Indica vs. Sativa: What is the difference and what are the effects?

While Indica and Sativa strains vary in their effects, they also vary in their appearance.

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While Indica and Sativa strains vary in their effects, they also vary in their appearance. Indica plants are normally shorter in height, produce broad leaves, and grows well in colder climates with shorter seasons. Sativa plants on the other hand, are taller in height, have very narrow leaves, and grow better in warmer climates with longer seasons. When it comes to levels of CBD and THC of these specific types, most of the levels are becoming blurred due to the increased levels of cross-hybridization of these strains.

Indica

Indica strains produce more of a body high and are well known for their physically sedating effects. These strains are perfect for relaxing on the couch with a movie or just right before bed.  Indica strains cause many different effects, including:

  • Increased mental relaxation
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Increases in appetite
  • Increases in dopamine (Neurotransmitter that controls reward and pleasure centers in your brain)
  • Decreases nausea and acute pain
  • Best for night time use

Sativa

Sativa strains, on the other hand, are better known for their invigorating and uplifting effects creating a mind high. These pair well with physical activity, social gatherings, and creative projects. Some of the major effects of sativa strains are:

  • Increase in focus and creativity
  • Increase in serotonin (Neurotransmitter that regulates learning, mood, sleep, anxiety, and appetite)
  • Treats chronic pain
  • Anti-depressant and helps control anxiety
  • Best for day time use

Hybrids

Hybrids come from ‘hybridization’ of Indica and Sativa plants. They are the best of both worlds and contain a great blend of both Indica and Sativa effects. These blends can be either Indica or Sativa dominant, but often provide a balanced combination of effects. Most strains you can find are hybrids. Hybrids have also started to blur the lines between levels of THC or CBD that were common for the two strains as cross-hybridization has made it so that you can really get the levels of THC or CBD that you desire. Hybrids are great for:

  • Beginners who might not know how cannabis will make them feel or how they want cannabis to make them feel
  • Users who need ‘balanced’ effects that they can tolerate all day

The use of Indica, Sativa, or Hybrids depends solely on what you are looking to achieve. Our bud tenders are more than willing to help you find a strain that works well for your needs.

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