See the difference between Cannabis Indica and Sativa

Translated from Health Worx CBD site

The Indica x Sativa story is quite different from what most people think. It's not about euphoric effect x sedative effect, but a matter of a tree versus a bush and broad leaves versus slender ones. However, the discussions of “Indica x Sativa” have become so common that they will never be completely corrected.

Fortunately, people will become more informed and realize that the specific effects of a particular marijuana variety are much more related to a specific biochemical composition than the appearance or growth cycle of the plant.

Now that we have left you confused, but hopefully interested, let us ease this confusion a bit.

Mainstream Meaning of Indica x Sativa

Stereotypically, people refer to Indica when thinking of a variety of plants that produce a sedative and relaxing effect. Popularly, a “couch-lock” effect. Sativa is said to produce an uplifting and energizing cerebral effect.

Some say Indica elevates your body while Sativa elevates your mind. Hybrid strains are thought to generate a mix of the two poles.

Indica vs Sativa... vs Ruderalis?

Scientifically, however, Indica x Sativa is a dispute between the physical characteristics and flowering cycles of the plants.

Indica is a Cannabis plant species that is thick, shorter in stature, with broad and dark leaves. It is suitable for cooler climates with shorter seasons and therefore has a shorter flowering cycle.

Sativa, on the other hand, is slightly taller and slender, with narrow and light green leaves. It is more adapted to warmer climates and has a longer flowering cycle.

Although the two main Cannabis species are Indica and Sativa, there is a third one as well. It is called Ruderalis, and a Russian botanist, Dmitrij Janischewsky, discovered it.

C. Ruderalis, unlike Sativa and Indica, does not have a light-dependent flowering cycle. It produces flowers automatically, 20 to 40 days after emergence. Considering that C. Ruderalis has a low yield and is difficult to clone, producers avoid it.

It is also important to note that in the last 50 years, the Indica x Sativa story has been more Sativa + Indica or Sativa x Indica. These species have been crossed so frequently that effectively all strains today are hybrids of some kind. They lean more towards one side or the other.

Either way, the physical traits and flowering cycle say nothing about the molecular composition of marijuana strains.

Cannabinoids and terpenes in marijuana strains

The cannabinoid and terpene profile of a particular strain will be much more informative compared to knowing which side of the battle between Indica and Sativa you are rooting for.

Cannabis buds contain over 140 different cannabinoids. Most of them are predominant in minimal concentrations. THC and CBD, however, are the most dominant cannabinoids and deeply affect the type of “high” you will experience.

• THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is more psychoactive than CBD and is quite intoxicating. It is the cannabinoid responsible for the “high” feeling, the euphoric and time-distorted feeling produced by marijuana consumption.
• CBD (cannabidiol), on the other hand, is non-intoxicating. However, CBD can also produce mild relaxation and even moderate stimulation at low doses.

In addition to producing their distinct effects, CBD and THC also modulate each other. For example, CBD reduces THC-induced anxiety in some people.

If you compare some of the most well-known marijuana strains, such as Sour Diesel, Purple Punch, and Blue Dream, which are Sativa, Indica, and hybrid species, respectively, you will find that all three have almost identical THC levels (19%, 19%, 19.5%) and CBD levels (≤1%).

If you compare the average concentrations of THC and CBD in all Sativa, Indica, and hybrid strains, you will find that they are almost identical. This means that for you as a consumer, it is much more meaningful to know the amount of THC and CBD a particular strain has. Keep in mind, if you are a beginner, that most strains today have a very high THC concentration.

Consider starting with strains with high CBD/low THC levels. Or with strains with a 1:1 CBD and THC ratio, where CBD can soften the “heavy” effect of THC.

Terpenes

We are sure you are already familiar with most of this data about cannabinoids. But it is also fair to suspect that terpenes are a bit strange to some of you.

Terpenes are some of the most ubiquitous compounds in nature, produced by various plants. They are aromatic oils responsible for some of the most beloved aromas and tastes in the sensory world.

Linalool gives lavender its distinct flavor and smell. Pinene produces the scent of pine trees, while limonene is responsible for the fresh and invigorating taste of citrus fruits. Limonene also imparts its sour flavor to many marijuana varieties, such as Lemon Haze or Lemon Kush.

In addition to providing marijuana varieties with various flavors and scents, terpenes also contribute to the overall psychosomatic experience that marijuana will produce.

According to Dr. Ethan Russo, Chief Medical Officer of PHYTECS, a biotechnology company researching and designing advanced approaches targeting the human endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids primarily determine the intensity of the experience you will have.

At the same time, terpenes are the steering wheels that regulate the “color” and quality of the experience. Russo explains that the content of myrcene, a terpene that produces the earthy musk flavor of Cannabis, is what provides the sedative effect of “couch-lock”.

On another note, a high limonene content will be mood uplifting. Besides these, many other terpenes also contribute to the overall quality of the experience you will have.

Conclusion

Fortunately, after reading this article, you will have a CBD x THC or Limonene x Myrcene dilemma, instead of Indica x Sativa. Also, try to obtain information that can give you a better insight into the experience you will have.

However, given the number of various compounds that determine the effect a specific strain produces and the many unknowns about how they all interact with each other, it is almost impossible to predict accurately what you will experience.

Furthermore, different people react very differently to the same strains. Some people like high THC levels, others do not. Some like the modulating effect of CBD, others do not. But, having some basic knowledge of cannabinoids and terpenes and how they work together in producing specific effects, combined with your intrinsic affinity to a specific strain.

And lastly, allow yourself to experiment a bit and find your favorite THC/CBD ratio and terpene profile in different strains.