Cannabis strains are used for several medicinal and overall wellness purposes. And if you ever purchased or looked for cannabis strains or CBD infused products, you may know that there are three types of cannabis strains: Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid.
Below, you can find useful information about these strains and the differences between them.
Sativa VS Indica: What Does The Research Say?
Various cannabis strains have different effects, and to know more about what to expect from the exact strain, we must look for the compounds it has. Cannabis strains differ from each other in the cannabinoids and terpenes they contain. Also, these strains have physical differences. Sativa plants are taller than Indica plants. Indica plants are short and bushy, also grow more quickly than Sativa plants.
Sativa strains are known for their refreshing, energizing effect that can reduce anxiety or stress, increase creativity, and focus.
Indica strains are usually associated with full-body effects. It can help to increase deep relaxation and reduce insomnia.
You can get different effects from various cannabis strains, which also depends on the delivered methods, specific doses, and especially the results differ from person to person. It means that not all Sativa strains can energize you, and not all Indica strains will sedate you. You may hear from cannabis users that Sativa strains tend to have an uplifting effects, and Indica strains are more to be relaxing. But there are still many studies require to know more about cannabis strains and their effects. Besides, various compounds within the plant, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, may have different interactions with each person's endocannabinoid system. That is why the same cannabis strain may have an entirely different effect on each person.
What Is Hybrid Cannabis Strain?
Hybrid strains are reproduced from both Indica and Sativa descended plants. Usually, people bred hybrids to make plants grow more quickly, improve yield, balance out the calming and energizing effects, and evade authorities. Because of the long history of crossbreeding, fewer cannabis strains have pure Indica or Sativa lineages. Most cannabis strains nowadays referred to as "Indica" or "Sativa" are - hybrids, with genetics inherited from both subspecies. The most common Hybrid strains are Blue Dream, OG Kush, Gelato, GSC, Wedding cake.
Cannabinoids And Terpenes In Cannabis Plants
The cannabis plant contains several naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids, which have a beneficial effect on the human body and mind.
Researchers have identified two main compounds of the plant, which are CBD and THC. There are several other minor components in cannabis plants as well, but they are less familiar.
CBD (Cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive component with multiple benefits. It can help reduce pain and nausea, get a night of better sleep, ease migraines, relax, prevent seizures, etc.
CBG (Cannabigerol) is believed to reduce anxiety and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is a main psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant responsible for feeling "high." The CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legally allowed in almost all US states.
CBN (Cannabinol) is used to ease symptoms and side effects of neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, uncontrollable muscle stiffness, and seizures.
Terpenes are the other compounds in the cannabis plant responsible for the plant's smell, unique aroma, and taste of CBD-infused products. They also can influence on intensifying the effects of the specific cannabis strain.
Sativa In-Depth
Cannabis Sativa grows in hot, dry climates with long sunny days. For example, in Africa, Southeast Asia, western portions of Asia, and Central America. Sativa plants are tall and with thin leaves. They grow longer to mature than some other types of cannabis plants. These plants can be taller than 12 feet. Sativa plants usually have higher amounts of THC and lower doses of CBD. Many users of this strain are experiencing an energizing and anxiety-reducing effect.
If you want to feel creative and productive, you can try Sativa-dominant strains. Because of its uplifting effect, this strain is more suitable for daytime use. The most popular Sativa strains are Durban Poison, Panama Red, and Acapulco Gold.
Indica In-Depth
Cannabis Indica usually grows in the harsh, dry, and turbulent climate. These strains are native to India, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Pakistan. Indica plants are usually short with a bushy leaves, which grow wide and broad, and faster than Sativa strain. Each Indica plant produces more buds. Indica strain usually has higher levels of CBD and less level of THC.
Many Indica strain users are experiencing intensely relaxing effects. It may help in reducing nausea and pain and also increase appetite. Indica strain is considered to be better consumed at night because of its calming effect. There are three popular Indica strains: Afghan Kush, Hindu Kush, and Granddaddy Purple.
Hybrid In-Depth
Each year cannabis breeders produce new and unique strains from different combinations of parent plants. These cannabis Hybrid strains are usually grown to target particular effects. Hybrid strains are generally grown on farms or greenhouses from a variety of Indica and Sativa strains.
The features of Hybrid Strain depend on the combination of each parent plant. Hybrid strains are typically grown to increase THC level, but each type has an individual ratio of CBD and THC.
Farmers and producers choose Hybrid strains for their exceptional results. They can vary from easing symptoms of chemotherapy or radiation to reducing anxiety and stress. This cannabis strain is suitable for both daytime and nighttime periods, depending on the dominant effects of the Hybrid strain. These strains are usually classified as Sativa-dominant, Indica-dominant, or balanced. Popular hybrid cannabis strains are Blue Dream, Pineapple Express, and Trainwreck.