the list goes on. Why is that? It’s believed that Indica’s properties are due to its high CBD content. Cannabidiol is reputed to be an ideal solution for combating stress and anxiety attacks, and even for weight loss.
Indica vs. Sativa: What About Flowering and Yield?
Finally, one last difference worth noting: flowering speed and yield. Because, yes, not all types of cannabis grow the same way. Indica and Sativa are the best examples of this.
It takes about 10 to 18 weeks (or even longer) for Sativa plants to complete flowering. This is largely due to the size of Sativa plants, which are much larger than Indica plants. As for Indica, it takes only 8 to 10 weeks to produce the first fully developed buds.
Be careful, however, with the concept of yield. A faster flowering period does not necessarily mean the yield will be low, and vice versa.
In other words, while Indica does indeed flower faster than Sativa, it also produces a higher yield. The fact that its buds are smaller than those of Sativa therefore does not affect its yield. Interesting fact: historically, Indica strains have been used to produce the most famous types of hash!
