The two main types of cannabis sativa vs indica are used for several medicinal and recreational purposes. Sativa has an energizing head effect while indica tends to have more of a mellow body high.
Sativas are known for their head high an invigorating effect that can help reduce anxiety or stress and increase creativity and focus.
We do have to say that cannabis connoisseurs have nowadays moved away from the terms cannabis sativa and cannabis indica are now classifying the strains by the following terms
- Type I: high THC
- Type II: THC/CBD combined
- Type III: high CBD
More and more, the cannabis industry is moving away from the term “strains” and using chemovars (chemical varieties) instead, since the word “strain” is often used to refer to bacteria and viruses
Sativa vs Indica – What should you look for to understand strain effects?
The often-applied rule is that sativas are energizing and produce more of a head-high while indicas produce more of a sedating effect but its not quite that simple.
Individual plants produce varying effects even among the same type of cannabis.
Instead of looking at the type alone — sativa or indica — look at the description the grower and dispensary provide.
Oftentimes, the plant types are broken down into specific chemovars, or breeds.
Chemovars are distinguished by their individual cannabinoid and terpene content. This “cannabinoid profile” will provide the user with the best information to help them determine which chemovar is best suited for them.
Relying on names does not provide the user with the necessary information to pick the correct profile. These compounds are what determine the chemovar’s overall effects.
Sativa in-depth
Origin: Cannabis sativa is found primarily in hot, dry climates with a whole lot of sun.
Plant description: Sativa plants are tall and thin with finger-like leaves. They can grow taller than 12 feet, and they take longer to mature than some other types of cannabis.
Commonly associated effects of use: Sativa often produces a “mind high,” or an energizing, anxiety-reducing effect. If you use sativa-dominant strains, you may feel productive and creative.
Daytime or nighttime use: Because of its stimulating impact, you can use sativa in the daytime.
Indica in-depth
- Origin: Cannabis indica is native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. The plants have adapted to the often harsh, dry, and turbulent climate of the Hindu Kush mountains.
- Plant description: Indica plants are short and stocky with bushy greenery and chunky leaves that grow wide and broad. They grow faster than sativa, and each plant produces more buds.
- Commonly associated effects of use: Indica is sought after for its intensely relaxing effects. It may also help reduce nausea and pain and increase appetite.
- Daytime or nighttime use: Because of its deep relaxation effects, indica is better consumed at night.
Favorite Sativa Strain
Durban Poison
Durban Poison is a pure landrace Sativa dominant variety which originates from South Africa. The plants may initially show wide Indica-style leaves. But during the latter part of the flowering period the growth pattern allows the Sativa dominance to show long flowers pierced by slim Sativa-style leaves.
Durban Poison has become a corner stone strain in today’s cannabis market. This Sativa dominant variety originates from the South African city of Durban and stood at the base of the famous GSC (Girl Scout Cookies) heritage/line, where strains such as Sherbet and Gelato were derived.
Durban Poison is ready to harvest after around 8-9 weeks of 12/12 indoor bloom. Outdoors she can reach maximum heights of 3-4m and is harvested around early/middle Autumn.
The genetics used to create Durban Poison ensure the following characteristics:
- A tough and vigorous plant. Easy to grow and suitable for all growing conditions
- A dense and slim Sativa style plant and bud structure
- A unique terpene profile with oversized resin glands
Durban Poison is an old-school Dutch Passion classic. Available in both regular and feminized seeds.
Durban Poison gained worldwide popularity due to its effects which are typically Sativa. It provides the user with a strong, uplifting and energising effect. It is the perfect strain to stay productive throughout the day or to complete creative tasks. It will put you in an elevated mood where you will still be able to face the outside world without feeling self-conscious or paranoid. The initial burst of energy can be followed by some more sedative effects if you smoke/vape larger amounts. The high is relatively long-lasting.
Favorite Indica Strain
Colorado Cookies
Auto Colorado Cookies has a sweet and fruity aroma and high potency
Auto Colorado Cookies is known for its unique terpene profile which provides an intense sweet and fruity flavor and a wonderfully relaxing effect. It is loved for its sweet, tropical and berry flavor. Some phenotypes can show a slightly more earthy, woody (pine tree) character beyond the sweet aroma.
However, this is rarely dominant. Her buds vary from a hybrid structure (thick and compact) to a sometimes slightly more open Sativa-like structure with foxtails. All flowers are covered with a solid white layer of trichomes which can be quite sticky.
Auto Colorado Cookies has sturdy long buds and a powerful narcotic effect
Auto Colorado Cookies is a medium sized autoflower with sturdy long buds and a powerful narcotic effect. She will usually grow large long buds that will be well stacked from top to bottom. There is also a smaller phenotype that stays slightly more compact and bushier. Although this phenotype has smaller buds, they are very compact and hard, which ensures that even this smaller plant will give a good yield.
In the beginning most plants have a compact and bushy character, but once the real growth spurt comes, more of the hybrid character of this strain will emerge. Some plants show more features of a Sativa with slender long fingers on the leaves and many branches.
