Ever hear weed smokers discussing which strain is best? This Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid comparison will tell you everything you need to know. While both strains are suitable for recreational and medicinal purposes, they boast relatively different properties.
For one, the Sativa strain is known to get you a head high. Thanks to this, you will feel a stimulating effect that helps reduce anxiety or stress. The Sativa high also enhances focus and creativity. Indica, on the other hand, delivers full-body effects – increasing relaxation and aiding with sleep, as it tackles insomnia.
The Hybrid strain combines a mix of both – offering versatile effects. Nonetheless, this is not all there is to know about cannabis strains. This in-depth Indica vs. Sativa vs. Hybrid comparison breaks down each stain to give you an even better understanding – so you can make an informed decision when choosing the best strain for you.
The Strains In-Brief
Before, most cannabis users would pay close attention to the type of strain they used. However, in recent years, much of this has changed. In addition to carefully considering the strain type, people also focus on the description of the grower and dispensary.
When you think of the three strains, this is the direction to take:
● Indica
The Indica strain works best for users who want to relax and doze off as they enjoy a movie or snack.
● Sativa
The Sativa strain is perfect for those who want to concentrate and focus since it allows you to be more creative and active. As a result, it is a popular option for physical and creative activities and even social gatherings.
● Hybrid
The hybrid strain combines those strains that are not considered Indica or Sativa. These strains may exhibit characteristics of Sativa, Indica or have a more balanced finish.
The Indica Strain In-Detail
The Indica cannabis strain comes from the shorter, bushy cannabis plants. Such plants typically grow in slightly cooler climates than other plants. As a result, the plants feature a short and stocky build with shaggy and chunky leaves that extend widely and broadly.
Compared to Sativa, Indica grows faster and produces more buds. Additionally, Indica buds tend to be denser than Sativa. Generally, Indica weed plants are native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey – as they have adapted to the harsher, drier, and turbulent climate.
Since the strain is known to give you a body high, many active users prefer to enjoy it during the nighttime.
You can use the strain as a sleep aid or a nightcap while watching a movie or reading a book. Indica tends to have higher CBD and THC content. The higher CBD content is why it can offer an intense body high while providing therapeutic effects such as relaxation, pain relief, nausea reduction, and increasing appetite.
Popular Indica strains include the Hindu Kush, Afghan Kush, Bubba Kush, Blue Cheese, Northern Lights, and Granddaddy Purple. However, it is also important to note that these strains grow better in favorable environments. Thus, while it may be the same, a strain type may grow better in conditions A than in conditions B.
Why Use Indica Strains?
As mentioned above, people opt for different strains to get varying effects. Each strain boasts its unique characteristics. Some of the reasons why people opt for Indica strains include:
- It gives you a body high
- Relieves pain (especially muscle pain)
- Reduces nausea
- Enhances appetite
- Eliminates symptoms of insomnia and loss of sleep
- Reduces anxiety
As evident from the list above, Indica offers a high along with impressive therapeutic properties. The properties of Indica are associated with its higher CBD levels compared to those of Sativa. Therefore, Indica strains contain a balanced amount of THC and CBD.
The Sativa Strain In-Detail
On the other hand, the Sativa cannabis strain comes from taller and thinner cannabis plants. The plants can grow up to 12 feet tall and boast protruding finger-like leaves. The leaves feature a light green color. Compared to Indica plants, Sativa plants take a little longer to mature.
Popular locations for the natural growth of Sativa plants include Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and some parts of Western Asia. These plants grow naturally in warm and tropical climates with high humidity. However, this is not to say that they can’t grow in alternative conditions. After all, many weed growers have resorted to using indoor growing facilities.
These types of strains are favored for morning and mid-day use due to their effects.
In fact, Sativa strains are popular among users who plan to be active or engage in a creative process. Compared to Indica plants, Sativa plants have lower CBD and THC content. Due to this nature, Sativa strains produce a head high rather than a body high.
The effects are rather energizing and anxiety-reducing instead of relaxing and laziness.
These effects allow you to become more productive, focused, and creative. However, we recommend not to take Sativa strains during the night as their effects can induce insomnia. Popular Sativa strains include Acapulco Gold, Panama Red, Sour Diesel, Green Crack, Jack Herer, and Durban Poison.
Why Use Sativa Strains?
Unlike Indica, Sativa strains have unique properties and characteristics to cater to different needs. Among the common features of Sativa strains include:
- Giving you a head high
- Reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Relieving headaches
- Decreasing nausea
- Improving appetite
- Enhancing focus and concentration
Although Sativa contains relatively low amounts of THC and CBD compared to Indica strains, its CBD levels are even lower than THC.
The Hybrid Strain In-Detail
Hybrid strains are in-between Sativa and Indica strains. The Indica strain is for a cozy and relaxing session indoors, while the Sativa strain is for when you want to get your hands dirty – whether you are creative or active. Now, the hybrid strains end up somewhere in the middle.
One can’t say that the Sativa strain is of better quality than the Indica strain, or vice versa. However, as cannabis knowledge becomes mainstream, the strain type is no longer critical to experienced weed users. Besides the characteristic differences, what’s essential for someone looking to buy cannabis is to focus on the grower.
Experienced users consider the grower since different growers employ varying tactics to produce the best quality weed. In fact, even if you talk to a seller, throwing words such as Indica, Sativa, and hybrids will most likely give them an understanding of the type of weed you want – making it easier for them to choose for you.
So, if you say you want the Indica strain, you want to relax, calm down – the vendor will look for the best quality weed to give you these effects.
Characteristics Of The Hybrid Strain
Unlike the Sativa and Indica strains, the hybrid strain doesn’t have standard go-to characteristics. Nevertheless, these strains are the most extensive type of cannabis available on the market. After all, each year, growers experiment with different strains to produce new and unique ones – collectively known as hybrid strains.
Mixing up a combination of different parent cannabis plants produces hybrid strains. Typically, these fusions include a mix of Sativa and Indica. In other cases, you may find strains that combine more than two separate strains.
The purpose of hybrid strains isn’t just to produce another strain of cannabis. But, instead, they are developed to target specific effects – whether it’s to reduce anxiety or ease symptoms of chemotherapy.
Unlike the Sativa or Indica strains, hybrid strains don’t have specific geographical or climate conditions favorable to them. These strains are typically grown on farms and in greenhouses.
Similarly, their physical appearance and physiological characteristics are dependent on their parent plant combination. While this may not always be the case, usually, hybrid strains are grown to increase their THC percentage. However, every hybrid has its unique ratio of the two cannabinoids, i.e., THC and CBD.
Additionally, the time of use also varies based on the predominant characteristics you are looking for. For example, some hybrid strains are ideal for the daytime, while others are better suited for nighttime use.
Hybrid strains feature three key classifications, i.e., Indica-dominant, Sativa-dominant, and balanced.
Popular hybrid strains are:
- Pineapple Express,
- Fire OG,
- Train Wreck,
- OG Kush,
- AK-47,
- Blue Dream.
Why Use Hybrid Strains?
Typically, people choose to go for hybrid strains when they are looking for specific effects. As mentioned above, different combinations of strains boast a variety of effects.
Source: https://airvapeusa.com/blogs/airvape-insiders/indica-vs-sativa-vs-hybrid
