Something we are often asked here at Good Roots, is "What is the difference between Sativa, Indica, & Hybrid Cannabis?" It's really a great question and one that deserves looking in to further. So that's just what we're going to do...
Technically Speaking
Well, technically speaking, Sativa and Indica are two different species of the Cannabis genus of plants. Hybrids are plants that have been interbred and carry qualities of both species in varying degrees depending on the breeding. You can have Sativa-Dominant or Indica-Dominant plants, or plants that have a balance of both.
There is also a third Cannabis species, Ruderalis, which is quite a short plant and which is also low in THC making it not very useful for either industrial or recreational/medical purposes, and so it is not common at all.
What's the Difference?
Now we know that Sativas & Indicas are different species, we can look at the actual differences between the plants and what makes them unique. The main differences are:
> Where The Plants Come From
> How The Plants Grow
> How They Affect The User
Let's take a closer look:
Where The Plants Come From
Sativa: Found historically in tropical climates such as Southeast Asia & Central America.
Indica: Originally grown in mountainous regions of Asia.
How The Plants Grow
Sativa: Tends to grow taller and skinnier than Indicas with serrated edged leaves which are long and thin.
Indica: Grows shorter and wider than Sativas with broad leaves that are typically a darker green in colour.
How They Affect The User
Sativa: Typically regarded as more of a day time smoke, as Sativas generally are less of a 'heavy' high that slows you down, and more of an energetic, clearheaded high. Sativas are also more likely to have a higher ratio of CBD than Indicas.
Indica: Indicas are known for that 'couch-lock' or 'in-da-couch' feeling which is a heavier high best suited for night time use or for when your To-Do List is already looked after.
Hybrid: As Hybrids vary so much, the effects will also vary greatly depending on the ratio of Indica & Sativa genes in the plant.
One thing to consider with all of this is that while the species of the plant will determine a lot of its properties and effects, Terpenes & Cannabinoids will also play a major part of how the cannabis smells, tastes, and ultimately effects the user.
What are Terpenes or Cannabinoids? Well, that's something we cover in other blog posts.
Happy Tokin'
The Good Roots Gang
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