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What's the Difference Between Indica and Sativa?

Indica and sativa

Indica and sativa (_Cannabis indica_ and _Cannabis sativa_) are the two main types of marijuana plants from which other cannabis hybrids can be made. Indica tends to be more relaxing and may be better at controlling pain, while sativa is more energizing.

Different strains of cannabis are used for various ailments or effects, though studies continue to evaluate claims about their uses. Understanding these effects and their mechanisms can help you pick the best option to meet your needs.

If your goal is to get high, then sativa is usually the preferred option, as these strains tend to have higher delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. Indica is more likely to make you feel sleepy and relaxed, and may help alleviate anxiety, pain, and insomnia.

Sativa tends to be an upper and indica is more of a downer, since sativa is more energizing and indica is more relaxing. However, the ways cannabis can affect you are more complex than just a THC:CBD ratio which describes the relative amount of each. There are additional cannabinoids and substances such as terpenes that play a role, too.

When comparing indica vs. sativa vs. hybrids, you will notice differences in their THC and CBD content.

Additionally, hybrids that combine the two types are available and are grown to have either higher THC content, higher CBD content, or higher ratios of both. Harlequin, for example, is primarily sativa but grown to have higher CBD content.

Additional cannabis plants exist, too, such as _Cannabis ruderalis._ However, this plant has very low levels of THC and is not typically cultivated for use itself. Hybrids may be crossed with this species because it makes growing easier.

Composition

THC and CBD affect the brain differently. THC causes the "high" associated with cannabis use, while CBD does not. CBD may help to treat mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but with properties that differ from THC.

The amount of THC and CBD in indica, sativa, and hybrids may enhance certain effects and reduce others.

Generally speaking, sativa plants contain more THC than CBD, while indica plants either contain more CBD than THC or equal amounts of both. Certain hybrids, including strains like Bedrocan, are specifically bred to increase the THC content, while others, like Harlequin, are grown to increase the CBD content.

Although the CBD:THC ratio can vary between crops and growers, this is how indica, sativa, and hybrids generally compare:

• Indica: CBD:THC ratio of 1:1
• Sativa: CBD: THC ratio of 3:5
• Bedrocan: CBD:THC ratio of 1:22
• Harlequin: CBD:THC ratio of 5:2

Cannabinoid Receptors

Both indica and sativa act on a part of the nervous system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). But, because their THC and CBD content differ, they act on the ECS in slightly different ways.

THC activates the ECS by binding to two different nerve receptors:

• CB1 receptors,primarily found in thecentral nervous system(the brain and spinal cord), trigger the psychoactive effect of cannabis, including the characteristic "high." It also stimulates the production of the hormone dopamine, which activates the brain's reward center.
• CB2 receptors,found mainly in theperipheral nervous system(located outside the brain and spinal cord), are involved with regulating inflammation, sensations like pain, and the immune response.

CBD does not bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors but appears to stimulate them indirectly. By doing so, CBD may exert some of the positive effects of THC while avoiding some of the psychoactive effects.

Uses

Because indica and sativa contain different ratios of THC and CBD, their uses can vary:

• Indica: Because of its higher CBD content (and THC levels that are typically on par), indica is often preferred in treating medical conditions, including headache, arthritis, and insomnia. Some people use it to relieve chronic pain, seizure symptoms, glaucoma, and neuropathy.
• Sativa: Because of its lower CBD content and higher THC, sativa is preferred for enhancing energy, improving moods, and alleviating depression and pain without feeling "stoned" or the risk of weight gain.

Among the hybrids, studies have shown that changes in the CBD and THC content also dictate where these strains are used:

• High-THC hybrids: When used for severe pain disorders, neurological conditions, and gastrointestinal symptoms, hybrids like _Bedrocan_ are among the most commonly sought due to their high THC content.
• High-CBD hybrids: The same beneficial properties of indica may be enhanced with high-CBD strains like _Harlequin,_ which are thought to reduce stress, anxiety, and pain.

Bodily Effects

When comparing indica and sativa, the first factor people often consider is how they "make you feel." Although this can vary, the THC and CBD content determines their effect on the brain and moods.

