Sativa vs. Indica — two cannabis varieties or subspecies with distinct physical characteristics and effects.
Though don’t get it twisted, this versus debate is not a catty one.
Both cannabis sativa and indica strains offer great potential effects and benefits, and it’s up to you which effects you’re more in the mood for.
With that in mind, it’s important for you to know the difference between these two categories, especially if you are a novice to cannabis edibles. Or maybe you aren’t new, but you’ve been taking a blind approach to your cannabis shopping.
The traditional categorization of cannabis as either Sativa (more stimulating) or Indica (more relaxing) has been increasingly scrutinized and, to some extent, debunked.
While these categories have a long-standing place in cannabis culture and have been useful for general distinctions, we now know that the effects of cannabis cannot be solely attributed to whether a plant is classified as Sativa or Indica.
Difference Between Sativa and Indica
Okay, let’s get a bit technical here. While the sativa vs. indica debate is fun, it is important to understand what those terms mean and how they can affect you differently.
Physical Appearance and Growth Patterns
The main difference between Sativa and Indica varieties of the cannabis plant traditionally lies in their physical appearance and growth patterns, so let’s get into it.
- Sativa plants are typically taller with narrower leaves, thrive in warmer climates, and have a longer flowering period.
- Indica plants are shorter, bushier, and have broader leaves. They are suited for cooler climates and have a shorter flowering cycle.
When it comes to the effects of these types of cannabis plants, there are traditional beliefs about their purported effects.
Effects (Traditional Beliefs)
- Sativa strains have been associated with more energizing and uplifting effects, and they are often recommended for daytime use. They are thought to stimulate creativity and focus, making them a preferred choice for social gatherings or creative projects.
- Indica strains: Jokingly referred to as “in da couch,” these strains tend to feel more relaxed. Users may experience feelings of calmness, relaxation, and potentially a “body high.”
A Note on Hybrids
Hybrid cannabis strains are cultivated by crossing Sativa and Indica varieties, designed to blend or enhance specific traits from their parent strains.
Hybrids can fall anywhere on the spectrum between Sativa-dominant and Indica-dominant, offering a diverse range of effects tailored to different preferences.
Why Sativa vs. Indica Shouldn’t Be The Tell-All for Effects
The shift away from the black-and-white comparison of Sativa and Indica to define cannabis effects stems from a deeper understanding of the plant's complexity and the nuances of its impact on individuals.
Cannabis's effects are determined by many compounds, including cannabinoids like THC and CBD and terpenes, the aromatic compounds that give the plant its scent.
The interaction of these compounds, known as the entourage effect, plays an even bigger role in the plant's overall impact, making the simple Sativa/Indica distinction inadequate.
On top of this, the cannabis industry has seen extensive crossbreeding, resulting in a vast number of hybrid strains. These hybrids combine traits from both Sativa and Indica varieties, blurring the lines and creating a spectrum of effects that can't be neatly categorized as either Sativa or Indica.
Even still, when it comes to marketing cannabis edibles, understanding the traditional Sativa vs. Indica categorization can be a general guide in helping users understand what might be more appropriate for their uses.
Sativa Vs. Indica Edibles
When shopping for cannabis edibles like CBD gummies, the traditional Sativa vs. Indica categorization, despite its nuances, could serve as a foundational guide to understanding potential effects.
When discussing CBD edibles, these terms are sometimes used more broadly to describe the expected effects rather than the actual plant source. Indica and Sativa edibles have distinct differences in how they make you feel.
Sativa Edibles
Sativa-dominant edibles are often marketed toward users seeking a more energetic, uplifting experience best suited for enhancing creativity, productivity, or social interaction. Studies suggest benefits in Sativa cannabis strains and their potential anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-neuroinflammatory compounds [1].
Indica Edibles
Indica edibles are typically preferred by users who wish to relax and unwind, potentially at nighttime when trying to fall asleep.
Indica cannabis is commonly associated with its soothing effects, such as feelings of relaxation and calmness.
Sativa Vs. Indica for Anxiety
As we said, choosing between these strains depends on personal preferences and needs. If you’re hoping to reap the soothing benefits of the cannabis plant for your anxiety, then you may want to stick with Indica strains due to their relaxing nature.
What’s more important here is the dosage and the cannabinoids in the product.
High dosages of THC can potentially worsen symptoms of anxiety rather than alleviate symptoms. Too much THC can increase your heart rate, which may, in turn, increase feelings of anxiety.
Some people with anxiety disorders may also not enjoy the psychoactive effects of cannabis-infused edibles. However, everyone’s body reacts differently to THC edibles and their effects. We recommend starting with a low dosage and consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Sativa Vs Indica for Pain
While the FDA hasn't endorsed cannabis as a standalone treatment for pain or post-surgery recovery, emerging research suggests cannabis strains efficacy in pain relief. However, current research shows us positive results in the connection between consuming cannabis and pain relief [2].
The choice between Sativa and Indica edibles for pain management isn't straightforward, depending on the pain type and personal preference.
Both plant types contain cannabinoids and terpenes to support pain and have calming and relaxing effects. For daytime use, some people prefer Sativa, and for Are Sativa or Indica Edibles Stronger?
The perception of strength in Sativa or Indica edibles is less about the strain itself and more about the specific concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes they contain. Both can vary greatly in their chemical makeup, influencing the user's experience differently.
It's the cannabinoid concentration, particularly of THC and CBD, that primarily dictates the potency and, consequently, the strength of the effects one feels from an edible.
Indica Vs. Sativa Vs. Hybrid Strains
Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid strains, it's key to recognize that while traditional labels suggest Indica strains are more relaxing, Sativa strains offer energizing effects, and Hybrids fall somewhere in between. Their specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles determine the true effects.
As we mentioned earlier, simply choosing between Indica and Sativa strains isn’t enough to give you an accurate representation of the effects you’re likely to experience. Still, they could give you a starting point.
At the end of the day, we recommend looking at the Certificate of Analysis provided by an accredited third-party lab to break down the cannabinoid and terpene content of the product you’re looking at for a better idea of the effects you might expect.
References:
- Erukainure, O. L., Matsabisa, M. G., Salau, V. F., Oyedemi, S. O., Oyenihi, O. R., Ibeji, C. U., & Islam, M. S. (2021). Cannabis sativa L.(var. Indica) exhibits hepatoprotective effects by modulating hepatic lipid profile and mitigating gluconeogenesis and cholinergic dysfunction in oxidative hepatic injury. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 705402.
