What is the Difference Between Sativa and Indica Cannabis Strains?

Indica vs Sativa, these two words have long been at the top of the list for cannabis enthusiasts and patients alike. In many ways, they are the most important words in this industry. Each strain’s physical and mental effects can be highly beneficial to your overall experience with marijuana flowers. 

However, how are these two cannabis strains different? How do they help with specific ailments? And what exactly determines what type of weed is best for you as an individual? 

If you’re looking for more information about Indica and Sativa strains, read on to learn more!

 

Indica Vs Sativa: What are the Differences?

Cannabis Sativa and Indica are two distinct species of cannabis with potent recreational and medical effects. While they’re both derived from the same complex plant, their differences in appearance and effects make them easy to distinguish. For instance, Indica plants tend to be shorter and bushier than their Sativa counterparts. 

Moreover, the cannabis Indica plant tends to be denser and more resinous than the Sativa cannabis plant. Growers often favour Indica plants as they have a shorter flowering time, which means that new harvests can come around much sooner.

On the other hand, Sativa strains have a more uplifting effect than Indica ones. They also tend to be more creative and social. In addition, they tend to be more energizing and cerebral. This is why Sativa strains are often preferred for daytime use. 

However, they’re not great if you’re looking for something to help you relax after a long day at work.

 

The Effects of Cannabis Indica Strains

Indica strains are best known for their distinct effects and full-bodied high that leaves users in perfect relaxation. They are typically associated with more sedative effects that help patients relax and sleep well. Indicas are usually recommended for nighttime use because they can make users feel sleepy.

That said, Indicas make the perfect choice for those who suffer from anxiety or stress, and it will leave you feeling like your worries have melted away. In addition, Indica strains are commonly used to manage health conditions, such as insomnia, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.

Smoking an Indica strain produces the following experiences:

Couch-lock effect. In most cases, an Indica strain will produce more “couch lock” effects than Sativas and hybrids. The couch-lock effect is a state of relaxation that can be physically and mentally sedating. It can cause users to feel lethargic, lazy and even sleepy. Couch-lock is not a problem for most people, but it can be an issue if you want to remain productive or alert during your high.

Munchies or the intense desire to eat when using cannabis. The munchies is a term used to describe the feeling of intense hunger that many cannabis consumers experience after smoking marijuana. Indicas are known for making you hungry, which can be especially helpful for people who struggle with eating disorders or other conditions that cause them to lose their appetite.

Less anxious. Indicas can help ease your anxiety. Popular Indica strains pack more CBD than Sativas, which can help you relax and chill out. You might even find yourself feeling happier after smoking an Indica cannabis strain. The high CBD content in Indica cannabis plants is excellent for reducing stress and anxiety. 

If you’re looking to get a bit of a buzz and feel more relaxed, Indica dominant strains cannabis products might be the way to go. They are also suitable for people who suffer from insomnia or pain because they help them fall asleep faster.

 

The Effects of Cannabis Sativa Strains

Unlike Indica strains, mostly known for their medical purposes, Sativa dominant strains are primarily used for recreational purposes. Their recreational effects include euphoria, heady high, and uplifting effects. Therefore, Sativas are more prevalent among people looking for more Sativa-like effects such as uplifting, energizing and boosting creativity.

The psychoactive effects produced by Sativa strains are generally more cerebral and energetic than the calming effects produced by Indica strains. As such, Sativas are often used for daytime activities, whereas Indica strains tend to be more suited for nighttime use.

Note that Sativa plants tend to pack more THC than pure Indica and ruderalis plants. As such, they tend to produce more intense effects. According to peer-reviewed studies, the effects of Sativa dominant strains can last anywhere from 2-6 hours, depending on the strain and your tolerance level. 

We should also mention that Sativa strains may often produce varying effects, including highly potent psychoactive effects and can lead to feelings of paranoia or anxiety. Popular Sativa strains, however, also pack a high level of CBD which can help offset these effects.

Sativa strains deliver the following experiences:

Improve overall mood: According to Healthline media websites, if you’re looking for a strain that can improve your mood, Sativa strains are the way to go. They have a clear-headed and uplifting effect on your mood. This makes them great for daytime use, as they can help you to be more productive at work or school. Sativas will give you an uplifting feeling of happiness and positivity. They’re also known for improving creativity and focus.

Boosted energy: Sativa leaves users with boosted energy. Since they pack a higher percentage of THC than CBD, Sativas tend to produce an energy rush like a cup of coffee to the human body. This makes them great for running or any other high-impact workouts that require a burst of energy. They can also make you feel more creative and sociable.

The high produced by Sativa strains tend to be more cerebral than physical. As such, wellness professionals recommend Sativas for use in the daytime or during activities requiring focus and creativity. Their ability to stimulate creativity and focus also makes them handy when you’re trying to get work done or need help with a daunting project.

 

Final Words on Indica vs Sativa Plants

The Indica vs Sativa debate is far from over. However, now that you’ve learnt how to tell the difference between cannabis Indica, cannabis Sativa and hybrid strains, it’s time to get you some high THC content weed for the ultimate cannabis experience. 

Order high-quality new and unique strains at TheGreenAce.org. Our massive inventory includes some of the most popular strains in the cannabis industry, including OG Kush, Hindu Kush, Sour Diesel, Girl Scout Cookies and more! The Green Ace is a reputable vendor of high-quality cannabis strains. You will find some of the best Indica flower strains in Canada when you buy Indica weed strains online at the Green Ace. Also, you can be confident when you buy Sativa strains online from one of the top cannabis dispensaries in Canada.

We offer a large selection of Indica and Sativa strains and many different hybrids. We also have a large variety of products, including edibles, topicals and concentrates. In addition, our invaluable service delivery team is always ready to respond to questions from both new and seasoned cannabis consumers.

 

References

Dresden, Danielle. (2020, Feb 6). What’s the difference between indica and sativa?

Medical News Today. Available At: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/indica-vs-sativa

Daily Marijuana. (2022, September 18). Buy Indican Flowers Online. Available at: 

Saleh, N. (2021, June 26). Indica vs. Sativa: What Are the Differences? Verywell Health. Available at: https://www.verywellhealth.com/indica-vs-sativa-1123887

Cherry, K. (2022, February 1). CBD vs THC: What’s the Difference? Verywell Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/cbd-vs-thc-differences-benefits-side-effects-legality-5071416

Weed List. (2022, September 18). Indica Cannabis Strains. Available at: https://weedlist.org/product-category/cannabis-flower/indica/