Comparatively:

• Indica strainsare said to have a calming effect on the body and mind due to their higher CBD content. They are often considered "bedtime strains" because they help induce sleep and ease anxiety.
• Sativa strainsare said to be uplifting and cause more of a cerebral "head-high" feeling due to their high THC content. Because they are more invigorating, they are generally recommended for daytime use. If overused, sativa can cause insomnia rather than relieve it.
• High-THC hybrids like _Bedrocan,_ while potentially beneficial, may move beyond being energizing and cause anxiety and even panic attacks in sensitive people.
• High-CBD hybrids like _Harlequin_ largely mirror the effects of indica, exerting a pleasant, clear-headed, and relaxing effect due to its high CBD/low THC content.

Side Effects

Cannabis use may cause side effects that differ from person to person. Cannabis products that are CBD-predominant (like indica and _Harlequin_) may cause side effects such as:

• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Changes in appetite

Cannabis products that are THC-predominant (like sativa and _Bedrocan_) can cause the same side effects as CBD-predominant products. However, as THC specifically affects the brain, it can cause other effects like:

• Changes in mood
• Altered senses
• Impaired body movement
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia

Additionally, research suggests that early THC use in teens and adolescents may impair the brain's development, affecting memory, thinking, and learning.

Chemovars

A chemovar is the chemical makeup of a cannabis plant and provides information about the active ingredients. While you will likely still hear the term cannabis "strain," it is also important to understand the concept of a chemovar. What many individuals call a strain is actually a chemovar and experts are working to move away from the "strain" terminology.

There are three generally accepted chemovars:

• Type 1: High THC and low CBD ratio (generally THC of 10-24% to CBD of 2-4%)
• Type 2: Low THC and high CBD ration (generally THC of 0-5% to CBD of 10-24%)
• Type 3: Equalized THC to CBD ratio (generally hybrid varieties that are THC of 5-10% to CBD of 5-10%)

Eventually, a better classification system will likely be developed as researchers better understand the potential medical effects of cannabis. The current classification system does not accurately take into account the other chemical properties of cannabis, such as the various terpenes and additional cannabinoids.

Currently, there are over 100 identified cannabinoids and over 150 different terpenes. THC and CBD are the two main cultivated cannabinoids, but several others are grown, too. While terpenes can have various therapeutic effects, they also influence how cannabis smells to the consumer. Certain terpenes have different fragrances that individuals may prefer over others.

Terpenes

Terpenes play a significant role in how a cannabis strain affects you. Sedation and calming effects are associated with the terpene myrcene, and uplifting effects are associated with the terpene limonene.

As a result, some experts are calling to move away from the indica vs. sativa debate and instead focus on naming systems that better identify the complex components in the various types of cannabis. Both sativa and indica can contain various amounts of the different terpenes.

The primary terpenes growers breed for include:

• Myrcene: In low doses, this terpene can provide increased energy. In higher amounts, it can stimulate the release of endogenous opioids (feel-good substances produced by the brain) and create a sedating "couch lock" effect. A couch lock is the sensation of being locked to your chair or couch and unable to function normally.
• Pinene: This terpene is believed to enhance memory and cognitive function.
• Limonene:This terpene can boost levels of serotonin and dopamine, reducing anxiety and stress and providing some sedative effects.

As increased knowledge about the chemical makeup of cannabis evolves, other terpenes and cannabinoids will likely be selected for growth, too.

Physical Appearance

Growers and those familiar with the plants can immediately tell the difference between indica and sativa plants just by looking at them.

Indica plants are shorter. They usually grow up to 2 to 4 feet and are compactly branched, giving them a bushy appearance. Indica leaves are also broader.

Sativa plants grow taller than indica plants, with the ability to reach between 5 and 18 feet or more. Sativa leaves are thin and the plants have fewer branches.

Hybrids, created from the cross-breeding or cross-pollination of two different cannabis plants, can vary in appearance depending on the parent plants.

Key Takeaways

• _Cannabis sativa_ and _Cannabis indica_ are the two main types of cannabis.
• Sativa has a higher THC content, so it's more energizing and delivers a "high." Indica has a higher CBD content and makes you feel calm and relaxed.
• High-CBD hybrids like _Harlequin_ work similarly to indica but without making people feel "stoned." Other high-THC hybrids like _Bedrocan_ are mainly used for medicinal purposes but may cause anxiety in sensitive people.