Understanding the Difference: Indica VS Sativa VS Hybrid
When you walk into a dispensary and ask for a recommendation, you might be asked if you have a preference between indica, sativa and hybrid. If you’re new to the world of cannabis then you might not know how to answer that question just yet. The truth is, we use these terms to help break down the effects of cannabis strains. However, that isn’t always enough to guarantee you get what you’re looking for. Understanding the difference between indica vs sativa vs hybrid, while not perfect, will help you on the path to finding the right strain for your needs and preferences.
What Makes an Indica VS Sativa VS Hybrid Strain Different?
Most likely, if you’re looking for the answer to this question, it’s to find the right strain for you. Think about the effects that you’re looking for. Are you trying to unwind after work and get a better night of sleep? Or are you looking for something to boost creativity and energize you? Maybe you’re looking for a more calm and balanced strain. This isn't a foolproof way to pick a strain. But knowing which type of strain is more likely to produce your desired effects certainly narrows down the options.
Indica
In general, indica strains are the ones known to create the heavy body effects. If you’re looking for something to help induce sleep or promote relaxation an indica should be your first stop. Heard the term “couch lock” before? Indica’s are usually the strains that create those types of effects. These plants are usually short and stocky with thick, dense buds.
Popular indica strains include: Granddaddy Purple, White Rhino, Bubba Kush, Grape Ape and LA Confidential.
Sativa
Almost the exact opposite of an indica strain, sativa’s are known to have more energizing and uplifting effects. Producing more of a “head high” these strains can be helpful for people with anxiety, ADHD, and similar conditions. They are often used to boost creativity, improve focus and stay motivated. These strains are likely to give you a case of the giggles or leave you talkative. These plants are known to be taller with more narrow leaves. This creates looser, fluffier buds.
Popular sativa strains include: Sour Diesel, Jack Herer, Strawberry Cough, Green Crack and Super Lemon Haze.
Hybrid
A hybrid strain, as the name suggests, is a combination of indica and sativa. This is what happens when the two types of plants are bred together. The effects of a hybrid will vary greatly and depend on the genetics of the parent plants. A hybrid could be indica-dominant or sativa-dominant or even a surprisingly even balance of the two.
Popular hybrid strains include: Blue Dream, White Widow, OG Kush, Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) and Cookies and Cream.
The Origin of Indica VS Sativa Compared to Today’s Meaning
While today the above definitions are what people generally think of when you say indica, sativa or hybrid, the truth is, the meanings of those terms have changed drastically over the years. Let’s go back to the 18th century when they were first introduced.
Back then, the term sativa, or cannabis sativa, referred to what we know today as industrial hemp plants. Found in Europe and western Eurasia, these plants were cultivated for fiber and seeds. Today, we still cultivate industrial hemp for similar purposes, as well as medicinally beneficial CBD.
While sativa referred to hemp, cannabis indica once referred exclusively to the intoxicating varieites of the plant discovered at the time in India. It was harvested for seeds and fiber, but mostly to produce intoxicating hashish.
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